#Essence Hollywood House

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♇ this post centres around pisces, neptune and the twelfth house, and how it is an underrated home of fame.

♇ neptune rules over cameras, glamour, paparazzi, stalking, projection and film, all strong themes of the realer side of fame, specifically paparazzi, stalking and projection.

♇ [in my opinion, i think the 12H, Neptune and Pisces are the most alike compared to the other signs and their rulers.]

♇ on the other hand, ten houses from the 3H is the 12H, 10 in astrology ruling over fame, career and publicity and the 3H governs over magazine and marketing, things celebrities have to be involved in to attain fame.

♇ to understand this post, we need to get into the symbolism of pisces, and hold on tight for this for you to understand! as pisces does represent neptune/poseidon, the sign pisces also represents is Jesus. the most known man, the most known person specifically.

♇ and even though social media does joke about it now and then, he is the most known "nepotism" kid. people with pisces placements especially in their big three or those who have jupiter in pisces are known for something specific, because Pisces gives it a boost because of the connection it has with Jupiter. [in traditional astrology, Jupiter ruled over Pisces], and Jupiter is supposed to symbolise God. and in shorter terms, it gives the nepotism boost to Pisces.

♇ before i go deeper, i am going to use examples of celebrities, their twelfth house and how fame was for them and how it impacted them.

CELEBRITIES WITH PISCES IN THEIR BIG THREE OR JUPITER. [can work with the rest of the big six, but im focusing on the big three].

⟶ examples

PISCES ASCENDANTS ⬎

MICHAEL JACKON.

WHITNEY HOUSTON

ELLEN.

PISCES SUNS ⬎

RIHANNA.

CINDY CRAWFORD.

GRIMES.

PISCES MOONS ⬎

MICHELLE OBAMA.

MARTIN LUTHER KING.

KIM KARDASHIAN.

PISCES JUPITER ⬎

MEGAN FOX.

AMBER HEARD.

LINDSAY LOHAN.

SHORT EXAMPLES OF THE 12H AND ITS IMPACT WITH SOMEONE'S FAME ⬎

MARILYN MONROE

had cancer in the 12H, cancer is moon ruled and the moon rules over audience, and its clear that marilyn monroe had a big audience, like the moon, she was worshiped, and due to hollywood, she represented what a woman, "should be".

marilyn also had pluto in the twelfth house, and this points to her being exploited, sexualised and abused in the industry.

her twelfth house ruler is in the seventh house which conjuncts the moon, and she had a known relationship, [jupiter conjunct moon], this insinuates her known relationship was with a man in power, the moon symbolises country and jupiter can symbolise politics and leader-ship, and she had a known affair with JF Kennedy.

BEYONCE

had virgo in her twelfth house, and people always have continuous critique with her, this can also imply she has much critique for herself, but with her twelfth house having the planet jupiter, it helps her having a giant and loyal fanbase.

beyonce also has saturn in the 12h, and this implies of longevity in fame, saturn doesnt always mean something is going to be cut short! on the other hand, her 12H ruler being in the 12H can point to the distant energy she has with her, she could have fun with her fans but there is still an out of reach essence she has to herself.

the 12H ruler being in the 12H can also indicate to why people might've picked up that she might be doing drugs. this could also insinuate another way of how people are nit-picky when it comes to beyonce.

on the other hand, her 12H ruler being in the 12H shows she only shows a part of herself she wants people to see.

MICHAEL JACKSON

aquarius in the twelfth house, and was known to be erratic and unique, he also used his platform to spread awareness.

his 12H ruler being in Leo points to his excessive amount of fame, the uranus being in leo implies on how he was known everyone where in the world. his uranus in the 13°, a degree which means the first to do something; which conjuncts venus the planet of dancing insinuates of his creation of the moonwalk.

his uranus is also in the sign of children, and had many controversies surrounding kids. [along with people thinking his children arent his].

with his 12H ruler being in Leo, the house of cameras and glamours, points to how he is one of the most photographed people on earth.

ARIANA GRANDE

sagittarius in the 12H, known for her adaptability in different cultures, the jupiter influence gives her a very big fanbase.

12H ruler in libra and is known for her romantic controversies, with her Jupiter having. the 5° which shows they're known in the industry they're specifically in. her jupiter also conj moon in the 6th degree, and people critique her love life and it is always in the public, the moon ruling audience.

12H sagittarius in the 2 degrees, and is known for her aesthetic.

RIHANNA

12H in pisces and is known for her glamour, beauty and fashion.

venus is in the 12H and she is a muse for many people.

juno in the 12H and she was paired with many people, so many people expecting who and what to be her husband, though everyone was aware with who her soulmate was. asap rocky.

12H ruler in capricorn and is known for being a capitalist, rich and business oriented.

another 12H ruler in aries, and has a known controversy with the abuse she had suffered through by chris brown.

12H ruler in aries conj uranus and was known for her fierceness and come backs.

MEGAN THEE STALLION

12H aries and is known for her "sexiness" and rapping. her 12H ruler is in Leo and is known for her sexual dancing, specifically twerking, and her body shape is usually spoken about

her 12H ruler is mars and went through a scandal that involved violence, and with the 12H ruler being in the 21st degree, it entails of her being known for being a stallion, along with her jupiter in sagittarius.

neptune in the 24th degree and a lot of people think she is a liar, and i noticed a lot of people who have their 12H ruler conjunct the moon do get famous.

KRISTINA PIMENOVA

taurus in her 12H and was known for her beauty, she also has mars in her 12H and was really pushed into the industry.

12H ruler in the 1st degree and was pushed as the most beautiful girl. her neptune is in the 10H and a a lot of people wanted to be her because of her status and looks.

12H in a young sign could imply getting into the industry at a young age. she also has mars in taurus in the 12H and is also known for dancing.

MADISON BEER

12H in aries and is known for her sexiness. and her 12H ruler is in scorpio and she had plenty of controversies.

saturn in the 12H it took time for people to appreciate her music. her saturn is also in taurus.

11H in pisces in aqua 3rd degree, and had much people make rumours about her.

12H ruler in mars the 11th degree and had revenge porn against her, or you can say just had people expose her nudes.

pisces in the 11H and many people on the internet project their insecurities onto her.

DRAKE

leo in 12H and he is known for his ego, his 12h ruler conj pluto and a lot of people talk about his sexuality.

neptune in capricorn got into more fame due to a popular company, yung money. he has a pisces jupiter and is known for his multiple times to have a wife, he has proposed many times he was able to make a necklace out of them.

12th degree on his moon and is known as an incel. he has his neptune in the 3rd degree and a lot of people make fun of him.

12H PLACEMENTS ⬎

PISCES/NEPTUNE IN THE 12H - known for music, could get a lot of stalkers, people might have a perception of who you are supposed to be and could be known for taking a specific drug, like weed; ex, rihanna.

ARIES/MARS IN THE 12H - known for their sexuality, could be bullied on social media, might get access to fame easily, but could be objectified; ex, madison beer.

TAURUS/VENUS IN THE 12H - known for your beauty, might feel like people might not take you seriously, people could be shallow towards you, you could have a less intense celebrity life; ex, kristina pimenova.

GEMINI/MERCURY IN THE 12H - could be known for your adaptability, many people might want to mimic you, could be photographed a lot and known for your style; ex, cher.

CANCER/MOON IN THE 12H - could hide their true identity to the world, is the face for something, likes privacy but are never given it; ex, marilyn monroe.

LEO/SUN IN THE 12H - easily stand out, seen as a trendsetter, are known for their beauty, people might compare themselves to you all the time; ex, bella hadid.

VIRGO/CERES IN THE 12H - people will be critical of you, nosy about your life, though you would be a big muse and inspiration for the people, majority of 12H dont like attention or responsibility due to the gain of fame; ex, doja cat.

LIBRA/JUNO IN THE 12H - people will really copy your aesthetic, most likely to be posted on social medias like pinterests and tumblr. very photogenic people, untouchable energy, which could be linked to the hera influenced; ex, lily rose.

SCORPIO/PLUTO IN THE 12H - are usually the face for something, stalked by everyone, specifically the paparazzi, could sometimes be harassed by people for not acting how they were expected to behave. have a lot of influence, they do something other people start doing it; ex, jennie kim and princess diana.

SAGITTARIUS/JUPITER IN THE 12H - have very large fan bases, are expected to be role models, have to find a specific way to sustain their popularity, and other people might want to relate to them and get upset if they cant; ex, kylie jenner.

CAPRICORN/SATURN IN THE 12H - fame can either come really quick to people with capricorn or saturn in the 12H or it could take its time. how they handle fame is their karma, could be preyed on by authority, and when they pass, they become legends and known for something specific; ex, aaliyah.

AQUARIUS/URANUS IN THE 12H - known globally, get away with a lot of stuff, known for their visuals plus aesthetic since it is unique, they have a lot of controversies revolving around love, and might feel like they cannot get away from fame; ex, michael jackson.

YOUR FAME DUE TO WHERE PISCES AND NEPTUNE IS IN YOUR CHART ⬎

PISCES/NEPTUNE IN THE 1H - fame for being beautiful, creative, and would feel distant and would have a lot of people project and fantasise about you; ex, michael jackson a pisces ascendant, and ariana grande who has neptune in the 1H.

PISCES/NEPTUNE IN THE 2H - fame due to singing, fame for being beautiful of their aesthetic, have ways of always making money and has controversy with lovers; ex, megan fox has pisces in her 2H, and lana del rey who has neptune in her 2H.

PISCES/NEPTUNE IN THE 3H - known for their creative ideas, good writers, could have a popular relative or is the popular relative, and another musician indicator. could also be known for their philosophy; ex, jeon jungkook has his pisces in his 3H, and beyonce who has her neptune in the 3H.

PISCES/NEPTUNE IN THE 4H - famous family, controversy with family/marriage, do a project that can set them for life and could be in a famous group; ex, kim kardashian who has pisces in the 4H, and emma watson who has neptune in the 4H.

PISCES/NEPTUNE IN THE 5H - get very popular because of their looks, usually have kids within their rise to fame, can tap into anything creative and succeed. brilliant actors and actresses have these placements; ex, nicolae kidman who has pisces in the 5H, and angelina jolie who has neptune in the 5H.

PISCES/NEPTUNE IN THE 6H - amazing producers [music and film], are known for their interaction with drugs or people might have conspiracies with them taking drugs, health issues are put onto blast and usually stand out in a project that has many people and are usually the main character; ex, britney spears who has pisces in the 6H, and kanye west who has neptune in the 6H.

PISCES/NEPTUNE IN THE 7H - like to please their fans, controversy with marriage, be careful with deals/contracts that you would sign, sometimes other people might think you are distant and you guys are likely to have iconic fashion moments; ex, bella hadid who has pisces in the 7H, and mariah carey who has neptune in the 7H.

PISCES/NEPTUNE IN THE 8H - usually leave a big legacy, victim/subject to memes, or being made fun of by people in the industry, tough relationship with addiction and have a big fandom which can make them excused a lot; ex, marilyn monroe who has pisces in the 8H, and michael jackson who has neptune in the 8H.

PISCES/NEPTUNE IN THE 9H - loved due to their charisma, loud and big personalities, partake in business all over the world and are wanted by foreign companies, and have a moment when they're under fire due to the public; ex, angelina jolie who has pisces in the 9H, and rihanna who has neptune in the 9H.

PISCES/NETPUNE IN THE 10H - likely to be models, have contracts with big brands, many people look up to them and have much expectations for them, could also be people who are in political power or are connected to them; ex, victoria beckham who has pisces in the 10H, and princess diana who has neptune in the 10H.

PISCES/NEPTUNE IN THE 11H - are usually easily excused, famous due to a private circle [political power on theories like illuminati], usually say things they are not meant to say, can either be easily liked or hated by the public and this can give online fame, or could get famous because of the internet; ex, miley cyrus who has pisces in the 11H, and billie eilish who has neptune in the 11H.

PISCES/NETPUNE IN THE 12H - people usually want to be them, long-term fame, another model indicator, and can be people who get into relationships with people who are known in the industry; ex, gigi hadid who has pisces in the 12H, and zendaya who has neptune in the 12H.

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[msookyspooky]

Fours a Franchise

Part 10

wordcount: 6,437

(Sorry for the very lengthy wait I had horrible writers block and kinda didn't want to write this 🥲 TW: Massive angst ahead and traumatic situations) 

✦

   Just like that…Just like that, your worst fear came to life. The entire reason why you didn't tell anyone just happened right before your very eyes and there wasn't a single thing you could do about it. Billy and Stu were gone and you were alone in the dark near that dimly lit barn. Randy ran off and never wants to see you again and everything was utterly fucked.

You didn't care at this point if Gale won a court case and took you to trial again or if everyone thought you really were what Stab made you out to be… Prison for possibly being an accomplice to murder or God knows what else they could throw at you wasn't even on your mind as much as it should be.

All you could think of was how the very few people you had left in this world would hate you. How you betrayed Randy even if you were only trying to save him and how he would never be able to trust you again. How Dewey would feel about this betrayal of hiding his sister's murderers or whatever family you had and what they would think. But right now? Randy stung the most because not only were you losing a good friend you've had through thick and thin for 10 years and on and off for 15…You were losing two 6 year olds that you loved. They were the closest thing to kids you had. And their mother, a woman that may not be your best friend, but you liked Karla. She was a friend in your eyes…And you just lost them all by one stupid mistake. One or two tiny mistakes that unraveled everything you tried so hard to hide…One dumb choice that revealed two major dumb decisions you've made; Billy and Stu. 

You were so tired. You wanted to just curl up in bed and sob your eyes out…Even if Stu and Billy stuck up for you; you didn't have them either. Billy barely tolerated you and it was kind of vice versa with how much bad blood you both had…And Stu? 

Stu was there for you a decade ago in his own fucked up way. He cared which was rare for someone like him and you tossed him away. You didn't feel you had a choice! He made so many threats and mistakes that could harm you or your friends in Hollywood. You figured it was best to cut ties! No more guilt, no more shame, no more secrets. Cut ties and pray you never see each other again…But after tonight…You really wish you could curl up into his lap right now and sob your eyes out like he would have gladly done for you a decade ago. Now? Not only were the stakes too high but a decade of you not reaching out stung enough that he moved on…

You were alone. You had nobody and no shoulder to cry on. Your lower lip wobbled as you sniffed hard to try not to cry. 

Randy wanted nothing to do with you…Billy and Stu looked at you as a thorn in their side. You were sure of it and things were too awkward now anyways…Gale was selfish as ever…Dewey changed to the point you couldn't fully trust him…You didn't even know if you could go back to Randy's house for your things. If he'd be willing to talk, even if it was him screaming at you, it was better than this. 

You could only take a few moments to cry; looking up at the sky for a moment to contemplate what to do. Vision blurry with tears.

Then you jerked when someone touched your arm. 

"Hey, there you are I can't find…" Kirby's face fell. "Oh… Are you alright?" 

You quickly nodded and turned away, wiping your tears knowing it's not the place nor time. In fact, time was of the essence now. Something she said made you pause before you turned back around to look at her. "Wait…Can't find who?" You sniffled out a bit trying to even your tone. 

"Randy. I thought he was with you? He told me to wait in the main barn but he never came back and they already killed the opening girl in the movie…Ya know, Stab on the big screen." 

You stared. "He was with me out here but…" You shook your head, mind racing. You thought he would've gotten back to Kirby. You had a sinking feeling at that as you told her. "Let's go back in and see if he's there, alright?" 

Kirby nodded and followed you.

✦

Randy felt that burning in his eyes and a lump in his throat as he tried not to cry. He had to hold it together, damn it! You were the one that did this! You were the one that lied and betrayed everyone!...And with…Them. With those bastards…The fact it was the people that killed your best friends, the guys that shot him, that killed his first love even if it was one sided, that ruined your life and made all of your lives a living hell. It just felt beyond unforgivable.

He stalked to the barn having every intention of telling Kirby to get in the car. To tell her to go drag you back to the car that you all were leaving but…He faltered when he looked at the barn and felt like he could break down any moment. Seeing the crowd of Ghostface's and loud kids. Everything screamed at him that he had to leave…He faltered before marching purposely to his car before he accidentally ran into…Judy. 

Judy looked at him. "Mr. Meeks? Everything alright? Where's YN?" 

He faltered, "Officer Hicks?...W-What are you doing here?" 

"Tracking you and YN while you both were sneaking off without a police escort…Now, where is Miss YN?" 

Randy's face soured at just the mention of your name. "...Don't know." He went to walk off and she ordered him to stay put before turning around and lecturing kids on drinking. The second she did, he stalked away mumbling. "Yeah right. Like Hell I'm staying here." 

He got to his car and looked under it, in the backseat, got in and went through the rules in his head. Breathing out to try and calm himself. "Under the car…Backseat…Rearview mirrors…Lock doors…" 

He felt a huge wave of guilt for a moment at leaving you before sneering to himself. "Stop being soft, Randy…Let Billy and Stu help her. They have all these fucking years." He grumbled to himself as his throat had a lump in it and his eyes burned.

He started his car and went to leave.

Randy didn't even make it halfway as all these angry emotions fueled him and he felt ready to just scream or wail or both. He felt like he never even knew you…His jaw clenched as he got out his phone and while driving down the long gravel driveway…He stared long and hard, almost calling you to rip your ass or tell you to get a ride with Kirby and get your shit and get out of his life. But God, the idea of hearing your voice made him sick. 

Not right now. He was too damn hurt and angry.

So…After staring at his starred favorite numbers in his contact list…He clicked on the one below yours…Dewey.

It rang a few times and he felt some righteous anger fuel him. You deserve this. Dewey deserves to know. He deserves to know how much you betrayed them and if he were to take legal action; you brought it on yourself.

As soon as Dewey picked up, Randy rushed out erratically with a crackle to his voice with unshed tears. "You were right…You were fucking right, Dew! T-Those guys…" He cut himself off with a shaky breath and clenched teeth.

Dewey was on the other line. "Randy? Randy, what do you mean? Where are you?" 

"The barn on Dilton Road. It's YN! Goddamn it, Dewey…YN…" He faltered again, just unable to get it out as he cursed under his breath.

"What?...YN?...Guys?…You mean our talk earlier? Did you see them? Who are they? Tell me and I can try to ID them and-" Dewey rambled off like the airhead he was and Randy's entire face scrunched up as he just… Hung up.

He couldn't fight the tears now as he hung up and sat his phone down…He couldn't do it. He couldn't turn you in. He couldn't tell Dewey. He just couldn't fucking do it.

He had his foot on the brake at the end of the driveway…He knew he shouldn't park there which was why he had it in drive and just braked it; ready to slam on the gas at a moment's notice if someone tried something.

…But he just…His lip trembled and he felt nothing but pain in his chest. You were his best friend, you were bonded together through the trauma as survivors, you were his kids' Godmother…At one point, he loved you in his own way…He could admit that to himself a bit. He fell in love with you or at least he thought he did till you both were together for a hot minute and he saw the whole time that you were…Distracted. Now he knew why and knowing it was Billy fucking Loomis on your brain just rubbed salt into the wound. As if him having Sidney wasn't bad enough, he had you too?! He actually did still love you but in a platonic way. He loved you like a sister. Karla was the love of his life and replaced any feeling he had for Sid or you the second he met her. It was something he thought would never happen but Karla did that. He loved you just in a sisterly way now…He might've even been closer to you than his own sister Martha…

…Just for you to do this to him? To hide something so astronomically fucked up? To lie to his face all those years? How many times were you sneaking Stu out of your back door? How many times was he there and Randy had no idea and could've died? Were you even telling the damn truth?! He had no idea and never would and that's what hurt so damn much. He couldn't trust you now.

He was trying so damn hard to reason your side of it but the pain of knowing you lied for more than 13 years and hid their identity from everyone including him stung too badly right now…Stu was at your cabin! Billy and Stu were in your fucking motel! He was only taking your word for it that you all weren't a couple or in cahoots together; he felt like he never knew you at all!

He released a frustrated yell in his car as the pain in his heart felt worse than the bullet wound he got 15 years ago. Worse than nearly dying from Mrs. Loomis 13 years ago…He was fucking devastated. Tears flowed freely as he quietly sobbed a moment before furiously shaking his head with a sniff. 

His voice was heavy and stuffy from crying. "NO!... No, I got kids and a wife…Fuck it! She's working with them? She can hitch a fucking ride too…I can't even worry about Kirby I just gotta get the fuck outta town and take a risk going to my family and fuck this shit!" 

He went to put pressure on the gas but froze when his phone rang. He frowned seeing it wasn't Dewey but an unknown number…It was you using Kirby phone for whatever reason, he just knew it. Probably a manipulation tactic just to talk to him. He hung it up…Then… It rang again.

He rolled his eyes and jerked the phone to his ear. "WHAT?! YN, I'm not fucking talking to you right now! I'm so hurt and furious and-" 

"Ooh…Trouble in the group… Randy?" 

Randy's face fell, the tears in his blue eyes feeling like they dried in an instant as he heard that voice…That damned voice…It sent a chill down his spine as he looked around; hand instinctively on the wheel as he looked around the darkness outside his car. 

"Friendships don't last forever. Sometimes, friends need to be…Cut…Off." 

He sneered as his stomach sank. "...We're really doing this right now? It's been a decade, don't you think it's time to hang it up here? I mean, Roman Bridger and Neil Prescott…You can't get more twisted than that. Pack it up and take the loss, newbie. "

"Oh but Randy. They weren't me. They were too old school wanting revenge as a motive. Mine is more modern." The voice practically purred out sadistically.

Randy rolled his eyes. "What? Fame? Money? Damn, at least Stu did it just because he liked it. You amateur edgey wannabes-" 

"Shut up or I'm gonna take that little bitch YN apart bit by bit and scatter her in your fucking front yard!" The voice angrily snapped as Randy froze. "Yeah…That's what I thought." 

He huffed before swallowing hard. "You're full of shit." 

"Am I?...Hate to call your bluff and you live with that on your conscience. Poor YN…She looks sad and scared. She's gonna die painfully, slowly, remembering that her friend hated her guts." 

He heard his phone pin, looking at it with the killer on a video call as his blood ran cold. He didn't see a killer…He saw you and Kirby walking, and unbeknownst to you both, the killer was a mere few feet away following you. 

"YN! YN BEHIND YOU-" 

"She can't hear you, Randy…Why not just watch the show as I slice her into bits? The final girl finally dies as the side character no one cares about. What a great twist." The voice chuckled darkly.

Randy panicked. "Don't!!" 

They hung up.

He almost instinctively got out of the car but quickly got a hold of himself…He wasn't leaving you. He knew they were baiting but he couldn't leave you. He put on a determined face and backed up faster than he should. Determined to get to you and Kirby. It was hard to see with only his tail lights in the dark before his heart dropped to his gut when he saw someone standing in the road and he didn't brake in time…Backing into them and over them. His car thumped as it hit someone.

Randy slammed on the brakes.

He sat there a moment in shock ... His face terrified…Did he just?...Oh God no…Oh Jesus no…What if he just ran over a teen in a mask drinking out here?...But what if he ran over the killer?...Either way…Dear God, he ran into someone!

He sat there for a moment. His breathing was labored. His palms were sweaty and he had wide mortified eyes.

He almost got out but shook his head. "That's stupid. Don't be stupid." He breathlessly mumbled to himself as his hands shook. He put the car in drive and drove in a sharp u turn so his headlights were on the figure. Slowly creeping to a halt to get a better look. Turning his high beams on to see…A mannequin. A mannequin with a ghostface mask on as its head was showing a blank white face and the mask was almost off its head. It was a goddamn prop and that meant the killer was out here. Somewhere. Watching him. 

Randy shook his head but laughed triumphantly as he drove around it back to the party. "Ha! You thought I'd fall for that?! Fuck you! Fuuucckkk you you goddamn weak ass freak!" Randy exclaimed to himself in his car as he drove. This wasn't his first rodeo and even if they weren't out of the woods. This felt like a giant 'Fuck you!' to the killers' face that they're amateur plan didn't work.

Randy tried getting ahold of his nerves, that tiny win was subdued as he realized…The killer really was here. He had to get you out of here. Anger be damned, he could give you the cold shoulder the whole way, but he still cared and you couldn't die. You just couldn't. 

He recited the rules to himself as he drove. "Rule one: Never say 'who's there?'. Rule two: Everybody's a suspect. Rule three: The killer always has a reason. Rule four: you can never have sex…Damn, ships done sailed." 

He swallowed and parked the car under an old pole light that still had that orange tint they used to have back in the day. Electricity was still being paid on even if the owner didn't live there. There was still farm equipment there in use.

He looked around but left his car. Shakily moving away with that mace you gave him in hand. "Rule five: you can never drink or do drugs…Rule..Rule six: Never say 'I'll be right back'...Because you won't be back…" 

He thought of franchise rules. "Rule one, kills are always more dramatic. Gorey and-" He gagged into a silent scream at the impact of something hitting him. No…Stabbing through him.

….

Randy faltered as his adrenaline was up but…. A searing pain hit him as he gagged and choked. He couldn't catch a breath and when he did it was a pained gasp for air. It hurt so much. He couldn't scream. Just staggered a few more feet before dropping to his knees in the grass…No one around as they were all in the main barn watching the movie. 

Randy released a cry finally, a groaning pained cry as he reached up to feel what hit him. What made moving feel impossible as he felt warm blood slowly trickling down his back…An arrow. A slim metal arrow that went deep into the back of his left shoulder almost through his collarbone at an angle. 

He was in shock but tried to get up and keep going. He forced it out of his lungs as he staggered as fast as he could. "H-H-Help! H-Help!!" He tried to wail out in a crackling voice. His body was in shock and the pain made it hard to speak before he yelped out again. A crossbow arrow missing and hitting the dirt next to his feet. He stumbled and got behind the wooden pole. 

He was too far from the barn and no one could hear him. He didn't dare even get the arrow out for fear of bleeding to death. He was being hunted like an animal right now…Against all the rules he followed it's like they didn't matter. Instead, he looked at his car and tried to go back. Running as his body could manage. If he couldn't get to the barn then he was getting in his car and going to a hospital.

He went to rush to his car when a sharp ungodly pain penetrated his side as soon as he reached it…A gagging type of gasp escaped his lips as the heat flooded his nerve endings.

He saw the mask, the robe, the knife caked in his blood still in his side before they slowly dragged it out with a tilt of their head. Randy released a strangled cry as that sharp blade slowly dragged over god knows what internal organs and seared pain through his skin.

The second the blade was mostly out; He grabbed the killer out of instinct and body slammed them against the car. His pain was there but his adrenaline was too high to focus on it. This Ghostface is shorter than he was…Robbie, Charlie, Judy, Kirby, Jill, the mom that attacked you the other day! His mind was racing at who this was as he knew he had to fight for his life now. 

As soon as he slammed them off of him and onto the car; they jerked the arrow out of him. He yelled in pain as hot blood gushed out and he instinctively grabbed the area…A feeling he hadn't felt in 13 years since he was at Windsor in that van with Billy's Mother. It knocked the wind out of him, it burned both icy and hot all at once as he dropped the mace from the pain.  They went to stab him and they missed as he was desperately lunging at the ground for the mace. 

The killer went to stab overhead as he quickly twisted on the ground and he sprayed it through the mesh eye holes of the mask. 

He heard a growling groan in a medium pitched voice; he couldn't tell if they were male or female. He didn't care right now! He had to get to the car, get to the phone, get to a hospital! He was going to bleed to death.

He kicked them away and scrambled to the car while clutching his dripping stomach only because it hurt the worst even if that arrow wound could be what makes him lose the most blood. Groaning and gasping with each movement at the horrible pain as he rushed for his life. That feeling of his own hot blood on his fingers…He had hoped he'd never feel it again.

He almost got in the car…Almost made it… when he felt a stab on his back…He couldn't even scream from the pain as a strangled gasp came out before his body fell…It was…He couldn't move, couldn't get up…It hurt so bad! He didn't know if they severed his spinal cord or hit a nerve or the pain was just that bad…

Randy's life flashed before his eyes as the masked figure loomed over top of him. All these images in his mind. His childhood in Woodsboro, him and Martha as kids, his teens and crushing on Sidney while being the dork in town, you moving in and all the fun memories the group had prior, the most traumatic night of his life, him blaming you for Sidney's death and cutting you off, his first time, college, his first girlfriend, all the Ghostface attacks and all of the fun he had with you and Dewey, meeting Karla, their first time kissing and making love and marrying…And Chad and Mindy being born. 

That last thought had him crying openingly. He had tears in his eyes as a croaking whisper sounded from him. He begged for his life. "P-Please! Don't do this…My kids need me, don't do this-" He silently sobbed while trying to backpedal or move or something if his body would allow it. 

He was able to start backpedaling. He almost got to the car door. 

The killer tilted their head almost…Taunting him. Like he actually had a chance. Before he released a gargled scream as the knife plunged into his chest. Over and over again.

✦

You gazed at the sea of Ghostface masks, heard the kids reciting Stab word for word, smelled hay and booze mixed together, felt heat radiating off of so many people in a small space. You instantly felt closed in and wanted to get out…But you couldn't. Not yet.

You moved past people, breaking through the crowd calling Randy's name. A few kids shhed you and you scoffed but ignored them.  

One was particularly pissy and Kirby turned to them with a mocking smile and muttered.  "Spoiler; Billy and Stu are the killers. The end. Fuck off." 

They groaned and cussed you out but you ignored them more. Your eyes scanned the Ghostface masks illuminated by the red party lights…It felt dizzying as you desperately tried to look for Randy's face. 

Kirby told you. "I didn't think I saw his car when we came in here. You wanna ride with me? I'm going back to my place and Jill said she might swing by with the boys." 

You were distracted. Hurt that Randy ditched you…You knew he was upset and didn't trust you weren't the killer but you didn't think he'd outright leave you alone during act 3 like this…Then again, maybe you did but it stung all the same. Your shoulders sagged as you solemnly nodded. "Y-Yeah…I'd appreciate a lift." 

You both walked out and your heart sank as Kirby was right…You didn't see his car…He left you.

Kirby scrunched her face and pointed. "Wait...Hey…Isn't that Randy's car?" 

You looked over at his car now parked in a different spot 20 feet away under the pole light…Practically touching it like he was in a hurry to park it.

You felt this dreadful feeling. Something wasn't right.

Kirby shrugged. "Maybe he just wanted to be under the light more? Ya know, murders and all." 

You knew that was true but you still had a bad feeling. "Stay here." You told her as you walked near the car. You didn't get 5 feet from it when you saw dark liquid in the grass that without the faint orange hue of the polelight you would've stepped right over. You bent down…And touched it shakily. You knew what it was, you felt a sickness overtake you but you still had to check. You brought your hand back up and saw the red on your fingertips. Still wet, still semi warm, and that metallic scent was undeniable. This was blood and god forbid…You now saw smears on the car too. There was a struggle.

'God no. Please don't be him.'

You quickly jumped up and yelled at Kirby. "Call 911! Right now! Get in the barn!" 

"Why?!" She demanded until you showed your blood smeared hand that touched the grass. 

Her face dropped. "Jesus Christ."

She went to do that when some kid yelled frantically. "Hey! Come on! It's this way!" 

You rushed over to Kirby, pulling her out of the way as a horde of teens rushed out of the barn. Rushing towards the area you and Billy and Stu talked at. You had a hold of Kirby's shoulder as you both gave each other odd looks but followed. 

Your heart thumped in your ears and your breathing quickened with each step as fear slowly gripped you more and more with each second. You expected a warning from the killer or some teen dead…Why did you all have to come here?

Kirby went up ahead of you as you stopped and called 911 on your phone. Even if you were the 20th call for this exact reason, you couldn't take that chance. Even a prank you couldn't disregard, and right now, this didn't feel like a prank.

You saw more kids rush past you and right when you went to follow to look at what it was. Kirby rushed to you, blocking the path with all the color drained from her face. 

Kirby begged you, grabbing your arm. "N-No, no, no YN. Don't." She choked out, tears in her eyes. 

You raced forward, trying to see what she was so scared of…And…You saw a human corpse hung by a rope with the barn doors wide open. Dangling 10 feet in the air.

…

You stared in so much shock…So much…Shock.

It was like a nightmare…It wasn't real…It wasn't fucking real.

There hanging from the rafters of the barn…Was a corpse that was clearly real…You saw the guts hanging a few feet below them. 

You rushed closer and clamped your hands over your mouth as a terror striken scream erupted from you. It was like you couldn't even control your own body responses now. 

You stared with wide eyed horror at what you saw…As the corpse slowly spun on the rope around his neck…And…When you saw the face. Your knees buckled. You stopped breathing. You stopped thinking. Every horrible emotion you could think of charged through you at seeing Randy Meeks hanging by a rope…Gutted…Stabbed…His eyes wide open and dead. His skin pale white almost blue from blood lose.

You just froze before you felt your breathing become just you hyperventilating. You felt like you should scream again. Scream like those women do in horror movies, some ungodly shriek to the top of your lungs. You felt like you should pass out. You felt like you should faint…But you just froze there hyperventilating as tears sprang to your eyes. You felt a pair of arms hold you close, pulling you to their chest. "Don't look! Please God, YN…Don't look." You heard Dewey choke out as he came onto the scene…You were so distraught you didn't even hear the sirens as you just realized blue and red police lights were reflecting off the barn's metal siding.

Dewey was trying to hold it together for his job but was just as shell shocked as you were. Your eyes stayed wide and unblinking as he held you…This couldn't be real. This couldn't be real!

Kirby put a shaky hand over her mouth as she looked at Randy hanging from the barn.

You suddenly felt a surge of…SOMETHING! Rage, devastation, terror. Something that made you shove away from Dewey and go forward to look. You had to see. What if it was fake? This had to be fake. This had to be fake! A horrible prank or bait or something! You heard Dewey begging you as you got as close as police would allow. They were already blocking off the crime scene…And you smelled the blood from here. You saw his eyes looking through you unfocused and glazed over. The color from his lips and face…And you knew.

You shook your head as tears leaked from your eyes and you put both hands over your face to prevent a wail from escaping. A shrieking pained wail at seeing your best friend like this. 

What snapped you out of it was hearing some teenage boys laughing and taking videos and something in you completely snapped. Without thinking you rushed towards them, smacking the ones phone out of his hands and swinging on him. You didn't give a fuck right now what charges there would be. The disrespect sent you over the edge as Dewey instantly grabbed you and you tried jerking out of his hold. Screaming in rage and wanting to do anything you could to make them stop recording. 

They turned and recorded you with shocked faces and disbelieving grins…And Kirby showed her age, playing the younger generations game by recording them instead. Uno reverse. 

Kirby yelled, hurting at seeing Randy like this too. "Wow, we feel good about ourselves douchebags?! Recording a woman grieving over her friend, you sick fucks! Maybe you're the killers and that's why you're laughing? How's this gonna look on your fucking college application, dicks?!" 

You saw them instantly stop recording, hide their faces and rush away from the crime scene as Kirby yelled after them. "That's what I thought, pussys!!" 

Dewey dragged you away with the help of another cop as Dewey shook you by the shoulders to snap you out of it. "YN!" 

Your lip trembled as you just hugged onto him and he rocked you a bit. You knew how badly he wanted to sob with you as you clung to him and cried against his body. This wasn't fair...This wasn't fucking fair. 

Dewey's voice cracked. "I-I had to hang up from Gale because of Randy calling me. He hung up on me and I rushed here as fast as I could while Gale was setting up stupid cameras in the barn trying to play hero and now she isn't answering …Damn it, Randy." His voice shook.

You realized something…Even in your grief…

Randy's words ran through your head. "No one is safe. Legacy Characters? Cannon fodder at this point. Once the Nostalgia has reached its peak? We're done! Main characters are completely expendable now. Either they die or the most fucked up shit happens to them" 

It hurt so bad. It's like he knew. No one was safe. After all these years, your luck was finally running out. 

Then Stu's and Billy's words rang out.

"Killer did it. Guarantee it. They're setting a trap and you idiots are falling for it." 

"if they're copying us; they'll kill soon. A big one. One that's going to distract people just like you did with the Principle while I entertained my party." 

It hit you…Randy was Principal Himbry. And Gale was supposedly alone in the main barn now setting up cameras.

You jerked away from Dewey and yelled at him. "Gale!" 

His eyes instantly widened in realization as you ran to the barn as fast as you could and he followed behind you. Gun ready as he screamed for his wife. You almost tripped running so fast in the grass as you rounded the corner with Dewey staggering as fast as he could behind you. 

You heard her cry out and saw a masked figure as you didn't hesitate to rush up there with your gun. "Hold on, Gale!" The second you reached up there…You looked around. Gale was scrambling against someone in the hay and you a warning shot. You saw that mask look at you and your adrenaline kicked in as you went to fire again and they dodged behind a pillar. 

You kept your gun aimed while rushing to Gale who stood up.

"You alright?" 

Gale grumbled. "I'm fine just-...WATCH OUT!" 

Dewey yelled your name from below as he finally caught up and heard the gunshots.

You whipped your gun around to fire before dodging a knife. It barely missed slashing you over the face as you gasped and stumbled back. You went to aim again and before you could pull the trigger you felt a heavy boot kick you in the sternum…It knocked the wind from you and sent you flying over the edge of the hayloft. You felt that rush of dropping with you unable to do anything but plummet. You released a pained groan when you collided on top of the drink table. Crashing onto the red cups and the punch bowl toppled over and you laid there in the middle of the table with it broken in half.

Dewey rushed in to you as you told you were fine as quickly as you could. With his gun aimed he was screaming for his wife's name as he went to climb the loft.

You tried to ignore the stiffness in your body as you jerked your gun up too…Right when you saw Gale get stabbed and roll herself off the loft as well. Bouncing off a straw bale before rolling onto the ground. Dewey aimed multiple times as a light went out and wood splintered near the pillars but he missed. You raised your revolver and fired. You saw them jerk and heard a person yell under that mask as they clutched their arm. 

You sneered to yourself and growled out. "Got you now, piece of shit." Before aiming for their head. They ducked in time and fled. 

You pushed yourself up, eager to chase after them. They had to pay…OH, they had to pay! You wanted them dead more than any other Ghostface thus far…You were so sick of this shit and seeing yourself get a shot in felt damn good. Randy would be cheering you on and that thought alone sprung more angry tears to your eyes but fueled determination in you. You pushed yourself up and sprinted to the ladder as Dewey yelled at you not to go as he ran after you.

"Damn it, YN! Don't be stupid!" Dewey's face was angry yet scared. A rare thing for him as he aimed his gun as well in the loft.

You raced to the loft with Dewey behind you just to see no one was there…Cursing to yourself under your breath realizing they had another escape route…A door swinging against the wall. You ran to it. Eager to put the remaining 7 bullets you had into this fuckers head.

You jerked the door open and looked down. The ladder kicked away and laying on the ground and no one in sight. Just cool night air hitting you as you stared. Your face twisted into contempt at the idea of Randy's killer getting away.

"FUCK!" You hissed out as you kicked a nearby straw bale in anger.

You bitterly thought the names of who you thought did this. Robbie and Charlie. They knew this barn and they knew it enough to host this party and to know all escape routes. You climbed down seeing Dewey had already practically jumped off the ladder to get to Gale. You climbed down to the ground and rushed over as you saw she was stabbed in her shoulder.

More cops swarmed in as Dewey looked up and ordered them. "Search EVERYWHERE! Every barn, the woods, cars, everywhere!!" All before his demeanor changed as he looked at his wife in concern. He put pressure on her wound with fear in his eyes. "Put pressure on that. Oh God, Gale. Honey, just hang on-" Dewey mumbled with a pained expression.

Gale put her own hand in place of Dewey's asking. "Did you catch him?" 

Dewey shook his head with a trembling voice. "No. Hopefully your cameras caught something." 

Gale informed him. "They're not the only ones. There's uh…A webcam." She croaked out in some pain. "There's a webcam; it's hidden up there. It was watching me." 

Dewey looked up instinctively and so did you. Your face soured. Just confirming who this was to you.

Dewey wasn't following. "Webcam? W-What webcam?" 

Gale drew out in a shaky breath as she held her bleeding shoulder. "He's recording the murders." 

Dewey still asked with wide eyes. "What?" 

You gritted your teeth, tears still on your cheeks from Randy's death as you drew out. "This time…He's making the movie. Even more than Roman did." 

Gale nodded at your understanding before she grimaced in pain. 

She grew serious as she winced at the pain. Choking out as sirens of an ambulance could be heard down the road. 

"…Get this fucker." 

[freddiemercurylegendabovelegends]

Today, on 13th January, 2017

Lord Snowdon, former husband to Princess Margaret and photographer,died at the age of 86

Brian May remembers

Sad to hear of the passing of Lord Snowdon. I can’t say I was his friend, though perhaps I would like to have been. We did spend a couple of days together as Queen (the rock group) and portrait photographer, and it was very memorable. I knew of Lord Snowdon from when I was quite small. As Anthony Armstrong Jones he had married the very glamorous Princess Margaret, in Westminster Abbey, in top level splendour, televised in colour (!) and celebrated throughout the land. Somehow it caught my imagination, gave me a thrill, to the point where I pasted a picture of the handsome couple in my personal photo album. It was a fairy-tale. Shy handsome commoner weds beautiful royal princess. Much later I realised that Tony Armstrong Jones, now Lord Snowdon, was a dedicated artist, a gentleman photographer in true Victorian style, and that his world had stayed quite separate from the Royal Family he had married into. I believe he had a Victorian sensibility in more than one way. A Gentleman, certainly, and a man of independent means, he did not need to take photographs to earn a living. It was his art. And in the details of his practice, too, he adhered to early traditions of photography. He believed that the essence of a sitter for a portrait was to be revealed only in natural light.

Well, this is what he told us, when the four of us found ourselves at his house, our mission being to find the elusive ‘Group Shot’ - a four-fold portrait of a Rock Band, for the cover of an album. Now this was around 1981, about 35 years ago. So the portrait of this session in my mind is a little faded. But Snowdon was a delightful, thoughtful, modest and gentle man, given to pausing to ponder, in his walking around the room, with a slight limp, a relic from a childhood illness, as he looked at us, planning his shoot.

I’m sure Roger has better recollections than I, but I seem to remember us sitting around a little awkwardly, sipping coffee, discussing what we were trying to achieve. I don’t believe we had any preconceptions at all … the four of us hadn’t had the chance to confer beforehand, and I think on this occasion we didn’t have a plan. We assumed that this accomplished photographer would bring a fresh approach. We’d done a lot of this kind of session, of course, over the years, notably with George Hurrell, iconic Hollywood portraitist, and Mick Rock, who had pulled off a very memorable diamond format four-shot on a black background, which not only graced the cover of our early album Queen II, but, brought to life, became the shot that everyone remembers from the Bohemian Rhapsody video some years later.

Snowdon told us that he didn’t want an overriding theme - he didn’t think we need to ‘try so hard’. He said he wanted us naturally filling the space, and he was absolutely insistent that the lighting would be natural too … only the daylight which pervaded his studio, again, Victorian style - more or less a glass-house. He would not use any artificial light. Now I may be wrong about this, but I seem to remember we talked so much and drank so much coffee, that time passed and the light started to fade. Anthony took some test shots on his large-format camera (no 35mm for him) and wasn’t happy. So he said something like … "I know what to do now, but we missed our slot. I’m not going to use studio lights - I want the quality of daylight in this shot. Can you come back tomorrow?” Strangely enough we could. And then it was all very quick. He took a few solo shots of us singly (I wonder where they are ?) And then went for the cover shot of the four of us. I think he only took a couple of dozen shots, very much like we’d seen Hurrell do. He knew exactly what he wanted, and he knew when it was in the bag - even though he couldn't verify that on the spot. The developing of the negative had to be done, and prints made, before anyone could see the result.

So we said our goodbyes and left - and … that was it. The picture we wanted arrived a couple of days later, and it was perfect for what we needed - nicely balanced in composition, with all of us looking quite decent; understated, a little formal, yet not stiff, and beautifully lit by Nature herself, with a little help from Lord Snowdon.

The album ? It was to become the biggest selling British album in History - Queen’s Greatest Hits.

We decided to mount the picture in an unusual way. Inspired by the first Superman Film, we skewed the photograph as if it were mounted flat on a piece of glass spinning through space. So our faces are distorted by perspective. Years later, for the re-issue for Universal Records, we decided to ‘undo’ that distortion, and on this cover you see Snowdon’s picture exactly as it was taken. Pure ! I like that version best. As Snowdon himself might have said … it wasn’t trying too hard.

You won’t find this stuff on Wikipedia, of course. In the anarchy of the Internet based information, anybody can contribute stuff as long as they are citing someone who said it previously ! So the entry as I just looked at it is a ripe mixture of fact and inaccuracies - they don’t even mention who took the cover photograph. Who will write history ? Well, certainly not me … with my memory weaving its own spells at this distance. But History was certainly made in those fleeting moments when we were privileged to enjoy the company of that fine gentleman, Snowdon

RIP

Bri - january 13, 2017

(source: brianmay.com)

[whileiamdying]

How Gena Rowlands Redefined the Art of Movie Acting

Gena Rowlands in “Opening Night.” Photographs courtesy Everett

The actress, who died last week, at the age of ninety-four, changed the history of cinema in her collaborations with the actor and director John Cassavetes.

By Richard Brody August 19, 2024

Gena Rowlands, who died last Wednesday, at the age of ninety-four, is, of all the actresses I’ve ever seen onscreen, the greatest artist. She’s the one whose performances offer the most surprises, the most shocks, the most moment-to-moment inventiveness, and, above all, the most almost-unbearable force of emotional expression, combining extremes of strength and vulnerability, of overt display and inner life. Her mighty talent is also a peculiar one, the strangeness of which is exemplary of the art of movies: it might never have come so fully to light were it not for her marriage to John Cassavetes and for the movies that they made together—especially the personal six that extend from “Faces” (filmed in 1965, released in 1968) to “Love Streams” (1984).

That’s not at all to diminish Rowlands’s art or its basis in her innate talent and hard work, but to locate its essence in the nature of cinema: it’s an art of collaboration, in which more or less every major artistic advance has resulted from two or more people making common cause. It doesn’t have to be romantic, of course, but it should come as no surprise that this couple, married for thirty-four years, until Cassavetes’s death, in 1989, should be responsible for the most profound movies about love that exist. They met in 1951 at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, where they both studied, and married in 1954, when she was twenty-three and he was twenty-four. To do so, Rowlands broke her own vow not to marry in order to focus on her career.

Rowlands quickly got a career, on live TV dramas, on Broadway, and in Hollywood movies. Cassavetes had a similar acting career, although his Broadway experience was mainly behind the scenes, and he also made a pioneering independent film, “Shadows,” between 1957 and 1959 (she had only a bit part, uncredited). They started a family (eventually having three children, all of whom went on to work in film) and moved to Hollywood, where, in the early sixties, Cassavetes directed studio pictures, an experience he hated. They both continued their acting careers, and then, in 1965, they put their own money into “Faces,” much of which was shot in their own house. It took three years to complete, not least because the first cut ran eight hours; Cassavetes ultimately got it down to just over two. The movie, about the fraying of a marriage, is a drama of romantic frustration, longing, and pursuit—the story of a businessman, Richard, who runs away from his wife to spend a night with Jeannie, a sex worker, at her well-appointed home, while his wife has an affair with someone she meets in a night club. Rowlands, in her first real independent-film role—as the sex worker—achieved hitherto-unimaginable heights in movie performance.

A still from “Faces.”

Contrary to myths about Cassavetes’s films, they���re not improvised. The script for “Faces” was two hundred and fifteen pages long, and Cassavetes wrote the dialogue. What’s not written out is the actors’ physical behavior. They’re free to live out the action uninhibitedly, with Cassavetes’s camera following them in their lurches and dances, their tussles and their embraces. The entire cast, featuring veteran actors (such as John Marley, as the husband) and nonprofessionals (including Lynn Carlin, as the wife), performs with unreserved energy and passion, but it’s Rowlands who, in just a few scenes, expands the boundaries of movie acting. The role is one that has the notion of performance built into it—Jeannie is performing love and desire for her client—but the story involves an emotional reality that bursts through this convention-bound relationship.

The sex worker with a heart of gold is a well-worn type, of course, something that the movie confronts head on, yet there’s nothing hackneyed or even familiar about the way that Cassavetes films this character—or about how Rowlands brings her to life. Jeannie’s tragedy is that she is unable to fit into the conventional contours of her transactional role and instead brings her whole self, all her torrential, impulsive emotionalism, to her work. Her intensity provokes Richard into a wrenching-away of façades and engenders a contact of souls far more galvanic than the contact of bodies—until the transactional and the conditional snap back. Rowlands pours herself completely into Jeannie’s ratcheted-up gaiety and forceful control of tough situations, her rapturous tenderness and devastated disappointment. Cassavetes’s filming matches her beat for beat, throb for throb, leading to a closeup of such melodramatic starkness and catastrophic self-awareness that, to my mind, it’s the closeup of closeups, the one that could stand for the entire historical repertory of cinematic intimacy, of the art of the face.

In Cassavetes’s films, Rowlands was able to give of herself comprehensively, to be herself and to allow the wildest extremes of feeling to overwhelm her on camera. This isn’t solely because of the couple’s personal bond. It’s also because Cassavetes, behind the camera, is giving of himself completely, too, in his responsiveness to the people he’s filming and the situations that they create. She and he seem almost to be meeting at the surface of the image, yielding a sense of shared risk, shared vulnerability, and equality.

Rowlands’s performance in “Faces” set the definitive tone for Cassavetes and his films, as well as for herself. In Cassavetes’s 1963 studio movie “A Child Is Waiting,” Rowlands, who co-stars, is skillful and focussed, with a strong presence but an unexceptional manner. In “Faces,” more than a star is born—she reveals an entire new dimension of acting. She wasn’t in his next film, “Husbands,” from 1970 (in which he co-stars with Peter Falk and Ben Gazzara), but his performance confirms her influence. He was already highly original, but “Faces,” in which he doesn’t appear, produced a watershed in his own performances, and in the acting of his movies in general—a form of acting that the entire future of cinema would be forced to reckon with.

By the time Rowlands and Cassavetes made their next movie together, “Minnie and Moskowitz” (1971), they had turned forty, and, in that post-sixties moment, with its slogan of never trusting anyone over thirty, the suburban world of “Faces” was already old-fashioned. Yet, as if to overcome the facile determinism of a generational dividing line, it was this cinematic couple that was singularly rejuvenating the art of movies, dispelling pretenses of comfort and tranquillity to give full and florid expression to the stifled emotions that it concealed. The couple’s films don’t talk politics, but the way that they defied movie conventions to depict experiences with unprecedented intensity gives them a manifest social and metapolitical power.

Seymour Cassel and Rowlands in “Minnie and Moskowitz.”

In their 1974 drama “A Woman Under the Influence,” Rowlands, playing the wife of a construction foreman (Peter Falk), confronts the raw and repressive power of working-class masculinity, in a performance that, for all its fury and reckless playfulness, has a finely composed dramatic arc and a manifest virtuosity. Despite this sense of more careful composition, its scenes from a marriage and its vision of family life are nearly unbearably painful to watch; they were agonizing for Rowlands to portray. In 1976, Rowlands was in the room when Cassavetes was interviewed about the film by a journalist from Le Monde, who asked her if she’d thought of directing Cassavetes in a movie. She first jokingly pretended to strangle her husband, then earnestly said that she didn’t want to direct, then added, “No, sometimes, after difficult scenes, I’d like to turn the camera on John, especially to get revenge . . . ”

Having taken naturalistic drama to unprecedented extremes, the couple next explored the very nature of performance, in “Opening Night” (1977), surely the most powerful and imaginative movie about actors—and about an actress—that exists. Rowlands plays Myrtle Gordon, an actress cast in the lead role of a play by an elderly playwright (Joan Blondell), the subject of which is the character’s transition from youth to maturity. The role terrifies Myrtle, emotionally and professionally: she feels that it will mark the end of her career as she knows it, and it also forces her to confront her own age (which is unspecified, but Rowlands was in her mid-forties). It’s also the story of Myrtle’s terror and horror at one particular moment of stage business—when a co-starring actor named Maurice (Cassavetes) is supposed to slap her.

What Myrtle does, in the face of her resistance to the play’s text and to its direction, is to explode the play in real time, forcing Maurice and the rest of the cast to improvise along with her, to the horror of the playwright but to the delight of the audience in the theatre where the play is opening. Those improvisations (most of which were indeed written) range from the dangerously passionate to the uproariously capricious—and Myrtle delivers them as if directly addressing the audiences attending the play and breaking the fourth wall, and forces Maurice to do the same. It’s as if the actors are tipping their hands at movie viewers as well, suggesting the vast personal realities that fuel great screen performances. Most actors and most filmmakers, bound by industry norms or crowd-pleasing conventions, don’t even hint at such realities, but Cassavetes and Rowlands broke open the screen to let them flood into the world at large. The essential art of Rowlands, the art that she and Cassavetes shared in public and in private, was the art of life, the art of love. ♦

[cozyaliensuperstar7]

Beautiful People 👑

willowwrestles:

🌙☯️yin & yang👯‍♀️☀️

avawwe_:

today’s details:

📍monday night raw

💄 @makeupbykristenbacino

📷 @themattycox

badgirlriri:

tortured by @melzy917

read our interview @interviewmag

interviewmag:

INTERVIEW. spring 2024 cover.

Photography by @nadialeecohen Interview and styling by @melzy917 Entertainment Director: @laurentabach Hair: @yusefhairnyc assisted by @naphiisbeautifulhair

Makeup: @yad1m

Nails: @kimkimnails

Set Design: @thebritttt

Tailor: @lynnlea Production: @themorrisongroup

Photo Production: @dmb_represents

Location: @duststudiosla

Special Thanks: @lermitagebh @jennnrosales @jenohill @carolyngirondo

Video Editor: @g_scruton

instylemagazine:

Quite literally transfixed by @jodiesmith. ✨ Curate and optimize your unique 4C hair-care routine with tips and product recommendations by textured hair experts now at the link in bio.

You’ll be smiling as bright as she is.

kellyrowland:

@charlienchargie 🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍

blackmagcovers:

Miss @kellyrowland for @galore.

Story by @taylorwinter.

Editor In Chief: princechenoastudio

Hair: @jstayready_

#blackmagcovers #kellyrowland

zendaya:

Incredibly grateful for this special moment, can’t believe it’s actually happened. And thank you @serenawilliams for chatting with me, I appreciate you so much. @challengersmovie

essence:

Damson Idris: Brick by Brick The inaugural ESSENCE Sexiest Men of the Moment list has arrived, and our first May/ June cover star is Damson Idris! The Foundation of a man. He stands 6’1, with deep auburn skin and a 4K pearly smile that glistens like ultraviolet rays off charcoal mines in the deepest sands off the coast of Nigeria. Yes, it’s that deep. His charm is tangible. His infectiousness is palatable. His future is limitless. We let the veil and Snowfall, as the curtain has called Franklin Saint to his highest heights. His recent NAACP Image Award win has cemented the bricks and built the house of a career that, like portraits, is developing in real-time. Make no error that this new era of Damson Idris has a Formula — One that follows the path of Hollywood greats and has us anticipating his upcoming feature film debut. But before we switch gears, let’s get to know the man beyond the heartthrob. The notoriously private actor dishes on his rom-com hopes, staying in line while remaining offline, and why he thinks he’s one of ESSENCE Sexiest Men of the Moment. Read the full May /June cover story on now and on newsstands on 4/23. Roll the Credits: Talent: Writer: Photographer: Stylist: Barber/Grooming: Nails: Set Design: Location: Production: Special Thanks: ESSENCE, SVP, Creative: ESSENCE, Senior Content Director: ESSENCE, Visual Director: ESSENCE, Design Director:

voguemagazine:

Eventually the dream scenario for @Zendaya is to “make things and pop out when I need to pop out, and then have a safe and protected life with my family, not worried if I’m not delivering something,” shares the star.

This May, Zendaya stars on the cover of both @VogueMagazine and @BritishVogue (posing for shoots by Annie Leibovitz and Carlijn Jacobs, respectively), and talks about what’s next: more adult roles, a turn in the director’s chair, and hopefully starting a family one day. Tap the link in our bio to read the full profile. Photographed by @annieleibovitz, Written by Marley Marius, Styled by @luxurylaw, Vogue, May 2024.

Take an exclusive look behind the scenes of @Zendaya’s latest Vogue cover shoot. This May, she stars on the cover of both @VogueMagazine and @BritishVogue (posing for shoots by Annie Leibovitz and Carlijn Jacobs, respectively), and talks about what’s next: more adult roles, a turn in the director’s chair, and hopefully starting a family one day. Tap the link in our bio to read the full profile.

blackmagcovers:

@cynthiaerivo for @theglassmagazine.

Styling: @jasonbolden #blackmagcovers #cynthiaerivo

galore:

“You can’t end an era; you make an era. There are no rules in music. You do whatever feels right in your gut” @Kellyrowland is our latest cover star! We talk with her on all things music, film and motherhood!

Read Kelly’s full interview now live on www.Galoremag.com

TEAM CREDITS:

Editor In Chief: Prince Chenoa (@princechenoastudio)

Feature Editor: Taylor Winter Wilson (@taylorwinter)

Photographer: Steven Gomillion (@stevengomillion)

Cover Art Design: Carlos Graciano (@sadpapi666)

Production: Devon Speckman (@devon_speckman)

Lighting Tech: Tyler Chick (@itstylerchick)

Digital Capture: Marvin Cortez (@marvincortes1)

Hair Stylist: Jared Henderson (@jstayready_) 

Makeup Artist: Ernesto Casillas (@ernestocasillas)

Stylist: Wilford Lenov (@tunnelmediagroup)

Assistant Stylist: Gethsemani Sanchez

[kakiastro]

The Astrology of Chris Farley

Now if you grew up in the 90s/early 2000s era, then you probably grew watching this man comedies. He passed when I young but my family still played his movie Tommy Boy all the time!

I thought this would be a cool tribute to him.

So let’s take a look shall we!

(Whole Signs)

-He’s a Leo rising which is literally the sign that represents stardom and fame! He was warm, outgoing, had a fun personality. Their was a childlike quality about him that you just love. He was known as “the class clown” growing up and Leo always have the spotlight on them. Rising degree 5°(Leo degree) Leo degrees indicate fame in a persons chart. Now the 5° is known as short term fame which is true for him unfortunately.

His chart ruler is the Sun. He has Sun Aquarius 7h. Aquarius is the sign of the collective and society. The 7h is the house of partnerships and relationships. This tells me that his entire essence was the people closest to him. Especially his male friends. He might’ve been the more popular of his friend group. People with 7h placements tend to be really popular and well loved. His Sun is 26° (Taurus degree). Taurus energy is stubborn! He was probably very charming and he was able to get away with a lot because of it lol. His 5h which is Leo house is in Sagittarius. He may have known lots of people and sag 5h loves to travel. If he was still here, he would’ve probably met his wife in a foreign country who may have been in the entertainment industry as well.

What first stands out to me though is that Sun-Asc opposition. How he portrayed himself to the public is different than how he actually saw himself. People saw him as this outgoing and open type and he was but he was also very much a loner or he felt like he didn’t fit in. He wanted to fit in because his Sun was there! His lesson was to learn to just be himself without putting on an act.

The 2nd thing that stands out to me is his Sun-Mars Conjunction. No wonder why he had an insane amount of energy. With Saturn connected mean he had great control of his body movements. Being in Aquarius makes it even more fascinating because aqua rules over electricity!

His Pisces moon 8h tells me he was very sensitive to his surroundings and the people around him. He could probably read people very well. Hollywood toxic environment wasn’t it. He should’ve made a movie and moved to the mountains Chile. Pisces rules over substance abuse. With his moon being in the 8h, he was hurting emotionally and drugs was an escape. Scorpio/8h moons emotions are intense and overwhelming. They need to harness that pain into their power! It doesn’t help that his moon ruler Neptune is in Scorpio 4h. Too many emotions. Honestly he needed to be in a quiet environment surrounded by water. Water environments can be a healing environment for him. Therapy and journaling would’ve helped.

Saturn Aquarius 7h only backs up what I was saying earlier. Even though he was really popular, he still felt like an outcast. Saturn 25°(Aries) Aries rules over your physical body and self. Really bad self conscious issues. This poor man omg!🥲

Uranus-Part of Fortune 2h means he will be blessed with wealth and it he would get it once he’s famous (Sun Aquarius). Virgo is ruled by Mercury which rules over comedy! He also has Uranus-Pluto aspect 2h and this can also indicate huge amounts of wealth(Pluto means wealth) this can indicate abusing your finances. Uranus 2h oppose Chiron Pisces 8h, using your money to help feed your inner demons and pains.

Mc conj Jupiter Aries

Mc is the public perception of you and career. In Aries, you are seen as bold, confident, passionate, fiery and very active. Aries Mc tend to do well in any career of their choosing as long as you’re passionate about it. Anytime you have Jupiter in an angular house (1h, 4h, 7h, 10h), also the 11h, it can indicate mass fame! Mc 9h mean your journey to fame is well known and inspiring. How you became famous is talked about than your actual career lol.

Asteroid Varuna is in his 10h. Varuna is known as God-level famous. Everyone knows your name. It gives you “immortality fame”

Asteroid Fan 1h conj Part of fortune 2h. He’s blessed with having a solid fan base that will keep his memory alive even though he’s no longer here.

South Node Capricorn. In a past life, he was too hard on himself. He may have worked a lot and have health issues. 8°(Scorpio degree)

North node 12h Cancer. He was suppose to learn to go with the flow and focus on his private life. Once he got famous, I think he should’ve lived a more quiet life and not the hardcore party scene. Not saying he couldn’t have a good time but not like how he did it. Asteroid Fama conj NN and I think it’s sad that his drug addiction is a huge theme surrounding his death. The good news is that his fama is in the house of idolization so he’ll always be remembered for his comedy.

Thank you for reading! Check out my other fame post in the pinned post. I’m also open for chart readings!

[look-at-the-soul]

Look at the soul -Part 7 Lady in red

Cillian Murphy x OC

Series Master list (Bonus photos in the end)

I wanted to post this part so so bad… @heidimoreton THANK YOU for creating the perfect moodboard for this chapter, you really can’t imagine how much it means to me, I treasure this image so close to my heart ♥️ you captured the essence perfectly and the fact that you decided to create this for me is beyond words, from the bottom of my heart! I can’t thank you enough for taking the time and creativity to make this beauty! These women, the quotes, the butterfly 🦋, the Hollywood vanity everything is breathtaking !

And we have two new characters @shelbydelrey @imichelle-l-rigby thank you for your constant support through this and other stories 💖🥰 it means so so much

Song Lady in red- by Chris De Burgh

Cillian needed so bad this walk, to clear his head. He had to leave rehearsals early that day because his in-laws decided to show up in his house unannounced to have dinner with the kids and were scandalized to learn he was working in a play and he wasn’t at home, the kids arrived a few minutes earlier than their aunt, but their grandparents were already there and not very pleased when he arrived almost an hour later.

That dinner left him a bitter taste and frustrated so the fresh air was the only thing keeping him from punching something. Andrew decided to play video games with their neighbors.

“Why was grandma so serious? She looked pissed.” Ben’s voice brought him back to present time.

“Well, it’s no secret they never liked the idea of me being an actor and the consequences of it.” Cillian knew his son was old enough to understand things better.

“Like what?”

“Like… being away for months while filming.”

Ben looked up at his father. “But you’re always around someway.”

He was relieved to learn his son didn’t have an image an absent father of him. “I know buddy, that’s why you don’t have to worry about it.”

Despite the differences he might have with his in-laws, he didn’t want them to look at his late wife’s parents differently, he wanted to help them being close to their relatives.

“When you go on tour with the play, who will watch us?”

Cillian handed his son Scout’s leash before hiding his hands in the pockets of his jeans. He still needed to sort that out.

“I’ll come and go as much as I can, probably my mum or your aunts the days I can’t make it.”

“And we can go on the weekends!”

“I’d love that.” Cillian smiled thinking how many times his sons had joined him while working away.

“Can you ask Heidi about the theater school?” Ben wanted to know, those plans were canceled due to his mother’s passing.

“I’ll, although I’m sure she will open her course once we finish the dates for the play.”

“I hope she does! Do you think she will make me go through the casting and all?” His eyes were wide open, the wind blowing his fringe.

Cillian chuckled. “What makes you think you don’t have to do the casting? Ey?” He ruffled his hair with one hand.

“Because you know her!” Ben rolled his eyes.

“Actually I’ll ask her to be tougher with you, no special treatment.” He laughed and whistled Scout to go back home.

Ben looked down, debating whenever to ask or not his father. “Dad… how did you and mum meet?”

Cillian felt like getting stabbed. Like the air was taken away from him. It was a strange sensation and something he didn’t feel he’d ever get used to.

“In high school.” He answered after taking control again. “We started studying together, then we got into college and eventually we got married.”

Looking up, he found the sky, Cillian found it was pretty dark and quiet now, the stars shining down at them and moon illuminating their way back home.

“Do you remember when Ma woke us all up and it was a holiday?”

He could swear his heart did a little flip inside his chest. The memories flowing like a wave.

“And we got you and your brother dressed in record time, only realized it was a holiday until we reached the school’s steps and it was closed.” Cillian swore he skipped so many red lights that day, trying to get the boys on time.

He felt like he was failing at keeping their mother’s memory alive, some days his own memories with his late wife seemed to be fading away.

***

“There’s my girl!” Enda wrapped an arm around her shoulders to show her acrylic mirror finally, her image would be projected from afar and it would break with the visual and sound effects, he was just making a demonstration with the remote. “So you won’t have seven years of bad luck.”

Marianne smiled pleased. “Love it!”

“And your image will be in the background too divided in two columns, when the mirror breaks, so will your image giving the sensation that the pieces will be flying to the public.” He explained excited.

She could totally picture the scene in her mind.

“Thank you for making my dream come true.” Enda gave her a hug. And it made her feel so emotional, that’s what she always wanted, to help someone else chase their dreams.

“Enda you’re going to terrified poor Marianne.” Cillian walked on stage to join them.

“If she didn’t ran off when you approached her with that homeless look, nothing will scare her.” Enda teased back, making both Marianne and Cillian laugh.

“Can you do that again?” She pointed at the remote, “so Cill can see it.”

“This is better than I thought.” Heidi had seen it from one of the seats and it was incredible, she was pleased with her work and the final result.

Cillian snatched the remote from his friend’s hand and pressed the button several times. Enda rushed to get it back before he could mess it up.

After making a few more switches in the scenography, they finally started working on the rehearsal of the day. But the cast couldn’t do much, since Enda had been making a few changes in the script so Marianne decided to sit on top of the bar to be able to take notes.

“If you had plans for today, you’ll have to cancel, rehearsal is about to get long.” Cillian admitted leaning against the bar. He offered her some of his spicy almonds passing on the bag.

“Homework and comparing equipment for the changes you want to make in the recording studio count as plans?”

“Well that’s much better than washing my kid’s smelly laundry and walking my dog. You can join me.” He got back his snack.

“To wash smelly teens clothes? No thanks, a walk with the dog sounds better tho.” She had seen photos of the black lab in his phone, he was lovely.

Snatching the sheets from her hands he asked; “what’s this?”

“Hey!” She protested out loud, Enda looked at them over the edge of his glasses. “I’m writing the corrections he’s making.” She added now in a low voice.

Cillian asked for the pen she was holding with his hand extended. “Here, you need to make a pause, take a deep breath before you connect with this.” He added a mark on the script.

Marianne admitted she was struggling to keep up with Enda because he was talking so fast for her. So instead of helping her, Cillian started talking in Irish just for fun to which she responded in Spanish and neither of them understood the other and they ended up chuckling.

“The only thing in Irish I know is eejit*, Lee shouted at someone who almost hit us with the car once.”

“In Spanish I only know hola and this thing they yell in the stadiums, ehhh pu…” she tried to keep him quiet, interrupting him.

“Don’t say that!”

Cillian laughed.

Enda looked at them again.

Holding the script in his hand, Cillian gave Marianne a little hit in the leg. “You should really pay attention.” He was trying hard to hold his laugh. Then, he shook his head trying to make evident she was the one messing around.

“You started laughing.” Marianne shot him a look of faked indignation.

“Sorry about these undisciplined foreigners.” Cillian shook his head and crossed his arms against his chest.

One of the girls from the cast that got in the play just because Enda owned her father a favor, tried to walk out from the theater pushing a door that had a huge sign that indicated they needed to pull, making some noise in the process. Cillian particularly didn’t like her, she was always showing off the luxury brands she wore with huge designer names all over her.

“And that’s why shampoo has instructions written down.”

Cillian laughed really loud this time by Marianne’s sarcastic comment.

“I didn’t know we had children among the cast.” Enda tried to keep the order.

Marianne took the opportunity to give Cillian a taste of his own medicine. “Sorry Enda, these locals are noisy.”

It was amazing to see how comfortable they were feeling, it surely made things easier.

“What’s this?” Lee asked walking into Marianne’s dressing room after the rehearsal leaning forward to take a better look at the images.

“Like a collage, Cillian suggested it could help me to build the character, I’ve been adding elements I think would be a good fit for Adria.”

Lee nodded, thinking it was a good idea. She found images of Adele, Audrey Hepburn, Julianne Moore, Elizabeth Taylor, a woman reflecting in a broken piece of mirror, quotes. Even a napkin with a kiss printed in a red lipstick with the letter A and an x handwritten.

“Adria is flirty, I like that.” Lee gave Marianne the thumbs up as Isa knocked on the door.

“Are we ready?” Isa was all smiles as she placed a huge and heavy make up case on the vanity.

“Don’t you dare start the fun without me.” Michelle arrived with the hair tools.

Marianne took a deep breath, feeling both excited and nervous about the outcome, but she knew Isa and Michelle were experts in their fields, the best in theater and films, they had worked in so many plays and created endless characters, they knew what they were doing.

“I heard the dress is ready, make yourself at home while I bring it.” She offered a box of snacks she kept in her dressing room and wandered to the theater’s entrance where they left the dress, covered from curious eyes. She thanked the woman at the box office and made her way back to her dressing room, greeting whoever she found in her way, during the last days these people had been her chosen family. Honestly the entire cast was a joy to have around, she had been learning a lot from everyone both personally and professionally.

Lee, Michelle and Isa left the dressing room a moment to allow Marianne to get changed.

The nerves suddenly appeared as she came to the realization of what was about to happen. The red dress was intimidating, beautiful, yes, the fabric was soft and the design was the ultimate dream. But she was about to step in something bigger than her.

She was about to transform finally into the amazing character, looking around she found the photos she had in her mirror of the women that provided some kind of inspiration for her. She was taking bits of each one to create something unique, strong, a breathtaking woman that was about to take the stage in a few weeks to tell her story.

Isa and Michelle requested strictly to not look into the mirror until she had makeup and hair done, so she was nervously smoothing down the fabric of the skirt as the girls walked back in.

“Is about to get noisy here.” Michelle stated as she took the hairdryer, she wanted to go for a mix between Lana del Rey and Adele’s curls, the hairstyle had such a glamorous vibe, and according to her, Marianne’s face shape was similar so it would fit just right.

“Relax, I’m going to pamper your skin first.” Isa covered the dress with a towel to avoid any stain.

Marianne looked at the ceiling as they started to work around. “I feel so spoiled, like a movie star.”

Lee snapped a candid photo of the process, of course she couldn’t post anything online, but she would blurry it for fun. “Well, you are a theater star.”

Marianne chuckled, still not believing how her life could be completely different to what she had planned originally.

To be completely honest, this wasn’t work or a job, with the amount of fun she had at every rehearsal, it felt more like a blessing. Like that very moment, Lee made sure to find the right songs in her playlist to make every minute seem like they were in a karaoke. Until Isa and Michelle shared a look in silence and took a step back, both lost for words.

“What?”

“Oh shit.” Lee mumbled, storming out to go and find Enda.

“No, don’t look yet.” Warned Michelle taking away the towel.

Isa squealed, it was impossible to hide her grin.

“Gurls, you’re scaring me.” Marianne tried to read their facial expressions, but she didn’t know what to think.

She stood from the chair, still not turning around to see herself, but there was definitely something different. It was so hard to explain, but slowly she could feel as if Adria was coming to life.

“Let me re touch the lipstick.” Isa focused in the bright color she picked and gave her the thumbs up. “Are you ready?”

Slowly she turned around, feeling how even her pose was different, her shoulders back, long neck on display. She never noticed the girls left the dressing room, to go and look for everyone.

And as she found herself in the mirror, her heart skipped a beat and a chill ran down her body. But she wasn’t looking at herself… it was Adria staring back at her.

“Are you sur-” Cillian knocked and rushed inside the dressing room, but his words where cut as the air escaped his lungs when he found Marianne transformed into her character for the play.

Time stopped and for a few seconds or maybe minutes, they stared at each other through the reflection in the mirror.

A heavy silence filled the small room as time stopped.

“Wow.” Cillian stammered taking in everything; the hair, the dress, make up, everything was perfect. She was. “You look stunning.”

This was the exact same woman he envisioned as Adria.

Marianne Adria turned around slowly and stared into his eyes, holding his gaze, something as herself she never dared to do because she found it so intimidating.

“Thank you.” She dragged her words slowly, tilting her head slightly.

They were both in silence, holding the other’s gaze. Saying only with their eyes so many things, keeping others to themselves.

The first encounter couldn’t have been any other way.

He knew she was kind, he caught her offering her lunch to a homeless man outside the theater since they started rehearsals, without telling anyone she just did it. He enjoyed a lot that she treated him like a normal person and not like a celebrity, and apart from that, he couldn’t deny that she was beautiful, but she didn’t seem to show it off, it was a natural charm of her personality, she was always well dressed and she liked to keep an effortlessly look.

Cillian cleared his throat. “I’m the narrator of this story and I’m at your feet, may I introduce you to the rest of the cast?” He made a little bow with his head in the end, as he held his hand out for her.

I've never seen you looking so lovely as you did tonight,

I've never seen you shine so bright,

She smiled and he knew he was screwed. Any man who crossed paths with her would.

Adria touched him and it felt as if he was being given electroshocks.

And I have never seen that dress you're wearing,

Or the highlights in your hair that catch your eyes,

I have been blind;

It was like Marianne stepped back from her, this woman walked with a security as if she owned the entire world, shoulders back, slow stride, head held up. Making everyone she walked past turn their heads to give her one more look.

Edna’s mouth was hanging open as he saw her walking on stage from backstage. This was so much better than he ever imagined… a dream. As he saw her walking with her hand linked to Cillian’s arm, he was lost for words.

Isa and Michelle smiled pleased with their work, judging by everyone’s reaction, they totally nailed it.

“This is gorgeous.” Enda praised once more, making Marianne blush. “I’m going to get a heart attack.” He added dramatically.

“What’s all the fuss about?” Heidi appeared from one of the row seats. “Unbelievable. Are you kidding me?”

It was a bit uncomfortable and overwhelming after a few minutes to see them staring back at her with such intensity and little words.

“My job is done here, I can’t take it anymore.” Enda gave up defeated moving along the stage.

Cillian talked to someone from the lights department and asked Lee to join him. “If you don’t mind me asking, Adria… can we take a couple of shoots for the promo?”

I've never seen you looking so gorgeous as you did tonight,

I've never seen you shine so bright, you were amazing,

I've never seen so many people want to be there by your side,

Marianne frowned for a second, startled. Then she placed a hand on her hip again in character raising her eyebrow. “Of course a photo wouldn’t even do me justice, you can keep it in your wallet.” She smiled.

And when you turned to me and smiled, it took my breath away

If you could blend Audrey Hepburn’s innocence with Marylin Monroe’s devours-men look and Elizabeth Taylor intimidating gaze Adria would be the result.

Cillian felt like someone punched him in the gut and rushed to help Lee with the lights, it was a blessing that she took a photography course, she was a great support and it helped a lot the confidence they’ve been building lately as it is key to achieve what he had envisioned.

He had a dream outside the theater one night where he was walking and as he looked up the marquee, he found a huge poster of Adria divided half of her face like the defeated character with the look of disappointment as she went through all her troubles… while the other half was the made of the strong and brave woman completely transformed, when he shared that vision with Enda he was clapping even before he could finish, excited by the way it sounded.

The broken glass was set in the huge background, the lights on stage down, there was only one illuminating her from behind, Cillian captured that shot, it wouldn’t probably be used for the promo, but he loved the way it looked, then he walked around Adria and brought the camera up to his face adjusting the lens he requested her to look down and then slowly look straight to the camera.

She took her time, just like she always did, but when she finally looked at him through the lens of the camera… Cillian knew that she was the type of women that not only turns heads, but turns souls as well.

****

Next part

A/N: *remember the characters you see is not a reflection of them in real life… if you support me, your name will appear here or in another series ☺️

Eejit is Irish word for idiot, hola is hello and the ehhh up, don’t ask and don’t say it with someone from Latin America around 😂

Here are some photos in which I took inspiration to come up of the idea of Cillian taking the photo for the play:

And some of the faces that inspired Adria’s character:

Tag list: @lyarr24 @gypsy-girl-08 @cillmequick @zablife @prettylittlehoneyeyesxoxo @kettlechips3 @heidimoreton @forbidden-forest-witch @kaitebugg03 @thenattitude @forgottenpeakywriter @onlydeadcells @babaohhhriley @lonelyweeb0044 @lovemissyhoneybee @ange-thoughts @already-broken144 @shelbydelrey @cutecurly-hair @winchestergirl22 @moral-terpitude @elenavampire21 @lespendy @kittycatcait219 @stevie75 @esposadomd @sloanexx @shaddixlife @rangerelik @peakyscillian @woofgocows @cillianlove @imichelle-l-rigby @emmanuelle19 @sydneyyyya (can’t tag) @cljordan-imperium @mrkdvidal1989 @flippittygibbitts @adaydreamaway08 @so-she-reads

[lennnypooh]

Narrative and Spectacle in the Hollywood Musical:

The Phantom of The Opera (2004)

The 2004 film adaptation of "The Phantom of the Opera" is a musical drama directed by Joel Schumacher. It is based on Andrew Lloyd Webber's stage musical of the same name, which, in turn, was inspired by Gaston Leroux's 1909 novel. This adaption is known for its visually stunning presentation and emotional performances, and it has gained a dedicated fan base over the years.

Set in 1870s Paris, the narrative follows Christine Daaé (played by Emmy Rossum), a young and talented soprano, as she becomes the obsession of a mysterious and disfigured musical genius known as the Phantom (played by Gerard Butler). Christine, having lost her father, has been guided by the Phantom in secret as she grew up in the opera house. The Phantom, who she refers to as "Angel of Music" tutors her and helps her rise to prominence in the Paris Opera House.

As Christine's career blossoms, she attracts the attention of Raoul, the Vicomte de Chagny (played by Patrick Wilson), who was her childhood friend. A love triangle ensues as Christine grapples with her feelings for Raoul and the Phantom's intense and possessive love for her.

The Phantom, living in the catacombs beneath the opera house, wears a mask to hide his disfigurement. He exerts control over the opera house through various acts of manipulation and intimidation. As the tension between the characters heightens, the Phantom's actions become increasingly erratic and dangerous.

The themes explored in TPOTO surround the complexities of love and obsession as well as the effects of growing up without parental figures. Christine feels bonded to the Phantom as she believes he is the Angel her late father sent to protect her. As a result, it takes a while for her to perceive the dangers of The Phantom's influence over her when people around her, like Meg and Raoul are able to. The narrative also delves into the consequences of societal rejection and the impact of physical appearance on one's self-worth. The character of the Phantom is a complex and tragic figure, adding depth to the exploration of the human condition.

The film closely follows Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical, utilizing its beloved songs and theatrical elements. Joel Schumacher's direction brings a cinematic quality to the production, combining lavish set designs, intricate costumes, and grand visuals to capture the essence of the stage musical.

“The narrative of the backstage musical deals with the process of rehearsing and putting on a show, whilst the numbers represent the show itself. This ‘show-within-a-show structure’ provides clear ‘opportunities for spectacle’"

The Phantom of the Opera can be considered a form of backstage musical due to its thematic elements and narrative structure that delves into the behind-the-scenes aspects of a theatrical production. While it may not fit the traditional definition of a backstage musical, which often portrays the making of a show within the story, The Phantom of the Opera incorporates backstage elements in several ways:

Setting in a Theater: The story is primarily set within the Paris Opera House, providing an intimate look into the workings of a grand theatrical venue. The narrative explores the hidden chambers, catacombs, and labyrinthine passages beneath the opera house, giving the audience a behind-the-scenes perspective.

Rehearsals and Performances: The film includes scenes of rehearsals, preparations, and actual performances, offering glimpses into the creative process of putting on a show. Characters are seen practicing, discussing roles, and dealing with the challenges of staging elaborate productions.

Theatrical Elements in Storytelling: The narrative is punctuated with grand musical numbers that are integral to the storytelling. These musical sequences contribute to the overall theatricality of the film. Songs like "The Music of the Night" and "Masquerade" are not only pivotal to the plot but also serve as dramatic elements within the context of the opera house setting.

While The Phantom of the Opera may not adhere strictly to the conventional definition of a backstage musical, its incorporation of theatrical dynamics, behind-the-scenes intrigue, and the influence of the Phantom on the opera house's productions align it with the broader category of films that explore the world behind the curtain of a theater.

QUESTIONS:

If you had to choose one type of backstage musical to describe TPOTO as, which on would it be?

Do you think the story would be as affective on stage as it is on film?

How does the character of the Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera challenge traditional notions of love and beauty, and how does this contribute to the overall thematic depth of the story?

@theuncannyprofessoro @oxyfilmmusical-sp24 #oxyfilmmusical-sp24

[themovieblogonline]

Borderlands: When Chaos Meets the Big Screen

The "Borderlands" movie is finally here, and it's bringing all the chaos, humor, and wild antics that fans of the video game series have been craving. Directed by Eli Roth and featuring an ensemble cast that reads like a Hollywood A-list party invitation, this film is set to redefine what it means to adapt a video game for the big screen. But with so much anticipation, does "Borderlands" live up to the hype, or is it just another flashy, explosive disappointment? A Star-Studded Cast Ready to Unleash Chaos Let's start with the cast because, let's be real, that's what most people are here for. Cate Blanchett as Lilith? Yes, please. Kevin Hart as Roland? You better believe it. Jack Black as Claptrap? Keep going. And with Jamie Lee Curtis, Edgar Ramírez, and the always-charismatic Gina Gershon joining the crew, "Borderlands" is stacked with talent. At a recent fan event in Los Angeles, the stars took to the red carpet at the TCL Chinese Theatre, and it was a spectacle. Between the cosplayers, the Hart House food truck, and Moxxi's Bar activation, it felt more like a "Borderlands" theme park than a movie premiere. And let's not forget the dunk tank crewed by masked bandits—because what’s a "Borderlands" event without a little bit of madness? Eli Roth’s Vision: More Than Just Explosions Eli Roth, known for his work in the horror genre, might seem like an odd choice to helm a movie based on a game that's as much about humor as it is about action. But Roth's knack for dark, twisted narratives is a perfect fit for the chaotic world of Pandora. The screenplay, co-written by Roth and Joe Crombie, strikes a balance between the absurdity of the game's universe and the character-driven storytelling needed for a film adaptation. The plot follows Lilith, an infamous bounty hunter, as she returns to her home planet of Pandora. Her mission? To find the missing daughter of the universe’s most powerful man, Atlas, played by Edgar Ramírez. Along the way, she teams up with a ragtag group of misfits, including Roland, Tiny Tina, Krieg, Tannis, and the wisecracking robot Claptrap. Together, they must battle bandits, alien species, and uncover one of Pandora’s most explosive secrets. The Fan Experience: More Than Just a Movie What sets "Borderlands" apart from other video game adaptations is its fan-centric approach. The Los Angeles event was more than just a screening—it was an experience. Fans got to immerse themselves in the "Borderlands" universe, complete with cosplayers, interactive experiences, and, of course, a chance to meet the stars. This is exactly the kind of engagement that makes the "Borderlands" community so passionate and loyal. Will "Borderlands" Break the Video Game Movie Curse? Video game adaptations have a notorious track record in Hollywood. For every "Sonic the Hedgehog," or "Super Mario Bros.", there's a DOOM that makes you question why they even tried. So where does "Borderlands" fall on that spectrum? Based on early reactions, it seems like Roth and his team have managed to capture the essence of what makes the game series so beloved. The humor is sharp, the action is intense, and the characters are larger-than-life—just as they should be. But will it resonate with those who aren’t familiar with the games? That remains to be seen. What’s clear is that "Borderlands" isn’t trying to be just another video game movie; it’s aiming to be the video game movie. Final Thoughts: A Wild Ride Worth Taking In the end, "Borderlands" is shaping up to be a wild, action-packed ride that stays true to its source material while offering something fresh for newcomers. Whether you're a die-hard fan of the games or just someone looking for a fun, explosive time at the movies, this film promises to deliver. As we eagerly await the official release, one thing is certain: "Borderlands" is set to bring the chaos, the laughs, and the insanity that only a trip to Pandora can provide. So buckle up, grab your popcorn, and get ready to enter a world where the rules don’t apply, and the only thing you can expect is the unexpected. Read the full article

[cyberpunkonline]

The Best Designed RPG of All Time is... "Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines"

In the realm of role-playing games, a few titles stand out as true masterpieces. Among these, "Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines" reigns supreme, and it's not just because of its bloodsucking protagonists. This game has achieved legendary status for various reasons, but perhaps one of its most exceptional features is its unparalleled level design.

A Dark and Immersive World

From the moment you step into the dark and gritty streets of Los Angeles, you're immediately transported into a world where vampires, werewolves, and other supernatural creatures lurk in the shadows. The game's setting is a modern gothic masterpiece, blending the eerie and the familiar in a way that few other RPGs have managed to replicate.

Choices Matter

One of the game's standout features is its emphasis on player choice. Every decision you make, from the alliances you form to the people you feed on, impacts the game's narrative and your character's progression. This level of choice and consequence was groundbreaking when the game was released, and it remains a hallmark of its design.

A World of Darkness

"Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines" draws heavily from the World of Darkness tabletop RPG series, and it masterfully captures the essence of this rich and complex universe. The game offers players a chance to immerse themselves in the intricate lore, political intrigue, and moral dilemmas that define the World of Darkness.

Unmatched Level Design

Now, let's talk about what truly sets "Bloodlines" apart – its level design. The game features a series of meticulously crafted mission areas that are nothing short of awe-inspiring. Whether you're sneaking through a haunted mansion, infiltrating a creepy asylum, or navigating the seedy underbelly of Hollywood, each location feels like a living, breathing part of the game world.

What makes these levels truly remarkable is the attention to detail. Every room, every corridor, and every hidden nook is designed with care, adding layers of depth and immersion to the experience. The missions themselves are diverse and compelling, often allowing for multiple approaches and strategies. You can play as a suave talker, a stealthy rogue, or a bloodthirsty combatant – the choice is yours.

The level design also serves as a storytelling tool. It's not just about aesthetics; it's about conveying the atmosphere and narrative of each location. Whether you're exploring the opulent society of the Venture Tower or delving into the twisted secrets of the Ocean House Hotel, the level design enhances the storytelling in ways that few other games can match.

Conclusion

"Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines" isn't just a game; it's an experience. It's a testament to the power of immersive storytelling, player agency, and, of course, exceptional level design. While many RPGs have come and gone, "Bloodlines" remains a shining example of how to create a rich and memorable game world.

So, in the grand pantheon of RPGs, "Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines" unquestionably deserves its place among the greatest. Its level design alone is a masterclass in game development and continues to inspire game designers to this day. If you haven't had the pleasure of sinking your fangs into this classic, it's high time you give it a try – just be sure to watch your Masquerade.

Stay cheeky, and happy gaming!

- Raz

PS. If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to Cyberpunk Online. We have so much more cooking!

[vivianbernadetteaurora]

My conspiracy for this information goes back long long time ago, and I believe it all started on the red carpet at the moment when would really look up to Aaliyah, Aaliyah and Beyoncé were polar opposites. If you wanna think about appearances, Beyoncé was voluptuous and blonde and curvy and light skin, Aaliyah with slender, darker skin and beautiful face., they both carried that superstar essence, I have literally just uploaded a video to one of my TikTok accounts about how I believe Jay-a( jay-Z if you really cared about Allah and wanted to be with her, why would you do a whole tour with R. Kelly? That’s some libra moon shit right there. No loyalties but then woman out with you that tell you that you’re the world. I’m sorry that’s just how I feel. I know many of them .

 Aaliyah wasn’t going to take that kind of crap off a man. This woman was a Capricorn, son and Aquarius rising. I won’t even say that she’s a Virgo moon fuck check this before I finish it anyway Beyoncé and Jay-Z go to film the music video drunk in Love in 2013 on the same beach, where Aaliyah filmed her last video rock the boat which she didn’t come back from. She had a pain crash. Apparently she was given a sleeping tablet and wasn’t able to be carried that load it wasn’t strong enough.

 Anyway to go back Aaliyah‘s moon sign is in Virgo. This is the important part, horizon sign is an Aquarius, so when you look at the rising sign which is the first house you want to look for the ruling planet of that sign and then that sign planet becomes your ruling planet in your birth chart so hers would be Uranus in modern, and Saturn in traditional has Saturn was in Virgo and how Uranus was in Scorpio, I’m still learning numerology guys so once I get back to you with that I’ll have so much more information but if we want to go into Beyoncé and Jay-Z top I’m happy to.

Both these women had femme fatale qualities don’t get me wrong. They’re both air sign women, and Aaliyah had a lot of earth in her chart a lot a lot and she had that beautiful subtle quality about her. I’m in Beyoncé. She won’t do interviews anymore which I get Beyoncé is not so good with her words wasn’t it Wendy Williams he wants said she talks like a fourth grade or whatever. Yeah, TV wasn’t really full Beyoncé anymore, and now she’s gone into this element of rich with Jay-Z where they team up together and become this power duo and believe me in Hollywood. A lot of these power duos are just like connected for work, and work alone.

So outside they could be having other activity, so when the lounge got caught in the elevator doing that Jay-Z, maybe that’s why Beyoncé stayed so quiet and stood back because because she knew that he humiliation in the background as it was gonna come, and even Matthew knows, use it as another PR stunt don’t be full boy like the whole PR thing because I have only recently and like the last year also that these couples aren’t really couples a lot of the time. A lot of them can’t come out is gay#LoveYourself,SoTheyHaveToGetBeardsABeardIsSomebodyWhoGetsWithUsOppositesex partner and they stay with them to make them present straight, but really like on the side of these people are living a gay existence. A good example from old Hollywood would be Rock Hudson Rock Hudson. Obviously not Israel name, that’s another thing they change your name Hudson in fact got married to his agents, mother or sister or something like that, but it was a happy marriage because they know what they expected. I actually think gay marriage would be like really cool because you’d get treated really well over a star Phil, and yeah I don’t think it’s good for the person who has to hide the sexuality that is wrong. I’m not saying Jay is gay and I’m not saying Beyoncé‘s lesbian although there are rumours about Beyoncé, this is all I’m gonna talk on it for now but just look at it. Look at the trophy on the beach. I’m drunk in love and listen to rock the boat backwards and look up what Beyoncé‘s name means, then look up what Allah’s name means. Much love. Stay safe, XOXO

Mayo also add that Virgo rising Jay-Z, Virgo, son, Beyoncé, Virgo, moon, Aaliyah, Scorpio, Venus,jay z  Scorpio, moon, Beyoncé, Scorpio, Uranus, Aaliyah. libra, rising, Beyoncé Libra, Venus Beyoncé, libra, Pluto, Aaliyah and Beyoncé, and Libra moon, Jay-Z. If you know in the astrological community, you will see how this is a bit fucked up.

[scarscannotbereplaced]

Bruce Lee: The Scorpio Rising Legend

Alright, let’s dive into the legend that is Bruce Lee. This guy wasn’t just a martial artist; he was a force of nature, a storm wrapped in flesh. And it’s no surprise when you look at his chart – second decan Scorpio rising, with a Scorpio sun blazing in the first house. This man was the epitome of raw, unfiltered power and intensity.

Second Decan Scorpio Rising (Ruled by Jupiter with Pisces Influence)

Bruce Lee’s second decan Scorpio rising was ruled by Jupiter, giving him an expansive, philosophical edge. But don’t let that fool you into thinking he was all talk. This decan is a blend of Scorpio’s relentless drive and Pisces’ deep, emotional currents. It’s the perfect storm for a man who not only mastered the physical realm but also dove deep into the philosophical aspects of martial arts.

Bruce wasn’t just a fighter; he was a warrior-poet. His aura? Dark, intense, and magnetic. He walked into a room and you felt it – an electric charge, a silent promise of power. His Scorpio rising made him mysterious, almost untouchable, with a depth that few could fathom. He didn’t just train his body; he trained his mind and soul, embodying the very essence of “be water, my friend.” That’s pure Scorpio wisdom – adapting, flowing, yet powerful enough to carve mountains.

Scorpio Sun in the First House

With his Scorpio sun blazing in the first house, Bruce Lee was a beacon of intensity and transformation. The first house is all about self-identity, and with Scorpio here, Bruce’s identity was wrapped up in themes of power, rebirth, and mastery. He wasn’t just born; he was forged, like steel in a furnace.

This placement made him fiercely independent, a man who charted his own path. He was cutthroat in his pursuit of excellence, pushing himself beyond any conceivable limits. Detachment? Absolutely. He wasn’t here to make friends; he was here to leave a legacy. And boy, did he ever. He redefined martial arts, not just as a physical discipline but as a way of life, a philosophy.

Martial Arts and Philosophy

Bruce Lee’s martial arts philosophy was a direct reflection of his Scorpio rising and sun. He believed in stripping away the non-essential, cutting right to the core – a very Scorpionic approach. Jeet Kune Do, his personal martial arts philosophy, was all about simplicity and directness, rejecting the traditional for the efficient and effective. This wasn’t just martial arts; it was a manifestation of his inner world – intense, efficient, lethal.

He didn’t just fight; he studied his opponents, understood them at their core, and then dismantled them piece by piece. His Scorpio energy gave him the ability to see through facades, to understand motivations and weaknesses. He was a master tactician, a strategist who didn’t just react but anticipated.

Accomplishments and Legacy

Let’s not beat around the bush – Bruce Lee was a goddamn legend. He shattered racial barriers in Hollywood, brought martial arts to the global stage, and inspired generations. His Scorpio sun and rising sign endowed him with an unyielding will and a transformative presence. He wasn’t just a star; he was a supernova, burning bright and leaving an indelible mark on the world.

Bruce Lee’s life was a testament to the power of Scorpio – the relentless pursuit of mastery, the deep understanding of self and others, and the transformative impact of one’s inner fire. He was a warrior in every sense, not just on the battlefield but in life.

[steelbluehome]

"(Sebastian Stan) does an excellent job, going beyond impersonation to capture the essence of the man. In a character study of a public figure both widely parodied and unwittingly self-parodying, Stan gives us a more nuanced take on what makes him tick"

The Hollywood Reporter

‘The Apprentice’ Review: Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong Are Superb in Chilling Account of the Unholy Alliance That Birthed Donald Trump (click for article)

Maria Bakalova and Martin Donovan also star in Ali Abbasi’s detailed chronicle of the future U.S. president’s rise in the 1970s and ‘80s under the tutelage of cutthroat lawyer Roy Cohn.

David Rooney

MAY 20, 2024 10:00AM PDT

To clear any confusion up front, The Apprentice has nothing to do with the NBC reality competition of that name, in which Donald Trump sifted through a field of aspiring businesspeople to identify the most promising of them, sending an eliminated contestant home each week with the brutal dismissal, “You’re fired!” On the other hand, you could say that Ali Abbasi’s biographical drama has everything to do with the television series.

It’s a reverse reflection of the mentorship process, in which the host becomes the hungry young upstart, laying the foundations for a business empire built in part out of smoke and mirrors, and operating under the guidance of a master manipulator.

Written by political journalist and Roger Ailes biographer Gabriel Sherman, the movie is first and foremost the story of a Faustian pact, in which the eager apprentice is schooled to ditch conventional notions of morality, ethics and empathy, eventually surpassing his Mephistophelean teacher in cold emotional detachment.

While a disclaimer acknowledges that some elements have been slightly fictionalized, the vast majority of Sherman’s screenplay deals in known facts. That could be considered a limitation, since many will wonder what’s the point of a movie that tells us nothing new.

One thing that will be interesting about this first English-language feature from Iranian-Danish filmmaker Abbasi — who forged his reputation in Cannes with Borders and Holy Spider and directed the terrific closing episodes of the first season of The Last of Us — is who will be its audience. Will either side want to see this? With no U.S. distribution deal in place as yet, that remains a mystery.

Liberals will see it as a stomach-churning making-of-a-monster account while the MAGA faithful might conceivably misconstrue it as an endorsement of their guy, who has made the killer instinct his brand. That’s not to say the movie’s political sympathies are unclear. But if the Trump years have taught us anything, it’s that truth is elastic and perception can be skewed to whatever angle is most expedient.

Beyond the specific portrait of the man identified by his vanity plates as DJT (Sebastian Stan) and the barracuda who took him under his wing, Roy Cohn (Jeremy Strong), the movie takes a broader view of the corruption of the American soul.

Sherman’s script zooms in on Trump when he’s a lieutenant in the employ of his real estate baron father, Fred Trump (Martin Donovan, scary), collecting rent from tenants who obviously loathe the landlord and his policies. The family business is under attack in a civil rights suit alleging violations of the Fair Housing Act, stemming from Trump Sr.’s discriminatory policies against Black prospective tenants. “How can I be racist when I have a Black driver?” bellows Fred.

It stretches from the crooked end of the Nixon years, a boon for sourness and and cynicism, through the Reagan presidency and the ascendancy of corporate greed. That time span consecrated the supremacy of the “winner” and the contemptuous mockery of the “loser,” one of the most obnoxious commonplace denigrations in American life. The chief tenet Trump learns from Cohn takes the distinction one step further, asserting that the world is divided into killers and losers.

Donald is eager to get out from under the old man’s shadow. The opening sequence shows him striding through the heart of Manhattan, a less graceful version of Tony Manero in Saturday Night Fever, at a time of rising crime and fiscal disaster, when the town’s reputation had gone from “Fun City” to “Fear City.” His eyes are fixed on the crumbling Commodore Hotel by Grand Central Station, the site of his first luxury development.

Fred Trump is only marginally warmer to Donald than to his first-born son Freddy (Charlie Carrick). The latter’s airline pilot job is a source of shame to his father, who calls him “a flying bus driver.” Donald seizes an opportunity to win parental approval after a chance meeting with Cohn at members-only ‘70s nightspot Le Club. An amusing moment has him trying to impress his date by running down a list of the famous, important and wealthy who frequent the place. “Why are you so obsessed with these people?” she asks, before going off to powder her nose.

Cohn is indignant that anyone should try to tell Fred Trump to whom he can rent; he uses compromising information about a D.A. to get the case thrown out. That gets the Feds off Donald’s father’s back and clears the way for him to get investors on board for the Commodore project. A meeting engineered by Cohn yields a strategic partnership with Hyatt.

The lawyer who proudly sent the Rosenbergs to the electric chair and was a key force in the McCarthy witch hunts is a great role for Strong. He makes the character suitably icy, a fast talker with a withering stare and an almost inhuman intensity. The actor has fun with the hypocrisy of an unapologetic dirty trickster who claims unwavering fidelity to “truth, justice and the American way.” Sherman makes sure we see how the entire Trump playbook was forged out of their alliance.

It’s somewhat predictable that when Cohn early on explains his three cardinal rules, Trump will later claim credit for them as his own credo: 1. Attack. Attack. Attack. 2. Admit nothing. Deny everything. 3. Claim victory and never admit defeat.

While there are faint glimmers of a moral conscience in some of Stan’s early scenes, such concerns are quickly swept aside once Donald starts seeing the results Cohn gets with bullying chicanery. His gaze hardens, along with his lacquered hair, as he begins to construct a persona based on Cohn’s teachings.

There’s wry humor in the way Trump chooses to ignore the lawyer’s hedonistic excesses, along with the side-eye of Roy’s unofficial boyfriend Russell (Ben Sullivan). The ease with which Cohn tosses out anti-gay slurs while denying his own homosexuality is just one dish in a smorgasbord of double standards. The tenuousness of Trump’s loyalty becomes apparent later when AIDS hits first Russell, then Roy.

That’s seen as a factor in Trump’s gradual distancing of himself from Cohn — until he needs his counsel again — but mainly it’s because the student overtakes the teacher, often shrugging off his advice. It’s to Strong’s credit that, while playing an odious, utterly irredeemable human being, he finds notes of pathos in Cohn’s decline.

One matter in which Donald ignores Roy’s cautionary warnings is his determination to marry Ivana Zelnickova, despite the Czech model’s repeated attempts to brush him off. Trump’s first wife is played by Maria Bakalova with savvy self-possession and what seems like full awareness of her husband’s negative attributes, plus a convenient ability to overlook them. She also shows signs of sensitivity that make her mildly sympathetic.

But the marriage begins disintegrating once Donald tires of her. One primary reason is seemingly that she has a head for business and he finds that unattractive. His wandering eye and ample opportunities for philandering don’t help either. “Donald has no shame,” says Ivana at one point with matter-of-fact disdain, and she means it literally.

In addition to feeling he has outgrown Cohn as he becomes more at home with tax avoidance, unpaid contracts and various other questionable means of expanding his empire, Trump also flips the tables on his father, talking down to the man who once intimidated him. It’s implicit in his increasingly self-satisfied, blowhard demeanor that he doesn’t truly feel he owes anything to anyone.

A lot can be observed about Trump’s attitude toward women from his devolving relationship with Ivana, and one shocking scene that will likely raise hackles with the former president’s supporters feeds into the multiple accusations of sexual abuse against him.

The most revealing scenes are Donald’s seeming distance from a family tragedy that he might have helped prevent had he been more giving, and his private display of grief, refusing to show vulnerability even to those closest to him. It’s the steady hardening of his nature that defines the characterization — the stern glare, the mouth set in a sullen pout, the sheer amount of physical space his persona takes up. Stan makes it plain that this is just as much a part of Trump’s performance as his own.

Some will argue that Stan’s performance in the central role is a touch too likeable, but the actor does an excellent job, going beyond impersonation to capture the essence of the man. In a character study of a public figure both widely parodied and unwittingly self-parodying, Stan gives us a more nuanced take on what makes him tick.

Abbasi and cinematographer Kasper Tuxon (The Worst Person in the World) give the movie a grainy texture that evokes the ‘70s and ‘80s, while the neon yellow main title credits instantly suggest vintage television. Bringing the era to life with tacky authenticity, Aleks Marinkovich’s production design lavishes particular attention on the vulgar ostentatiousness of Trump’s domain once he cracks the big time and Laura Montgomery’s costumes walk the line separating expensive from stylish or classy.

It might be considered a cheap shot to show Trump undergoing liposuction and a hair transplant in queasy detail at a grave moment for someone close to him. But that kind of disconnect from anyone else’s suffering is a key part of the portrait. What Abassi’s film reveals most of all is the extent to which the toxicity that’s now an inescapable part of our contemporary reality was shaped by the unholy alliance between two men half a century ago.

The Apprentice

THE BOTTOM LINE

The art of the heel.

Venue: Cannes Film Festival (Competition)

Cast: Sebastian Stan, Jeremy Strong, Maria Bakalova, Martin Donovan, Catherine McNally, Charlie Carrick, Ben Sullivan, Mark Rendall, Joe Pingue, Jim Monaco, Bruce Beaton, Ian D. Clark

Director: Ali Abbasi

Screenwriter: Gabriel Sherman

2 hours

[majaloveschris]

Prove this is real and not PR /

The proof is Chris himself. If this were merely a PR contract he didn't need to have her friends over his houses multiple times. He wouldn't have invited her on his family vacation. There are many many things pointing towards this not being PR. You just gotta take the blinkers off.

I get what you are saying: the essence of a PR relationship is to make people believe it's real. Which means it has to look authentic, so she needs to be at his place and spend time with his family. That's how most PR relationships work.

I'm not saying I know they are PR, but we shouldn't act like people don't do PR relationships in Hollywood, and if this is PR, it would be the first relationship that is not real.

[cozyaliensuperstar7]

Beautiful Black People 👑

essence:

“The thing that keeps me strong is my certainty.” - Nkechi Okoro Carroll

Nkechi Okoro Carroll is a groundbreaking writer and producer, penning our stories with authenticity and inclusive storytelling that is second to none.

As showrunner for All American, she is not afraid to tackle timely social issues, including police brutality, mental health, gun violence, substance abuse, activism, racial profiling, and teen pregnancy.

With her talent, passion, and unwavering commitment to championing underrepresented voices, she continues to illuminate the way forward towards a more inclusive and equitable entertainment industry in front of the camera and behind the scenes.

The 2024 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards is proud to celebrate this year’s honorees who have brought radiant power to the big and small screens through their work as film and television creatives. #ESSENCEBWIH24

Talent: @kech99

Photographer: @sheekswinsalways \nStylist: @jasonrembert

Hair: @dhairiusnyc \nMakeup: @missdrini Nails: @rachelsuenails

Set Design: @wanenmacherstudios Tailor: @costumer.shirlee

Location: @smashboxstudios Retouching: refuge.retouch

Production: @themorrisongroup ESSENCE, SVP, Creative: @coreytstokes ESSENCE, Senior Content Director: @itsnandibby ESSENCE, Visual Director: @_mq______

essence:

“Give me a world that I haven’t seen before, and that’s what excites me.” - Kathryn Busby

President of Original Programming at STARZ, Kathryn Busby, is amplifying Black stories and launching some of the most-watched television series in programming history.

The Harvard University graduate with over 25 years of experience impressive resume includes work on numerous noteworthy projects and green lighting must-see TV like BMF, Power Book III: Raising Kanan, P-Valley, Power Book II: Ghost, and Power Book IV: FORCE. Through her board appointments and career, Kathryn has continued to spearhead initiatives that impact real change as a longtime champion for diversity, equity, and representation in the entertainment industry.

The 2024 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards is proud to celebrate this year’s honorees who have brought radiant power to the big and small screens through their work as film and television creatives. #ESSENCEBWIH24

Talent: @busbykat

Photographer: @sheekswinsalways Stylist: @jasonrembert

Hair: @imawinner

Makeup: @elaboratefaces

Nails: @rachelsuenails

Set Design: @wanenmacherstudios Tailor: @costumer.shirlee

Location: @smashboxstudios Retouching: refuge.retouch

Production: @themorrisongroup ESSENCE, SVP, Creative: @coreytstokes ESSENCE, Senior Content Director: @itsnandibby ESSENCE, Visual Director: @_mq______

bet:

The title and the crown are custom-fit for the Queen.

It’s only fitting this #WomensHistoryMonth to announce the one and only @QueenLatifah will return and grace the stage with her unmatched royal presence at this year’s #NAACPImageAwards alongside some changemakers who redefined culture as we know it:

Chairman’s Award Honoree @AmandascGorman

Vanguard Award Honoree @JuneAmbrose

Stay tuned for more announcements of excellence before the show LIVE on MARCH 16 at 8/7c on @BET✨

juneambrose:

🙏🏽 Repost from • Costume designer, creative director, and influencer will receive the Vanguard Award at the 55th . 🏆✨ Watch March 16 at 8pm ET on .

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What’s a QUEEN without a reign?! 👑That’s right, the flyest girl is back in the building, and @queenlatifah will take the stage once again as our #NAACPImageAwards host! It’s time to step into her house for some weekend love with family.

Join the royal court as we celebrate U.N.I.T.Y. and a whole lot of Black excellence on March 16th at 8\7c on #BET.

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We have lifted every voice and sang to the tune of for US by US and to US as a mantra.

From Jackie Robinson to Rosa Parks, we have been seated and steadfast in the calling that we are all we need. We have triumphed in the knowing that we are the chosen ones. To be Black is a blessing. To be Black is a calling that we’ve answered time and time again. We are radical. We are resilient. We are loving. We are changemakers. We are Us. What would the world be without the touch and the aura of our natural being?

The revolution will be televised on 3\16. We have marched. We have overcome, and yet we are still overcoming. To celebrate us in all of our glory and excellence is a privilege. We welcome you and your God-given gifts and exalt your talents as they are worthy of praise.

The #NAACPImageAwards. This one is for Us.