Modern girl, vintage heart

Modern Girl Review: Ruby Sparks

2012-08-19T22:55:00.000-07:00

As all the things I ultimately get to post, I've been meaning to do film reviews for a while. I dissect films on an academic level often, but I don't want that to be the format here. I want it to be something like that and then more ;). Reviews after all are the aftermath of what we see on the screen. I'm not writing this to sway your opinion, or to urge you to buy a ticket immediately. I enjoy film the most when I get to talk to a good friend about it and share our views on how it made us feel and what it left for us to think about. So, let's chat:

Who: Zoe Kazan plays Ruby and she also wrote the script, Paul Dano plays Calvin, and an amazing supporting cast includes Antonio Banderas and Annette Benning as Dano's mother and stepfather.

What: This is the sophomore directorial effort from the minds that brought you Little Miss Sunshine.

When: Released July 25th, 2012

Where: In limited release (NYC and LA) now.

le plot:

Ruby Sparks is several things all in one. It's a charming spin on the Pygmalion myth, which to refresh your memory features a tortured sculptor (in this film it's Calvin a tortured writer), who falls in love with his creation and wishes for it to come to life. In mythological Greece there were gods to mess with humans and make sculptures come to life, in present day: we have film. Calvin is to the world thus far, the most promising writer in the U.S., whose first novel has just been released as a hardcover 10th anniversary edition, so, since it's been a while, Calvin has got an agent breathing down his neck and no inspiration whatsoever. Until, he dreams of a girl named Ruby.

Thus, after a writer's block that has lasted him 10 years, Calvin manages to write about Ruby incessantly until, wait for it: she's in his kitchen calling out to him. I know this may sound a bit crazy, but I was completely okay with Ruby being conjured up from the depths of Calvin's brain. I thought it a nice metaphor for what the film's message is ultimately about: we fall in love with an idea of someone (at first) and then we have to face the fact that there's a complex (and not so charming) person in there too.

It's NOT (500) Days of this Zo(o)e(y):

They may share a name with a vowel of a difference, but this Zoe is definitely my pick If I was ever to consider Deschanel a true actress. Kazan delivers a smart yet vibrant performance as Ruby, she's able to portray one half of a very chaotic and refreshingly honest portrayal of infatuation NOT love. I wish I could tell you that this film was completely about the locations and not about well-developed characters. But the locations suited it and did not upstage the plot or become the backdrop in EVERY scene.
The relationship that develops between Ruby and Calvin begins as the personification of what other films have wrongly and honestly stupidly done. Calvin is completely smitten with the quirky and perfectly behaved Ruby. With this, the film is subtly a parody of the past representations of women in romantic comedies thus far. More specifically, the type that has been present forever but has been given a new "adorkable" face in recent times.
Much like any relationship, we experience the thrill of that person and how their every thought and expression is endearing and lovable. Unlike other films which are completely focused on the male point of view in a relationship, this film (written by a woman I might remind) starts at Calvin's typewriter but slowly shifts to the wants and needs of Ruby.

Bottom line:

When it comes to this film, the words "manic panic pixie dream girl" have been thrown around. And that is a completely sexist and inadequate term for this specific film and a few out there that have been dubbed the same. (Annie Hall, really?!) If this lesson wasn't clear enough to the critics (mostly male) who have used the term to describe it, (SPOILERS) Ruby becomes a complex being outside of Calvin's mind, in the end Calvin has no control over Ruby, and must come to terms with the fact that you can't write someone perfect, let alone someone you love. The joke is on Calvin and his ingenuity.

Like Calvin's brother so eloquently put in in the film (more or less):

"You can't fall in love with someone whose quirks and weaknesses make them completely endearing to you, that person isn't real, she doesn't exist!"

I predict that this film will be a sleeper hit, and will probably take a while to gather the audience it deserves. If you'd like to see it, I say go for it! Gather your own thoughts about it and let me know :)

-A.I.B.

A Vision in Red

2012-06-25T20:39:00.000-07:00

"A bloody Moon looked Down, a bloody Moon looked Down and Sighed."

Hello there!

Now that Summer is fully underway, I hope you're enjoying it :) every time these warm months (which are my favorite) roll around, I always pledge to make more art. It's proving to be a bit of a challenge with my full-time internship and a dozen other things going on. But I wanted to share something very special with you tonight.

I recently finished two paintings based on a short piece titled Bodies by Omar Zahzah. This is unusual for me, given that I usually work straight from the dark depths of my imagination hahaha. I was so taken with the visuals of the words that I just had to paint a bloody red moon. I meant for both of the paintings to be a continuation of each other. It was not only lots of fun but also a great way to sneak in a film reference, (can you see it?).

I hope this is the first of many paintings inspired by written pieces.

Enjoy the images, and give me your feedback! I'd love to know what you think.

Until next time,

Angie

Angelica Becerra, "And the bloody Red Moon sighed" Part 1, 14"x24"in. Acrylic and watercolor on canvas.

Angelica Becerra, "And the bloody Red Moon sighed" Part 2, 14"x24"in. Acrylic and watercolor on canvas.

On Top

2012-05-28T00:13:00.001-07:00

Hats.

I had the thought today, that I'd like to wear hats more often.

Perhaps my mental state hasn't been so stable lately. This past Thursday I graduated from college and after all the "Congrats" and "We did it" it's not yet a fact in my mind that I am indeed the holder of a four-year degree. I've gone from being overwhelmed every second of the day and worrying about papers to nada. zero-- my days are now filled with catching up on films I've wanted to see and well, to be honest: this.

But, back to hats.

Now that I have some time to reflect on my wardrobe, and have made a dent on my massive film list, I've come to notice that as soon as I have a sliver of free time I dedicate it to creative pursuits. In my heart I am and have always been a lover of art. Thus, when I am available I dedicate my energies to trying to consume/produce/view as much of it as possible. Not to say that my academic writing and research aren't art in their own right, after all I am pursuing a career in it. Yet, what is in mind at the moment is the fact that in the midst of my last semester in my undergrad career I forgot how much I loved wearing hats.

Really, my love for hats-- like for the many things I've come to adore stems from specific films. Which? well, there's too many honestly, but here's five outstanding hat-movies. They were so a-head of their time.Get it? okay, I'll stop.
So, for my big return to the blogosphere I thought I'd let you in on a big secret: Audrey Hepburn can out-hat you, me and all of us. But that doesn't mean I won't try. ;)
Until next time,

-A

Charade (1963)

How can you be suspected of killing your husband when you look so chic?

His Girl Friday (1940)

Being a bad-ass woman and reporter in the boys club of journalism takes some dress-work.

Bonnie and Clyde (1967)

Someone has to put the fatale in femme around here, and it ain't Clyde.

Pandora's Box (1929)

Okay this is technically a hood, but it's Louise Brooks damn it.

Marie Antoinette (2006)

The perfection of these hats makes me lose my head, wouldn't you agree Marie?

A Life Re-Examined

2011-03-04T13:08:00.000-08:00

Hola a tod@s!

I am aware it's been too long and I have once again fallen into neglecting this space, however when i come back I always bring back something good! hahaha
So while I was gone, I took a short trip to Mexico, yes I went back to my hometown! and boy do I have pictures to show for it; I will post some below for you to look at :) This trip really felt therapeutic in its entirety, not only did I get to see my beautiful and enormous family, I also got to celebrate my nephew Julian's baptism. Everyone single one of my family members back in my hometown are so proud of me, and I intend to never let them down. It's tough, and some days it really does get to me, but when I think of my grandparents and how far my mother, sister and I have made it, I am reminded of why I'm here.
Enjoy the visuals and take good care,
I will be blogging more often, I promise!

-AIB

Snow, Smiles and Shenanigans.

2011-01-10T19:50:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday!

So as some of us begin to return to school, and get back into the routine, I'm still on winter break. ha!

So what have I been up to? not much really, I've taken this time to catch up on some reading. I started to finally read a book I bought about American Women poets and was pleasantly surprised when I saw that it had extensive biographies, not much poetry to be honest but it was engrossing to read about women who wrote when no one else believed they could, or should. Eleanor Wylie's was so good I had a dream I lived in the 1920s. It's what happens when my overactive imagination gets a hold of a good book. I also had the chance to see my close friend Pauline and finally got to meet her boyfriend Daniel. They are an adorable couple and were so much fun. Finally, my family and I drove up to Mt.Baldy to my sister's insistence, she wanted to play in the snow, so that's where the shenanigans ensued.

Enjoy the visuals and have a great night,

Adieu,

Angie

A Wonderful End for a New Beginning.

2010-12-31T15:00:00.000-08:00

It's really surreal to think of 2010 as literally almost gone, I swore I had a couple more days. Alas it's practically gone, and I sit here thinking a la John Lennon, what have I done?

haha this year I think could be by far one of the most challenging yet rewarding. School was the challenging part this semester, I undertook so many things to do I must say it was truly difficult to balance it all, but i'm here and yes i'm still alive.

So let me take a moment to be cheesy and just be thankful and grateful for all the good and bad things that came along this year. The good for keeping me hopeful and making me smile, the bad for reminding me to be strong and just plain badass. To say goodbye properly, I celebrated with my friend Aaron who's home from New York and with a Metro day pass we had a blast in our LA. (Pauline you were missing and were missed dearly!)

Enjoy the visuals hope you have fun tonight!

and I'll see you all, next year :]

Aaron! the woman who took this pic said "This camera's fancy" LOL

7th and Figueroa is where a bit of my heart is stored.

The Museum of Neon Art on 4th Street is kind of a trip in and of itself.

My mantra.

Near the Japanese American Museum.

We stopped at MOCA and stumbled upon Suprasensorial, an exhibit in light and space

purely by Latin American artists, it was fate. :)

Mind, officially blown.

Oh you, you keep me warm.

2010-12-18T23:59:00.000-08:00

Below is a Photography series I did a little over a month ago, as you can tell it inspired my banner above. I finally had some time to upload and figure out where I wanted to go with the editing.
Enjoy!

And you, you keep me warm
You, you keep me warm

Believe me I can play games cause I know all the rules.

Believe me I can pretend cause I've studied the masks.

But I, don't wanna play any theatre for you.

I don't wanna stage a single piece.

No, I don't wanna stage any theatre for you,

I don't wanna play a single piece

for you.

Captions from Ida Maria's "Keep Me Warm"

All photos property of Angelica Becerra.

Because I have free time now.

2010-12-16T23:13:00.000-08:00

Christmas! can you believe it's around the corner? man it's crazy to think I just NOW as in today finished finals and already a mountain of creativity is pouring. FYI my creativity thrives during School breaks, so in the coming weeks I will be churning out paintings that i left unfinished and getting back into my Photography as I should. And for once my room might be order, just maybe.

Although the last couple weeks I've been busy cramming that doesn't mean I didn't spend some time droolign over things I'd LOVE to get this Holiday season, some are mere wishes which shall be fullfilled by moi, others are cool trinkets I happen to find whilst browsing the interwebs, anywho check out my list and have fun! i know i did. :)

1.) If there's one thing i go to Poketo for it's stationery, they are famous for their wallets but to me nothing speaks love like a creative beautiful and unique planner and Notefolio for 2011, the ones below have the perfect mix of past and present. It's a way to keep art in my everyday routine.

2.) Photojojo! I cannot even begin to explain my adoration for this site, it is pretty much my Photography dreams come true, it is a blog with awesome and quirky projects, a newsletter full of witty and sage advice PLUS a store. I'm in Canon heaven. My favorites, well the entire store! but especially these below.

Buy the Fuji Instax 210 Wide Instant Camera at the Photojojo Store!

Buy the The Camera Lens Mug at the Photojojo Store!

3.) I have many problems with Urban, including the weird if not ignorant phrases that are on some of their t-shirts, yet for some reason I am attracted to their necklaces every time, blame it on me working for the company one winter, in which due to the discount i couldn't help myself to these beautiful yet delicate chains.

4.) Bowties! Well actually just one, I've wanted a bowtie necklace for quite a while now, this Winter break I will finally get my hands on one. :)

5.) This is just my geek coming out but did anybody get as excited as i did when Star Wars The Force Unleashed came out?!

I was so much into the game I could not put it down until I finished it. The sequel came out for the Wii and I am once again way too excited for words.

6.) Blonde Redhead + Sailor inspiration = LOVE!

This shirt has got me starry eyed hahaha ALSO I need a new Penny Sparkle t-shirt, since the one i bought at their gig was signed by them, it is now priceless and i can't wear it. ha!

7.) As for movies? gee where do I begin?! currently I am trying to watch and collect all of Jean-Luc Goddard's French new wave goodness, so Masculin Femenin, Breathless, Vivre Sa Vie, Nouvelle Vague, Made is U.S.A., etc..

And that's it! I honeslty can't wait to spend the holidays with my loved ones and have some great food, laughs :D I hope you and your loved ones have an amazing time. Until next time,
Au revoir!
-Angie

Dear, it's been such a long time!

2010-11-29T20:07:00.000-08:00

Uh, hello!

So before we get started, yes i was gone for months and months and I'm so sorry! Life just got a hold of me and took my time with it. But now that I am back I'd like to catch us up, so allow me to introduce my list of things that happened since:

1. I cut my hair, really short and it's finally grown out to a point where I can actually tie it it back.
2. I changed my major, well no I added a minor in Film so happy!
3. I got a job, teaching photography, film and technology in an after school program (I LOVE IT)
4. Conan is on TBS, which means I watch the reruns online :[
5. I was able to see one of my favorite favorite bands, Interpol not once but TWICE!
6. After saving for months I finally got my Canon Rebel XS DSLR, I am in love.
7. My health has taken a turn for the worse due to Thanksgiving break, food coma anyone?

Changing the subject intentionally, I went in to work today and had such a good time as usual. Today we all did Miniature/Macro Lens photography, which meant I got to bring out my toys from their lonely dark hiding places.

Poor mini Buddha he needed a day out.

Oh! and today is a very special day, because exactly 20 years ago one of my closest friends Pauline was born :) She's one of the people with whom I truly connect and have the time of my life when she's around.
This pic is from the very first time we met in person.
So happy birthday!

Also, the weather has turned mighty cold around my part of town, who knew Southern California was capable of having below 50 degree weather? I don't mind though, I get to wear scarves, boots and jackets oh my!

hahaha So I leave you with this beautiful Blonde Redhead song http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdP_lIv3POM whom I just recently saw at the Glass House in Pomona and met in person too! as I exit this post I wish you a great night and stay warm, until next time!

-Angie

Changes That Aren't Really Changes

2010-03-09T22:39:00.000-08:00

Have you ever dedicated a thought to how idle you are?
On a random Tuesday afternoon let's say, you realize that all this shit you said you were going to do, all the important life changing things, are still just that: things not actions.
I find that with writing especially, there's a thin line between what you write about doing and what actually transmits into action. Why haven't I written in quite some time? well, i got damn tired of not seeing any action in my life. With March 4th, my involvement in several organizations. (Not just one, as I am usually accustomed) and other things that I've begun to do, or more or less have started to diligently work on; I can now see that change, is 1/3 talking about it yes, but also 2/3 following through with action.

This Spring semester, I must say I've fallen in love with my campus. I truly liked it my freshman year, but now, on the cusp of my sophomore year, I am truly beginning an affair with the community. Yes, it may not be an ivy league school, heck it may not be what you think is deemed honorable. Yet, NOW that I view my surroundings with new eyes, I am in love. My art, my activism, my writing is going through a renaissance, and that's a change that isn't really a change, but an awakening.

Photo Courtesy Mike Tashjian

So I leave you with a couple thousand words in the form of imagenes, and until next time
Take care,

Angie

Typical me, typical me..

2010-02-05T19:00:00.000-08:00

I love rainy days. Point in blank I truly love them.
There really isn't a particular reason why, funny how we tend to want a reason for every damn thing. Why can't humanity just let it be?
So, on rainy days like this what do I do you ask, well I do more than when it is NOT raining. Ain't that a funny thing. Currently working on several things.

1. Mastering Google Calendar for Organization purposes
2. Finish 2 paintings by month's end, the sooner the better actually.
3. Italian Workbook ch. 1-4
4. Construct Steve's anti-valentine's day gift.
5. Figure out a new way to style this hair of mine.

Which brings me to an unsettling truth, I realized recently that I don't like seeing too much of the same thing. My haircut is too easy to come by nowadays, and I will try not to sound bitter or condescending, but I feel like a carbon copy lately and it bugs the hell out of me. Oh what the heck it's my blog, deal with it.
So as usual, I am taking off in the opposite direction with it. Thinking of going lighter with it, or darker?
Hmm, all I know for now is that these bangs are leaving!
I will embrace the flower girl within me and let my loose waves free instead of constricting them into straightness. See? that's why I write, it tends to give me the occasional answer. :)
Good day,

Angie

House Part II.

2010-02-04T22:59:00.001-08:00

If I've yet to walk among

The dead.

Why is it that they dwell

Within my walls.

I walked in,

Their faint smiles,

Martha the countess

The portrait of a life unfulfilled.

Up and down the stairs,

Restless.

There's absolutely nothing

For me here.

The windows are sealed,

Pupils of this house, shut into

Deep slumber by dust.

Mold covers the rugs,

Once the covering of

Brown mahogany skin.

I've built a house:

Of rotten wood, naivette

And ghosts.

Last night, I stood

In the living room.

No, I can no

Longer calls this

Home.

The rosebuds in the wallpaper,

Began to cry.

The floorboards hunched their

Shoulders.

And the attic gave a tired

Bellyache.

When I saw that it was down

To dust, and rubble.

Martha walked across the yard

With me.

I waved goodbye, looked ahead

The open road carries with it

A scent so irresistible.

A scent that made my bare feet

follow the yellow sparrow

Right down the middle

Of her ebony back.

-A.I.B.

Leave Before The Lights Come On

2010-01-24T23:33:00.000-08:00

Dear Internet,
hahaha ahh I miss Coco already :( So tomorrow marks the beginning of Spring semester and although I've got no class until Tuesday, alas I must work. However this post isn't about tomorrow because I've yet to see what will happen. Today, I spent the entire morning with my partner in crime. The original plan was Souplantation, but scatterbrain me forgot my card, so as we drove back home to get my card, we ended up at Denny's :D. One of the reasons I absolutely love this place? Steve can have his pancakes, and I can eat my burger. Today I tried their vegetarian Boca burger and it was actually pretty decent. It tasted like potatoes and spices, ahh now I'm starting to crave it again, deng it!

We filled out this funny breakfast lover questionaire, while we waited. :)

And after shopping around the mall, I realized most of my shoes were pretty worn, such as my several pairs of flats. So I stumbled upon the most adorable pairs.

I was in love, and now I know that at the very least, my feet will look good as the Spring semester begins. As for how I'm feeling about it all? ahh well excited, and hopeful, I am taking on a lot of things but hey, makes life that much more interesting. :)
Hope your day is amazingly awesome, and until next time,
Angie

Weather Girl

2010-01-17T14:23:00.000-08:00

Hello earth,

So today I am not my cheery awesome self. Instead I've decided to adopt the attitude of the clouds outside my window. I am feeling rather gloom, and the funny part is, there really isn't a funny part but I enjoy thinking that there is. It feels as though there isn't much going on in my life, yet I am completely aware that there will be. Almost like that moment of calm before the madness of a storm commences. My fourth semester of college will begin in a bit more than a week and I am soo not ready. My room is a complete mess and I've got a phone company from Venezuela asking me to pay a bill when clearly I never heard of them or the long distance service I never used, let alone ordered. The one thing I hope gets me through is my painting, I'm working on two paintings and somehow that makes me think everything will be alright.
On another note, I am very sad for my Coco, as the news and countless media outlets have announced, Conan was backstabbed by a gigantic chin known as Jay Leno and now must let go of the Tonight Show. It pains my heart! but I am there for Coco, and will follow him wherever he goes. There's a rally for him outside of Universal Studios tomorrow, I am definitely there! more info regarding the I'm With Coco rallies here.

So, that's really the update from me, nothing else in my mind at the moment. Have a very lovely weekend, well what's left of it. :)

Take care,

Angie

Purple Roller Skates, Horror Novels & Flag Holding

2010-01-14T01:27:00.000-08:00

Today I went ahead and indulged myself in a blonde moment.
I realized and of course in my signature spaced out voice exclaimed, "Wow for english being my second language, I've done alright." Now you'd think I would have made this revelation sooner, but to be completely honest, I avoid self evaluation for a couple of reasons. Reverting back to what I said, it's fairly true; I never expected to love and enjoy a language this much. As a child growing up in Jalisco, Mexico my grades were always good and I was a pretty content kid. I remember being the flag holder at my school (a position reserved for the valedictorian) at ten years old this was big deal hahaha. I devoured books like a maniac too. Mainly, my days consisted of reading horror novels in the local library, helping my mom out and rollerskating, god I loved my purple roller skates. Needless to say, school has always been a type of refuge for me. Perhaps that is why I love writing and the English language so much so. It is liberating and at this point routine, for me to do so. I begin to think that so much of ourselves is imprinted onto paper, it is absurd to not even acknowledge that words on a page can evoke a sort of innate power. It is words after all that have started war, revolution, love and peace.
In the end I know I have my writing to keep my sanity, to a certain extent anyway.
Goodnight,
Angie

Reyes Magos, Dante & Conan!

2010-01-07T17:39:00.000-08:00

Hello again,
so today I am typing with just an extra bit of happiness than usual, why you ask? well to be honest it's a couple of things that justify it. Yesterday was of course Dia de los Reyes Magos, or the Epiphany as I learned on Wikipedia today, check it out here. The best part though? the rosca de reyes, a delicious bread where we hide little figurines in the shape of baby Jesus. If you happen to find it inside your slice, it is considered a god omen and a sign of good luck for the year ahead, also you must make or buy tamales for everyone on feb 2nd hahaha fair trade? sure.

Also, today my sister and I met with our former teacher and friend Howard, aka Mr.Charest :) We spent over 2 hours at Borders discussing life, politics and of course Dante Alighieri. The time flew as I drank my coffee but I absolutely enjoyed myself.

Later on, as I get home, I routinely check my email and what do I find? nothing more than an email from the Tonight Show! I requested tickets such a long time ago, and had little hope of being picked (it's a lottery system) But as I contained my screams of joy and read through it, I was ecstatic!!

The first thing I did was call Steve and he was soo excited, it's going to be our Valentine's Day gift, a live taping of Conan on Feb. 18th, perfection :)

So yes, I am friggin excited and overall happy hahaha so have a great day folks. :)

Take Care,

Angie

What a blast!

2010-01-04T12:38:00.000-08:00

Hello!
so last night was pretty eventful, I went to El Primer Anual Festival de Cine, hahaha a friend hosted a film/dinner party at his store, and I enjoyed myself soo much. We enjoyed an amazing Spanish feast, complete with authentic jamon serrano, paella, tortilla española and lots of dessert treats! One of the things I completely fell in love with was his autographed photo of my idol, Audrey. :)

I personally adored his store, he specializes in restoring vintage furniture and art. and upon walking around I came across my dream desk! it is gorgeous and I was drooling hahaha it matches me perfectly.

This 1970's sound pod chair was pretty darn cool too :]

I had such a good time, that my sister and I decided to have a comida, to thank our awesome host. Look for details of that soon! hahaha

Take Care,

Angie

Our brand new coats were so flushed and pink

2010-01-02T12:02:00.000-08:00

Hello world, I am Angie :)

After too much thinking, I finally decided to set up a blog, and the timing seems just about right. It's a brand new year and I have that, "I can do anything" attitude going on so why not?
In here, I hope to keep somewhat of a journal, from the treasures I find in my thrifting adventures to the people i love and all of the above. And so the first page of my journal beings here.

Today is the second day of the year, it is bright and sunny as usual here in southern California. Planning to go see Up in the Air today with my boyfriend Steve, heard very good reviews about it, (mainly my sister coming home and telling me "You have to go see this") hahaha so I will. :)
On another note, this morning I am obsessed with River of Brakelights by Julian Casablancas, ahhh that man is too darn sexy for humanity, just sayin'

Have a great Saturday!
Sincerely

Angie

P.S. I am loving my new owl ring, got the entire set at Forever 21, and I am in LOVE.

http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=ACC&product%5Fid=1072540709&showBACK=OK