"Counting the stars all around."

"Do you know anyone?"

Things PF and I saw while wandering the streets with CW and SAD:

Geoffrey Rush! Ye olde pirate himself!

CW and I saw him first, coming towards us, sporting a small bandage on his forehead. Within seconds, before we could inquire or merely wonder about the head wound, he was posing for a photo with two young men who seemed to appear out of nowhere. Wow, the Film Festival! It's nuts. Anyway, GR soon ducked down the walkway beside The Cumberland, and that was the last we saw of him.

Later, PF and I walked by Monica Bellucci as she stepped out of a car. Wearing a lot of makeup and high-heeled suede boots, she stumbled on the pavement in front of the Lobby Bar (yet another interview location for this year's festival). Everyone -- the Lobby Bouncer, Bellucci's companions and handlers, even PF and I -- lurched toward MB like we were about to save her life. She didn't need us.

"Madonna!" she exclaimed, laughing.

"Madonna!" echoed one of her male friends, and suddenly they were gone.

TRACK LISTING: Bebel Gilberto, "All Around"

[NOTE: The image above was taken through an old View-Master; the still of Rowlf working the camera is from one of the Muppet Movie reels.]

"Rhyme or crime, let's get it on!"

"This is our world,
me and my girls!"

Things I saw on the news today:

People, Foxy Brown is going to jail FOR REALS!

Too bad she's not a supermodel. (Well, too bad for her, anyway.) Looks like someone won't be having a great weekend! Or year, really.

TRACK LISTING: Foxy Brown, "The Hot Spot"

"She had the body of a Venus!"

"Lord, imagine my surprise!"

Things I saw in an article on Defamer today:

The "mystery" of Larry Wachowski revisited!

Man, I'd forgotten all about this. But so what? Sure, the Rolling Stone investigation (reportedly based on an article from Wired News) quotes a "bondage-world source" explaining that the disappointing Matrix: Reloaded and Matrix: Revolutions are a result of LW being distracted by his personal life. I personally didn't enjoy those movies and am only lukewarm about the first Matrix film, but again, so what? A lot of directors with "normal" propensities make totally shitty movies ALL THE TIME. If LW is happy, then that's all we need to know, and really, we don't even need to know that much.

(Ah, but I can't help myself!)

TRACK LISTING: Aerosmith, "Dude (Looks Like a Lady)" (I know, I know, it's crass, it's crass)

"I picked you out, I shook you up, and turned you around."

"But don't forget
it's me who put you
where you are now."

Things I saw on a DVD this evening:

Further evidence that Los Angeles is more than happy to chew you up and spit you out.

Honestly, it's just as easy to shrug about a climber like Rodney Bingenheimer digging his own egotastic grave as it is to feel sorry that he's a mere boy-child warped by star-blinded, indifferent parents. Sure, music is his passion and he'd do anything for it, but he also intensely loves the celebrity and is equally fuelled by that.

Anyway, it's likely that deep down, as anyone else trying to make it in the crazy world of entertainment would (or should), Bingenheimer knows what he's up against. Heaven help the fools who not only dive into the depths of fame, but do so in the cesspools of L.A.! If they're lucky, the undertow will be slow. Unfortunately, they're still sinking.

Also, Kim Fowley is probably a psycho.

TRACK LISTING: The Human League, "Don't You Want Me"

"Send me a postcard."

"Tell me a story."

Things PF and I saw today, while wandering the streets of Montreal:

The Brazen woman herself, Rachel Rachna Dhawan, along with her lovely beau, Aaron, at the wonderful café Figaro. We eat deliciously buttery croissants topped with ham, gruyère, tomato and spinach, and drink fresh orange juice and espresso. It's amazing.

As we finish up, we notice Rufus Wainwright and Jimmy Fallon arriving on the patio at the same time. Whether they are arriving together, we cannot say. Rufus played in town the night before, and according to Rachel and Aaron (who were actually at the show), he is set to attend his sister's wedding this weekend. Perhaps Jimmy is in Montreal to film something? Rufus is surrounded by impeccably dressed gay hipsters; Jimmy is accompanied by a male friend. Rufus' table is right next to the sidewalk -- all the better to be seen in Outremont, we are told -- and Jimmy is seated at the table next to it. As we leave the restaurant, we see that Jimmy and his friend have their backs against the exterior wall as if they're joining the conversation at Rufus' table, even though their mouths are closed and they're staring straight ahead. Hmm.

***

Rachel has brought us to Cocoa Locale so we can finally meet Reema (see third photo above and video below). I am in awe of her brilliant skills, as evidenced by the bakery's perfect decor and, of course, its wonderful desserts. We pick up two of each available cupcake -- chocolate chai, coconut with pink frosting, and lemon -- then catch a cab to meet up with another gang as more of Reema's regulars stop by for their favourites.

***

With Liette and Nick acting as guides, CC, AGF and the most charming ADF join us as fellow tourists. We stroll around the city, stopping for hearty empanadas at La Chilenita before heading down to the Old Port. We spot the still-stunning Habitat 67 across the water and are happy that we ended up at such an obvious destination.

[AGF has some great photos from that outing here!]

***

While walking along St-Laurent, we are passed by a man in a hurry. Wearing billowy linen pants and a flowing white shirt, he screams into the BlackBerry pressed to his ear.

"Who the FUCK do you think you're talking to?" He shakes his head and barrels past the pedestrians in front of us.

"Who the FUCK do you think you're talking to?" As he storms into the distance, he raises his voice.

"No. NO! FUCK. YOU!"

***

After a brief rest at Liette and Nick's condo right across from Parc Jarry, we find ourselves feasting at Rugantino: warm bread dipped in fine olive oil; chick pea fries and breaded green olives; shrimps sautéed with lemon and garlic; bresaola with pecorino and truffled arugula; risotto with shrimp and taleggio; veal medallions; a bottle of Sangiovese; tiramisu; sponge cake iced with ricotta and chocolate; pistachio ice cream and field berry sorbet; cups of coffee and espresso; and a bowl of blueberry crème brulée. It is heaven. Pleasantly stuffed and marvelling at our luck, we head back to the hotel, ready to call it a night after an entirely satisfying day.

TRACK LISTING: Pony Up!, "The Truth About Cats and Dogs (Is That They Die)"

[NOTE: And where are Pony Up from? Montreal, of course! Note also that the lion's head door knocker in the second photo above is the same door knocker that I snapped thirteen years ago.]

"Qu'est-ce que c'est?"

"Run run run
run run run away!"

Things I saw online today, courtesy of Defamer:

"And speaking of psychos...." Wow. Just...wow.

Bon weekend, everybody!

TRACK LISTING: Talking Heads, "Psycho Killer"

"A circumstance beyond our control."

"The phone, the TV,
and the news of the world."

Things I saw online today, courtesy of Radar:

Where have I been these last two years?

Well, okay, CLEARLY not keeping up with news on Bret Easton Ellis, which, you know, whatever. I think I made it halfway through Lunar Park and only managed to slough through a chapter of Glamorama before giving up on those books (and possibly BEE himself). But I've always had a soft spot for The Informers and read enough entertainment reports that I'm surprised I haven't heard of this adaptation before.

Granted, it's still very much in the works and may go through as many production tugs-of-war as the American Psycho movie. Yet in the end, that film turned out alright, didn't it? I mean, I didn't find it as funny as the book (wow, I REALLY must have repressed the memory of those torture-and-murder passages, or else I was totally blinded by the more clever and witty moments), but the film certainly opened my eyes to the Wonder of Bale, and for that I offer a tip of the hat. Perhaps The Informers will make me a fan of Brandon Routh or something.

If, at least, the film version of The Informers has an opening sequence as well-scored as that of Less than Zero, I'm sure I'll be fond of it. I can't deny that Less than Zero as a whole isn't particularly great, but seriously, I based my entire dancing style on Robert Downey Jr's moves in that party scene. (Haha, I know, which party scene, right?) God, I love that man.

And to think, yesterday I was all ready to hate the Eighties and shit!

TRACK LISTING: The Pretenders, "Back on the Chain Gang"

[NOTE: I'm using this song because I believe it's referenced in one of The Informers' stories. I suppose "Informer" would have worked as well. ha]

"Eighties! I'm living for the Eighties."

"Eighties!
I'm living in the Eighties."

Things I saw on the Fug site today:

Kids, you are making me HATE the Eighties, and let me tell you that is NO MEAN FEAT.

Jessica Fug is right about this one looking like that one, though. I'm not sure what that says about ZE's career longevity. Good thing he's making a lot of money while he can!

TRACK LISTING: Killing Joke, "Eighties"

"Gimme a beat!"

"No, my first name ain't 'Baby'!"

Things I saw online this evening, courtesy of Gawker:

Superstar Tionna Tee!

I didn't pay much attention to Gawker's initial, amused and amusing posts on Ms Tionna, but when they gave her an advice column I couldn't help but pay attention. It's the real thing, people. It is SO. FOR. REALS. It is real and it is spectacular.

TRACK LISTING: Janet Jackson, "Nasty"

[NOTE: The woman in the photo above is NOT Tionna Smalls, if that's what you thought. The woman in the photo is our friend Anna from Winnipeg, who is AWESOME in her own right.]

"He's acting dumb; that's what you've come to expect."

"You say you know what he did,
but you idiot kid,
you don't have a clue."

Things I saw online this afternoon (via Defamer):

If someone issues a press release asking for time to "heal," does that mean he actually did what people say he did?

TRACK LISTING: Elliott Smith, "Needle in the Hay"

[NOTE: The image above is a still from The Royal Tenenbaums, featuring Gwyneth Paltrow in the role of Margot Tenenbaum (as pictured).]

"They know what they want and you know what to give them!"

"No excuses!
Don't refuse this!"

Things I saw online today:

The trailer for Be Kind, Rewind!

Jay told me about this film a couple of days ago, which was the first I'd ever heard of it. How is that possible? I finally searched for information on the movie today and am thrilled to report that he wasn't teasing!

Sure, I'm a little wary of Jack Black at times (relying a lot on his schtick, you know), but I enjoy him more often than not. Besides I'm more than happy to watch Mos Def in anything, really. The high, super-high concept is reminiscent of the fantastic Good Bye, Lenin!, what with the pacifying of a beloved older woman with labour-intensive fakery, yet I suppose that's neither here nor there so forget I mentioned it.

Honestly, I don't care if it's a stolen idea; Michel Gondry has a track record of making things fun*, so I trust him. Anyway, as Jay pointed out, there's a sweetness to the film that is quite appealing. I'm ready for it!

It's nice to be excited about a Coming Soon to a Theater Near You, isn't it?

TRACK LISTING: Cylob, "Rewind!"

*With the possible exception of Human Nature? I've never seen it, so I can't say for certain.

[NOTE: In the photo above, the tapes being held by my husband are copies of Proof and some Monty Python thing (haha).]

"Oh! What would I do, if not for you?"

"Anyway,
it wouldn't ring true,
if not for you."

Things I saw online today, courtesy of a Defamer article and an Ion Cinema link:

The trailer for I'm Not There.

Though I like Bob Dylan, I never thought I'd be interested in this film. Now I feel like I want to see it! Yes, I've witnessed how Todd Haynes has handled the musical biopic in the past, but despite my severe disappointment in Velvet Goldmine (and some might even call that disappointment "hate"), I can't help but be fond of Superstar (or at least the idea of Superstar, as I've never actually seen the film and will likely never see it as it's all banned and whatnot). Maybe I'm Not There won't be surprisingly boring and muddled. Er...hmmm.

(Hey! Do you think Haynes will have various musicians cover Dylan's songs for a soundtrack album, instead of just limiting the interpretations to actors? That Velvet Goldmine record was fun!)

Okay, but Far From Heaven was beautiful, right? So I'm willing to believe that Haynes can admirably tackle period pieces of any style, as opposed to just the gay ones. I don't know. I mean, there's a good chance that I'm Not There will be pretentious nonsense, but...man, Cate Blanchett is awesome, isn't she? I don't even care about Batman or The Joker and his lovely wife fiancée, all of whom I generally love. No, if I end up watching this thing, it'll probably be because of Blanchett and Blanchett alone. I'm smitten!

TRACK LISTING: Bob Dylan, "If Not for You"

[NOTE: The model in the photo at the top of this entry is my husband, who is not a Bob Dylan fan.]

"Come on now, let me feel the gross-out!"

"Come on!
I'll let you feel the gross-out."

Things I saw online today:

Some shit that could be fake for all I care.

I'm happy to run with this as Adam Levine has always struck me as a huge skeeve. Judging by others' happiness to run with the "story" as well, I am not the only one who thinks Levine is A GIANT DOUCHE. Blecch.

TRACK LISTING: The Vines, "Gross Out"

[NOTE: The image above is a still from the demo video for WowWee Alive Elvis . Truly, he is a wonder to behold, and must be seen to be believed.]

[UPDATE 21-Aug-07: Oh, JESUS. If you have any doubt that Levine is a horrible bore (or boor, really), take a look at this travesty. It's totally ridiculous and all, but still, don't watch it unless you are prepared to shower thoroughly afterwards.]

[UPDATE 21-Aug-07: It was a joke after all! And I still don't care!]

"Don't stop! Don't stop the dance."

"No -- more music!
Don't stop the dance."

Things I saw on television tonight:

SAAA-BRA! SAAA-BRA!

It sounds totally lame to say "She's the one I wanted to win" because anyone can say that AFTER the results of a competition have been announced, but it's true! I LOVE Sabra. She's a great, deserving dancer, and in light of the previous winners, it was encouraging to think that a female -- a non-white female -- a short, non-white female (haha) -- could be the champion. Besides, it would have felt like something of a boring, easy cheat if a sibling of a previous winner or runner-up had taken the title of AMERICA'S FAVORITE DANCER^TM, no matter how awesome that sibling might be.

Seriously, though, so many of this year's crop was awesome. Ah! I loved them so. Jesús! Anya! Hok, so persevering! Sara, dear Sara! Hammy, hammy Dominic! Lauren, cute as a button! Pasha the gentleman (who shouldn't have placed such high value on shirtlessness -- have we learned nothing from Dmitry?)! Even you, The Dude (the Most Improved)! I will miss all of you as much as I will miss Sabra and Danny and Lacey. And oh! wait! There's more! Miss Cat (so lovely)! Wade Robson's kooky, herky-jerky routines! Guest judge Adam Shankman! Come back! Come back! I need an excuse to sit around doing nothing while eating ice cream.

Sigh. I think I need a moment.

TRACK LISTING: Bryan Ferry, "Don't Stop the Dance"

"And I'm back for more!"

"We'll see what happens
when I no longer exist."

Things I saw online today:

News of War.

Jet Li is the Jay-Z of movies! What does retirement even mean these days?

TRACK LISTING: Jay-Z, "What More Can I Say"

[NOTE: This is post number 300!]

"I hydroplane into fame!"

"Comin' down
with the Dow Jones."

Things I saw online today:

RIHANNA (reaching into satchel): May I interest you in a fashionable yet functional Totes product?

I was back-and-forth about that damned umbrella song, what with its "Gypsy Woman"-y, la-da-dee, la-dee-da bits ("Um-ber-ella, ella, ella, eh, eh, eh!"), but now it's just ruined. I mean, yes, pretty much all modern music is essentially commercial, especially the tracks that come with matching music videos. I guess I just get antsy when the shilling isn't subliminal. Wow. Ignorance truly IS bliss, obviously...obliviously...zzzzz....

Gah. This is as annoying as that time Jewel hawked a line of lady razors.

TRACK LISTING: Rihanna with Jay-Z, "Umbrella"

"Look behind you!"

"See what you've made!"

Things I saw online today:

Matt Damon is a safe bet!

Once upon a time, I liked MD (that Vanity Fair cover from 1997! The one with the bubble bath and the toothbrush! Seriously, it was kitten-levels of cuteness); shortly thereafter, I disliked MD; eventually, I settled into a mild sort of respect. I mean, at least he never rubbed on someone's (admittedly impressive) ass while lounging on a yacht in a music video, right?

These days, for some reason, my fondness for MD is slightly elevated; thus, when I see reports that he gives as good as he gets (financially, anyway), I cannot help but say, "Awww, good for you, kid!" There's not much logic behind it but hey, he was funny in The Departed! So there.

TRACK LISTING: Mastodon, "Workhorse"

[UPDATE 09-Aug-07: Ha! BRILLIANT. I'd like to think that MD has a hearty laugh every time he sees this poster (which is basically any time he enters or exits his building).]

[UPDATE 15-Aug-07: Now, see, episodes like this are why I miss cable. Thank goodness for internet replays (see below).]

"I wanna go to cool places with you!"

"Cool places tonight!"

Things I saw online today:

Pam is a Troma girl!

Sure, she's married to a Troma guy, but she's made a film of her own for the company! Granted, it's not typical Troma fare, but still....

I guess it just makes me imagine that JF is one of the real cool girls in the neighbourhood, and maybe when she's not on the set she hangs out with the cool "LC" and does cool, relaxed things that don't actively court the paparazzi, and maybe if Lauren Ambrose didn't live in New York they'd all hang out together, except maybe there would be occasions when JF and LC wouldn't call LA because she might be kind of a drag, like that Saturday night when they didn't care and just went to see The Ex because, you know, whatever, right? It sounded like fun at the time.

TRACK LISTING: Sparks with Jane Wiedlin, "Cool Places"

"You're fragile as a scene, you know."

"Who's your only friend, kid?"

Things I saw today on Gawker:

Touché!

(Or, perhaps, Douché! Either one. The headline is cleverly great as well!)

(Kelvin-referencing tagline? Also clever and great!)

You know, sometimes on days when I am too tired and lazy to contemplate racism or my own self-hate or what have you, I am actually thankful that I am naturally brown and not some pale chick incomprehensibly desperate to appear otherwise. On that note, it just occurred to me that there are probably racists out there who slavishly use bronzer or UV radiation or just plain old sunbaths to add a little "color", as if their ranting and raving needed to appear any more ridiculous or hypocritical. HAA-ha!

TRACK LISTING: Beulah, "What Will You Do When Your Suntan Fades?"

[NOTE: The woman in the photo above is crazy, crazy, Edie Beale, as pictured in a scene from Grey Gardens.]

"Here's your last chance for redemption."

"Take it while it lasts
'cause it will end."

Things I saw online this afternoon:

Yikes.

Oh well. Insert I Know Who Killed MY CAREER joke here. I'm still mourning the loss of Julia Ormond to this disaster.

TRACK LISTING: Lindsay Lohan, "Over"