Queen of Hearts

On the 28th of August 1996, Prince Charles and Princess Diana's divorce was finalized. The messy affair had come to an end, but not without any consequences. The Princess was stripped of her title as "Her Royal Highness" and would forever remain as "Diana, Princess of Wales". But the biggest impact concerned her two young sons, William, 13, and Harry, 11. 

My story isn't about an original character, but it is still about a real-life event. Basically, it is a rewriting of the royal divorce within a fairy tale setting, and seen through the eyes of a young Prince William. During the divorce, Prince William tried to comfort his mother by saying, "Don't worry, Mummy. I will give it back to you one day when I am King."  I hope it's not too confusing.

*~*~*~*

          A long time ago, there existed a beautiful kingdom under the rule of a beautiful Queen. Her subjects adored her compassion for the young and old, the rich and poor, and the wanted and ousted. Her soldiers obeyed her every command for she was skilled in warfare, and courageous in battle. But above all, she shone the brightest in her children’s eyes.

The kingdom prospered under their beloved Queen, but one day, this happiness came to an end. It all began when the Queen decided to leave.  

                                                                       I hope for your health

And also your safety

I hope to be here forever

So you’ll never be lonely

A sense of discomfort cloaked the kingdom on that day of misfortune. All the windows were shut for some of the people were mourning. White roses, the Queen’s favourite, were placed on each doorstep. A slight breeze swept away a single petal, whisking it through the avenue of the darkened figures, before floating into the carriage of William Louis and his younger brother, Henry.

“Are you sure there’s nothing we can do to change her mind?”

“I don’t know. I’ve tried everything.”

“Are you sure?”

“Henry, stop! She said we’ll see her again.”

“She didn’t say when.”

William sat silently, knowing that nothing he said could appease his brother. Even he wasn’t certain if his words were convincing enough. He tried his best to maintain a façade, but secretly he was scared. If he couldn’t make his own mother stay, how could he make an entire kingdom pledge their undying loyalty to an inexperienced King?

And so, the carriage drew the silent siblings to the palace. Two ceremonies would be taking place, a coronation for Alexander, and a farewell for his mother.

She was there, waiting for them, waiting to leave the people who loved her most.      

     

 I hope for your forgiveness

For the hurt I have caused

I hope for God to help you

Whenever you are lost

It was not a good day for the coachman. He was having trouble navigating the carriage along the busy roads. It didn’t help either that the cannons would boom four at a time every half an hour, frightening Snowy and Dusty into a neighing frenzy. It was strange, really, seeing this hubbub.

Never in his forty-five years of livelihood, had he seen such a contradicting occasion. People clad in mourning garb were weeping while some others were smiling; the ones in their colourful costumes weren’t any different, either. If you were looking down from a balcony, you would see a clashing mix of black, pink, orange, yellow, green, and grey bobbing together in the same direction.

As the carriage arrived in front of the entrance, the coachman took another look at the people behind the palace gates. He spotted an excited couple, trying their hardest to not get swallowed by the crowd. The man was wearing a golden carnival mask while holding tightly onto a woman covered by a black veil.

“The country’s gone mad,” whispered the coachman to himself.     

         

I hope for the best

On this journey you’re in

I hope you will catch

That elusive dream

           

            “Excuse me, Your Highnesses,” said the footman, “I bear a message from Her Majesty.”

            “What is it, Leon?”

            “Her Majesty would like to see you in her chambers, Your Highness.”

            “Did she say why?”

            “I’m afraid not.”

            Henry was anxiously tugging his hand.

            “Come on, Wills! Let’s not keep mother waiting.”

            Leon was startled. He knew he just made a mistake.

            “I-I’m sorry, Prince Henry, my apologies. Her Majesty only requested Prince William’s presence.”

            “Oh… Well, that’s all right,” Henry turned to his brother, their hands no longer linked. “Say hi for me, will you?” he asked, forcing a small smile.

           

I hope I won’t miss you

But we know that’s not true

I hope you’ll be happy

Oh dear, how I love you

            

            William stared at the sofa across from him. There sat the Queen with a teacup in hand, the perfect picture of aging elegance.

            “Why didn’t you let Henry join us?”

            “I don’t think I could bear it if I saw him.”

            “When will you return?”

            “Wrong question, my dear.”

            The tears threatened to fall. He couldn’t cry. Not now, not in front of his mother.

            “When will we meet?”

            “Soon, but not too soon, I hope.” Discreetly, she wiped her palms on the cushion.

           

            “My dear, may I ask of a favour?”

            “Yes?”

            ”Please, don’t forget me.”

            

            For the first time, he saw his mother unmasked. She was uncertain of what was waiting for her at the end. She was lost. She was like him.

           

           “I won’t, I promise.”

The Queen beamed back her signature smile. William realized it would be quite a while until he could see it again.

“Don’t worry, mother. When I am King, I’ll make sure you’ll get back everything they took away from you.”

“Oh William, thank you but that’s not necessary. I desire nothing else as long as you and Henry are still here.”

 He wished to say more, anything to lessen her pain, but unfortunately, he was interrupted by a door knock.

            

            “It’s time, Your Majesty, Your Highness,” Leon said, a solemn expression etched on his face.

            “Tell Henry I love him.”

 And with a peck on his cheek, she disappeared from his sight.

"Sorry girls, he's married."

"There was love all around

But I never heard them singing

No, I never heard it at all

Till there was you"

-Till There Was You

It all began in the fall of 1963 when popular TV host, the stocky Mr. Sullivan of the Ed Sullivan Show was walking through Heathrow Airport. That's when he noticed a mounting fervour from a large group of young girls by the terminal. Intrigued by the commotion, he asked the workers on what or who was the cause of such excitement.  

It was a British band called The Beatles, or "those bugs" as the famously forgetful Mr. Sullivan would remember them two months after that accidental encounter. The girls were eagerly awaiting the band's arrival after their successful stint as a warmup act in Stockholm. 

Whatever he witnessed must've clearly impressed him as he decided to book the band for his show. Initially,  he offered top dollar for a single appearance, but the band's manager, Brian Epstein, realized another alternative which would grant his clients an even better deal. He rejected Sullivan's offer, and instead crafted another one which would lead to The Beatles being paid bottom dollar for three appearances.

 And the rest, as they say, is history. 

Their American debut was broadcast on the 9th of February in 1964, attracting the attention of 75 million viewers (an extremely high number at the time). Beatles historians often joked that during the band's appearances, crime rates would actually drop because everyone was too caught up in watching those "four long-haired boys from England".

The British Invasion had arrived to change pop culture in its entirety.  

Back in the Fifties to the early Sixties, all women were expected to live up to a different standard. Their  behaviour should be lady-like (quiet and polite), their outfits in a certain style (dresses and knee-length skirts), and their posture must be proper (no slouching). 

Therefore, it came as a shock for Americans viewers at home to watch hundreds of hysterical young girls screaming, crying, and jumping in joy as The Beatles performed. To better  understand the sheer volume at the time, let's give it some context. 

It was SO loud, that the cameramen couldn't hear any of the camera director's orders through their HEADSETS. Even TV audiences could barely hear their songs because the screams completely overpowered and drowned the band. 

The Beatles appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show also marked history in the world of fashion. In the early days of their popularity, Epstein would have them wear suits, and only suits, during public appearances. These tailor-made suits were popularised by a subculture back in London, called Mod (short for modernist). It was a stark contrast to the band's Rock 'n' Roll Hamburg days. 

But most significantly, what caused greater impact were The Beatles' hairstyle, the mop-top. It wasn't only women who needed to dress in a certain way; the same could also be said for the men, especially in terms of outer appearance. Hair-wise, they either sported buzz cuts or a short slicked-back look.

It caused such commotion and confusion that the New York Herald Tribune came up with a proper description in 1964: 

"The Beatles' hairstyle is a mop effect that covers the forehead, some of the ears and most of the back of the neck."

Other American reporters were beside themselves with bewilderment:

'What excuses do you have for your collar-length hair?' 'What do you do with your long hair in the shower?' 'Do you have any plans for a hair cut?' 'Does your hair require any special care?'

Without the emergence of TV technology at the time, it is very much possible that Beatlemania wouldn't have existed at all.

         

   

The Black Issue

From left (L) to right (R): Liya Kebede, Sessilee Lopez, Jourdan Dunn, Naomi Campbell.

The July 2008 issue of Vogue Italia initiated an enormous buzz among the fashion elites upon its release. Some people dismissed it as a marketing gimmick, while some applauded the publication's initiative to increase awareness on the racial problem within the fashion industry.    

Toccara Jones.

From the articles to the photoshoots, only black models such as Naomi Campbell, and Jourdan Dunn, and prominent black international figures such as Michelle Obama were featured in the issue. It was also the first Vogue magazine to cast a plus-size model (Toccara Jones) in one of their fashion spreads.

What led to the creation of this issue? After all, the runway and ad campaigns have always lacked diversity, but power players such as  casting directors and fashion editors constantly chose to do nothing about it.

"London's not a white city, so why are our catwalks so white?" 

- Model, Jourdan Dunn..

Spurred by Barack Obama's 2008 presidential campaign, Vogue Italia editor, Franca Sozzani, together with Meisel discussed the possibilty of an all-black issue in February. She was also very much aware of the controversy surrounding the alarmingly under-representation of non-white models during the 07/08 New York Fashion Week. Things weren't looking good in Milan, either. Out of 1,084 looks, black models only walked out on the runway for 14 TIMES.

Consequently, it propelled former model and agent, Bethann Hardison, into organizing a discussion panel entitled "Blacks in Fashion" in September of 2007 which was attended by the likes of supermodels, Iman Abdulmajid and Naomi Campbell, alongside hip-hop mogul, Damon Dash.


"I have asked my advertising clients so many times, 'Can we use a black girl?' They say no. It all comes down to money."

-Photographer, Steven Meisel.

Additionally, it's interesting to note that the paid ads in the magazine predominantly featured white models; therefore, indirectly emphasizing the All Black Issue's significance towards the racial issue. Sozzani herself set out to disprove the notion that diversity doesn't sell.

Eventually, it turned out to be one of Vogue Italia's best-selling issues. It also marked a new milestone for the Conde Nast publication where it became the first Vogue Italia to be reprinted due to popular demand. Hence, Sozzani's risk became a powerful statement against a widespread misconception, and most importantly, in perpetuating an open discussion concerning the subtle discrimination in the fashion and advertising business.

The All Black Issue is just one of many examples which affirms the purpose of magazines not only as a news source, but they could even be news itself.  

First Time Filmmakers

This week, the class was divided into groups of five for our second assignment, a video project. We're required to shoot a 10 minute sitcom drama. So, we started brainstorming. After a few "umm's" and "ahh's", our ideas began forming into a cohesive story.

Theme: Friendship 
One thing that struck me from watching last semester's film was that most of it were thrillers. Now, it's not to say that those films were bad. For first time filmmakers, they were really, really well done.

 I just thought, "Wouldn't it be nice if there was a sweet film?"

I'm not talking about a romantic love. I'm thinking more of platonic love: friendship. It would have a coming-of-age feel to it, like Yasmin Ahmad's film, 'Tentang Bulan'.

Plot: The process of letting go.

It's a about a group of five friends. One of them has a terminal illness, and the story begins with her saying something along the lines of, "I'm recording the last days of my life."

She has had the illness for quite a while, and by the start of the film, she's predicted to only have a few days left. Therefore, she decides to record her last days as a memory for her friends. The conflict is when she makes up her mind to stop treatment so that she can spend time with her friends. Some of them object to this and insists she get back on her medication. 

Overall, it's about letting go of someone you love. How does a young person deal with the coming of death? 

Setting: Present and flashbacks.
It will be set in the present with some flashbacks of their past in between. Since the friend with the illness is recording her last moments, some shots would be in the POV of her camera. The flashbacks would have a different tone to it. Maybe sepia? The nostalgic feel would contrast nicely with the present shots.

Location: On campus, our houses, and a beach/park.

As the friends are college students, we'll need to shoot at the university. The houses are the backdrop for some of the more personal and emotional scenes. For first time actors like us, we'll probably need to be in a comfortable setting to emote. It'd be quite awkward to fake-cry or fake-fight on campus.

The beach/park will be the place where we apply the POV of her camera. Scenes like this would make the film more personal and relatable to the audience, I imagine. At least, I hope.

Well, that's all I have for know. Since it's still such a raw idea, I'm sure the other members can tweak and improve this story to produce a more polished product.

What She Wore

“She appeared to be one of those kind of little chicks between — could be any age up to 25. She did not look like a 13-year-old scared little thing.”

That was what actress, Anjelica Huston said in the defence of her friend, director Roman Polanski, who was convicted in 1977 for raping a 13 year old girl in Los Angeles. That was only one of the many excuses given since Polanski was declared a fugitive when he escaped from the States after his conviction.

The victim had repeatedly said no to his sexual advances, but like many people of power, he ignored her wishes. Even now, his work continues to be celebrated. His 2002 film, the Pianist, has won numerous BAFTA's and Oscar's. In 2009, several Hollywood elites such as Steven Speilberg and Woody Allen have petitioned for his release from a Swiss jail.

So, what does it say for mass media when directors like Polanski remain as a Hollywood power player?

Victim blaming plays a massive role in normalizing rape culture, and the stereotypical portrayal of women in the media is worsening the situation.

Most advertisements, tv shows, movies, and books desensitize and stimulate the audience towards the sexual objectification of women.

• A Dolce & Gabbana ad campaign glamorizing gang rape.

• Edward Cullen, hero of the Twilight series, is extremely possessive towards his love interest, Bella Swan. Some examples include entering her room without her permission, and disabling her car to prevent her from meeting her friends. It doesn't help either that the author romanticizes these actions instead of cautioning against them.

• Popular korean drama "Boys over Flowers" has the rich and handsome lead ordering his classmates to sexually harass and bully the heroine. Logically of course, they wind up as a couple by the end of the series.

• American Psycho's Patrick Bateman and his friends discuss their definition of a "hardbody":

• GQ's cover story on 'Glee.'

As the media continues to cultivate these shallow perceptions of women, public service announcement ads  such as the one posted above are crucial to counter those misogynistic ideals.

 There's even a documentary discussing the impact of these issues. In 2011, Miss Representation premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. Directed by Jennifer Siebel Newsom,it aims to spread awareness of the under-representation of women in media.

"Can You Resist the Temptation?"

Man, this game was so FRUSTRATING.

Just like Adam and Eve, I have failed to overcome the temptations of this evil, evil game. Produced by Hasbro, we, the peons of Media Appreciation were unsuspectingly lured into playing it.

The rules were simple, announced the overseer.

Each individual would be given a set of cards. The cards were embedded a certain word that would need to be described for the others to guess.

Does it sound simple? Don't worry, it's not.

Say the word given is "tuxedo", you must, under no circumstances utter the other words listed under "tuxedo". Those words are:

• wear
• black tie
• formal
• bow tie

Do you see the predicament, now?

Only a few prevailed while the others faltered. Some of the fallen accidentally uttered the answer, automatically eliciting the annoying buzzer. Some were too nervous to even begin, and some just started swearing (yours truly).

It was difficult at first. Numerous factors had to be taken care of at the same time.

• You need to beat the hour glass. 
• You had to restrain yourself from blurting your description, as the first word is often a taboo. 
• You must be fast in processing the taboos, and immediately improvise a different description.  
• You shouldn't let yourself be distracted by the piercing buzzer.
• You mustn't attempt to speak louder than your guessers when they're guessing. Accept the fact that they'll continue shouting even if you've stated that their answers are wrong.

After the initial attempt, I observed my classmates turns. The ones who were successful were calm, as they silently took in the taboos. As they started explaining, I noticed their eyes weren't trained towards the guessers. Instead, they were focused on the card. If a card took more than a minute, it would instantly be switched to another one.

The thought process is self-explanatory. Process means a series of actions or steps taken to achieve an end. It must be efficiently applied in order to win Taboo. When we see the given word, it triggers an explosion of ideas in our brain. The thought process helps to arrange those ideas into a logical interpretation.

By frequently playing Taboo, it trains your thought process to be quick, organized, and expressive. Therefore, you'll actually be able to present your thoughts in a concise, understandable, and short manner.

Comédie Noire

Black humour
Noun: the juxtaposition of morbid and farcical elements (in writing or drama) to give a disturbing effect.

Delicatessen
Noun: a store selling cold cuts, cheeses, a variety of salads, etc.

Film-makers Jean-Pierre Jeunet and Marc Caro successfully combined both of those two elements to create the artistic masterpiece, Delicatessen, their first feature film in 1991.

 A saccharine sweet love story, multiple comedic suicide attempts, and most importantly, the practice of cannibalism in a post-apocalyptic society are just among the few sub-plots of this whimsically sinister film.

Jean-Claude Dreyfus (Clapet)

Louison is a former clown who arrives at the delicatessen in response to a job vacancy. The butcher of the delicatessen, Clapet, is also the landlord of the apartment above. Louison would fill in the position of handyman for a few months. Initially, his presence was greeted with indifference by the other tenants, but eventually his kindness wins them over. The most interested was the butcher's timid daughter, Julie. Their story is a beautiful flower blooming among the ashes of a collapsed community. However, Julie knows that in order for Louison to love her, she must let him go.




Jean-Claude Dreyfus's performance as the heartless Clapet was quite impressive. He evoked empathy as a father, who in his own misguided methods tries to protect his daughter's innocence.

Marie-Laure Dognac (Julie) and Dominique Pinon (Louison)

Jeunet and Caro are experienced artistic directors, so it is expected for the film to be a visual feast .Each scene is illuminated with a specific colour scheme. The outdoors are tinted with a hazy feel, emphasising the barren wasteland of a fallen society. Jeunet remarked that the reason he put Marie-Laure Dognac (the actress playing Julie) in green during her date with Louison, was because it contrasted with the orange tones of her apartment. The same technique would be applied in Jeunet's subsequent critical success, Amelie.

The plot could be confusing at times if you're not paying attention, but I don't think that's possible. Even if the cinematography isn't enchanting enough, certain scenes will definitely do the job.