So what’s been inspiring us so far this month? Think witty adventures of a hotel concierge, as Chris goes along to the movies (as usual) to see Wes Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel, while Ramesh finds inspiration from Maagi’s old guitar, we explore the craft of paper animation and Stephanie searches for the perfect dining table (on a tight budget).
Chris LOVES… The Grand Budapest Hotel
Whenever a Wes Anderson film is announced, I immediately begin scouring the internet for anything and everything I can find about the story’s premise, soundtrack and possible cast of eclectic actors. And for good reason: he’s made some incredibly influential films over the last decade or so, with his latest offering no exception.
My fanboy obsession started when I first saw 2001’s The Royal Tenenbaums, and I’ve been completely fascinated and inspired by the world’s created in the director’s wonderfully stylistic films ever since. From his swift camera movements and dry sense of humour, to the immaculate costumes and rich colour palettes he creates on screen, it’s all here in leaps and bounds in The Grand Budapest Hotel. With this film, we’re witnessing a director at one with his craft, a craft that he can clearly call his own.
The film is set in a gloriously fancy hotel in the fictional European nation of Zubrowka. The story is told from the perspective of one Zero Moustafa, as he recounts his adventures with his former mentor M. Gustave H, a charmingly organized concierge, perfectly played by Ralph Fiennes ‘darling’. Zero originally joins the hotel as a refugee bellboy, but is soon take under the wing of the meticulous Gustave H, becoming his closest friend. We very quickly learn that Gustave not only manages every detail of the hotel, but also beds his elderly guests who frequently visit, including the enormously rich Madame D (Tilda Swinton). When she is mysteriously murdered, an ugly battle for her fortune takes place between her extended family, headed by eldest son and assumed heir Dmitri (Adrien Brody). However, when the most prized possession in her will Boy with Apple is left to Gustave, drama, theft and murder immediately pursues.
The film is an outright adventure, with so many comedic twists and turns along the way designed to delight as much as they do steer the story forward. We’re treated to Wes Anderson’s unique take on jailbreak, hilarious ski chases and even an out an out gun shootout; all set against the backdrop of a menacing political war in Europe.
All in all, The Grand Budapest Hotel is a visual treat not to be missed, especially if you’re already a fan of Anderson’s iconic style and misfit characters. Highly recommended April viewing…
Maagi LOVES his new Fender guitar. Ramesh LOVES Maagi’s old Ashton acoustic
Have we mentioned that we have a couple of musicians in the office? Other than a couple of wannabe singers, who we won’t mention for fear of having them perform again for us; we’re also graced with a couple of guitar players. This month they even exchanged an instrument. Maagi decided to part with his Ashton acoustic guitar, replacing it with a beautiful Fender semi-electric Royal (you can see both models below). Ramesh, who recently took up the instrument decided to buy Maagi’s old Ashton and make it his own. We’re yet to hear the results of his practice, but hope they are both inspired enough to play for us in the office.
Paper Animation
This month’s cover image depicts a paper animated rendition of Bondi Beach, courtesy of our incredibly talented in-house designer Maagi. It got us thinking about the beautiful craft of paper art itself. A style as visually stunning as it is clever and inspired. Here are some example of our favourite paper works depicting small towns, big cities and even traffic jams.
http://www.dadomani.com/works/details/73/Lavazza+-+Favola+A+modo+mio/
Stephanie’s Search for the perfect dining table
When I first moved out of home I was lucky enough to have family members and friends donate bits and pieces of furniture to me, which I’m very grateful for. So it wasn’t like I had to start from scratch with an empty apartment, even though that could of been fun. Over the past few months though, I’ve been replacing what I guess you could call ‘hand me downs’ with my own bits of furniture; and I’ve got to say, it’s pretty fun. An overall style is beginning to take shape, even if that shape is shared by a couple of roommates. It’s nice to start filling the place with things that are a little more me. This month I’ve decided to buy a new dining table. However, making a final decision can be quite stressful. I’ve narrowed it down to 3 options, but I just can’t seem to stop my mouse from hovering over the buy button. Decisions decisions…
1. http://www.daregallery.com.au/a/dining-tables-1/dare-gallery/vic/australia/malmo-180cm-dining-table/100056594
2. http://www.westelm.com.au/arc-base-pedestal-table-g490.html?sc=124&category=2819364