25 years later

Bret Easton Ellis' 2010 release Imperial Bedrooms, inspired by Elvis Costello and the Attractions' album Imperial Bedroom, catches up with the characters of 1985's Less Than Zero. The novel opens with Clay recounting the last 25 years: he and Blair have broken up, he is now a big time screenwriter, and life's disappoints have continued to follow him. Far more grim than it's prequel, Bedrooms sheds bright light on the dirty backdoor deals Clay makes in order to ease his sexual frustrations and avoid any difficulties he comes up against. Bedrooms lacks the adolescent innocence and likability Less Than Zero possessed, drawing some of the bloody violence seen in American Psycho. However there is a plus: Ellis cleverly conveys his negative thoughts on the 1987 movie version of Less Than Zero, using the characters commentary after viewing it. Though I'm glad to have read Bedrooms, and have a deep admiration for Ellis' style, I would not necessarily recommend it. Three stars.

Disappear Here

In 1985, California-born writer Bret Easton Ellis debuted with Less Than Zero, a satirical drama (titled after Elvis Costello's song of the same name) that follows Clay, a wealthy college student who has returned home to L.A. for Christmas vacation. With a drunk mother, separated parents, bratty sisters, a failing relationship, sexually promiscuous acts, heavy drug usage and MTV, Clay's life is a rollercoaster of problems and disappointments. Throughout the novel, he finds himself in many negative situations and consistently distances himself from his friends. After he and his friends find a dead body, and he later witnesses the gang rape of a twelve year old girl, Clay packs up and leaves L.A., his on-off girlfriend Blair and his heroin-addicted/prostitute friend Julian.

Two years later, the book was made a movie, which in my opinion is painfully overwrought and does not do the novel justice.

Taintor love

Kitschy, colorful, and dare I say sassy, Anne Taintor's novelty items are a fun way to let out your inner quirks in a more subtle, almost cute way. (Rather than telling a prospective suitor you're more than a tad difficult, just place a "High maintenance doesn't begin to cover it" coaster underneath their glass. Message sent.) With a slew of products from coasters and office supplies to flasks and shot glasses, Taintor has made it easy to show off the retro design-backed humor.

Anne Taintor is a real woman. Visit her website to find out more.

Totally different head, totally

Created by SNL alum Anne Beatts, the early 80s series Square Pegs spotlights a group of eight high school freshmen: the In-Crowd (Jennifer DiNuccio, her boyfriend Vinnie Pasetta and LaDonna "L.D." Fredericks), the misfits (Patty Greene and her friends Lauren Hutchinson, John "Johnny Slash" Ulasewicz and Marshall Blechtman) and Little Miss Pep (Muff Tepperman.) More realistic than other shows of its variety (Freaks and Geeks, My So Called Life), Square Pegs is lightly comedic, colorful and boasts budding talent (Sarah Jessica Parker as Patty) and a deliciously 80s soundtrack. With the theme song written and performed by The Waitresses and appearances by Devo, The Waitresses and John Densmore, I can't quite understand why it only lasted one season.

found again

I recently found an issue of W Magazine featuring one of my favorite set designers Simon Costin. I'm not sure how this October issue slipped by me for several months, but I'm glad I found it. This fashion spread (photographed by one of my favorite photographers, Tim Walker), inspired by nursery rhymes, is absolutely enchanting.

Blue, the color of love is blue

A film adaptation of Irish playwright Enda Walsh's 1996 play of the same name, Disco Pigs (2001) details the lives of two extraordinarily close friends, Darren "Pig" (Cillian Murphy) and Sinead "Runt" (Elaine Cassidy), who, born only minutes apart in the same hospital, remain inseparable throughout their childhood and teenage years. Pig, violent by nature, is soothed by Runt - the far more level-headed and independent of the two - but over time his dependence on their friendship grows into obsession. When Runt is sent to trade school, Pig finds himself lost and tormented and begs his mother to tell him where Runt is. She concedes, but tells him if he leaves, he can't be allowed back. Pig agrees and sets off. Of course he finally reaches Runt, but his growing violent behavior and all-consuming fixation lead Pig to his demise. In the heartbreaking final scenes, Pig gives in to his death without struggle, and Runt is freed. Beautifully calamitous and comedic (at times), Disco Pigs is a film worth taking the time to watch.