I've been watching quite a few films from the 40s and 50s lately and have been struck, nay STRICKEN (who really knows?), by the beauty and elegance of Old Hollywood. So [fanfare], this segment has hereby been designated to pay homage to the beauties of yore, starting with Gene Tierney, who is, in fact, female despite the observation that someone done cursed her with a man's name.

What has happened to the feminine beauty of Hollywood's Golden Age? Beauty has evolved into this aggressive, oversexualized burden on today's women, as Hollywood flaunts caricatured bodies and faces and a masculine forwardness absent in the lovely lasses of auld lang syne. Let's bring it back folks. 

Gene Tierney was active in Hollywood from the early 40s through the 80s, with her most memorable work happening in the first couple of decades of her career. I've seen her in Leave Her To Heaven (1945- Academy Awards: Best Actress nomination), The Razor's Edge (1946), and The Mating Season (1951), but Laura (1944) is also on my list! I'd recommend The Mating Season if you're into a) b&w films b) old-school romcoms heavy on the cheese...

So awards season is here.

It happens every year: I am shocked at the politics of the film industry. "Drive" by Danish filmmaker Nicolas Refn has been snubbed- not officially by the Academy Awards yet, but I feel it coming. I can't even remember any other films I saw this year (which, granted, is a slight exaggeration as I see a lottttt of movies, but COME ON!)

I'm assuming it's a money thing...nothing left in the coffers to put together "For Your Consideration" packets?

Too indie? Maybe. He did after all win at Cannes, which is nothing to poo-poo but perhaps hurt him in the long run?

Under the radar? Yes, but why is that such a terrible thing to the committee?

Too foreign? Come on 'merica. This is 2012. It's called globalization.

You can check out the Golden Globe Noms here. There are still a few films I need to see before the Oscars, but overall, I'd say 2011 was a mediocre year in the world of filmmaking. Hollywood, I challenge thee in 2012, to move the EARTH with your quakes. Readdddyy...go!

GOALS WHILST SHOWERING

1. get real clean.

2. get out before someone else in 3-flat decides to flush toilet and boiling lava hot water scalds three layers of skin.