REVIEW: ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ can’t hold a candle to the 1988 original
Updated 10 September 2024
Gautaman Bhaskaran
CHENNAI: Often it needs just a single work for a director to emerge out of the shadows and shine. For Tim Burton that happened in 1988 with “Beetlejuice,” a camp horror that straddled the line between comedy and the macabre.
It was a turning point for the 26-year-old director who shot straight to the big leagues and returned to the now-concluded Venice Film Festival with the sequel, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” in September.
With headlining names like Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder and Jenna Ortega, one of the sequel's first scenes shows Italian icon Monica Bellucci as Delores the ghost all cut into pieces lying in several boxes. She begins to pin herself together with a stapler and proceeds to suck the souls of dead men and women, all set to a soundtrack of “Tragedy” by the Bee Gees. Gory but fun — and very on brand for Tim Burton.
The movie begins in a clumsy manner with the characters being arranged in what felt like a chess game, with the key pieces spread out. The sequel follows Winona Ryder's Lydia Deetz, the former goth teen who is now a psychic mediator with her own paranormal television show.
Deetz’s supernatural abilities are brushed off by her daughter, Astrid (Ortega), who believes her mother’s visions are pure delusion and soon enough Catherine O’Hara returns to her role as Lydia’s narcissistic artist stepmother.
Keaton reprises his part as the titular ghost, but he was far more eccentric and engaging in the first film — his performance here feels like a watered-down version of what we saw earlier.
This largely sum up what seems to be the point of the film — a nostalgia-fuelled look-back at a high-camp horror for Burton fans to enjoy during the Halloween season.
Unfortunately, the movie feels lethargic, dispirited and soulless. Far from the 1988 work that was peppy and praiseworthy.
In episode six of season five, the Ripple Ring in gold is seen on Emily Cooper, portrayed by Lily Collins. Also in episode six, Camille’s mother, Louise, played by Camille Japy, shines in the Droplet Earrings in white.
Additionally, Mindy Chen, brought to life by Ashley Park, is spotted wearing the Elea Hoops in the same episode.
Mindy Chen, brought to life by Ashley Park, is spotted wearing the Elea Hoops. (Supplied)
Earlier in the season, Melia Kreilling, who plays Sofia, is seen showcasing the Sahara Mixed Earrings in episode four.
Benhalim, who is part-Libyan and part-Syrian and grew up in Egypt, founded her eponymous brand in 2011 when she was just 17 and has since gone on to release a number of lines that each pay tribute to her heritage, finding fans in a handful of celebrities
Peggy Gou, Teddy Swims round out Abu Dhabi F1 concerts
Updated 13 min 12 sec ago
Arab News
DUBAI: US singer and song-writer Teddy Swims and South Korean DJ and singer Peggy Gou have been announced as the final artists for the 16th edition of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the 2024 Yasalam after-race concerts, headlining the opening day on Dec. 5.
Swims, 31, who blends genres including R&B, soul, country and pop, will take to the stage at Etihad Park and will perform some of his biggest hits including “Lose Control.”
Gou will then perform and close out the first evening of concerts. She will play some of her best-known hits including “It Makes You Forget” (Itgehane), “Starry Night,” “Jigoo” (with US house music legend Maurice Fulton), “Nabi” (with fellow Korean artist OHHYUK) and “Go.”
The rest of the line-up includes US pop rock band Maroon 5, who appear on Dec. 6, US rapper Eminem who will perform on Dec. 7, and British rock group Muse, who will hit the stage on Dec. 8.
Access to the after-race concerts is exclusive to Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix ticket holders.
The storied auction house’s regional president says time is ‘undoubtedly right’ for expansion
Updated 39 min 54 sec ago
Rawaa Talass
DUBAI: The renowned auction house Christie’s is expanding its presence in the Middle East by opening a franchise in Riyadh, led by managing director Nour Kelani. This will be Christie’s second outpost in the region, following the 2005 opening of Christie’s Dubai, which has had a significant impact on the promotion of Arab art and creativity, both contemporary and modern.
In an exclusive interview with Arab News, Anthea Peers, Christie’s president, EMEA, explains why now is the time to expand the auction house’s activities in the Kingdom, which is experiencing a historic cultural boom.
“Christie’s has a longstanding presence in the Middle East, with deep-rooted relationships with Saudi Arabian collectors based both in the Kingdom and around the world,” Peers says. “In recent years, we have witnessed a considerable period of growth within the arts and culture sector — I have the privilege of visiting the Kingdom regularly and each time I am blown away by the passion, the ambition and the creative talent that I encounter — and the time is undoubtedly right for this expansion,” Peers says.
Ahmed Mater's 'Magnetism.' (Supplied)
An opening date has not yet been confirmed. “Having recently established our entity, we look forward to completing all necessary formalities and further extending our business in the Kingdom as soon as possible,” Peers said.
In Saudi Arabia, Christie’s will focus on providing works of art by modern and contemporary Middle Eastern artists, as well as high-end jewelry and watches or other timepieces. They are also keen to engage with the Saudi youth and aspiring art collectors.
“Bearing in mind the high percentage of millennials in the Kingdom, it’s likely we will also continue to see an increase in engagement among this demographic for Arab artists, modern and contemporary art, as well as engagement with the secondary luxury sector,” says Peers.
Abdulnasser Gharem's 'Message-Messenger' is the most expensive piece by a Saudi artist to have been sold by Christie's to date, fetching $842,500 in 2011. (Supplied)
In recent years, several acclaimed Saudi artists have made a splash at Christie’s with notable artworks sold at high prices. “The market has been reinforced by strong biennials, gallery representations, and alongside key institutional shows both locally and internationally,” says Peers.
Saudi conceptual artist Abdulnasser Gharem’s golden-domed wood-and-copper installation piece “Message/Messenger” was sold at Christie’s for $842,500 in 2011 — the highest price fetched so far by a Saudi artist at the auction house. Manal AlDowayan, who represented the Kingdom at the Venice Biennale earlier this year, has a long-standing relationship with Christie’s, which most recently sold her work “Dove” — previously exhibited at the Venice biennale — for just over $15,000, more than three times its low estimate, having, Peers says, “attracted strong bidding from our established Middle East clients.”
Manal AlDowayan's 'Dove' sold for $15,120 earlier this year at Christie's. (Supplied)
Mid-career artist Ahmed Mater, whose multidisciplinary works were highlighted in a solo exhibition at Christie’s London this summer, has also sold pieces at well above estimated prices; his “Magnetism” triptych fetched £189,000 (around SAR935,000) at Christie’s London. Other emerging Saudi artists, such as Dana Awartani and Alia Ahmad, have also been highlighted at Christie’s.
“We have had passionate Saudi Arabian clients for many years with a wide range of interests ranging from Old Master paintings and modern and contemporary Middle Eastern art to fine watches and jewelry, among other categories,” Peers says. “We have seen increased interest in a number of Arab artists over the last three years including Saudi artists Ahmed Mater, Manal AlDowayan and Dana Awartani. There are active Saudi clients who are evolving and refining their own collections to include a mix of established and emerging Saudi artists.”
Christie’s opening in the Kingdom comes at a time when the domestic arts scene is flourishing, with new cultural initiatives, institutions, and festivals supporting Saudi artists as well as welcoming international names.
Dana Awartani's 'Icosahedron within a Dodecahedron' was sold for £35,000 at Christie's Dubai in 2023. (Supplied)
“We will be honored to support the burgeoning arts scene in Saudi Arabia as part of the ongoing national diversification efforts,” says Peers.
“We look forward to partnering with institutions and arts and culture organizations, hosting dedicated exhibitions, as well as supporting regional cultural events within the Kingdom — for example, we collaborated with Diriyah Contemporary Arts Biennale earlier this year.
“We are also committed to bringing regular international sale highlights from important auctions around the world into the Kingdom for the public and clients to view,” she continues. “Christie’s will continue to raise awareness of art and artists from Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural heritage to our wider international audience.”
Ajwa Aljoudi shows off Saudi fashion at the Emmy Awards
Updated 16 September 2024
Arab News
DUBAI: Riyadh-based TV host Ajwa Aljoudi was spotted at the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards in Hollywood in a look by Saudi designer Eman Alajlan.
Aljoudi, who also has a post at the Saudi Film Commission, showed off a mustard gown by the eponymous fashion house which was established in 2003.
The column gown featured black bow-and-feather detailing on the back.
Meanwhile, Emmy-winning actress, comedian and writer Quinta Brunson showed off a mermaid sculpted gown from Lebanese designer Georges Chakra’s Fall/Winter 2024-2025 couture collection on the red carpet.
TV’s top stars sparkled on the red carpet at the Emmy Awards, back in its regular September time slot after twin Hollywood strikes delayed last year's ceremony to January, AFP reported.
“Shogun” star Anna Sawai was ready for her close-up — she accepted her Emmy for best actress in a drama in a fire-engine red strapless Vera Wang gown with a flounce just below the hips. Actress Kurumi Nakata, the wife of “Shogun” star Tadanobu Asano, brought a touch of the show to the red carpet in a traditional Japanese kimono.
Anna Sawai won the Emmy for best actress in a drama in a fire-engine red strapless Vera Wang gown. (AFP)
Sofia Vergara, nominated for her performance as a notorious Colombian drug lord in “Griselda,” rocked a strapless ruched red Dolce & Gabbana gown with a plunging neckline and Ayo Edibiri, a winner at the last Emmys for her work on “The Bear” and a nominee again on Sunday, looked glam in a strapless printed red, black and yellow Bottega Veneta gown with a high slit.
Black is always on point for Hollywood events, but blue also was everywhere at the Emmys, according to a report by AFP.
Selena Gomez, a first-time acting nominee for “Only Murders in the Building,” wowed in a form-fitting Ralph Lauren black velvet gown with a glittering silver halter neckline and a train and Brie Larson, nominated for “Lessons in Chemistry,” adopted the peplum trend in a beaded blue Chanel gown with thin sparkling straps, a full skirt and a sweet black bow at the waist.
Selena Gomez wowed in a form-fitting Ralph Lauren black velvet gown. (AFP)
Glittering silver and gold looks definitely felt like a trend on the red carpet.
Jennifer Aniston, once again nominated for best actress in a drama for “The Morning Show,” sparkled in a sheer silvery strapless Oscar de la Renta gown with intricate pearl beading while “Bridgerton” star Nicola Coughlan, a presenter at the Emmys, glimmered in an off-the-shoulder silver Prabal Gurung sequin gown with the on-trend sculpted peplum at the waist.
“Bridgerton” star Nicola Coughlan glimmered in an off-the-shoulder silver Prabal Gurung sequin gown. (AFP)
Saudi Arabia’s Princess Nourah Al-Faisal ‘breathes new life’ into Asprey collection
Updated 15 September 2024
Rahaf Jambi
RIYADH: British luxury company Asprey is continuing its collaboration with Saudi Princess Nourah Al-Faisal, the founder of Nuun Jewels, with a reimagined version of Asprey’s Feather Jewelry Collection.
The new collection, designed by Princess Nourah, comes after she collaborated with the label on a capsule collection of bags in July 2023.
Coloured titanium is complemented by sparkling gemstones ranging from the most delicate hues to rich, saturated tones. (Supplied)
“When I approached this collection, I saw an opportunity to breathe new life into Asprey’s iconic feather designs. I wanted to honor that legacy while infusing it with the playfulness and innovation that’s become synonymous with the brand,” she told Arab News of the new launch.
The original Feather collection draws inspiration from royal heraldry, featuring designs that echo the feathers adorning the Prince of Wales’s heraldic badge, where three white ostrich feathers emerge from a gold coronet.
Now, Princess Noura has put her own spin on the collection with her unique aesthetic visible in the choice of materials.
The collection consists of 13 pieces that can be made to order in different colours and metal combinations. (Supplied)
Coloured titanium is complemented by sparkling gemstones ranging from the most delicate hues to rich, saturated tones, characteristic of Nuun Jewels’ style. From pale pink sapphires and morganite to pastel yellow diamonds, the interplay of colors is something Princess Nourah is known for.
“By experimenting with unexpected colors and materials, I’ve tried to create pieces that feel both fresh and timeless. There’s a subtle nod to Art Deco in there, which I’ve balanced with the contemporary aesthetic of my own brand, Nuun Jewels,” she said.
The Asprey x Nuun Feather Collection is a feather in the cap of Asprey, with its chairman telling Arab News he is keen to ensure the luxury goods house remains synonymous with “innovation” despite its more than 200-year history.
“This collection not only showcases (Princess Nourah’s) visionary creativity but also exemplifies Asprey’s relentless pursuit of excellence and beauty through innovation and tradition,” John Rigas, chairman of Asprey, said.
The collection consists of 13 pieces that can be made to order in different colours and metal combinations, with a statement necklace to be revealed in 2025.
