CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon in a scene from Invictus; Nelson Mandela’s autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom; Meryl Streep as Julia Child in a scene from Julie & Julia; croque madame at Bouchon; a scene from It’s Complicated; Huckleberry Bakery and Café; Julianne Moore in A Single Man; Clé de Peau Beauté Intensifying Cream eyeliner; Kate Hudson dazzles in Rob Marshall’s Nine; BCBG Max Azria minidress
SPRING IS FULL OF speculation about which films will win awards. But trophies aside, we always appreciate what the movies bring to our lives. Here, we celebrate some of the best movies of the season and what they inspired us to eat, wear and read.
Invictus is the 30th movie that Clint Eastwood has directed. Yes, 30! This movie is dramatic, inspirational, entertaining and the kind of film that wouldn’t get made if not for talent like Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon teaming with master director Eastwood. After the movie warms your heart and stirs your spirit, be sure to pick up Long Walk to Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela (Barnes & Noble, The Grove, 189 Grove Dr., Los Angeles, 323-525-0270; barnesandnoble.com). You may think you know the whole story but this book is definitely worth reading.
Julie & Julia was delicious in every way, and it left us feeling hungry for French food. Lucky for us, at the end of last year Thomas Keller graced Los Angeles with his delicious Bouchon in Beverly Hills (235 N. Canon Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-271-9910; bouchonbistro.com). Try the hearty croque madame, the savory onion soup and the light and airy lemon tart.
When we see movies by Nancy Meyers, we always feel like we’d like to live inside them. The kitchens seem bigger, the clothing more comfortable and the gardens are lush and floral. We wish we could shop in the gorgeous gourmet café in It’s Complicated, but we’ll settle for the next-best thing: Huckleberry Bakery and Café (1014 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, 310-451-2311; huckleberrycafe.com). Green eggs and ham, fresh doughnuts, maple-bacon biscuits—too many delicious treats to try all in one visit.
Tom Ford’s A Single Man is an impressive directing debut, and the design of the movie is perfection. The sets, the costumes, the hair, the makeup—everything. We loved Julianne Moore’s period look, especially all that sexy black eyeliner. Our pick to re-create the look is Clé de Peau Beauté Intensifying Cream eyeliner, $60 (Barneys New York, 9570 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310- 276-4400; cledepeau-beaute.com). It includes a retractable brush for effortless application and creates amazing fine and bold lines without smudging.
