nickelsonwooster:

Color Block.

For those interested in the life of Yves Saint Laurent, I highly recommend you see the film “L’Amour Fou”, which is a documentary about the auctioning off of his entire estate after his death.

To describe the estate’s collection as luxurious and beautiful is an understatement. Just the mere glimpses you see as the camera crew makes its way though the various homes is breathtaking. 

The film relies heavily on its interview with Pierre Berge, Mr. Saint Laurent’s long-time business and life partner (and in Mr. Saint Laurent’s final days, husband). Berge provides the framing for the film’s narrative, which revisits not only Mr. Saint Laurent’s biography and work, but also his demons.

I’d definitely recommend you check out this film if you’re interested in art, fashion or biographies of interesting people.

(via nickelsonwooster)

Review: “Bill Cunningham New York”

For those unaware, the film’s subject, Bill Cunningham, is the street-style photographer who writes, shoots and even helps design his “On the Street” feature for The New York Times.

The documentary hits all the necessary points for a film that seeks to explore the life of a human subject, but it helps tremendously that Cunningham is so damned charming and — I rarely use this word to describe people — sweet in his demeanor that you get swept into this film’s narrative of a man who loves his work.

And I think that’s the most important reason to see this movie — we ought to be reminded of what it means to have a passion for something in our lives that transcends all other concerns. Indeed, we see that Cunningham’s love of his work has left him with an uncaring concern for his living quarters, his paycheck, his meals consumed and even a personal love life (which the film briefly — and emotionally — touches on).

I couldn’t personally help but want to find and pursue an interest with such great passion and achieve the clear joy Cunningham has at his work, but I doubt that I — or many of us — could or would do so at the cost of so many other things. The film leaves you wondering that if you want to be great at something, then does that mean you have to sacrifice everything else along the way? It is comforting to know, however, that Cunningham’s pursuit and life has given him great joy and surrounded him with appreciation and admiration from those of whom he’s touched, and photographed, through the decades.

I don’t think you have to be a fan of fashion, style, photography, journalism or documentaries to enjoy this film. If you have a desire to see a person driven and genuinely happy, then make it a priority to take 90 minutes of your time to see “Bill Cunningham New York”.

If you’re in Chicago, then consider going to watch the film this week at the Music Box Theatre. It is playing daily (through Thursday, June 16th) at 5 p.m. More information on showtimes and the film here.

Related links:

• Roger Ebert review of “Bill Cunningham New York”
• Theatrical trailer of “Bill Cunningham New York”
• Bill Cunningham’s “On the Street” column in The New York Times
• Bill Cunningham’s self-reflective column from 2002: “Bill on Bill”

Showings for “Bill Cunningham: New York” have been extended at Chicago’s Music Box Theatre — I’m pretty happy about this, as I didn’t think I’d be able to see it since I’m out of town right now. It’s playing through June 2nd.