I recently attended the screening of Downsizing at Paramount Studios thanks to Alexander Payne and The Nebraska Coast Connection.

Downsizing is about Norwegian scientists that find a way to shrink humans down to five inches in height. Six percent of the global population decide to do this to offset climate change and to live better financial lives. 

During the Q&A, Payne answered questions about his new film and his journey as a filmmaker.  He and actress Hong Chau discussed the selection process for the role of Ngoc Lan Tran. Payne praised Chau’s performance and how she truly embodied her role every second of the day. They didn't have to do many takes even during one scene which Payne described as one of her most memorable close ups.

The character Ngoc Lan Tran, played by Chau, lives her life guided by her heart and not by her ego. Her performance covers a complex inner spirit, courage, and the compassion she has for the poverty stricken and sadly forgotten community. Chau deserves an Oscar for her performance! ​

Matt Damon is brilliant in his performance portraying the "nice guy" with a big heart! Deciding to do what is socially acceptable he chooses to become part of the downsizing population hoping to make the world a better place. With lots of twists and excitement throughout the film, a lovely dynamic occurs with new found friendships.

My Thoughts on Alexander Payne

Like Payne, I was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska and have admired his worldly mid-western revolutionary vision for filmmaking. I have had the opportunity to work on some of Payne’s films as an extra in Citizen Ruth, Election and as a production assistant for About Schmidt. In my experience working with Payne, it was refreshing to see that he always treated the extras with the same respect that he would treat well known celebrities.

What I admire the most about Payne is his ability to discuss controversial political topics such as abortion, addiction, and mental illness through his films. He portrays the inner dynamics of not only the human race but the collective consciousness of possibilities as well. The hope for humanity is a common thread that exists in all of Payne's films but this one by far is the best!

Everyone should see this film because it helps you laugh at yourself. The world needs laughter and joy right now and if you find yourself struggling with societal pressures verses following your heart, this film shows you that you are not alone. Downsizing is the uprising to the perfect holiday spirit of joy and laughter. Go see this film on the big screen you won't be disappointed!

2. TASCHEN Gallery; 8070 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048
You may have seen or heard of the amazing collection of Taschen published art books that are for sale at this Los Angeles gallery and many eclectic bookstores around the world. The show that was thankfully extended due to its popularity, Mick Rock: Shooting for Stardust. The of Rise of David Bowie & Co., to October 30th, 2015 is a display of nostalgia that you don't want to miss!  Listening to "Space Oddity" playing in the background while peering into the history of David Bowie's transformation and trust of Mick Rock to not only photograph his stylistic planned events but his socializing with Iggy Pop, Queen, and Lou Reed is a trip that I didn't want to end.  A historic timeline mapping out the life events of both Mick Rock and David Bowie are center stage for all the fans to read as well as original framed photos on the walls, photo-book, and signed prints to purchase. David Bowie quotes, "Mick sees the way I see myself".  It is obvious in Mick's work that the teamwork between them is magical, destined, and transcendental.  "Initially I was inspired by his music, and then I was fascinated by his aura. I felt hypnotized by all the mutating and shifting around. In truth the persona interested me more than the personality, coupled with the naked ambition." stated Mick Rock when asked what he found so appealing about David Bowie.  Looking at Mick Rock's photos while listening to David Bowie is an inspiration to any artist that is questioning their inner calling to an artistic medium that bridges the gap of time and space.

3. Hive Gallery; 729 South Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90014
When I attend the downtown Los Angeles Thursday night art-walk (Downtown Art Walk ) I always stop into the Hive Gallery on Spring street. I love how it feels as if your walking into a never-ending hall of neo-pop modern art featuring many different local artists. There is also an artist made items gift store with items under $50 towards the entrance/exit of the gallery. The Hive Gallery’s website quotes, “ We seek to break down the quiet, traditional, art-on-white-walls, viewing experience and create a gallery atmosphere that is as equally alive as it’s artwork.”  Openings usually include 5 featured artists, up to 100 group show artist, live painting, and more. The October 2015 featured artists are the movers and shakers of the animation industry. This exhibit is open to the public on Wednesday to Saturday from 1pm to 6pm and Sunday-Tuesday by appointment. This exhibit gives its viewers the chance to see the secret art that these artists began and continue doing in their spare time while working as model makers, directors, producers, character fabricators, stop motion animators, storyboard directors, and publishers of animation. 

Suffering from Monday night blues due to work and yadda-yadda-yadda? I was able to rid those blues away with numerous laugh out loud giggling moments thanks to Kat Aagesen's stand-up set, "The Kat House" at The El Cid! Kat's style of stand-up is casual, chill  and most importantly hilarious! Her line-up included, talented comedians; Bill Dawes, Will Weldon, and Jeremy Bassett! Each show also includes one newbie because Kat personally feels that once she started doing stand up comedy, it changed the course of her life in a positive way and to be able to give that chance to other aspiring comics is an added plus! On this particular night, Kat selected Anastasia Kaufman to be the virgin showcased comic! Great choice! I was impressed with how all of the comics played on each others sets beautifully. Gifted at knowing how to read the audience, all the comedians did their part in raising the energy on a dreaded MONDAY night no less! The flow & style of each comic made the audience  feel as if they were just chatting it up with you over a drink. I say that because they all did such an excellent job at interacting with the audience while uplifting them at the same time. The ability to captivate an audience comes from years of experience! "I've been doing stand up for two years. I've performed in 2 festivals and various clubs, bars, and stages around LA. I've been a hostess in restaurants for 7 years, so I figured hosting a comedy show would be a logical fusion of my field of expertise and interest." ~ Kat Aaegesen.
  
"The Kat House" is a regular show at El Cid, every 3rd Monday of the month.  It has been listed on SceneStar.com and TheComedyBurea.com. If you are seeking a way to swiftly shed your Monday blues away, The Kat House is the place to be!





 

Friday night I attended the release party of Amber Allen's new song HOOKED!  As soon as I entered  The Falls Lounge in downtown Los Angeles I could feel Amber's infectious soulful voice captivating the room! Hooked, will literally have you hooked on catchy, upbeat lyrics with uptown funk beats! Amber Allen is a singer/dancer/artist #TripleThreat that inspires her audience to rejoice in the love they are feeling! If you're looking for a new original song to either work out or dance to, then I highly suggest you download Hooked!

I recently saw Pixar's latest addition to their magnificent collections of films, Inside Out. Not only will this film turn you inside out with laughter and tears but teach you a lot about the fascinating complexities of how the human brain works. As a former psychology student I was intrigued with Pixar's vision of how our emotions operate as separate entities with personalities while they would explore the other cerebral cortices. The most interesting dynamic was the relationship between the characters Joy and Sadness. The film starts off with them having to work together but not exactly knowing how or why they need each other. Eventually through some hilarious mishaps they begin to figure it out. Amy Poehler as the voice of Joy, was spot on with her reactions to Phyllis Smith as the voice of Sadness. These two embodied the characters completely in their voice! The animators and writers of Pixar once again kept me sitting on the edge of my seat wondering how they were going to be able to understand why they need each other. If your wondering if this film is simple enough for children to understand, be entertained, and learn from, then my answer is yes to all of the above! Take your children, nieces, nephews, or any children you know that can benefit from learning not only why it is important to express your emotions but also how to channel them for everyone's greater good!