Beautiful

Splice

BRILLIANCE COMES WITH REBELLION. CLIVE AND ELSA ARE PROOF OF THAT. THEY ARE SUPERSTAR GENETIC ENGINEERS, WHO ACHIEVED FAME BY SUCCESSFULLY SPLICING TOGETHER THE DNA OF DIFFERENT ANIMALS. BY DOING SO THEY HAVE CREATED INCREDIBLE NEW HYBRIDS. BUT NOW THEIR CUTTING-EDGE EXPERIMENTS AND PASSION DRIVES THEM INTO A WHOLE NEW TERRITORY, AN AREA OF GENETIC MANIPULATION THAT MAYBE IS BETTER LEFT UNTOUCHED. CLIVE AND ELSA ARE ABOUT TO DISCOVER THAT THEIR NEWEST SCIENTIFIC MIRACLE IS A MISTAKE.

Clive and Elsa are completely devoted to their careers. Driven by their successes in the field, they now have come up with a plan to use human DNA in a hybrid that could revolutionize science and medicine. Enthusiastic as they are, the pharmaceutical company that funds their research has serious doubts and forbids the passionate couple to continue their research. But Clive and Elsa, drunk with their god-like power, are convinced of their future success, and secretly conduct their own experiments in the pursuit of even greater scientific discovery. Ignoring society’s ethical and legal boundaries, they introduce human DNA into one of their creations and manage to produce Dren, a creature that is larger than the sum of its parts.

Dren is an amazing, strangely beautiful, feminine life form, that exhibits uncommon intelligence and an array of unexpected physical developments. Dren exceeds the happy couples wildest dreams, not only scientifically, but also in inspiring maternal feelings in Elsa. But when Dren starts to show a far from normal rapid development, this animal/human hybrid, created to be the next step on the evolutionary ladder, becomes their worst nightmare, and forces Clive and Elsa to come to terms with the decision they made.

Written by director Vincenzo Natali, Splice was originally meant to follow his 1997 success Cube. But the then limited technology and budget hindered the project, until, in 2007, it re-entered active development as a Canadian/French co-production, receiving a US$2.5 million budget. About Splice, Natali said: “Splice is very much about our genetic future and the way science is catching up with much of the fiction out there. It is a serious film and an emotional one. And there's sex... Very unconventional sex. The centerpiece of the movie is a creature which goes through a dramatic evolutionary process. The goal is to create something shocking but also very subtle and completely believable.”

Splice, starring Adrien Brodey, Sarah Polley, David Hewlett, Amanda Brugel and Delphine Chanéac as Dren, premiered at the Sitges Festival in October 2009 and will be released by Warner Bros worldwide as of June 04, 2010. –B-

SPLICE | BEAUTIFULMAG

BeautifulMag presents The Male Form Model Search 2010

Have you ever dreamed about being a model? Are you trying to build your portfolio, but think you could use a little help? In other words, do you think you’ve got what it takes, both physically and mentally, to become the latest discovery of photographer Dylan Rosser and the face of BeautifulMag? Then the Male Form Model Search 2010 is your chance to make your dreams come true!

Want to know more, CLICK HERE for additional information on how to participate and the prices you can win. -B-

BEAUTIFULMAG
DYLAN ROSSER

BeautifulMag #61 Week 22-23 | Exposure

Last week Britney Spears locked herself in the hotels bathroom and cut off her hair – again – in an act a frustration after she had a screaming fight with lover Jason. Brad Pitt offered a €2.000 tip to a pizza maker to deliver pizza’s at his French château. Of course, for this money, they had to be delivered complete with wood-fired oven. And Lady Gaga, said to be exhausted from her The Monster Ball Tour, made a very relaxed impression during a doubtless well-deserved break in the French Riviera, where she went completely gaga for another lady. Oh how we love the gossip, the ins and outs of our stars, those little sneak peaks in their most private moments. But how would we feel if it would be us, the normal people, who are exposed.

Brace yourself because big brother truly is watching us. We are living in a time where there are no secrets anymore. Satellites are so advanced they can zoom in on the tiniest detail on Earth, revealing things that some would have preferred to keep under the blanket. Literally in some cases. And what about Google, who are accused of having slipped lists of surfing behaviour of their Internet users. Knowing this, sneak peaks in other people’s life are becoming all of a sudden a lot less interesting, no? Exposure and openess is good, but some thing should be kept under wraps. You can be in best relation with your neighbor, but you do not always want to know what is going on behind closed doors. What people do in private should stay in private, whether you are celebrity or ordinary. Privacy is not a privilege, it is a right. And let’s be honest, at least if some things keep personal, we still have things to fantasize about, no? –B-

R&Y | BEAUTIFULMAG

Tom Bianchi's Erotic Triggers

THE MEN HE WORKS WITH ARE FRIENDS. MEN WHO DESIRE TO LIVE THEIR LIVES HONESTLY, PLAYFUL AND TOTALLY FREE FROM SEXUAL SHAME. FEELING FREE IN THEIR EXPRESSIONS AND FEELING FREE IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA, IT ARE THESE MEN WHO TELL THE STORIES IN TOM BIANCHI’S SUCCESSFUL BOOKS. AND IT ARE THESE MEN WHO ARE TOM BIANCHO EROTIC TRIGGERS.

After giving up his job in law in 1979, Tom Bianchi devoted his life entirely to the arts. First as a painter, then as a sculpture and over the past years as the successful photographer the world has come to know him as. His love for total sexual freedom drove him to release his world famous photo book On The Couch Vol 1 in 2002, to be followed by Vol 2 in 2004. Even though we all know Tom from these impressive volumes, those were certainly not his first publications. Between 1991 and 2006, Tom Bianchi published 11 photo books, with a large variety of themes, but always true to his free spirit. Deep Sex was Tom’s last  book release, but now, after 4 years of waiting, the master of spontaneous erotic photography I back with another intriguing photo book, Erotic Triggers.

Tom Bianchi is a strong believer of the fact erotic photography is not about posing and perfection. Tom believes in the freedom of sexual expression. Looking at this work one might think it seems to be ab easy job. But nothing could be further from the truth. Tom is a master when it comes to making his subjects – all unpaid models and most of them close friends – so comfortable that they seem to forget the presence of Tom’s camera and are able to totally indulge themselves in their most secret fantasies. What you see in Tom Bianchi’s work is the real thing. Sure, Tom Bianchi is in total control of his camera, but besides that he doesn’t follow a plan. He completely relies on the male instinct and the result of wild running hormones when sexy, sensual and muscled men come together and are offered the freedom to explore each other without limitations.

Erotic Triggers, Tom Bianchi’s 12th photo book, is a testimony to the artists ability to create authentic and genuine photography. The 120 pages book is artfully edited by the expert team of Bruno Gmünder and available in full color and with hard cover. –B-

EROTIC TRIGGERS | BEAUTIFULMAG
TOM BIANCHI | BEAUTIFULMAG

Fiddling on The Roof

THE PROBLEM WITH PASSIONS IS THAT YOU CAN NOT GET ENOUGH OF IT. IT IS ALMOST LIKE EATING A REALLY GOOD CAKE. YOU KEEP GOING BACK FOR MORE AND WHEN IT IS FINISHED, YOU JUST GET ANOTHER ONE. THE SAME GOES FOR THE PHOTOGRAPHY OF BEAUTIFUL YOUNG MEN. JUST ASK KEVIN SLACK.

Canada based photographer Kevin Slack – who hasn’t heard of him by now – has a passion when it comes to Cuba. The love he feels for this island, its inhabitants and the way of living is like an eternal flame that eats at his heart and feeds his never ending longing to return to this nostalgic place. His many travels have brought him to the most intimate and private locations on Cuba and in Havana, and made him encounter many Cubans, who introduced him to their lives and secrets.

It is easy to get lost in the city of Havana. It’s many streets and sites make you loose track of time and reality. Bordered on the east by Central Havana, on the west by the Miramar district and on the north by the Malecón, you find downtown Havana, also known as Vedado. El Vedado is considered to be the heart of the Cuban capital, and houses many restaurants, theaters and other social gathering places in its old monumental architecture. It is a labyrinth of streets and squares with a cluster of tall buildings that offer a magnificent view over the authentic colonial houses. And, for the ones in the know, these tall buildings also offer a place of privacy and seclusion. The perfect place for secret meetings between lovers.

It was a scorchingly hot Thursday when Kevin Slack met up with Michel and Jorge Luis, two Cuban young men he met several times already during his numerous visits to the Cuban capital city. This time the two boys took Kevin to the rooftop of an 18 storey building in the heart of Vedado. There, high in the sky, looking down on the colourful streets and the blue ocean, Michel and Jorge Luis find peace and satisfaction, away form the crowd and the noise and of every day live. There Michel and Jorge Luis find seclusion and intimacy, alone under the blue skies and in each other arms. There is an old, outdoor shower, where the two men can wash the dust from the streets from their bronzed bodies, before and after they spend passionate and intimate moments under the Caribbean sun. This roof offers an escape for the two young lovers, a place where they can be themselves, where they can be together, without constrains and limitations.

Introduced to this wonderful island of peace and isolation high above the busy streets of Havana, Kevin Slack found an opportunity to once again live his passion. To photograph the beautiful young men of Cuba, against a backdrop of what the old city of Havana has to offer. Together with Michel and Jorge Luis, Kevin offers us once again a glimpse on what life – and love – looks like in the melancholic nostalgic streets of Havana. –B-

KEVIN SLACK | BEAUTIFULMAG

Carl Proctor's and the Art of Imagery

WHEN I WAS A KID I HAD A VIEW MASTER WITH WHICH I COULD SPEND HOURS IN AMAZEMENT. HOW I LOVED TO FLIP THROUGH THE DIFFERENT 3-DIMENSIONAL IMAGES, WHILE LISTENING TO A RECORD THAT TOLD THE FANTASTIC ADVENTURES I WAS VISUALLY INDULGING IN. SOMETIMES I WONDER IF IT WAS THAT EXPERIENCE THAT TRIGGERED MY INTEREST IN PHOTOGRAPHY.

The love for images is something I have in common with Carl Proctor. He as well was fascinated by the 3-D Viewmaster. Carl was also captivated by magazine photos and wondered how they came to existence. And so he set his first careful steps on the path of photography. Until three years ago, Carl Proctor suffered through rolls of film to find, as he says, only a few photo’s that weren’t to embarrassing to show to others. But 3 years ago Carl discovered the possibilities of digital photography and online editing. “No more film!” he smiles. Carl Proctor purchased a Nikon D50 SLR camera and the whole world opened up to him. After taking a handful of classes and the purchase of a D300 in December 2007, Carl now experiences the new era of photography like a kid in a candy store. “Every photoshoot is a learning experience and I continue to watch for helpful workshops and training opportunities,” he says. “Every opportunity I have I round up a willing model to photograph. I visit a park. I walk around the neighborhood. While I find all kinds of subjects intriguing, I am most interested in capturing people either by surprise or by design.”
Someone else who loves the art of imagery is Truman Griffin, but he loves it in a very different area. 19-years old Truman is not only a model but also an aspiring actor who recently had roles in several Atlanta theatrical productions. The pajama bottoms and gold shorts he is wearing in Carl’s portraits were specially designed for him by Atlanta designer Greg Brown, and if you think Truman looks a bit dreamy, just consider this young talent fantasizes of one day holding his own Oscar in his hands.

The art of performance is high on the list of aspiring model Shim Gartner. Never having modeled before, he approached Carl Proctor for his first time ever, and may we just say, not bad for a beginner. I’m sure this furry 20-year old Georgia State University student will please a lot of you readers out there. Having tasted modeling, Shim wouldn’t mind learning more about this business and maybe somehow combining it with his first passion, the guitar. Now there is a nice concept for a shooting.

Jason V was an early starter when it comes to modeling. In fact he and Carl Proctor worked together some years ago and not without success. And thus, when Jason contacted the photographer for a follow up, mentioning he had a new look that he was sure Carl would approve of, Carl didn’t say no. Jason was right. Carl did approve. Being a fulltime model now at 21, Jason has little free time left, but when he does he loves to play a good game of tennis and meet interesting new people. Tennis anyone?

When I was a kid, and I played with my Viewmaster, I could indulge in fantastic stories of fairy tales and adventures. Now, looking at all the photos that go through my hands, I can’t stop wondering, what if I had a Viewmaster now? –B-

CARL PROCTOR | BEAUTIFULMAG

She's Madonna

EVERY OTHER DAY, IT'S LIKE, "WHAT AM I DOING? THIS IS INSANE. I COULD BE OFF GARDENING RIGHT NOW. THIS IS TOO STRESSFUL. WHO DO I THINK I AM? WHY AM I PUTTING MYSELF THROUGH ALL OF THIS PUNISHMENT?" THAT'S WHAT IT FEELS LIKE-FOR ME, ANYWAY - Madonna, Interview magazine, May 2010.

We know, the photos and stories have been all over the net, but we can’t help it. She is Madonna after all. She is the woman who has been at the top for the last 25 years or so and still seems so herself. She is the one whose actions have been food for criticism, no matter what she did or does. It is interesting how critics expect those artist who made it to the top to strike back at the ones who follow. Now, after more then 2 years since Madonna released her Hard Candy album, the world is waiting what her musical answer will be to newbies such as Lady Gaga. Have we forgotten that we are talking about a star who is most apprehensive towards other talent ? Have we forgotten Madonna’s support to Kylie Minogue, Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera, all once mentioned as potential candidates to throw the Queen of Pop from her lonely place at the top? Madonna seems to have other thing to her mind than ever lasting and ongoing battles for popularity.

If you haven’t had the opportunity yet to read the interview Madonna had with filmmaker Gus Van Sant for groundbreaking magazine Interview, we strongly recommend you do it while it is still available on the Interview website. Seldom have we seen the pop idol so – well – normal. In the documented phone conversation Madonna had with Gus, they talk about her deep rooted fascination and passion for Malawi [I have a lot of projects there that I go and check up on and children who I look after. It's sort of a commitment that I've made to this country and the hundreds of thousands of children there who have been orphaned by AIDS], about early influences [He (Christopher Flynn) was the first man-the first human being-who made me feel good about myself and special. He was the first person who told me that I was beautiful or that I had something to offer the world, and he encouraged me to believe in my dreams, to go to New York. He was such an important person in my life], and about AIDS [after going to New York and being a dancer when the whole AIDS epidemic started and nobody knew what it was. And then suddenly, all these beautiful men around me, people who I loved so dearly, were dying-just one after the next. It was just such a crazy time. And watching the world freak out-the gay community was so ostracized]. They talk about paradoxes, creativity [I quite like the idea of collaborating in general. Not only is it lonely to do things on your own creatively, it's also kind of arrogant.], insecurity and struggle [Before you start filming and you're in the trenches, it just seems like this process of pushing-of working through all of these people saying no. It seems like the whole world is against you.] and survival.

Illustrated with the fantastic photography by Mert & Marcus that throws you right back in the time of Erotica, in the Gus Van Sant interview Madonna reminds us once again that, besides being the iconic star she has become, she is after all a human being, beautiful, smart and intelligent, never choosing the easy way out and always trying to make a difference. She is a person, like everyone else, with virtues and flaws and, even though we expect her to be, far from perfect.  She is, as someone once said, a work in progress. We will definitely hear more about Madonna in the months to follow, when her long awaited new single, Boom, will be released and when she will start filming her second directorial film after her 2008 debut Filth And Wisdom. Yes, Madonna is still a happy sight, and sound, in an overfed time with Gaga-esques entertainers. –B-

MADONNA | BEAUTIFULMAG