Well in spite of Hollywood’s new-found interest in the flashy and surprisingly one Dimensional 3D experience, it really was a great year to go out to the movies. With all the visually engaging movies this year who else is looking forward to the Halloween costumes 2011 season? The 83rd Annual Academy Awards were held this year, Anne Hathaway and James Franco opening the show with a blatant acknowledgment of how the Academy aims to stay relevant, Anne complimenting James on how appealing he was to a “younger demographic.” All this after a fantastic opening sequence of the two hosts edited into a slew of this years nominated movies, something that was really enjoyed – demographic target acquired. With Anne hosting, you knew she’d be in a different dress every ten minutes, and she did not disappoint with the costume changes, up until she opened the show from a commercial break in a full tuxedo (with the perfect black heels to match, of course). Were you surprised when James walked out in a pink dress? He made no qualms about the costume change, never taking himself too seriously – wearing a pink dress and blonde wig like he was promoting sexy Halloween costumes, and saying his lines like a team player.
A favorite this year was the Darren Aronofsky gem, Black Swan. You may recall Requiem for a Dream, in which Ellen Burstyn’s portrayal of pill addicted Brooklyn mother “Sara Goldfarb” got her an Oscar nod for best actress in a leading role. Well it looks as though Aronofsky has an eye for talent, and a handmade to mold and shape it, because this year his movie making magic gave Natalie Portman, who played the conflicted ballet dancer “Nina Sayers” the extra push she needed to dazzle onscreen and impress the Academy. Portman can now add Academy Award winner to her already impressive resume.
Black Swan was also nominated for best cinematography, directing, editing, and best picture. No nod for best costume design? A person who respects the role costumes play in the fine art of movie making would appreciate the understated and classy costumes that color the Black Swan. With Alice in Wonderland Costumes Designer Coleen Atwood winning in this category it makes you wonder, must a costume designer always go all out when dressing the cast? Sure, there will be some fun Halloween costumes from that movie, but where’s the beef? The beautiful, subdued nature of the black swan costumes really added a touch of honesty and sincerity to the big screen that is lacking in this years less than stellar nominees for best costume. If you know someone seeking to embody that same honesty and sincerity, they might consider the genuine sexy Black Swan costumes that are available online at HalloweenAndCostumes.com. Costume designer Amy Westcott was passed over by the Academy this year, but no matter. Do we remember Ellen Burstyn’s powerful performance as “Sara Goldfarb” Brooklyn mother, because the Academy told us to? No! Burstyn’s inspiring achievement will be cherished for a long time, and costume designer Amy Westcott’s contribution to Black Swan will not go unappreciated by anyone who enjoys this profound movie.



















