Dua Lipa shows off Amina Muaddi heels in New York
Dev Patel At RSIFF: ‘Monkey Man’ Celebrates India
Revised on December 14, 2024
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Dev Patel At RSIFF: 'Monkey Man' Celebrates India
Revised on December 14, 2024.
December 14, 2024, at 12:55 PM.
JEDDAH: British actor Dev Patel has made significant strides since his debut in the popular teen series “Skins” in 2007. This year, the BAFTA winner and Oscar nominee, known for his diverse range of roles, has transitioned into directing with his first film, “Monkey Man,” in which he also takes on an acting role.
During the Red Sea International Film Festival, Patel shared that "Monkey Man" is his heartfelt tribute to India, a place that has significantly shaped his personal and professional life.
"Monkey Man" is an action-packed revenge movie that has been likened to the Keanu Reeves film "John Wick." It tells the story of an unnamed young man (played by Patel) who embarks on a mission of revenge against the corrupt officials responsible for his mother's death. He carries out his quest while donning a mask of Hanuman, a monkey deity from Hindu mythology. The film also dives deep into significant social and political themes related to broader systemic challenges in India, but it has not yet been released in the country.
“In every relationship, there are moments of both attraction and conflict, and it's important to navigate through these challenges. For me, creating 'Monkey Man' was a way to address some of the anger and frustration I experienced, feelings that were reflected in some of my closest friends and family who live there,” Patel shared with Arab News.
"One key topic is the potential for religion to be used as a tool for manipulation, inciting large groups of people to feelings of anger and strife. It can serve not only as a dangerous weapon but also as a powerful educator and a wellspring of compassion. For an uneducated child, the imagery associated with religion can be especially inspiring," he explained.
Patel aimed to use the film as a platform to address the issue of violence against women in India. Recent statistics from the National Crime Records Bureau reveal that the incidence of crimes targeting women has risen by 12.9 percent from 2018 to 2022, measured per 100,000 women.
"I once knew someone who was tragically killed in a brutal act of sexual violence. I also had a relationship with Frida Pinto while we worked on 'Slumdog Millionaire,' which led me to spend a significant amount of time in India. When the Nirbhaya incident happened, I had never experienced such intense anger in my life. That period coincided with the start of my writing process, and that anger heavily influenced my work," Patel said, referring to the notorious 2012 gang rape and murder case that took place in Delhi, known as the Nirbhaya case.
A great deal of affection came my way from my close friend Raghu, who lives in Mumbai. He introduced me to Indian classical music, and I was completely amazed by it—it felt like discovering a whole new artistic world. Growing up, I mostly listened to grime, rap, and bands like Arctic Monkeys. So, diving into Indian classical music inspired me, and I thought, "I need to create a training montage about this!" As a result, you'll find a lot of that influence woven throughout. There are also elements of Indian heavy metal music, along with my fondness for auto rickshaws, combined with ideas from 'Batman,' which I like to refer to as the budget-friendly version of the 'Batman Batmobile.' It’s all part of the mix!
Patel referred to the film as a clever way to introduce American audiences to a mix of "culture and style," while also conveying important social and political themes.
"I have always been a big fan of action movies. My journey into the world of film began with Bruce Lee; watching him in 'Enter the Dragon' sparked something inside me that has stayed with me since childhood. I suppose the initial thought was, 'How can we attract a wide audience in America... How can we present them with meaningful content without them even realizing it?'" he shared with Arab News.
The movie serves as a clever way to reach fans of ‘John Wick’ and other action films while introducing them to deeper themes and cultural ideas. The goal was to make these topics relatable and engaging. There were also a few personal thoughts I wanted to share, and I was able to include those in the film as well, he said with a chuckle.
Patel mentioned that he felt like a "man on a mission" while producing the film, which he filmed in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Creating this quirky little Gremlin-like film took an immense amount of effort from me. There were moments when I thought, ‘I might not make it through this project.’ It was incredibly challenging, not just on an emotional level during the pandemic, but also physically taxing. With over 500 people confined on an island, we were all dealing with a difficult period in history where nothing felt certain, all while trying to produce a film. Challenges kept coming my way. In a way, my experience mirrored the story we were telling—an underdog tale brought to life. The film itself became this persistent little spark that continued to exist despite the obstacles. Looking back now, I feel a great sense of pride in what we achieved now that things have calmed down."
Having fulfilled his dream of creating an action film, what are his future plans? “I have several intriguing stories in mind, all quite unusual. One project I'm developing is a creature feature that explores the immigrant experience from the perspective of a monster. There's also a rally driving film set in Kenya that we’re currently developing. Additionally, we’re planning a movie in the Scottish Highlands. There's a lot on the horizon,” he shared.
RSIFF 2024: Depp's Modigliani Resonates Deeply
Johnny Depp's film, "Modi: Three Days on the Wing of Madness," is backed by the Red Sea International Film Financing initiative.
Revised on December 14, 2024.
December 13, 2024, 9:24 PM
"RSIFF 2024: Johnny Depp's Take On Modigliani"
Revised on December 14, 2024.
Sure! Here’s a rewritten version: **December 13, 2024, 9:24 PM**
JEDDAH: Following his directorial debut with "The Brave" in 1997, Hollywood icon Johnny Depp is returning to the director's chair with his new project titled "Modi, Three Days on the Wing of Madness."
The film tells the story of the Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani as he embarks on a frantic 72-hour journey through the streets of Paris during World War I.
During a lively discussion held recently at the Sharbatly Cultural House, just before the gala showing of his film at the Red Sea International Film Festival, Depp shared his thoughts, stating: "Working on 'The Brave' was a disheartening experience."
"For this movie, I had a greater sense of freedom, and it felt like I was a carefree giant kid. I truly feel lucky to have this chance, especially working alongside such an amazing cast and crew."
Dressed in his usual unique fashion, which blends retro clothing with layered styles and various accessories, Depp shared with the reporters that actor Al Pacino was the one who initially brought the project to his attention.
He remembered Pacino asking him, “Hey Johnny, do you still think about that Modigliani project I wanted to tackle? How about you directing it?” After not directing for 27 years, I never imagined I'd get that chance again. So how could I say no to Pacino? For some reason, I found myself responding, “Sure, why not?”
When I'm in AlUla or near the historic district in Jeddah, that's the kind of content I'm eager to capture. I'm truly captivated by the culture and history of Saudi Arabia.
Johnny Depp, the director of 'Modi'
"Without a doubt, it's been a great experience creating 'Modi,'" he mentioned.
The film, backed by the Red Sea International Film Financing program, is inspired by a play written by Dennis McIntyre. It narrates the tale of the renowned painter and sculptor Modigliani while he was living in Paris in 1916.
The film features a talented lineup of actors, including Pacino, Riccardo Scamarcio, Stephen Graham, Antonia Desplat, Bruno Gouery, Ryan McParland, and Luisa Ranieri.
Scamarcio, the main actor alongside Depp, spoke highly of Depp's directing style, calling it smooth and respectful. He shared, "Working with Depp was fantastic; he created an environment where we could perform freely, without any constraints or limits."
In an interview with Arab News, Depp shared what drew him to the story of Modigliani. He remarked, "Modigliani is undeniably one of the most significant modern artists in history. However, he also embodied a time and perspective that held untapped potential. I find his vision captivating."
"I have to say that everything Modigliani represented, and still represents, really speaks to me on a personal level," Depp stated.
Discussing his collaboration with the Red Sea International Festival, Depp shared, "They have been incredibly supportive and can create films while ensuring that the process feels as natural as possible. They've truly given me the freedom to pursue my vision."
He shared that he intends to collaborate with Saudi artist Ahmed Mater on some paintings. "I greatly respect his artistry, and during our last meetings in London and at his studio in Jeddah, we decided to work together on a few projects."
He went on to say, "I’m quite familiar with Saudi Arabia and have a wonderful rapport with the people there. Looking ahead, I aim to showcase the stunning scenery in my future films."
"When I find myself in AlUla or exploring the historical sites in Jeddah, that's exactly what I want to capture on film. I'm truly captivated by the culture and history of Saudi Arabia."
Furthermore, I have a deep appreciation for the friendliness of the Saudi people, whom I view as exceptionally kind and respectful individuals.
Inside ‘Christian Dior: Designer Of Dreams’
Revised on December 13, 2024.
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Inside ‘Christian Dior: Designer Of Dreams’
Revised on December 13, 2024
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PARIS: The display “Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams” is now open at the Saudi National Museum in Riyadh and will be available until April. This exhibition honors the enduring legacy of the renowned French fashion brand. British hat designer Stephen Jones, one of the talented artisans of Dior, played a significant role in putting the exhibition together.
Jones had his major breakthrough in 1982, just three years after completing his studies at Saint Martin's School of Art in London. He featured in the music video for the popular UK band Culture Club's hit song, "Do You Really Want To Hurt Me?" where he sported a red velvet fez that he had designed himself. This caught the attention of renowned French designer Jean Paul Gaultier, who offered Jones an opportunity to come to Paris and create hats for his women's fashion line.
"I used his extended lunch break to sketch a lot," Jones shared with Arab News. "When he returned, he picked out 25 of my drawings."
Jones' hats became very popular, giving the 28-year-old designer a chance to break into the high-end fashion scene in Paris. He soon started collaborating with notable figures such as Thierry Mugler, Claude Montana, Azzedine Alaïa, Rei Kawakubo, and John Galliano.
It was the second individual who connected Jones with the Christian Dior team back in 1996. Dior stands out as the sole fashion house globally with its own dedicated haute couture hat design workshop, which Jones has been leading for 28 years. Throughout this time, he has collaborated with notable designers including Galliano from 1996 to 2011, Raf Simons from 2012 to 2015, Maria Grazia Chiuri since 2016, and Kim Jones since 2018.
With a grin, he declared, "If there's a hat in Dior, I've been involved in its creation!"
Which Dior designer have you felt the strongest creative connection with?
I believe that every designer at Dior has had their own unique approach and perspective on hats, making it hard to draw comparisons between them. For John Galliano, hats played a key role in the narratives he created. For Raf Simons, hats were a nod to mid-century styles. Meanwhile, Maria Grazia Chiuri asked me to design a hat that would appeal to fashionable young women everywhere. Each of these briefs is so distinct that they simply can’t be compared.
Was your trip to Riyadh your first experience in the Middle East? What did you think of Saudi Arabia?
In 2021, I was involved with the "Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams" exhibition in Doha, but this time around, the choice of dresses is quite different. I visited Saudi Arabia once before and found it to be an amazing destination. The warmth and friendliness of the people there stand out, and the weather is definitely much hotter than in England. The scenery is breathtaking, particularly the desert. One of the highlights of my trip was going to the Edge of the World, which is one of the most incredible places I've ever seen.
Did anything unexpected happen while setting up the exhibition and discovering pieces from previous collections?
As we were putting on the hats, I recognized some styles, while others were unfamiliar to me. Many of the looks haven’t been displayed before, making it feel like I'm experiencing them anew. The biggest surprise was definitely the Desert Beauty room, filled with countless styles I hadn't encountered before. Each look is packed with memories. It's like being asked, "Tell me about your kids." Each one requires a unique set of skills, showcasing a narrative highlighted by the outfits. They all represent the designers' interpretations of Christian Dior.
Do you recall every hat you've ever created?
Pretty much, yes. And whenever I think back on it, I can genuinely sense it; I can visualize the reasoning behind it and understand its significance and feel its substance.
Throughout your career, how many hats have you created?
I'd estimate it to be around 100,000, if we're being cautious.
Is there a hat in the exhibit that holds special meaning for you?
Naturally, the Bar suit hat, which debuted in Christian Dior's first collection, stands out as one of his most beloved designs. I remain impressed by how contemporary it still looks today.
In his 1954 book, "Little Dictionary of Fashion," Dior famously stated, "Civilization cannot exist without hats." Do you think that's true?
Absolutely. A hat can really change your look. It can have a huge impact on your overall style.
Steve McQueen's 'Blitz': Classic Thrills In War Drama
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Steve McQueen's 'Blitz': Classic Thrills In War Drama
Revised on December 13, 2024
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DUBAI: “Blitz” takes us back in time on multiple levels. Esteemed British filmmaker Steve McQueen’s newest movie, which is currently available on Apple TV+ following a brief theatrical release, is a period drama set in London during World War II amid the German bombing raids of the same name. The film's storytelling and pace feel reminiscent of earlier cinematic styles, offering a classic adventure narrative filled with excitement, supported by standout performances from newcomer Elliott Heffernan as nine-year-old George, who is of mixed race, and Saoirse Ronan as his single mother, Rita.
The connection between the two characters is incredibly believable and essential to the plot. George is trying to find his way back home after becoming one of the countless kids who were evacuated — often separated from their families — from cities in the UK to rural areas to avoid the dangers of the Blitz.
On the day he is set to be evacuated, he desperately begs Rita not to send him away. When she takes him to the train station, he lashes out, telling her he hates her, and then chooses to ignore her as she waits outside his train car. However, just a few hours later, regret overwhelms him, and he decides to leap off the train and return home. This marks the beginning of a perilous journey during which George encounters a variety of unique individuals who show him both the generosity of strangers and the risks of taking that generosity for granted. Throughout this adventure, his bravery and ingenuity are pushed to their limits.
Heffernan is an engaging main character, effectively capturing George's emotional struggles and steadfast determination. Ronan delivers another outstanding performance, showcasing her vocal talent as Rita, who has a deep passion for music that runs throughout the film. McQueen addresses the film's more serious themes—some quite heavy—with a gentle approach, striking a balance that fits the nostalgic, family-oriented vibe without avoiding the tough subjects. Moreover, "Blitz" is visually stunning, featuring some truly incredible aerial views of a devastated London.
“Blitz” doesn’t introduce any fresh concepts and stands out in McQueen’s body of work for its straightforwardness. However, it is still compelling, emotional, and enjoyable.
Northern Soul: Exploring England's Pop Culture Hub
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Northern Soul: Exploring England's Pop Culture Hub
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DUBAI: While London is recognized as the capital of the UK and the hub of its political and financial influence, those looking for the real essence of England should travel to the vibrant northern cities of Manchester and Liverpool. In these cities, two key elements of English popular culture—football and music—are at the forefront.
In an effort to promote tourism beyond London, the British government invited Arab News on a press trip in November to explore the vibrant cultural heritage of two cities. These cities share many similarities; each boasts two Premier League football clubs, one associated with the color red and the other with blue. Historically, the red teams have enjoyed greater success, although that gap is quickly closing in Manchester. Additionally, both cities have been pivotal in shaping popular music, with Manchester's "Madchester" scene from the late '80s and early '90s and the iconic Merseybeat movement of the '60s. The latter gave rise to The Beatles, often considered the greatest band ever. The group consisted of four young men from Liverpool, who lived just a few miles apart, three of whom would become some of the best songwriters in history. The fourth member, Ringo Starr, was an essential drummer whose rhythmic and creative talents significantly contributed to The Beatles' unique sound.
In Liverpool, we are situated at the stunning Titanic hotel, named after the famous but doomed ship that was registered here. Fortunately, it only shares its name with that vessel in terms of size— the hallways are vast— and is far from a disaster for its visitors. Instead, it offers top-notch service and accommodations that any luxury cruise liner would be proud of.
This is part of the revitalization of the docks in Liverpool, located just a short distance from Everton’s upcoming stadium, which will open at the beginning of the next season. Some of the taxi drivers humorously suggest that it will be the most magnificent stadium in England's second division once Everton—the blue side of Liverpool—gets relegated this year. However, it’s Anfield, the home of Liverpool FC, that truly has a worldwide reputation. We attended the evening match against Aston Villa on November 10, and witnessing a live game is the best way to grasp the deep importance of football in English life. While watching on TV provides a clearer view of the play, it can't compare to the incredible atmosphere—with tens of thousands of fans gasping, cheering, singing, and shouting together in unison.
Many English football stadiums are now much more inviting than people often think. They frequently attract women and children, and Liverpool has gained numerous fans from the Arab world, largely due to the influence of Egyptian star Mo Salah. However, the jargon used at matches can still be quite rough. If you prefer to enjoy a Premier League stadium experience without hearing someone from the seat in front of you vocally instructing the referee on where to place his whistle, consider booking a tour on a day without a match. The tour at Anfield provides a thorough exploration of Liverpool's rich history of trophies, covering everything up to the end of Jurgen Klopp's era. You'll hear fascinating tales from knowledgeable guides and former players, get the chance to see both the home and away dressing rooms (with the away room being much less luxurious), walk along the pitch side, and visit the executive boxes.
The tour of Manchester City's Etihad Stadium provides a similar experience, but places a greater emphasis on interactive activities—like a press conference with Pep! This might be an attempt to make up for the team's less illustrious history compared to Liverpool's, particularly before the last ten years. Nevertheless, it's an impressive facility and likely more enjoyable for children.
Now that we're back in Liverpool, it’s time to dive into the music scene again. We head to the iconic Cavern Club, where The Beatles shot to fame. Although it proudly highlights its connection to the legendary band, it remains a vibrant venue today, hosting both well-known international artists and rising local talent, along with seasoned cover bands. Most nights, especially with tourists, it draws a lively crowd. The Cavern is just one of many bars and clubs in the city center that feature live performances, showcasing a music scene that is still thriving in Liverpool.
For those looking to explore The Beatles' story in greater detail, Liver Tours provides a customized journey with expert guides who will escort you to significant sites connected to the band. You'll visit their childhood residences, the church hall where John Lennon and Paul McCartney first met, and various locations that inspired their music, such as Penny Lane and Strawberry Fields. This thorough experience is highly recommended for passionate Beatles fans, but it might be a bit overwhelming for more casual listeners. Instead, they might enjoy the Beatles Story at Albert Dock, which celebrates the band's rapid ascent to fame and highlights the profound impact they had on their hometown—all achieved in less than eight years from their debut single to their final album.
During our time in Manchester, we chose to stay at The Reach at Piccadilly, conveniently situated just around the corner from the main train station and within walking distance of the Northern Quarter. This vibrant area is known for its variety of unique shops and cozy cafés, and it has been a beloved spot for numerous famous musicians throughout the years. You can even find nods to some of these artists in the pavement art scattered around. Despite being centrally located, The Reach offers a calm atmosphere, complemented by welcoming staff and delightful breakfast options.
Our Manchester music tour takes a broader approach compared to the one in Liverpool. Instead of concentrating on a single band—an understandable choice given The Beatles' iconic status—we delve into the impressive variety of musical talent that has emerged from or visited the city and its surrounding areas. Highlights include the historic Hallé Orchestra, the Free Trade Hall where Bob Dylan made a memorable appearance in the Sixties and the Sex Pistols rocked the stage in the Seventies, inspiring many young Mancunians to grab guitars and form their own bands. We also explore the contributions of legendary Seventies rock group 10CC, the Eighties gloom-rock icons Joy Division and The Smiths, the creators of the classic debut album by The Stone Roses, and the massive Nineties Britpop phenomenon Oasis, along with countless others. Once again, our guide from Brit Music Tours shares a treasure trove of knowledge, not just listing facts but weaving in many fascinating and engaging stories.
Even though we dedicated hours to exploring the tours over three days, it seems we've only touched the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the culture of these two cities. This is especially true for their lively culinary scenes, shopping opportunities, and nightlife. If you're considering a trip to the UK and want a place that's more laid-back than London but still packed with attractions — maybe even more — then make your way to the northwest.
