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Tuesday, December 31, 2024
Top Hat & Tail: CJ by Bob Burkhardt
Puttin' on my top hat
Brushin' off my tail
These days, few people tend to dress up for New Year's Eve. They really seem to dress up for much really. I understand it, I feel lucky I don't need to dress up for work. There are a few meeting days that require more professional attire, but most days, it's 'professionally casual.'
I own three suits, one black, one navy and one, a grey tweed. Although I used to wear them more often, these days it's mostly weddings and funerals. Even in church, you'd be overly dressed in a suit, especially if you're under the age of 70. My father on the other hand, had dozens of suits, suit jackets and pants. He also had four or five pairs of dress shoes, cuff links and several dozen ties.
My parents went out almost every Saturday night. They belonged to a group that played cards, alternating between each of their homes over the year. Whoever had the Saturday closest to New Years, had the New Year's Eve party. My poor father had to wear a suit almost every day. He wore one to work, Monday through Friday, wore one to church on Sunday, and wore at least a suit coat on their Saturday night excursions.
I hate 'suit days', and sometimes wonder how he handled wearing one so often, especially during the height of humidity in the summer. I guess he got used to it, I don't really remember him ever complaining. He also had several hats, and I don't mean the ball cap variety that I collect. He never had a top hat though, except one he rented when he and my mom went to a charity ballroom event put on by our city's orchestra. Although top hats and tails were mostly seen only in old Fred Astaire movies, most of my older male relatives had their own version of dashing dress for special occasions.
Just before Christmas, I introduced FH viewers to CJ and his work with photographer Bob Burkhardt. In that piece, (HERE:) CJ was employing the Burkhardt method of winter sweater wearing by donning his sweater, well, just his sweater, with no other clothing. For New Year's Even, CJ is utilizing the undressing technique with casually formal, New Year's Eve attire. CJ's puttin' on his top hat for sure, but that's about it. When you look as hot as CJ, a top hat is more than enough fashion. Wearing just the hat also ensures there's no pesky cotton or linen getting in the way, of showing off his tail.
Holiday Mode:
'There's another kind of love: the cruelest kind. The one that almost kills its victims. Its called unrequited love. Of that I am an expert. '
I know 2006's The Holiday is usually thought of as a Christmas movie, but it actually covers three of December's celebrations. In addition to Christmas, some of the characters also celebrate Hanukkah, and film ends with a party on New Year's Eve. Sure, it's a small family party, but with the great characters Nancy Myers created, it's a party I'd sure love an invitation to.
I re-watched the film on the 27th, and given it was focused too heavily on Christmas Day celebrations, it made a great film to watch before New Years. There are so many scenes I love in the film. Some of the dialogue can get corny, which the writers seem to acknowledge with a line and a wink, some of it is quite powerful Iris's speech about unrequited love, hits me hard every time. I know I'm not the only one whose experienced this, the cruelest kind of love.
Burns
I always forget what a great supporting cast there is as well. There of course the great Eli Wallach, who's walk up the stage gets me every time. In smaller roles there's also Alex O'Loughlin as the 'movie' lover at the films beginning. In addition, there's also Edward Burns, and John Krasinski and Kathryn Hahn who play assistants to Amanda.
Then there's actor Steven Bruns who plays the hottie on the plane. I know many of you remember him, even though we only see him for a few brief seconds. Iris notices him as well, until his girlfriend or wife shows up that is. Bruns modeled throughout Europe for years prior to moving to Miami to take up acting. The Holiday was his first film.
Then of course there's Miles, played by Jack Black. I'm not a huge Jack Black fan, but I loved him in this role. I understand why Iris was attracted to him and I wouldn't have passed up a little Hanukkah hump with Miles if I were alone, house sharing in LA by myself.
In addition to Black and Law, and the supporting actors mentioned, there was another character, and another actor who grabbed my attention, especially during my recent re-watch. Check out who I mean on the NEXT PAGE HERE:
Then of course, there's the romantic lead, Jude Law as single dad Graham. Although Hallmark has run with the 'hot widower', Law's Graham was one of the first times I saw the now archetype character in a Christmas rom-com. When it comes to on-screen nudity, I think my favorite from Law is in 1997's Wilde. If you happened to watch the VHS version, I think you may have seen a inch or so more of Jude's junk.
If I could turn back time, I'd go back to the 1990's and buy front row seats for Jude's performance in Indiscretions in London and New York. Law played the role in London in 1992 (under the title Les Parents Terribles) before being reworked, and retitled for a 1995 debut on Broadway. You can check out some images from the play on FH HERE:
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