Tree of Life totally wrecked me

For those of you that don't know a little film called "Tree of Life", it finally came out this Friday, it's directed by the mysterious philosophizing Terrence Malick starring Brad Pitt, Jessica Chastain, Sean Penn and some amazing brilliant little young actors. Basically "Tree of Life" shows a day in the life of Sean Penn, which happens to be the anniversary of his younger brother's death. The movie flashes back and forth between Penn reliving his childhood (from infancy to adolescence) and his current life as an employee in some type of corporate glass empty-soul kind of building.

I went into this movie with a completely open mind - well, almost completely open except for the fact that the trailers blew my mind. This film not only reminded me of my childhood, it took me back to it. While watching it, I literally FELT what it was like to be a kid again. I felt smaller, I remembered smells, sounds, fears AND the terrifying realization that everything you know and innocently take advantage of ends. The way the film was shot, especially during the younger childlike sequences was filmed in a very play-like manner, the camera moved, curiously exploring the children's world - their backyard and house - rocking back and forth between sky and earth, looking up at what we don't know and don't question yet and down at the ground that pulls us toward our homes.

After seeing the movie, my boyfriend Rob asked me how I felt about it. It was actually hard to speak. I couldn't really form words without crying and that's what happened. Now, don't get me wrong, I HATE to cry during movies or about movies, especially in public, but I just started crying on Houston Street on a Friday night. Hipsters passing by judging me, other "Tree of Life" viewers planning their dessert plans or general hatred for the movie (hopefully others liked it and I'm sure they did). For some reason this movie really broke me down. It may be one of the best movies I've ever seen. It may also be too early to say this for sure, but I do know that other than a little trilogy back in the early 2000's, I've never been so affected by a movie. All this being said, I would not recommend "Tree of Life" for many people. I don't want to be blamed for people not understanding the cosmic sequences, the whispering VO's or the not-so-linear storyline. I will say that if you ever think about where you came from, where you're going and why you are, then go see Tree of Life. And then call me so we can talk.

Zombies, LARPing and other news

Happy Spring! Looks like the weather is finally beautiful and here to stay. My cute little 3-speed Chip is fixed up and I've already taken him for many rides and pimped him out. He now has new wheels and lights for night riding. I'm planning some bike trips over the summer to further explore the City!

Over the past few weeks I've been involved in so many Columbia film projects! I played a zombie for Columbia MFA Director Stian Hafstad's project. The makeup looked amazing and it was fun to just go crazy with the blood. It's actually my second time playing a zombie. My inner monologue throughout was "BRAINS...BRAINS...BRAINS..." I worked with Stian in mid-January on a short teen comedy called "The Science of Blowjobs and Throbbing Hearts". I finished up ADR for it this past week and am SO excited to share it with everyone. It's going to be hilarious!

Another Columbia film I'll be shooting the first week of June entitled "I LARP You" is moving along great. The production team is excited about the awesome LARPing wardrobes and I've already had some great rehearsals with my co-star Mason Heidger and director Andrew Ruiz. Soon enough I'll be running around the woods in New Jersey with elf ears! Can't wait! Stay tuned for some great pictures of that.

In other news - I had some great auditions recently! Just this past week I had an audition for the MTV Movie Awards and Puma. For the Puma audition I had to juggle a soccer ball on camera. I was SO NERVOUS, but I actually nailed it and was put on-hold for the shoot. Although I ultimately didn't get it, I was proud that I went in there and didn't break the camera :)

Also, congrats to my Aunt Lynn for having her first son Noah Jacob this past week. I'm so excited to meet him. He's a cute little guy and the influx of babies coming into my family over the next year is simultaneously overwhelming and exciting. I still feel like a kid myself!!! But, I guess that's why I'm an actor ;)