One of my favorite movies to highlight at this years SXSW Film Festival is Colossal. It had an impact on everyone who viewed it that day and it’s easy to see why. Director Nacho Vigalondo meshes together a world of delirium, booze and darkness in to one monster epic.
Colossal tells the story of Gloria (Anne Hathaway), a 30 something screw up who moves back to her home town when her boyfriend kicks her out of his New York City loft. Swallowing her pride and a ton of booze, she secures a job at a local bar owned by a childhood friend (Jason Sudeikis). This story has all the trappings of a perfectly set up rom-com; a down on her luck quirky girl thrown together with the handsome guy who got away. But if you’re thinking South Korea should be involved and we should have giant Godzilla-like monsters wreaking havoc on screaming hoards of civilians, you’d be thinking correctly. This is the crazy and chaotic plot of Colossal.
As Gloria works to sort out her own life, she is faced with saving all of Seoul from a monster of her own creation. But can she save herself?
Nacho Vigalondo’s tale of an alcoholic wrestling with darkness impacts others in a very real way, whether or not impact was intended. I think this is an ingenious way to represent the evil monsters that dwell inside all of us. A truly fantastic metaphor that speaks to being unaware of the damage we cause when that monster is unleashed. Our monsters grip us tightly, hold us in crippling fear and emotion and leave us in a constant state of grapple. A Gojira way of speaking this narrative was missing from cinema.
When asked by an audience member, who was very clearly upset by the content of domestic abuse in the film, if it was hard dealing with subject matter of this ilk, Nacho simply smiled and replied,
“Some stories aren’t pretty. So, as a writer, as a filmmaker, I have to risk offending audience members like yourself to tell a story or deal with subject matter they may be uncomfortable with. I believe these are the best stories. And I peppered in some jokes to help you smile through your tears”
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New Orleans, LA - On October 22, 2024, I recently had an opportunity to attend the grand opening of Caesars New Orleans, marking the completion of a stunning $435 million transformation of the former Harrah’s New Orleans. It was an evening to remember, filled with excitement, luxury, and the vibrant spirit of New Orleans. The festivities began on Canal Street with an exhilarating ceremony led by Caesars Entertainment CEO Tom Reeg, President & COO Anthony Carano, and Caesars New Orleans General Manager Samir Mowad. The atmosphere was electric as they joined Caesar himself and an iconic New Orleans second-line band in a lively procession into the casino. It felt like the entire city had come out to celebrate, with Caesars New Orleans team members and Mayor LaToya Cantrell also joining the event to commemorate this historic occasion. Anthony Carano’s pride in introducing Caesars to New Orleans was palpable. “From local favorite Emeril Lagasse to our long-time partner, Chef Nobu, to the beautiful state-of-the-art Caesars Sportsbook, all-new rooms and gaming floor, and of course, our gorgeous new center bar, Octavia, Caesars New Orleans offers something for everyone. It’s a world-class resort in the heart of the Big Easy, and we can’t wait for our guests to experience it,” he said. The ceremony was a spectacle, kicking off with an iconic Mardi Gras float featuring Caesar and his court, and a dazzling firework show that lit up the New Orleans sky. The second-line band then led us revelers into the resort’s elegant center bar, Octavia, where we indulged in a “Taste of Caesars New Orleans.” Each bite from the six on-property restaurants was a delightful journey, capturing the essence of New Orleans’ rich culinary scene. Throughout the night, elemental entertainers, including the Saints Cheer Krewe, Mardi Gras Indians, Zulu Tramps, and showgirls, created an authentic and unforgettable Big Easy experience. Everywhere I turned, there was something new to marvel at, each performance more mesmerizing than the last. Samir Mowad, SVP and GM of Caesars New Orleans, highlighted the significance of the transformation, stating, “This year marks 25 years since we opened in New Orleans, and the completion of this project is the perfect way to usher in a new era with Caesars. Synonymous with the Caesars name, our new resort is pure elegance, and we’re excited to introduce a luxury brand like this to New Orleans. We are extremely grateful for the support of the community, our team members, and our guests as we come to the finish line of this tremendous transformation.” The hotel itself is impressive,…