MAGICAL MOMENTS CANNES

As I sit in the Le Fouquet at the Majestic in Cannes this week, I realise that this week has raced by. With gossip of bombs and Isis, the Festival has lost some shiny appeal, or perhaps I have grown up? Still full of celebrities from Susan Sarandon to Julia Roberts there has been more than just occasional glamour on the red carpet.

Rushka Bergman stealing the show in Hedi Slimane couture for Saint Laurent

At the beginning of the week, I was in need of a rest which I did not get. I thought about life and as Shakespeare said "Love is not love which alters when alteration finds, plus it was my birthday. Hey, I even found a convertible mini to rent, so, despite the aggravation of an emotional pick pocket, I was able to feel the wind and sun in my hair.

 I went from Charles Finch's party at Eden Roc, chic and interesting with photographs of the famous, including Brigitte Bardot, adorning the walls, to The BFI's brilliant and useful lunch where I bumped into the film director of Black Mass, Scott Cooper, who I had briefly met on the flight over to Nice. With parties and films, a full house, this week skipped by.  On the plane I  thought Scott was a member of a boy band who wrote slushy lyrics, not a bit of it, he was the master of Johnny Depp's film last year. This Festival for me was about work. I want to make my film on the life of  Egon Schiele. I had quite a bit of interest so watch this space. At lunch, however, I was watching Harvey Weinstein manoeuvre his life his wife and family on one one table, on another his office.

Lady Victoria Hervey. 

Lady Victoria Hervey sailed down the carpet several times and had a book launch for Lady in Waiting on a boat in the harbour.

Rushka Bergman in Dior talking with handsome Julien Landais who is about to make the Aspern Papers
starring Vanessa Redgrave.

The clothes on the red carpet were dramatic, my favourite dress was worn by Georgina Chapman from her own collection. She looked fabulous, then Rushka Bergman stole the show with her jaw-dropping couture dress by Hedi Slimane for Saint Laurent at the Chopard party. Her Instagram went mad and she hit 70K hits. That is the world we live in now, Snap Chat, Facebook and Instagram replacing the conventional world of magazines which arrive on the doorsteps three months out of date unless you are Genlux and then it arrives in the correct month. We work in real time. Vanity Fair was wonderful, the people watching especially, I saw  people try and gatecrash, this year no amount of charm worked on the girls with the clipboard. I got in but my Mcqueen coat creased terribly in the drive to the Cap.

With Julien Landais Amanda Eliasch wearing Saint Laurent, Dolce Gabbana dress

I wore Saint Laurent one night and Versace the next, I am only interested in films but was pleased to join Aileen Getty last night and her foundation to support Unesco's fight for cultural diversity in film, I was proud to sit at the table with brave men and women fighting for a perfect world.
With a packed wardrobe, I still was not crazy about anything in it and although I usually love Chanel, I funnily did not want to look like Air Hostess this season.

Aileen Getty, Amanda Eliasch and Sarah Ezzy

The films really did not hit the spot, lacklustre and average, they were not for me. The stars were here in force but the films I saw were better suited to television. I did, however, like the story Mal de Pierre's directed by Nicole Garcia. A film about a mental hospital and an imaginary love story.  I loved the passion and it had the pace of Thomas Mann's novel, Magic Mountain. With Marion Cotillard wearing an almost see through golden dress by Dior, showing every bit of her stunning body, one way or another she killed the red carpet.

Dressed down a Versace dress with Mcqueen Biker Jacket and Dior Sunglasses.
I was in a working mood.

Celebrity is not a star. Cannes is split between the deluded nightclubbers and the workers. The middle of the road look like a joke to both ends.

THE LAYING OF A STAR, BOXING GLOVES AND PARTIES, the week before the OSCARS.

I am back in Los Angeles with beautiful weather, this is why I love it here so much. There is perfect light in the garden which makes me want to exercise and stay fit, despite everybody being obsessed with fame and youth, I find it alluring. Tonight is the night though and the Oscar's  preparations have already started.

The most special moment this week was watching Ennio Morricone lay his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. So touching. Beautifully arranged by Pascal Vicedomini from Ischia and Capri's International Film and Music Festival. I have luckily also celebrated the laying of  Roy Orbison's and Belinda Carlisle star, which were both incredibly moving.

People were waiting behind blockades to see the Maestro speak along with Quinton Tarantino and Harvey Weinstein.   The fans held up record sleeves, memorabilia, notepads cameras just to get their dreams fulfilled, they just want signatures and two seconds, a smile is enough. Ennio is famous for so many scores for film, my favourite was The Mission.  Tonight he is up for an Oscar for his score for Hateful8.  He better win or Harvey and Quinton will get their boxing gloves on.

Pascal Vicedomini Marina Cicogna

Hair by Le Salon LA, Angie Kalinowski

PHOTOGRAPH OF THE WEEK, no better line-up

We are all having to get dressed up for the Oscars. With so many parties I am lucky to have been invited to both Elton John's and Vanity Fair. I have no idea what I will wear, it will be a scramble as I get ready, but my favourite is a Stella McCartney dress and a tube dress by Rick Owens.

It depends on what I eat today, of course.

There are several areas of film I enjoy, the script, then the costumes, the timeline and then the music. I am rarely impressed by stars, without a good script and team behind them, they are what they are, dare I say puppets? Anyway, there are always a lot of unsung heroes in film, the forgotten runner, the girl with an iPhone, the girlfriend who stays hidden.
As for equality and diversity, there is none in Los Angeles, I shall carry on forging my way, and creating what I wish to create.  You need star quality and there are a million people who want work in Hollywood. You need excellence. I believe in it, I will fight for it in my own way. Indeed, the Oscar Voters are old and whilst I like old age, they are falling asleep in the films. I saw it with my own eyes.
One film director who will remain nameless who took me to films never watched them, I used to laugh. His attitude is why I made and wrote my first film, The gun the cake and the butterfly. It needs vitality, youth and diversity.

This year I wanted the following films to be in the lineup, The Danish Girl, Carol, Hateful8 so far not too bad.

Tom Hooper director of the Danish Girl with Eduardo and Amanda Eliasch

The parties are all beautifully arranged, from Ennio's lunch in the hills, in a house belonging to Helen Mirren, to the intimate picnic on the lawn of  Mr and Mrs Barry Diller's full of friends and personalities of this year's line-up of films and television.  I stopped by to tell Tom Hooper that I loved The Danish Girl, it upset me for 3 weeks.
The British Consul celebrated Britains finest talent at the Fig and Olive with a personal invitation from Eddie Redmayne the finale was Jamie Cullum dancing on the piano.  There is a lot going on.

Unless you are a recluse or your face is falling apart, or perhaps you are too famous, you want to go out, it is about the only time of year here when anything is going on at all,

Harvey reigns as King, with his charismatic ways. Even when rude, he is amusing and talented. Oh yes, people easily forget the talent of a Producer. Without a producer, nothing gets made. As I am on my way to making The Cardinal and the Nun written by Lyall Watson,  about his love of Wally Neuzil, I am more appreciative than ever.

One good thing this week is that Quinton Tarantino liked my glasses so who cares what happens tonight and thank goodness for Andy Wang. Another thing is, luckily for me I have good friends like  Producer Marina Cicogna and Kay Saatchi who have been such fun company.

DEAR GOD PLEASE GIVE ME THE ENERGY TO MAKE ME INTO A FEMALE HARVEY WEINSTEIN

My goodness there appears to be nobody other than Harvey Weinstein backing good film these days?. Having just won at Capri International Film Festival, the brilliant vision of Pascal Vicedomini, he will of course win everywhere, The Bafta's, The Globes, The Oscars, everywhere.  Is there only one Harvey, I wonder? Now I know that is not to be the truth in the future, because I was at the film festivals where there was so much unseen talent bubbling under the surfice. However let's face it the world needs his backing and his taste. I watched August Osage County, and there are thank goodness better films out there . In a year I saw so many  new comers that noone will see. It is a pity that the world of film is rather unimaginative this year.

PASCAL VICEDOMINI's CAPRI FESTIVAL WITH HARVEY WEINSTEIN AND MARINA CICOGNA

In any case getting back to the above film. A dysfunctional family is shown here in August Osage County. We, the audience are manipulated, with  Oscar winning performances, especially Julia Roberts. Meryl Streep, the tired out drug addict suffering from cancer, her daughters, one who has unknowingly been fucking her brother. The father who commits suicide, the break up of marriages and the alluring attractiveness of a teenager to all men, and the announcement that all women are ugly when they get old. All shown here in a depressing and very accurate way. I never saw the play by Tracy Letts so I was surprised,  I found myself groaning, I found myself snoring, I found myself arguing, I found myself thinking. The human race is ghastly and here it is shown in all its glory.
Before this I watched endless trailers about Nazi Germany and World War 11, you think that we would have moved on? Please can we? . It seems to be an obsession after all these years?.  The casting on the whole is predictable. They seem to forget so many out of work actors that are brilliant?. Even though they are talented, there are other actors than Raph Fiennes, George Clooney, Meryl Streep and Helena Bonham Carter?. However, they are rarely used. Of course these actors are highly productive too, bringing scripts to the table and getting them financed. "Come and stay with me" I will back your script. You can imagine the scenario," Let's have George to stay and we will back his film, he is good Christmas company". Holidays around the world are not holidays, they are luxury business trips.  I take my hat off for the actors ability to get people interested. However, it does not make for interesting casting.

Los Angeles Times Review

BAFTA's and what it means to me.

Oh goodness. it is the BAFTAs and I am struggling what to wear. If there is one thing I loathe, it is having to put on a long dress.  I become a complete frump. I look in the mirror and I look like my great aunt.  I was lucky enough to find a Martin Margiela close fitting mermaid number with a bit of a train in black silk jersey. Generally, in a long dress, I am so uncomfortable I want to go home and strip off straight away. Last week, because of the cleanse, I managed to lose four pounds, so I felt incredible. But since arriving home, I am probably fat again.  Oh hell's bells, this is all too much. For fear of being boring, I shall describe last night.
In any case, back to the BAFTAs. It is really becoming a very glamourous event, and the Royal Opera House is giving it a credibility and status that is luring the biggest stars of Hollywood, from George Clooney to Brad Pitt and Meryl Streep.
Of course, I wanted my favourite Gary Oldman to win. The other day, I was in my house in Los Angeles and I heard someone coming in. I screamed out, "Who is it?" and the man said "Alan Rickman." Assuming and hoping it was, I went out of my bedroom to find Gary Oldman chatting with my lovely friend Jack English. Gary has charm on film and off, displaying all the discretion he embodied in Tinker Tailor; so underplayed and so very correct.
I have seen the film three times. The first, I thought it was terrible, but now I'm totally addicted. Gary should have won Best Actor. (Let's be fair, how many more times does he have to play Batman?)
The Artist took the night, as it should have - clever, daring and a twist on an old tradition. It was beautifully made and fun, with Ludovic Bource winning best musical score.  The dog should have won too, or at least given a prize, along with the Joey the horse in War Horse.
Everything went to the French - the music, script, film and actor - so at least the English stayed loyal to what they believe is good. Clever Harvey Weinstein for always picking a winner. Pity no nominations for WE, which deserved Best Costumes. Come on, let's be correct: the film was better than just okay and the costumes by Arienne Phillips were stunning.
I had the chance also to speak to the very eloquent and charming Secretary of the Arts Ed Vaizey, who said I should come home and do something important with the arts.  Little did he know I am trying.

With one more day in London there is a lot to do.  I have fitted nearly all my close male friends and now for fashion week, my son and the certainty of a singing lesson.

THE GLOBES AND A LAST PERFORMANCE

My play, As I like it, closed today at the Macha Theatre in Hollywood directed by the successful critic, director and film lover, John Alan Simon.  The play has been full almost every night and the reviews interesting, both positive and negative, altogether a successful run and great exposure for Elizabeth Karr, Charlie Eliasch and Lisa Zane, directed by John Alan Simon.
People came up to me loving it, but of course it is not a play for men really unless they are a total fan of "Amanda".  They tend misunderstand it.  One nice couple came from San Diego, I was so happy to meet them, the wife was a reader of my blog.  The designer from Balmain arrived with Rushka Bergman, she looked magnificent with huge black glasses and a huge entourage of ten people.
I am changing the play so that the boy's part becomes the main part and the women support him.  I think it will be more interesting for my son, in any case I do this for him, and if I could I would buy the other son a football team.

I watched the globes with great eagerness as usual with a film producer and film director Peter Medak, much more fun than watching it uncomfortably in some hotel.
Of course I won a globe, I should have known that Michelle Williams was going to win by the mix up yesterday at the BAFTA tea party, when the paparazzi became excited and either mistook me for her or for Marilyn.  Anyway it was very funny and it is often done.  I go down the street in Paris, and men often sing Boop boop di boop.
Angelina Jolie looked  beautifully best dressed in a white satin dress with a slash of red round her shoulders.  Most women wore Zac Posen, Elle Macpherson and Kelly Osbourne, wow they looked good and I totally approve of almost everything he designs.

The Globes were more interesting tonight than normal and felt very international. The Artist, my favourite film this year won three awards, paving way for more creativity. Ludovic Bource, french composer won the globe for best score, he was witty and amusing as he spoke, no sign of Alexandre Desplat which was a pity, this town is quick to love the new. Jean Dujardin was named best actor for his performance as a silent movie actor, whose work dried up with the arrival of the talkies. Oh I do love the French.
The Descendants did well  with best film and actor going to the charismatic and elegant George Clooney who has just hit 50.


My word the 50 year olds are looking good these days. 

With Meryl Streep winning for her performance in the Iron Lady. Octavia Spencer was best supporting actress in the Help.
Madonna looked incredible, and I so loved her film, WE even though nobody else seemed to.
However the Globes don't give an accurate picture of what may happen in Oscar night, after all Social Network won the Globes and Kings Speech did best on Oscar Night.


Harvey Weinstein seemed brilliant as usual, he had a very successful night, with A week with Marilyn, The Artist, The Iron Lady, and he was called a God.  

Film Director, Peter Medak and Amanda Eliasch at the Art of Elysium

My house sale has been very successful full to the brim with people, ypee.

WE WE WE TO MADONNA's FILM

I have had one of those lovely idle days dreaming. I like Sundays like this, newspapers, a fire and a walk.
I then went off to the premiere of WE again, this time in London.  It was certainly not as chic as Venice. Loads of men and women screaming .  Madonna looked totally stunning, truly a pocket star.
The film had certainly seen the chop, bits I liked had been removed, romantic photographic bits. similar to Ken Russell's romantic shots in Lady Chatterley's Lover. However, the latest version moves swiftly. Wallis was every locked up in a guilt cage, unable to move, her relationship with her husband was totally claustrophobic and cheeky at the same time.  The other story really was not necessary in my opinion. There is still so much to find out about Wallis Simpson.  Was she difficult, what were her tricks, was she a wit?.  Their lives were made more difficult by their supposed friendship with Hitler?.  How close were they? Still so many unanswered questions that the other story becomes like an irritation. Andrea Risborough's performance was better than the critics say, and the film altogether worth watching. So why are they so mean to Madonna?  I think she is a little to glossy for the dreary people who are critics not doers.
"Dressing beautifully made up for her lack of looks", she said, but I liked her strange unusual face.
Congratulations to all those who preserved this fascinatingly romantic story of the 1930's and to those who designed the wonderful wardrobe, the designers of yesterday with some help form Arianne Phillips.  What a pity we have become so sloppy. I think we should take some note to the glamour and panache of that time and add a little to our wardrobe.

I was lucky enough to visit her house in Paris.  It had been unlived in for a couple of years.  It still had the feeling they were there, pug cushions, the greyish blue colour everywhere. Little tapestries of messages to each other. Dust and their clothes.  They were both so tiny. Miniature people. In that probably lies their secret.