#modern cowboy Alex my beloved !!!

[riotvandemofan]

Don’t get the wrong idea, I am forever a devoted hater of the GQ France mag photoshoot, but I need to stop lying to myself about the impact that the Alex with a rifle and a cowboy coat pic has had on my little brain chemicals. 

[joshbentley-blog1]

2018, A Year in Film

Much like my love for music, I use the end of the year to compile a list of my favorite films, films that affected my life and altered my perspective and appreciation for the arts. Here are a list of motion pictures that I consider impactful in some shape or form, transformative to a degree, and worthy contributions to the medium. Enjoy.

Honorable mentions:

Roma

Alfonso Cuarón’s return to Earth since 2013′s Gravity finds itself in 1970s Mexico, backdropped by the political turmoil of the time and laced with the mundane yet subtly beautiful comings and goings of every day life. It is an intimate and sincere look into the struggles of surviving day by day, but also a gorgeously emotional ode to the resilience of those entrapped by the life’s unprejudiced judgement.

Director:  Alfonso Cuarón

Distributor:  Netflix

Genre:  Historical drama

Isle of Dogs

Wes Anderson returned to the beloved medium of stop motion animation this year with Isle of Dogs. His previous work, Fantastic Mr. Fox, was a charming and quirky story of a fox father trying to provide for his den in the midst of a heated human versus animal dispute. But where Fantastic Mr. Fox lacked substantial depth (not a bad quality by any means), Isle of Dogs builds a narrative of love and hope, eloquently animating the unimpeachable love humans and dogs so equally share. The set design, animation quality and Wes Anderson quirks are all at their very best. A must-see for any Anderson fan, or appreciator of stop motion animation.

Director:  Wes Anderon

Distributor:  Fox Searchlight

Genre:  Stop motion animation / sci-fi / dystopian

Sorry to Bother You

Directorial debuts were bountiful this year, and one such standout is Boots Riley’s Sorry to Bother You. An apt and absurd social commentary, with enough laughs to punch through the somewhat dark depths it veils. The film starts off vanilla enough, but you soon find yourself in the midst of a dark, fever dream that won’t end. The phenomenal writing and cast make this original an extremely hard film to forget.

Director:  Boots Riley

Distributor:  Annapurna Pictures

Genre:  Absurdist / dark comedy

Top 10:

10. Disobedience

When New York-based photographer, Ronit (Weisz), learns of her father’s unexpected passing, her past life and all its troubles are brought to the forefront. Returning back to the Orthodox Jewish community in London in which she grew up, Ronit is faced with various extremes. From the turmoils of having to explain herself to the Jewish community, to the re-kindling of her relationship with Esti (McAdams), to facing her own faults and desires, Ronit’s life is crumpled and staggered. Disobedience is a heartfelt and organic story of love finding a way through all the dark and uncertainty.

Director:  Sebastián Lelio

Distributor:  Bleecker Street

Romance:  Romantic drama

9. You Were Never Really Here

A heroic yet traumatizing narrative finds Joaquin Phoenix’s Joe in the midst of unfolding the inner workings of a crime ring that stretches further than anyone could have comprehended. Joe is a former military and FBI operative, now a hired gun whose job it is to rescue trafficked girls. Director Lynne Ramsay expertly maneuvers the chaos and violence of the film, often subverted our expectations in various means. Phoenix gives one of his best performances to date, and Jonny Greenwood’s original soundtrack is the icing atop the cacophonic cake.

Director:  Lynne Ramsay

Distributor:  Amazon Studios

Genre:  Psychological thriller / crime drama

8. The Old Man & the Gun

If (500) Days of Summer were all grown up is how I would begin to describe this story. But The Old Man & the Gun is much, much more than a simple romantic comedy. Much like the director’s project from last year, one A Ghost Story, David Lowery once again explores the fabrics of time and how they shapes us as a species. The story is a contemplation on time’s inevitability and its relationship with our feelings of love and yearning. Beautifully backdropped by an America long passed, Lowery’s film finds two characters especially intertwined, strung together by the fickle hands of time itself. Robert Redford and Sissy Spacek have undeniable chemistry, and it is this chemistry that acts as the driving force of the film. Redford’s swan song is one to be seen and remembered dearly.

Director:  David Lowery

Distributor:  Fox Searchlight

Genre:  Biography / romantic comedy

7. First Reformed

A deep meditation on faith and all the uncertainties it brings with, First Reformed is an imaginative and exhausting look into the vitriol we have brought upon ourselves, and how God and Man meet at such an abyss. Reverend Toller, once a chaplain in the Armed Forces, now resides and serves in an old Dutch Reformed church, serving a diminishing congregation and existing in the shadow of the neighboring megachurch, Abundant Life. Toller is forced to deal his own morals and understandings, while also supporting those in his congregation. As his service becomes increasingly darker and more difficult, Toller looks deep within himself and looks to God for an answer, any answer.

Director:  Paul Schrader

Distributor:  A24

Genre:  Drama

6. Eighth Grade

Bo Burnham uses his directorial debut to discuss the Internet in its current context. From his discussions on the A24 podcast, Burnham wanted to find a proper medium for such a discussion, because many who try to judge the Internet and its culture do so miserably. It is understandably difficult to critique such culture without sounding tone deaf, but Burnham executes it to perfection. What better way to critique the Internet than by doing so from the perspective of an eighth grader, a person who has grown up in the shadow of the digital age? Elsie Fisher is a breakout star, nailing the timid courage of her character. Through excellent and organic performances and modern comedic writing, Eighth Grade is a coming-of-age story unlike any other.

Director:  Bo Burnhma

Distributor:  A24

Genre:  Comedy-drama / coming-of-age

5. Annihilation

2018 was admittedly a weaker year for science fiction, but one project that rose above the rest was Alex Garland’s Annihilation. Garland’s no stranger to science fiction or horror, having tackled the genres in 28 Days Later, 28 Weeks Later, and Ex Machina. But with Annihilation Garland is able to capture horror rooted in science, incomparable to any other film. Based on the novel by the same name from author Jeff VanderMeer, the story follows a group of scientists venturing into a quarantined zone known as “The Shimmer.” Once inside, the scientists are faced with the supernatural horrors they studied from afar. Garland’s work is immense and vivid, deserving of so much more praise than it has received.

Director:  Alex Garland

Distributor:  Paramount Pictures & Netflix

Genre:  Science fiction horror

4. The Ballad of Buster Scruggs

The Coen Brothers are no strangers to the subversions of classic film. Their tangled narratives, inconclusive conclusions and ponderings on the workings of humankind have made them standout directors, enemies of conventional filmmaking and pioneers of darkly comedic explorations of humanity.

"A song never ceases to ease my mind out here in the West. Where the distances are great, and the scenery monotonous."

The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, the Coen Brothers' first true western since 2010's True Grit, is anything but monotonous and certainly a welcome addition to the genre. Additionally, it is a triumphant return to form for the Coen Bros. Buster Scruggs is unlike most films, and again finds the Coen Brothers subverting the western genre, in its anthological form. Six vignettes tell the tales of settlers, outlaws, cowboys, and every sort of man and woman in between in the days of old, when the West was formed, and includes every bit of gruesome and grim detail.

It is not secret the Coen Brothers are adept at macabre storytelling, and are avid explorers of what makes man tick and humanity tremble. Their iconic dark, dry humor, their gritty and off-center storytelling, and their classic subversions of film are all present in Buster Scruggs. But while Coen films of past contained these elements (e.g. Hail, Caesar!), I have felt that their recent works have lacked that classic Coen charm. That snappy dialogue, the witty banter between characters, the intricate storytelling, all have been present in their works, but not since A Serious Man have I felt the Coen's magic this potently. That is now, not since Buster Scruggs.

The film's characters and stories do not overlap. But the themes and lessons certainly do. The opening ballad of one gun-slinging, guitar-strumming cowboy, Buster Scruggs (aka 'The San Saba Songbird'), is a gruesome musical. Full of shootouts and gore, it perfectly sets the tone for how the remainder of the film will play out. Tim Blake Nelson is charismatic, ruthless, and quick as a whip in this vignette. And I would have adored an entire film devoted solely to his character. But the Coen's first subversion comes when our hero is gunned down in the street by a faster gun.

Near Algodones, New Mexico, we find James Franco's outlaw. Robbing a bank, he is retaliated against by a surly old man covered in pans. This vignette feels shorter than its predecessor but is equally humorous and grim. The third story, Meal Ticket, gives us a glimpse into the harsh realities that faced early western settlers. And how making a living does not always coincide with morality and ethics. Liam Neeson and Harry Melling gel so well together but share few pieces of back-and-forth dialogue. I've seen some criticize this vignette for straying from the classic "western format," but to me it perfectly captures what it meant to live such a life.

All Gold Canyon is among my favorite of the stories. Its beautiful shots, wide takes of a beautiful canyon, and the juxtaposition of a man searching for riches in the mud while the true riches of nature are set behind him. It's a simple story, but it leaves the viewer wanting more from Tom Waits' prospector character. One of the view stories to end happily (in a sense), I found All Gold Canyon to be a masterful work of minimalist storytelling.

The Gal Who Got Rattled is my favorite of the six stories. Zoe Kazan, Bill Heck and Grainger Hines have excellent chemistry and play off each other so well. Straying from the deep west, we are drawn northwards, on the Oregon Trail. The simple yet dangerous treck is beautifully captured by the Coens here, and the story envelops you in its charm. And finally, The Mortal Remains ends our journey. A story laced with symbolism and metaphors, it's the Coen Brothers at their peak. The skeletal format of this vignette is much like the morals explored in No Country and A Serious Man, and I found myself wondering how the story could possibly end. And then it does. The final subversion of the film is this vignette's untimely end.

The Ballad of Buster Scruggs may lack continuity in terms of character arcs and storytelling. But what it certainly does not lack is character, masterful writing, expert characterization, and a deep understanding of what captivates us as viewers. The Coen Brothers understand that sometimes, simplicity is best. There is beauty in minimalism, and I believe Buster Scruggs is a excellent envisioning of such a statement.

Directors:  Joel & Ethan Coen

Distributor:  Netflix

Genre:  Western / anthological film / dark comedy

3. Hereditary

They say the devil is in the details, and so such phrase would better describe Ari Aster’s debut, Hereditary. Perhaps the phrase shouldn’t be taken metaphorically though, instead literally; the film finds a family thrown into tragedy after a Satanic occult ritual, long in the works, begins to root itself in the foundations of the family.

Aster uses the story to burrow into our pysches, to strike fear and discomfort into the viewers. He does so not only expertly, but in such original fashion as well. Sure, Aster’s influences can be indentified and picked apart by an experienced viewer, but his crafting of a narrative and his fleshing out of the characters is so unique and a welcome take to the horror genre, Hereditary feels like an entirely new breed of horror.

The film begins with the funeral of the mother to Annie Graham (Toni Collette). As guests pour in to the congregation, it is clear that Annie is shocked with the occupancy. She states in her eulogy that her mother was a very private and secretive women, and that she is shocked to see so many unfamiliar faces here to pay respects to her estranged mother. Once home, Annie and the rest of the family unwind to a disturbing degree of comfort. Annie does not seem shaken by her mother’s passing, as she begins clearing out boxes that belonged to her mother. As she is exiting her studio however, a vision of her mother briefly appears in the dim and dark corner of the unlit room. Annie steps back, wondering if what she saw was real or a fabrication of her mind. Thus, begins the Grahams’ descent into darkness.

Following the funeral, Annie’s only daughter Charlie expresses her worry over the loss of her grandma. Stating, “Who’s going to take care of me?” Charlie is at a loss. Annie comforts her saying of course she will take care of her, but Charlie responds by asking what will happen when Annie is gone.

Later, Peter (Annie’s son) asks if he can go out and visit friends at a party. Annie lets him go but on one condition, that he takes Charlie with him. Charlie begins having visions of her own, and begins tinkering and creating absurd and deformed sculptures. An obvious introvert, she is reluctant to agree to go to the party with Peter, much to the chagrin of Annie. At the party, Peter finds a group of friends to smoke marijuana with, leaving Charlie by herself. Alone, Charlie gets into trouble and her and Peter rush home. An unfortunate incident occurs en route, which only propels the darkness further.

Annie becomes desperate for answers and substance to her mother’s reclusive and secretive life. She finds hints of the truth through old belongings and an old friend of her mother. Visions keep recurring and stranger forces begin to act on not only Annie but Peter as well.

Soon, the family is tumbling down a slope of despair. Séances, rituals, occult castings begin to mount and the demons and darkness begin to unleash. The film is a gripping and horrifying look at what is perhaps most universally frightening, family.

Director Ari Aster is unafraid to explore and highlight the grotesque and grim. He utilizes shocking imagery and beautiful lighting to display these horrors front and center, while still relying on subtle scares to keep the audience in suspense. Not only is the film adeptly disturbing, its characters are compelling and interesting. None are thrown by the wayside, and the spiraling story’s success is hinged on the characters we come to love. Toni Collette gives her greatest performance to date, and Alex Wolff proves he can handle a broad array of material. Milly Shapiro is excellent as Charlie, rivaling Elsie Fisher for young breakout star this year.

The magnificent blend of cinematography, acting, writing, and horror imagery Hereditary the best horror film I’ve seen all year, and certainly one of the most gripping stories I have ever experienced.

Director:  Ari Aster

Distributor:  A24

Genre:  Supernatural horror / disturbing horror

2. The Favourite

It is often the case that period pieces take on a serious tone, dramatic takes on the facts and legends of old. Think Phantom Thread or Lincoln. Not too common are period pieces that extrapolate on the well-known, but also leave plenty of room for creative freedom from the production team. Even more rare are such projects that include elements of absurdity and dark comedy.

But it would not come to anyone’s surprise to find out that such a project exists at the hands of director Yorgos Lanthimos. Best known for his previous works, The Lobster and The Killing of a Sacred Deer, Lanthimos is almost Wes Anderson-esque or Tarantino-esque, in the marks he leaves in his films. His style is so distinct and his directions very much his own.

The Favourite follows suit, and Lanthimos’ quirks and trademarks are found throughout. From the monochromatic color palette to the dry, darkly comedic dialogue, the film is familiar in a way. But also true is that the film is nothing like Lanthimos has ever done before. It is grander, more gruesome, diabolical in a way, biblical in scope. His first film for a major production studio perhaps led to a grander scope, but I believe that this was a logical next step for the director. From The Lobster it was apparent that Lanthimos was willing and more than capable of tackling a monolithic project such as The Favourite, if given the right assets. It is inspiring to see such a film come to fruition.

The film finds three women in the royal court of Queen Anne:  Abigail Hill, Sarah Churchill, and Queen Anne herself. Churchill (known in the film commonly as Lady Marlborough) has serviced the Queen for quite some time, prior to Ms. Abigail Hill‘s arrival. Both as a political aid and as a lover, Churchill finds comfort and immense power in her role beside Queen Anne. Everything seems to be going well for the court; the Queen, while certainly inept, has the confidence of her subjects and the war with France is going better than expected.

But then Abigail Hill arrives. A cousin of Sarah Churchill’s, Abigail travels to the court in hopes of working under both the Queen and her senior, Lady Marlborough. Hill begins as a lowly servant, making meals and cleaning sections of the palace. But not soon after, she advances the ranks, eventually rivaling Churchill in terms of power and influence on the Queen and all of Britain. The two cousins turn on each other, a once subtle love quickly turns to angst and hate.

The relationship of the three women dips and ascends throughout the film; there are periods of immense joy and respect, but also grim and violent progressions of guilt, lust and jealousy.

All of these emotions are so vividly captured thanks to the unique cinematography and direction. Camera angles are unconventional, using low-lying cameras to peer upward towards the characters, or highly placed lenses creeping above the Queen and her court. All of these placements give the sense that the viewer is spying on the characters, that we are sneaking into their lives unbeknownst to them.

It is the performances of the three leads and the unique cinematography that gripped me so powerfully upon my initial viewing. Olivia Colman (Queen Anne), Rachel Weisz (Sarah Churchill) and Emma Stone (Abigail Hill) are all superb talents, free the stretch their acting chops and creative imaginations to bring such life to their characters. But the supporting cast is equally brilliant. In fact, no elements of the film come off as ill-planned or weak. The film is like a well-oiled machine, perfectly in sync and precise to a scary degree.

Director:  Yorgos Lanthimos

Distributor:  Fox Searchlight

Genre:  Historical comedy-drama / period piece / romance

1. Burning (버닝)

It has been quite some time since I have felt this looming questioning of morality, this cutting sense of dread from a motion picture. Burning is a Korean psychological thriller by Lee Chang-dong, and tells the story of three individuals caught in the unforgiving hands of lust. An ineffable sense of desire lurks throughout the film, as the three characters find themselves and their relationships with each other engulfed in tragedy. Love and desire quickly transforms into decay and wrath.

Lee Jong-su (Yoo Ah-in) is a part-time delivery man, who one day finds an old schoolmate working outside a department store. Shin Hae-mi (Jun Jong-seo) asks Jong-su out to drinks and the two quickly become entranced by one another. Hae-mi asks Jong-su if he remembers her from their shared past. He does not. She informs him that they attended middle school together, lived in the same village, and that Jong-su once called her ugly leading to her receiving plastic surgery. Still, deeply infatuated and perhaps a tad remorseful, Jong-su helps Hae-mi by looking over her reclusive cat while she travels to Africa in the hopes of some soul searching.

Hae-mi eventually returns to Seoul, this time bringing back a friend she met while in the airport, Ben. Ben and Hae-mi bonded over their shared heritage and nationality, being the only two Koreans in the airport at the time. The trio goes out for hot pot and drinks, where Hae-mi states in a drunken stupor that she felt incredibly lonesome while in the Kalahari desert. She describes a bittersweet lonesomeness that only such a vast expanse of desolation could bring. Jong-su seems unphased, almost detached from such a stark statement from a normally bubbly individual. Ben, looks noticeably concerned but then says he has never understood why people cry, he has never shed a tear himself. The three leave shortly after.

Time moves on, and Jong-su eventually moves back to his hometown to take over his father’s farm, as his father has come into legal trouble. Hae-mi and Ben become ever closer and Jong-su appears to remain detached from Hae-mi from the exterior. Deep down, Jong-su feels heavily for Hae-mi, eventually expressing his love for her to Ben at his farm.

Darkness sets in when one day Hae-mi does not respond to Jong-su’s calls. From there on out the story becomes a mysterious and incredibly riveting tale of love and the dangers of desire and inaction.

Yoo Ah-in is incredible as Jong-su, and nails the detached and perplexed characterization. Steven Yeun steals every scene he is a part of, reminding me of Heath Ledger’s Joker or Anton Chigurh (Javier Bardem) in terms of menacing presence and subtle malice. But for me, the standout actor is Jun Jong-seo and her portrayal of Hae-mi. She embodies the character perfectly, and I felt for her character throughout the film. Hae-mi is clearly struggling to find her own way and desperately wants to find courage and power in some shape or form. I can relate to that struggle. Truly, this film is carried by its characters and the beautiful performances by their respective actors.

So many other elements come together to make this film a success though. The cinematography is masterclass. Using wide lenses to capture the claustrophobic chaos of downtown Seoul and the vast and desolate disconnect of the Korean countryside, cinematographer Hong Kyung-pyo is able to capture the diverse beauty of Korea. He uses intimate close ups and handheld camerawork to create cutting scenes of tension and discomfort, drawing the viewer into the experience, emboldening the story of Jung-su and Hae-mi. A wide variety of long takes and tracking shots are utilized as well, forcing the viewer to pay attention and highlighting the characters in an organic moment.

Perhaps my favorite scene of the year, and certainly my favorite scene of the movie comes about half way through the runtime. It involves Miles Davis’ song, “Générique,” and a particular character’s tribal, rhythmic dancing. It’s a beautiful moment of reflection in the film and still runs through my head.

I will refrain from discussing the film anymore, as I strongly believe this work is best experienced with as little knowledge as possible. Lee Chang-dong, Yoo Ah-in, Jun Jong-seo and Steven Yeun, and the rest of the production team have created something incredibly raw and thoughtful here. It is more than apparent that an immense amount of care went into making this story and adaptation of Haruki Murakami’s Barn Burning a triumphant success. What I love about this film is, in a way, it made me feel a connection to my home country in such a profound and unexplainable way. I haven’t seen many Korean films, but Burning was able to kindle a connection in me that I haven’t experienced with other Korean films before. For these reasons, I can decidedly say that Burning is my favorite film of 2018.

Director:  Lee Chang-dong

Distributor:  CGV Arthouse (Korea) & Well Go Entertainment (USA)

Genre:  Psychological thriller / romantic drama

[gunsandfics]

aaa can I request a modern John Laurens X reader where it's their wedding day and they're both experiencing full on jitters and it's cute and stuff? no smut just fluff

hey hey I hope you enjoy this sickening fluff

john is my baby ok I love him so very much

Jitters (Laurens/Reader)

“Howdy! This is John Laurens’ cell. Uh, if you hear this message, I probably can’t get to the phone, or my battery has run out. Leave a message after the beep.”

BEEP

“Uh, hiya, hon. I just- I just needed to hear your voice, but, uh, I guess the guys have taken you off on some wild adventure. Um,” You tap your fingers to your lips as you furrow your brow. “I guess, uh, have a good party. No strippers! I’ll see you tomorrow,” You pause, thinking of something suitably cheesy to say. “I’ll be the one in white. I love you.” You say, and hang up, smiling.

“So?” Your friend Angelica asks, coming up behind you and resting a hand on your shoulder.

“Voicemail. I guess he must be having a wild night tonight…”

Angelica giggles. “It’s Alexander, Lafeyette and Hercules. Of course they’ll make his bachelor party something to remember. Besides, this is your bachelorette party, too, and we’re going to have fun, fun, fun!”

“Yeah…” You say wistfully.

Angelica catches your eye. “Uh oh. I know that look. You don’t want to stay at this party.” She grins knowingly at you.

You sigh. She’s right, you’d do anything to just be spending tonight, this last night before your wedding day, curled up on your rickety old sofa with John as you watch corny cowboy movies and feed each other Doritos and popcorn as though in the sickening honeymoon phase. 

Hey, what can you say? You’re in love, after all.

“You’re right, Angie. I don’t, but…” You’re cut off by the distinct beeping of your cell phone. You glance down at it.

John❤️, reads the screen. 

“Ah.” Angelica smirks. “I’ll leave you to it!” She squeezes your shoulder and walks off to join her sisters, standing a few yards away to give privacy.

You bite your lip to suppress a smile and swipe the screen, holding the phone up to your ear.

“Hello?”

“Hi, babe. Sorry I missed your call, I didn’t hear my phone go off.“ The warmth in your fiancée’s tone soothes you. You can already imagine the wide grin on his face.

"It’s okay.” Your eyes crinkle as a slow, steady smile spreads across your face involuntarily. “What have the boys got you doing? No strip clubs, I hope.”

“Nah. Nah, just a night around town. We’re at a bar. Alex bet Herc that he can out drink him.”

“Poor Al.” You shake your head. “Tell him not to drink too much, yeah? We need him sober for his best man speech tomorrow. He can’t tell funny anecdotes with a hangover.”

“Ugh.” John groans, and you laugh. “Why did I make Al my best man again?”

“Because you went by the logic that you’ve known him the least time, therefore he would have less embarrassing stories. Of course, you failed to realise that since he’s your best friend, he would have the most embarrassing stories.”

“I’m an idiot." John sighs.

"You’re my idiot.” You say fondly. A sweet silence follows.

“…Can I tell you something?”

“Anything,”

“…I’m…I’m really, really j-jittery and nervous." John admits. Your breath hitches. Him too?

”…So am I.“ You whisper softly. You can hear John heave a sigh on the other side of the phone.

"I don’t wanna screw this up." 

"Me, neither.”

“And I don’t just mean the wedding. I mean…us. I love you, (Name), and I don’t want to lose you, not for anything.”

“You won’t. Not for anything. I love you too, John. And it’ll be a lot clearer tomorrow when I see you at the end of the aisle, waiting for me.”

You can hear the smile in his voice at his next words. “You’re going to be stunning. I love you. Bye, now.”

click

The wedding preparations pass by in a blur, between people doing your hair, makeup, and helping you into your dress.

Oh, your dress.

You had to hand it to Hercules, he was an amazing tailor.

The dress was long, pure white and silky, and it clung to your upper body like you had walked though a delicate spider web. From your waist down, however, it flowed, almost like running water pooling around your feet. The train wasn’t that long. There was a light lilac sash tied just under your bosom with a delicate gold trim, and you had a sweetheart neckline with sheer, off-the-shoulder sleeves. It was beautiful.

You were beautiful.

Your makeup was mostly a natural look, but your lipstick had a slight purple tint and your eyeshadow was also muted purple. Your hair was tied in an elegant French braid, with a lily tucked just behind your ear. You held a bouquet of violets, lilies and lilac.

You can't stop staring at yourself in the mirror.

“(Name)?” Eliza calls from behind the partition that hid you. 

“Y-yes?” You mumble.

“Come on out! We want to see you!” Peggy says encouragingly.

You take a deep breath, close your eyes and reveal yourself. The Schuyler sisters gasp and clamour in praise.

“You look beautiful!” Angelica cooes.

“You…you think?” You ask, mouth dry and palms sweating.

“Of course!” Eliza assures you. 

Peggy frowns as she notices your hands trembling. “You’re nervous.” She states.

“Yeah. I’m all jittery.” You say, voice shaking.

“It’s all going to be okay. You won’t make a fool of yourself.” Eliza says calmly, squeezing your shoulder. You smile weakly at her as the wedding march begins. The sisters get into line in front of you, and you are vaguely aware of a large, male hand wrapping around yours and guiding it to a bicep, in preparation to walk you to your groom.

Your cue plays, and you step into the room, catching a quick glimpse at the guests before your eyes are full of John.

It takes all of your willpower to not rip your hand free and sprint down the aisle into his arms.

The walk takes an eternity, but you don’t even care, because he is right there and he is so breathtakingly, mindnumbingly beautiful that you can feel your heart breaking into pieces in your chest but you still don’t care. You could watch him forever.

You love him.

His eyes are alight with so much wonder and love, and his smile is wide, happy and bright. His unruly curls are pulled back into a low ponytail, and he is wearing an immaculate black suit with a lilac tie, the exact shade of your sash.

As you get closer, though, you can notice the faint sheen on his freckled forehead and the slight tremor in his hands as they reach out and encompass yours. His hands are damp with nerves, but that’s okay, because so are yours, your fingers threaded though his as he gives your palm a light squeeze. 

Just being near him calms you. Your jitters subside, and you can see that he visibly calms as well. 

Your eyes lock and your cheeks immediately redden at the emotion and devotion prominent in his gaze. 

“Dearly beloved.” The minister begins. “We are gathered here today…”

You don’t hear any of it, until he motions towards you to say your vows.

“(Name) (Last Name), I have loved you since the moment I first saw you.” John begins. “I remember walking into my English class in my sophomore year, and all I could see was this girl with a (hair colour) head of hair sitting in my usual spot. I was ticked off, until you shifted slightly and your hair fell differently, showing me your face, and all I could see was this gorgeous girl. In my seat.” The crowd titters and he grins before continuing. “I was always too shy to approach you, to which Alexander, Hercules and Lafeyette would tease me to no end, even after introducing us when I would even talk to you rarely. When the teacher assigned us to be partners in our project, I was sick with nerves and convinced I would quit. Until you gave me that beautiful smile of yours and I felt calmer instantly. In that moment I knew that one day, I was going to marry you. I promise to always love you and to forever stay true to you." 

You don’t realise that you are crying until John reaches up to brush your tears away with his thumb.

You take a deep breath before smiling and beginning your own vows. "John Laurens, the second I met you I dreamed of marrying you. When Alexander introduced us, I remember getting so nervous that I had to leave early. On the day you finally asked me to Homecoming, full of nerves and holding a bouquet of lilies, I felt so happy I could burst, and I started crying. We’ve been inseparable ever since. I want to grow old with you. I want to share everything with you. The two children with the fat cocker spaniel and a house with a porch - I don’t need those things, as long as you’re by my side for the rest of my life. You are my everything. I love you so much, and I always will.”

There isn’t a dry eye in the room as you finish. John lets out a quiet, shaky breath as tears brim and slip down his grinning face.

“John Laurens, do you take (Name) (Last Name) to be your lawfully wedded wife?”

“I do.”

“(Name) (Last Name), do you take John Laurens to be your lawfully wedded husband?”

“I do!”

“By the power invested in me,” The minister declares. “I declare you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

The last thing you see as your eyes slip shut is your husband's beaming, tearful face as you feel the weight of his lips pressed against yours.

[actutrends]

What to get your favorite NBA player for Christmas

NBA players are just like us — hoping and dreaming for the perfect gifts this holiday season. Here’s what your favorites are pining for.

Klay Thompson

A life-size, topiary chess set where each individual piece is also on wheels so that Thompson may shuffle them around on his own, or with a friend.

Nikola Jokić

Permission from the Denver Parks Department arborist department to go and chop a branch off a stately oak tree on Christmas Eve to burn as the badnjak in the Serbian holiday tradition. Why does he need permission if he’s such a bad boy, you’re probably wondering. Because bad boys care about conservation.

Kevin Durant

A night’s stay at the Plaza Hotel’s Eloise Suite.

LeBron James

Seriously? It has to be spelled out for you? He drops hints about it every single week on the exact same day. The trademark license for Taco Tuesday, signed and sealed by the USPTO, preferably on a heavyweight eggshell paper and inscribed in gold, how you get it to him his your prerogative but he would prefer it had delivered by Kia Silverbrook, the greatest inventor of the modern era with 3,847 patents filed and counting.

Giannis Antetokounmpo

Either a little mailer to go out to the wider population of Milwaukee with the phonetic spelling of his last name or for the Bucks organization to fund a series of robocalls out where his last name is repeated slowly, again and again, like a friendly incantation so people learn to say it already. He’s been playing there for over six years now it’s the least they could do.

Joel Embiid

A slide whistle. Don’t you think he seems like the kind of person who’d get right into that? Blocks somebody into oblivion — slide whistle. Dashes the hopes of a team — slide whistle. Watches Ben Simmons clank another jumper — slide whistle.

Kyle Lowry

A back support brace for when he needs to place the entire Raptors roster atop his.

Kawhi Leonard

The same thing he wishes for every year, a reasonable sense of accomplishment.

The Lopez brothers

Though of wildly different tastes, the Lopezes share everything, making them simultaneously easy to knock off your list but challenging to shop for. Brook wants glass blowing lessons, Robin will smash each and every molten creation. Robin wouldn’t mind a trip to Scotland, Brook is deathly afraid of the Loch Ness Monster. What to do, what to do? The answer is, and always will be, matching monster trucks.

Russell Westbrook

It has been a dream of Westbrook’s to walk down the tunnel in a full spacesuit, pantomiming that he’s left earth’s orbit and is free from its diminutive restrictions of gravity. Now being so close to Houston’s Space Centre, it seems this simple holiday wish may finally come true.

Ja Morant

A team of trained and certified firefighters to stand guard under the opposing basket with one of those nets for saving people who have to leap out of tall buildings so that his precious, spring-loaded legs may be spared from harm.

P.J. Tucker

A homemade, pancake of the month calendar.

Jonas Valanciunas

For Domantas Sabonis to realize he’ll never be able to out-tan the self-bronzed god himself and to stop hitting the beds so hard. It’s one thing to pass a deep tan in December in Memphis, entirely another to pretend it’s natural in early winter Indianapolis. Respect yourself.

Kelly Oubre Jr.

An array of masks he can wear to escape the scourge of being too beautiful all the time. He was thinking something silicone and realistic, but in a pinch would settle for Scream and Ronald Reagan.

Serge Ibaka

For once, someone to ask how hungry he is. That or a hat with a brim finally as big as his own ambitions.

Kevin Love

Have you noticed at all that Love seems to have his mind in another place on the court? And I don’t just mean “anywhere but Cleveland”. Truth is, after getting a taste of that life this summer, Love wants to be a cowboy. The wide-open spaces, the little doggies getting along, the mainly bean diet, the hats, the belt buckles, the fringe — Love loved it all. Still, best to ease into a total lifestyle change so for now, a cupboard full of beans will do.

Donovan Mitchell

Considering his public-facing penchant for them, Mitchell is actually terrified of spiders! He would like a day trip to Utah’s Hogle Zoo to visit with the arachnid keeper and get this phobia under control.

Kyrie Irving

While first avoidant of NYC’s iconic bagels due to their spherical, globe-like resemblance, he would now like to try one.

Jimmy Butler

A show where he goes to a new retirement villa in southern Florida every week and whips folks trying to enjoy their golden years in peace into shape. It’s called Going For Golden, Mark Wahlberg is the producer, and Wahlburgers are what’s on the menu, exclusively.

Damian Lillard

A cool motorcycle.

James Harden

He may be sponsored by BODYARMOR but this Christmas, Harden wouldn’t mind a drip of the real stuff. Like chainmail, Roman lorica hamata, or a full set of plate armor, or samurai scale armor, he isn’t picky but it has to be completely historically accurate so best to get a scholar involved and a gift receipt.

Evan Fournier

Where to find a decent bowl of beef bourguignon in central Florida.

Buddy Hield

Just once in his life for someone to be faster than him. Humility is a gift.

Paul George

Audiobooks. He listens to them when he warms up. The longer and more arduous the better. Think, every volume of the encyclopedia or the My Struggle series by Karl Ove Knausgaard, pretty interchangeable.

Steph Curry

A big, novelty-sized card signed by every player in the league thanking him for bringing about an entirely new era of gameplay. The holidays are a time to be gracious, after all.

Anthony Davis

A gorgeous, 7-foot tall vase.

Kent Bazemore

He would like a custom decal for his kitchen window, which looks out on Mount Hood, of a tiny little flag that looks like it was planted atop the mountain’s summit and says “Mount Bazemore”. He climbs it every day in his mind. Also, funny right?

Malcolm Brogdon

A six-point set of buck antlers mounted on a handsome, polished walnut board to hang on his wall.

Alex Caruso

A time machine so he can go back to 1947 and the inaugural season of the Los Angeles Lakers franchise, of which he was a crucial part.

Terry Rozier

A new nickname. “Scary Terry” worked in Boston, where success and fear go hand in hand, but now that he is in Charlotte he wouldn’t mind something a little more relaxed. Extraordinary Terry? Fiduciary Terry? Interdisciplinary Terry? You could maybe hire a poet or a copywriter, you could probably find one employed as the other in this economy.

Kemba Walker

The NBA has been spoofing these a bit already leading up to the holidays, which is where he got the idea, but a Rise of Skywalker poster where the Sky is removed and it’s Walker’s face, but on every character except Chewbacca.

Devin Booker

The only thing a permanently petulant, and permanently 16-year-old boy who has everything would or could want, the skin of the Suns Gorilla as a coat.

Andre Drummond

For Blake Griffin to no longer include him in his workshopping exercises. Drummond doesn’t have the stomach for roasts, comedic or large slabs of meat cooked over many hours. He doesn’t think the human body was meant to digest either.

Andrew Wiggins

An apology from Jimmy Butler. (Sorry Andrew, this is going to have the same result a kid wishing for a dog in a house full of people who are deeply allergic will).

Zion Williamson

In an attempt to keep Williamson’s holiday spirits up, his teammate Derrick Favors made him a little coupon book of “Derrick’s Favors” that Williamson can cash in whenever he likes. Some of Favors’ Favors include: “Smoothie King smoothie in Favor’s Favorite Flavor”, actually, the whole book is just Smoothie King coupons Favors cut out of local flyers. Most of them are expired.

Jayson Tatum

For Bill Simmons to stop sending him edible arrangements. He can’t get through that much cantaloupe in a week, week after week, no one can.

Steven Adams

Ever since Chris Paul gifted his teammates with custom-tailored suits, Adams has been finding the fits of his other clothes — the free ones he’s been given over the years — to be less than flattering. He would love for someone to custom tailor all of it. Custom-tailored t-shirt cannon t-shirts, custom-tailored flip flops, custom-tailored track pants, custom-tailored Rumble the Bison discarded jerseys because they wear the same size.

Seth Curry

World’s best brother award.

Jakob Poeltl

For “someone” (Patty Mills) to dress up like his beloved Krampus and chase him around until he’s screaming like his parents used to do back home in Austria.

Zach LaVine

He wouldn’t mind entering another Dunk Contest. It would be his third and he thinks that has a better ring to it. It’s not like he’s that busy with his day job. He just wants to be asked.

Tobias Harris and Boban Marjanović

Custom friendship necklaces that combine to make a basketball-shaped pendant, one side says, BE FRI And the other says, ST ENDS

Trae Young

Vince Carter keeps looking at him like he wants to transfuse his blood, so maybe a subtle screen of some kind he can put up around himself in the locker room.

Vince Carter

A transfusion of Trae Young’s blood.

Miles Plumlee

New shocks for his unicycle.

The post What to get your favorite NBA player for Christmas appeared first on Actu Trends.

[debdeniehy612-blog]

Harappa’s World.

Sea Metropolitan area Maryland alex-fit-diet.Info is among the beloved trip seashore locations in the Mid-Atlantic Coast. In Protection of Historical Structures: PROHITECH 09: Procedures of the International Conference on Security of Historic Buildings, PROHITECH 09, Rome, Italy, 21-24 June 2009, revised by Federico M. Mazzolani, 551-56. Travelers and also vacationers that involve India, acquires an outstanding away from the globe experience as well as they surely obtain delighted in the spectacular and also superb appeal of the nation. Troy Powers is self hired author that appreciates taking a trip, dining and time along with his family members. Maintaining It Tidy: Clearing Away Exterior Gunk, Paint, Stains, as well as Doodles coming from Historic Masonry Properties. A good deal of folks are actually going to Shanghai as a result of the splendid technological advancements that the location has actually obtained inside a handful of years plus the fascinating sights and also seems inside the city.

Many people traveling to Campania as well as the Amalfi Coastline think of remaining in one of the preferred touristic cities, such as Amalfi, Positano or Sorrento. The Hudson River possesses a lengthy and also historic tie to Nyc Condition Also today a few of the initial property that existed in the early beginnings of the American nests are still just like attractive today as they were centuries back. I would certainly need to coincide that analysis as I have actually explored the metropolitan area several times. Though numerous famous buildings were actually ruined through fires in 1860 and also 1886, visitors can easily still tour the Old Green Mountain Parish, Poplar Hillside Mansion and also Pemberton Venue.

They also possess a lengthy past of significance as well as meaning and are ancient signs of elegance and love. Just instance regulation may inform our company which implying the drafters meant, yet our team note that the courthouses of Nyc Urban area are actually generally insusceptible to discovering new grounds for forcing out folks.

Take time as well as visit a village near Austin. In Salt Weathering on Structures as well as Stone Sculptures: Proceedings coming from the International Conference 22-24 Oct 2008, the National Museum Copenhagen, Denmark. Curry Mile - If you like an excellent, scrumptious curry at that point ensure to go to the terrific Sauce Mile which you are going to take pleasure in for certain. Folks pertain to check out Marseille due to its charm as well as weather time. Union Square is close to Nyc Educational institution and is actually filled up, based on the time, with street entertainers, markets, folks playing mentally stimulating games and also individuals unwinding. For a chance to receive some pictures of the Old West, albeit in committed traveler type, Dodge City offers up numerous cowboy themed tourist attractions, consisting of the renowned Shoes Hill.

Rome is a city which is going to catch you through surprise, regardless of the amount of you thought you knew about it or were gotten ready for her charm and also past just before you showed up. Bordered due to the natural elegance of water, mountain chains and also a rich environment-friendly countryside, Seat is actually a city that mother nature fanatics are actually attracted to. In every direction that people looks, there is actually a magnificent sight.This stretch of beach, high as well as as well pebbly for sunning and typically very windy for convenience, delivers a wonderful strolling workout with your beachcombing. A gambleville along with luxury retreats and also five star lodgings, outstanding dining and reputable shows, exclusive day spas and world-class golf courses - you need to celebration in Vegas a minimum of once in a lifetime.Playing recorded as well as live hellos during the celebration is one of the various sentimental 50th Birthday celebration Tips. You'll observe folks making use of the waterway to bathe, wash their outfits, and also brush their pearly whites & at water's edge (not encouraged).The preservation of present day properties. People who are actually seeking a sizable area that is tourist-friendly yet not simply for visitors and also who have actually actually viewed the most extensive urban areas in the state ought to put in the time to take a look at Bethlehem.Corbusier's Concrete: Obstacles of Conserving Modern Ancestry. I used to see often when my sister was actually a student at York Educational institution (where I liked the leaking willow plants) I haven't been back for a number of years, however it's an area I always think of along with love.

[mrmichaelchadler]

Home Entertainment Consumer Guide: June 7, 2018

10 NEW TO NETFLIX

"Bad Genius" "Blue Jasmine" "The Departed" "Just Friends" "The King's Speech" "Miracle" "National Treasure" "Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist" "Outside In" "Thor: Ragnarok"

6 NEW TO BLU-RAY/DVD

"Annihilation"

Alex Garland's "Annihilation" is undeniably one of the most "essential" films of 2018. What I mean by that is that it's a film that movie lovers need to see because it created enough conversation about the current landscape of the medium that it's key to understanding it. First, there was the controversial decision by Paramount to sell it off to Netflix in international markets. Then there was the relative box office failure despite rapturous critical praise. Before it even hit DVD, it felt like the film was a beloved cult item, with groups of fans going to see it in theaters before it left. Now it's on Blu-ray, where I have to admit it looks AMAZING. The fact is that it looks better on my 4K player than it did in the mediocre chain theater in which I saw it. And this is the perfect film to rewatch and appreciate in new ways. I have a feeling it's a movie we'll be writing about and considering for months to come. 

Buy it here 

Special Features Part 1 – SOUTHERN REACH Refractions – See how director Alex Garland created the tone, textures and color palettes for the various film environments on set. For Those That Follow – Listen to the cast's perspective on their roles and learn why they found the story so intriguing. Part 2 – AREA X Shimmer – See how filmmakers transformed real set locations to create the world of Annihilation. Vanished into Havoc – Check out all the action as cast and crew walk you through the mind-blowing stunts and special effects. Part 3 – TO THE LIGHTHOUSE Unfathomable Mind – Learn why the visual effects are integral to achieving director Alex Garland's overall vision for Annihilation. The Last Phase – Listen to the cast and crew share their fondest memories from filming Annihilation.

"Au Hasard Balthazar" (Criterion)

When I was asked a couple months ago to find reviews of films by Roger Ebert that reflected empathy, I considered it a treat to go through so many of his best pieces searching for that theme. In doing so, I came upon Roger's Great Movies review of Bresson's classic "Au Hasard Balthazar." If you have not yet done so, you owe it to yourself to read it. Roger writes, "They regard, and ask us to regard along with them, and to arrive at conclusions about their characters that are our own. This is the cinema of empathy." He then goes into detail about Bresson's approach to cinema, shooting takes dozens of times to drain it of artifice and focus on the action of the moment. Get the new Criterion Blu-ray upgrade, read Roger's review, and appreciate further how Bresson impacted cinema, and how Roger impacted the way we write about it.

Buy it here 

Special Features New 4K digital restoration, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack on the Blu-ray Interview from 2004 with film scholar Donald Richie “Un metteur en ordre: Robert Bresson,” a 1966 French television program about the film, featuring director Robert Bresson, filmmakers Jean-Luc Godard and Louis Malle, and members of Au hasard Balthazar’s cast and crew Trailer Plus: An essay by film scholar James Quandt  Cover by Sarah Habibi

"Gringo"

"Gringo" meanders into subplots just when it needs to tighten up, but there's a remarkable ensemble in this mediore dark comedy, which includes fantastic performance from Charlize Theron as an ice queen of a corporation under siege. The problem with "Gringo" is that Theron is so good that she steals focus from David Oyelowo's genial dope, who is well-played but not well-written. Still, they don't make a lot of adult comedies like this any more, and a chance to spend a couple hours with Theron, Oyelowo, Joel Edgerton, Thandie Newton, and Sharlto Copley makes it worth a mild reccomendation for a rental. 

Buy it here

Special Features The Making of Gringo - Featurette Who is Harold? - Featurette The Stunts of Gringo - Featurette Filming Gringo in Mexico - Featurette Optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature

"Midnight Cowboy" (Criterion)

John Schlesinger's award-winning drama is such a memorable snapshot of an era that it has come to define it. Anyone over 40 can't see a man in a cowboy hat in New York City and not think of Jon Voight, or cross the street and nearly get hit by a car and quote Dustin Hoffman. It's one of those films that really tapped into something not just about the era in which it was made but where we were going as a culture. It's really a modern take on the country mouse in the city, but the city is now deadly dangerous and a place where people can get lost and forgotten forever. Few films have done as remarkable a job of being a bridge from one arguably-naive era to a more cynical look at the future to which we were all headed as this one. It's a movie that always makes me notably sad, despite such great work by Voight and Hoffman.

Buy it here

Special Features New 4K digital restoration, approved by cinematographer Adam Holender, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack on the Blu-ray Alternate 5.1 surround DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack Audio commentary from 1991 featuring director John Schlesinger and producer Jerome Hellman New video essay with commentary by Holender New photo gallery with commentary by photographer Michael Childers The Crowd Around the Cowboy, a 1969 short film made on location for Midnight Cowboy Waldo Salt: A Screenwriter’s Journey, an Academy Award–nominated documentary from 1990 by Eugene Corr and Robert Hillmann Two short documentaries from 2004 on the making and release of Midnight Cowboy Interview with actor Jon Voight on The David Frost Show from 1970 Voight’s original screen test Interview from 2000 with Schlesinger for BAFTA Los Angeles Excerpts from the 2002 BAFTA Los Angeles tribute to Schlesinger Trailer PLUS: An essay by critic Mark Harris

"Thoroughbreds"

Quality Movie You Probably Haven't Seen Alert! Focus kind of bobbled the release of this great little thriller, a movie that should have been a word-of-mouth hit but barely made a dent at all in theaters. If you like dark comedies like "Heathers," this is your jam, a razor-sharp, socially-smart thriller about two young ladies who conspire to kill someone. Olivia Cooke does her best work to date as Amanda, the more sociopathic of the two, and a woman who befirends Anya Taylor-Joy's Lily. They're both great, as is Anton Yelchin in one of his final performances, but this is really startling as a writing/directing debut by Cory Finley. Keep an eye on him. 

Buy it here 

Special Features The Look of Thoroughbreds - Featurette Character Profiles Deleted Scenes

"Unsane"

Claire Foy's performance in Steven Soderbergh's thriller remains one of the best of the year, and will be so in another six months as well. It's a fearless turn, especially given the fact that he's not allowed many of the tricks and crutches used by actors due to the intimacy created by Soderbergh's iPhone camera. We are right there with Foy as she goes through the psychological and physical challenges of the story of a woman on the edge of sanity, unsure if she's being stalked or going crazy. This is one of many Soderbergh films that I expect time will catch up to, especially as his status as one of the best living American filmmakers continues to rise. Hopefully, at some point in the future, it gets a better Blu-ray treatment than this quickie job by Universal, almost entirely bereft of special features.

Buy it here

Special Features Unsanity - Featurette

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