Kristen Stewart is Set to Play Princess Diana in New Film
The beloved Princess Diana will be back on our screens as Kristen Stewart is casted to play her in the new film, Spencer.
The beloved Princess Diana will be back on our screens as Kristen Stewart is casted to play her in the new film, Spencer. The film is set to showcase the time in Diana’s life which led to her decision to leave the crown, as well as her husband. Spencer will begin production in early 2021, but many are not pleased with the casting of Stewart to play the worldwide known Royal. Even though the internet may not have reacted the best to the announcement, I still think we should give her a fair shot…you never know!
Princess Diana was known for more than just her title, she was the ideal woman that females of all ages looked up to. Her elegance was showcased at all times, her desire to be herself from the minute she was introduced to the Royals, the special type of mother she was to her two sons, and her love for every human are just some of the traits she carried.
Just as her overall demeanor was cherished by many, her style was always a statement the public loved to see. I’d say her most famous piece was the “revenge dress”. She wore an off the shoulder, fitted black dress the day her husband, Prince Charles, admitted to the press that he was unfaithful to his wife. What better way to say screw you to your husband then by making one of the most bold statements the fashion world has ever seen.
Of course, her wedding dress was a just as phenomenal as one might imagine. While her wedding was in 1981, and the dress isn’t completely in today’s style, any style connoisseur holds a special appreciation for this gown. It’s the dress little girls dream to be in.
In 1987 her baby blue gown that she wore at the Cannes Film Festival made her look like a real life Cinderella. Her casual sense of style may have shocked the Royal family, but she looked phenomenal in the simplest of outfits.
Princess Diana has been and always will be a fashion icon, as well as everybody’s favorite princess. Kristen Stewart definitely has big shoes to fill for this role, but the costume designers have an even bigger one!
Photo Credits:
https://theblast.com/103163/princess-dianas-revenge-dress-shocked-people-but-theres-a-story-
https://weddedwonderland.com/9-facts-you-didnt-know-about-princess-dianas-wedding-dress/
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/fashion/g4362/princess-diana-dresses/
https://www.insider.com/photos-of-princess-diana-best-most-shocking-outfits
https://people.com/royals/actresses-who-have-played-princess-diana/
Report: Kaitlin Gallagher
Midnight Sun, The Return of the Twilight Phenomenon
Stephenie Meyer's latest book, Midnight Sun, hits shelves in August. Told from Edward Cullen's perspective, it continues the franchise that spawned a cultural impact and widespread criticism.
To be released later in the year on August 4th, Midnight Sun marks the return of Stephenie Meyer, author of the infamous Twilight series. Originally shut down in 2008 due to being leaked illegally, Meyer’s latest work is a culmination of 12 years in the making. The book brings readers back to Bella and Edward’s original love story, only this time from Edward’s perspective. A countdown for the announcement of Midnight Sun was on Meyer’s website, but viewer intake caused the site to crash, showing the tremendous impact of her work and the fanbase it has created. With over 100 million copies sold and a movie franchise that garnered a cult following, Stephenie Meyer created a universe in which the supernatural was brought to the forefront and underlying issues of the past came to light.
Originally conceived as an independent film, no one knew how much of an impact it would have on literature and pop culture. The cultural phenomenon of Twilight evoked discovery of sexuality, rebellion, and increased interest in the supernatural. In return, a new kind of fan base was created and was the first of its kind to be noticeable on social media. Fans flocked to Tumblr, Twitter, and YouTube to create accounts dedicated to Twilight. The well-known #TeamJacob vs. #TeamEdward debate was one of the most highlighted aspects of the culture. Coined as “Twihards,” hardcore fans were often subjected to harsh treatment by the media and others alike. Misogynistic ideals were pinpointed onto them, of which were mainly teenage girls. The popularity created a limelight that some took advantage of, and even though harassment against fans of the series was prominent, the fans themselves began to realize the flaws embedded into the words they read.
A major critique of the Twilight series dealt with the portrayal of Bella and her relationship with Edward. The books described Bella as not being able to live without a man’s love. This trope is harmful in itself, especially to the teenage girls that primarily made up their fanbase. Edward’s behavior throughout the series is also criticized, revealing his so-called romantic instincts to actually be abusive and controlling. This behavior on occasion has even scared Bella, which is not the right way to portray a relationship to young generations that grew up with Twilight. Another highlighted criticism dealt with the portrayal of the Quileute people, transforming them into angry animals that were not well-received by the very tribe it sought to bring attention to. The prominence of the series turned their homes into tourist destinations and disrupted their daily life.
The Twilight series has been and will be around for a long time. It is entertaining to engage in, but it is also important to realize the effects it has made on culture and society. With what is going on today in the world it helps to bring back the days of nostalgia where one can fantasize about otherworldly possibilities.
Photo Credits: Goodreads, The Chimes, and MTV
Report: Charlene Piccio
The Clark Sisters: The First Ladies of Gospel movie review
“Dear Twinkie, when your finances, relationships, and inner peace were attacked you cried, prayed and survived! Thank you for reminding us how to endure hardness as a good soldier”
The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel biopic premiered on April 11 on Lifetime. The Clark Sisters are an esteemed gospel recording group that have influenced both r&b and gospel music today. The biopic captures five sisters, Jackie, Denise, Elbernita (Twinkie), Dorinda, and Karen, from Detroit, Michigan, and their rise to fame. Growing up in the Church of God in Christ (COGIC), the Clark Sisters lived a very strict religious life that their mother, Dr. Mattie Moss Clark, made sure they would never depart from. To no surprise, the movie was highly anticipated by both the gospel and the “secular” world, as it was executive produced by Mary J. Blige, Missy Elliott, and Queen Latifah.
The biopic features live singing by the actresses, which made the story more genuine. As a fan of gospel music, there were moments when singing along seemed contagious. The music allowed the movie to progress fluidly and created the feeling that the viewer was right alongside the Clark Sisters on their journey. Since there were so many relatable aspects, it felt natural to root on their success, especially knowing that there were so many things trying to hold them back. This movie is a testimonial that everyone goes through struggles, no matter your background. From the beginning of the movie, it was undeniable that gender roles played a significant role in their world, specifically in Dr. Mattie Moss Clark’s life. There was a clear expectation of women; they were intended to take the back seat. Despite her musical success, Dr. Clark’s husband did not accept her desire to minister through music, to the point where she had to hide her gold records underneath her daughters’ beds. Since the Clark Sisters’ lives were so intertwined with their mother’s, the need for acceptance became an issue that they inherited.
The Clark Sisters performing at the Grammys was a monumental moment that validated their success and symbolized the evolution of gospel music. At the height of their career, it was evident that each sister felt that they had to please their mother. Despite that, the movie captures the importance of having a strong will and faith to overcome all the obstacles that present themselves. “Dear Twinkie, when your finances, relationships, and inner peace were attacked you cried, prayed and survived! Thank you for reminding us how to endure hardness as a good soldier”, says Christina Bell, who played Twinkie in the biopic. Amazing acting and singing were showcased, while promoting familial unity, motivation, and love. The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel biopic is a phenomenal story of resilience that everyone can relate to and take something from.
Report: Brionna Thompson
At the rise of Covid-19 many of us first questioned the timeline of fashion week and would we see the regular calendar continue - the question weighed over many of us for months! It was refreshing to see design houses and designers across the globe take advantage of the uncertainty and plow into production mode - thus my interest in Jerri Reid New York - The Black Designer based in Brooklyn New York wow’d instagram with his latest collection paying homage to the Black Is King film which debuted earlier this year in July. I was taken aback at quick of a turn round the young designer produced and released his well crafted designs reflecting some of the films most memorable moments.