Movie of the Week: Paris When It Sizzles (1964)

Paris when it Sizzles certainly started off with a bang leaving the audience wondering what is going on. They're left to piece the story together that Richard Benson (played by William Holden) is writing a screenplay and Ms. Simpson (played by Audrey Hepburn) is translating his story into print on the typewriter. It becomes obvious that Ms. Simpson is taken with Benson when he acts quite unprofessional around her- often touching her while telling the story she is supposed to be typing up. In many cases- she can't even properly reach the typewriter because his lips are wrapped around hers. The story bounces back and forth between the duo writing the screenplay, and the duo acting AS the screenplay while the screenplay is still being written. In the screenplay Benson is composing- they both act as spies and are trying to loot a certain film so they can make a profit- but it goes terribly wrong and at the end of Benson's screenplay he is shot trying to escape on a private jet and Hepburn is left crying at his side in medieval revers and a hennin no less! After Ms. Simpson has completed tying the story, she begins to tear up- asking him if there could be a happy ending to the script. Benson quickly tells her that she or anything else (including his scripts) doesn't mean a thing to him and throws her out of his house. She quickly finds another man to spend some brief time with at a local festival but is quickly interrupted by a steaming Richard Benson who so quickly professes that he loves her after losing her to another man. He punches the man she was with and they run away together and decide to write a more romantic script. They kiss at the end, and ba-da-boom.... a full-blown fairy tale, kids. 

In my opinion, Hepburn is no less stunning than in Green Mansions or even perhaps Breakfast at Tiffany's... but certainly not Funny Face. Funny Face trumps them all. In any case, I found this film very entertaining in the beginning- a real go getter for action, romance, and a bit of mystery. Also, the costumes are classically beautiful with a Hollywood twist when the audience is treated to a costume party! Audrey Hepburn lives on!
*screencaps by me

love, polly

Portfolio Review in Chicago!

Last weekend I traveled to Chicago to the University of Illinois Chicago to present my portfolio along with other theatre students from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. It was a successful weekend in my opinion, but I'm just ready to find a job and realize more about my dreams. I was happy to show everyone who came by my table about the photo-shoots, films, music videos, dances, and productions I've designed. I'm excited for the future and I'm excited to share my hard work with you! Have a lovely Wednesday!

love, polly :)

Costume Designing Once Upon a Time in 1977

We started filming Once Upon a Time in 1977 two weeks ago in Champaign at the White Horse Inn. It's a new film I'm working on directed by Chris and Anne Lukeman of Kill Vampire Lincoln Productions. You might remember when I costume designed Once Upon a Time in 1972... if not, here and here are a couple of the behind the scenes posts.... here and here and here is the trailer.

 This film is a sequel to the 1972 film. Thanks for taking a peek at our adventures in film making!

Me adjusting the main character Jon's outfit and my suitcases full of accessories.

 Chris Lukeman, the director and writer.

 Me chatting with the cast about costumes!

 First seven photos taken by Celine Antoinette Photography. Remaining photos below taken by me.

 Some of the costumes for the film waiting for extras!

 Our pimp-bots!

 Haha. Hannah took this picture of me eating carrots on set. Thanks, Hannah.

 SHOES of the main characters.

Jon and Maggie: the two of the main characters in costume.

That's all for now... but I did take a cute "behind the scenes video" as well. We will see if Anne and Chris let me share it before the film releases :)

Also..... many many thanks to my wonderful friend Stanley Lee of Le Shoppe who let us borrow from his amazing shop. WE LOVE YOU!

love, polly :)

on the Had He Fidelity set..

Hi, there! I've been super busy the past few days! Here are a couple photos from the set of the short film I am currently costume designing called, "Had He Fidelity." I am helping out with the make up in this photo! Thanks so much to Thomas Paine for these photos!

back to class! I have so much to attend to! Hope your week is going well!

love, polly :D

short film fashion

'

My friend Ben had an assignment for one of his art classes to make a video and he decided to use me! Yesterday we filmed in a park walking around in this dress with my suitcase and umbrella. It's a silent film with a soundtrack made by another student at the University of Illinois. It will become available *soon* on Vimeo soon for you to see! I'll share more about the concept of the video when it gets posted. For now, here are some stills that Ben took of me while filming :)

love, polly :)