The Malaysian Insider :: Showbiz

More to martial arts than violence, says Wong Kar-wai

Posted: 23 Jan 2013 06:23 AM PST

Award-winning Chinese filmmaker Wong Kar-wai. — AFP pic

SINGAPORE, Jan 23 — Award-winning Chinese filmmaker Wong Kar-wai said today he wanted his latest film to show audiences that there is more to martial arts than violence, and hoped to open a new chapter in the genre.

"We hope this movie can turn a new page on martial arts movies," Wong told reporters in Singapore before the local premiere of "The Grandmaster".

Billed as an epic drama inspired by the life of Yip Man, the mentor of kung fu film hero Bruce Lee, it stars Hong Kong heart-throb Tony Leung and Chinese star Zhang Ziyi.

Although it is an action film, it also explores the patience and discipline of kung fu masters.

"The stories of martial arts films consist only of fighting, but actually all the martial arts styles showcased are well-founded," said Wong, wearing his signature sunglasses.

Wong, known for taking his time to shoot highly stylised films, is best known for his 1994 romance "Chungking Express", intense period drama "In the Mood for Love", from 2000, and his 2004 sci-fi flick "2046". — AFP/Relaxnews

John Varvatos goes rock ’n’ roll with guitarists Jimmy Page and Gary Clark Jr

Posted: 23 Jan 2013 05:18 AM PST

John Varvatos goes rock 'n' roll with guitarists Jimmy Page and Gary Clark Jr

NEW YORK, Jan 23 — Legendary rock musician Jimmy Page and rising star Gary Clark Jr feature as part of the Spring-Summer 2013 campaign for US brand John Varvatos.

Clark at 28 years of age has already been called the future of the blues, and the Austin, Texas, musician has linked up with one of the 20th century's greatest guitarists, Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page, in a campaign for the John Varvatos fashion brand.

Emerging musician Gary Clark Jr (left) and legendary Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page draped in John Varvatos.©Danny Clinch for John Varvatos

The black and white images and short film for the campaign were shot by famed music photographer Danny Clinch, in London's historic Rivoli Ballroom.

Page and Clark are dressed in new styles from the latest John Varvatos collection.

"Jimmy Page has been a music and fashion icon of mine since 1970," said designer John Varvatos. "He has been a major influence and I am honoured to call Jimmy a friend.

"Gary Clark Jr is the real deal — amazing guitar player, singer, songwriter and friend. Having 'The Master' and the 'Young Guitar-Slinger' together in our campaign is a dream come true."

English guitarist, songwriter and record producer Page is best known as one of the four members of Led Zeppelin, one of rock 'n' roll's biggest-selling groups of all time.

Page has twice been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, both for Led Zeppelin and for the 1960s group The Yardbirds (famed for also featuring a young Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck in the band's line-up).

Clark, named "Best Young Gun" by Rolling Stone magazine in April 2011, is a fast-rising star.

This latest John Varvatos campaign follows the designer's previous 17 seasons of rock 'n' roll obsession, with older images featuring Franz Ferdinand, Jane's Addiction's Perry Farrell, Alice Cooper, Paul Weller, Iggy Pop, Ryan Adams, and Slash. — AFP/Relaxnews

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Rabu, 23 Januari 2013