Before George Lucas became a juvenile baboon, he forged this cold, stark, strangely convincing vision of the future. Heavily indebted to Yevgeny Zamyatin’s novel We, THX-1138 reveals the sterile nightmare of emotional suppression, where sex and love are only a brief indulgence permitted to the doomed and insane. There is something seductively plausible about the way in which the population have given themselves up to an obscure ruling class, spending their days weeping into automated confession booths, wasting their nights on the mind-numbing entertainment offered by the state. Lucas’ frozen, spotless society is a utopia of sorts – a timeless paradise without feeling, obsessed with protection. This is an amazingly austere film, perfectly constructed, like the inner workings of a clockwork heart.
The original student film on which Thx-1138 was based is available to watch here:
When my parents went to Naples, Italy, 15 years ago, a taxi driver told my mother to hide her Mandarina Duck handbag under the back seat, the better to elude the city’s notorious thieves. If the image brings to mind an out-of-towner’s visit to New York during that same time, be assured that Naples is Naples, a city quite unlike any other, although it (much like New York) has overcome its reputation as a crime capital.
It is the city of Mount Vesuvio and Pompeii, of the Camorra Mafia and a continuing garbage-removal problem. It has the best tailors in Italy. We also know it as the backdrop of Pasolini’s “Il Decameron” and Billy Wilder’s “Avanti” and multiple films starring Sophia Loren. What is not so well known is that Naples is also home to a group of first-rate art galleries and emerging talent. While Turin still holds the title as the country’s premier destination for contemporary art, Naples is Italy’s best-kept secret. (more…)
Swahili. Taarab. Bandas. A trip to the Tanzanian island isn’t your everyday beach getaway.
A sexy beach vacation in Africa is nothing new. But prices in Cape Town have soared, and the once-pristine Kenyan coast has evolved into an African Cancún lined with high-rise hotels for the package-tour set. So where to now? Zanzibar. Go for its rich history, colorful blending of Arabic and Swahili cultures, great shopping, world-class reef diving, and clove-scented air. Summer is the perfect time—the rainy season is over, days are balmy, and nights are cool. You need at least a week to explore Stone Town and the surrounding countryside, with time for snorkeling, diving, or just plain relaxing on some of the world’s best beaches.
1. Book your flight on KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, JFK or London to Amsterdam, then change planes for Dar es Salaam via Kilimanjaro (21 hours, from $1,540 round-trip). Sit on the left for great views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Then hop on Coastal Aviation’s $55 one-way service to Zanzibar.
2. Spend two nights at the Aga Khan’s 51-room Serena Inn (from $365; 255-272-504-15 in historic Stone Town. It’s one of the only area hotels with its own beach; comfortable canopy beds, heavy brass-trimmed doors, and antique carpets give it a warm sense of place.
3. Stone Town’s architectural history is so rich that the entire city has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Focus on the House of Wonders (former home of the third sultan of Zanzibar); the Palace Museum, packed with artifacts from the era of the sultans; and the Anglican cathedral, built over a slave-holding pen. (more…)
There was no such thing as summer this year in London, so we have high hopes for autumn. If the rain stays away, allowing for crisp afternoons, we may even see autumnal shades on the leaves in the Royal parks. That’s likely being overly optimistic. Still, now that temperatures have dropped and the evenings are gradually closing in, it’s time to invest in fall favourites. Here are some of the things we covet this season at Gentrystyle.
Martin Margiela Wool Coat – This is a modern, Belgian take on the classic camel coat. What makes this stand apart from others is the rounded shawl collar, giving it a less formal, less businessy edge. (Shawl collars are still everywhere this year, so indulge in this old grandpa look while no one will raise eyebrows.) It’s pleasingly thick, hangs well and looks great with everything. You can find it at Bergdorf Goodman.
Paul Stuart Donegal Wool Tweed Sport Jacket – If it’s not quite cool enough for your Martin Margiela Wool Coat, then you may want to wear this nearly perfect wool and cashmere brown tweed jacket from Paul Stuart. What makes this piece special are the details – we love the tidy pleat patch breast pocket and the brown leather under collar and elbow patches. It’s superbly well made and Paul Stuart does fine cashmere (see their jaunty Fair Isles) which complement nicely.
John Varvatos Herringbone Hooded Blazer – If the Paul Stuart jacket above is that little bit too smart or too mature for your weekend needs, try this little number from John Varvatos. Part tweed blazer, part hoodie, it’s the sort of autumn jacket that could quickly become a staple. Also check out his Old Bark Washed Wool Pinstriped Peasant’s Jacket. A little difficult to find in the UK, but there are boutiques in LA and NYC. (more…)
Before George Lucas became a juvenile baboon, he forged this cold, stark, strangely convincing vision of the future. Heavily indebted to Yevgeny Zamyatin’s novel We, THX-1138 reveals the sterile nightmare of emotional suppression, where sex and love are only a brief indulgence permitted to the doomed and insane. There is something seductively plausible about the way in which the population have given themselves up to an obscure ruling class, spending their days weeping into automated confession booths, wasting their nights on the mind-numbing entertainment offered by the state. Lucas’ frozen, spotless society is a utopia of sorts – a timeless paradise without feeling, obsessed with protection. This is an amazingly austere film, perfectly constructed, like the inner workings of a clockwork heart.
in historic Stone Town. It’s one of the only area hotels with its own beach; comfortable canopy beds, heavy brass-trimmed doors, and antique carpets give it a warm sense of place.
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