cinema style: lady sings the blues.
It’s so funny how art can mirror life. Both Diana Ross and Billie Holiday have the same story of comeuppance. Both wanting to find a way out of nothing and nowhere but ending up on two very different paths. Lady Sings the Blues is most certainly a Classic’s Classic. The kind of film where you wonder where on earth did Diana Ross pull up the stuff necessary to channel her inner Billie. There’s the iconic and sultry Billie with the Gardenia and distinct influential delivery and then there’s the dark Billie who lived the elusive struggle of addiction….
Did you guys know that “Lady Sings the Blues” was nominated for 5 Academy Awards and took home donut hole?Between the fashion, decor, music, thespian ism and the undying love of a strong and sexy Billy Dee Williams I really don’t see how a film like this could get overlooked. Be’s like that sometimes eh? [Vintage Luggage, Silk and Lace Camisole and Shorts, $355. Chatting Garden Rug, $998. Gloria Chair, $850. Mink Fur Stole, $1, 495. (No Peta Please!), Belle Wave Twelve Light Chandelier, $1,200. Tiger Lily Scarf, $17.99, Vintage Victrola]
Without giving the story away I would say that this tragic story’s sum is about artistry and living a life of inner sadness; its a love story, a fashion story, and a snapshot of the semi-glamorous life and a reality check on the dark side of music business. There’s no doubt that Billie Holiday’s life was filled with depression, emotional intensity, and an unfulfilled void but she was able to channel them beautifully through her music. The film is loosely based on a chain of events about Lady Day but Diana was able to bring to make real the life of self-destructiveness the Ms. Holiday lived.
Cinema Style: Gritty & Passionate. Billie Holiday had the honor of becoming one of the most infamous Jazz Singers of our time but she paid the price with her addiction and consequently her life. This film is a must see treasure and a testimony that all that glitters ain’t gold. [Faux String Pearls, White Gardenia Hair Clip, $75. A Modern Fascinator, $23.99, Evening Gloves, $14.99. One Carat White Gold Bracelet, $595. Vintage Hollywood and HighLand Clutch, $34.99. Lollia Foaming Bath, $50. Sula Paint & Peel Nail Color, $9. Vintage Microphones, Yves St. Laurent "Rouge Pur" Lipstick, $30. Philip Lim Evening Gown, $1,200.]
Posted by gt on October 28, 2009
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jaye — October 28, 2009 @ 2:25 am
Wow…thanks for these film picks.
You find the movies worth watching…and I love how important the style is to you. In an excellent movie, the style is really an extension of the soul of a film, and you definitely capture it.
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First L8dy — October 28, 2009 @ 9:23 am
I love vintage….. whenever you put something together G, it just makes sense! lol.
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Blackberry — October 28, 2009 @ 9:56 am
Loves it! LSTB is definitely a favorite. I remember watching it as a child and not fully understanding the story, but just mesmerized at how it looked. Definitely dusting the DVD off and giving it another play soon. Thanks, GT!
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ceecee — October 28, 2009 @ 11:10 am
One more movie I haven’t watched but will add to my list, thanks!
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Simone — October 28, 2009 @ 11:45 am
I love this film so much. Diana and the whole cast did a splendid job. Richard Pryor as “Preacher” was one of his best performances. Wonderful selections as always GT. I want that Gardenia hair clip and I have the “Lollia” Foaming Bath.
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Kim — October 28, 2009 @ 11:51 am
Lady Sings the Blues was very moving. For me, it proved Diana Ross actually had some acting chops.
I heart the chair, the chandelier, and Diana Ross as Lady Day.
Great pick!
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gillaine — October 28, 2009 @ 2:31 pm
AGAIN! Another movie I must add to my list of “movies-to-see”.
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TJ — October 28, 2009 @ 3:51 pm
This style really reminds me of my grandmama’s era. It always looked so glamorous to me growing up. I guess it still does.
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Shell — October 28, 2009 @ 10:48 pm
I remember watching this a lot when I was a kid. I haven’t seen it years, so I have to watch again. Diana and Cicely Tyson were both nominated for best actress at the Oscars in 1972.
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gt — October 30, 2009 @ 2:10 am
Cicely Tyson….I’ve got to whip up some Cinema Style on her…
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Tpm — October 31, 2009 @ 12:19 am
Wonderful to see these props and Ms Ross, always! She has “IT” in everything she does, and you have captured some of that, and I thank you. I never get tired or bored wth watching her in LSTB or anything else she has done or does – the Actors Guild Studio interview was amazing and should be available on DVD but is not. Thank you for taking the time and making the effort to bring us a rich, artistic, and decorative dimension of this film and this incredible woman.
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jpptown58 — October 31, 2009 @ 9:02 pm
Lady Sings The Blues is just so incredible for so many reasons…the style of the era was amazing, the story like nothing else before. Miss Ross won the Oscar in our minds. The love for Miss Holiday is so apparent in this film. Of course it was glossed over and made to look accepable to us, the truth of Billies life , the way she was treated is just unacceptable. Thank You Motown and Diana for keeping her memory.
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Rick — November 2, 2009 @ 1:47 pm
One great movie…Diana proved alot of her critics wrong…as Billie she channeled her immensely…Richard Pryor as the “Piano Man” was a coup…Great Cast..Great Pictures….Great Clothing..Great Music and Diana was FANTASTIC!
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