'True Blood' Wins Big at Spike TV's Scream Awards.

What better way to enjoy this spooky time of year than with to cuddle up and watch some legendary bone chilling movies!  We picked our top 3  that always melt our butter and gets the blood flowing during this scary season.

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If you remember back during Sundance Film Festival this year, we shared our friend Andrew Levitas’ success of selling a film he produced to FoxSearchlight called “Homework”, the film has since been renamed “The Art of Getting By” and we were fortunate enough to attend the friends and family screening in Los Angeles last week right before Andrew headed east to New York for the official premiere hosted by Andrew Saffir’s Film Society and Stacey Bendet’s Alice + Olivia clothing line. Director/Writer Gavin Weisen, as well as cast members Emma Roberts, Freddie Highmore (yes the adorable kid from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Finding Neverland who Johnny Depp dies for), Elizabeth Reaser, Michael Angarano, Sasha Spielberg (yes that IS her dad), Rita Wilson, Blair Underwood and Alicia Silverstone.

Emma and Freddie at The Art of Getting By Premiere

Now the time has come, June 16th is the release of “The Art of Getting By” so check it out in theaters near you. The film has something for everyone, we have all gone to school at some point in our life and faced the dreadful assignment of homework, the teenage years of struggling to fit in and find out who you really are, and then of course love, puppy love, real love, lust and losing, well, maybe we ought to say gaining experiences.

Film Producer & Fine Artist Andrew Levitas

check out the trailer here to give you an idea of what you’re in store for and don’t forget to pay attention to Andrew Levitas’ artwork which is shown throughout much of the film as a character depicts an artists life and uses Andrew’s real life art as his own.

For more on the artist Andrew Levitas, check out; www.andrewlevitas.com and let us know how you enjoy the film!

Talk about taking a school girl’s crush to the limit, imagine having James Franco as an instructor? As if Franco’s resume isn’t full enough with being an actor, artist, author, and singer; he will soon be adding college instructor. He will be a graduate instructor beginning this fall at New York University, instructing a class on directing at the Karbar Institute of Film & Television. The class has the capacity of 12 students and is already filled(no surprise there). All I have to say is congratulations to those students who get the privilege to learn from such an intelligent and talented man. Good luck to all the females in this class, hope you’ll be able to focus!

Marion Cotillard at London Premiere of Public Enemies

Beautiful French Actress Marion Cotillard, who gained worldwide recognition and an Oscar last year, is stepping into her fame gracefully. Attending the London premiere of the much anticipated film Public Enemies where she co-stars with Johnny Depp and Eric Bana, Marion wore a bright red Vivienne Westwood satin strapless dress, oversized Stella McCartney handbag. At the films after party, which took place at London’s Home House, we asked the actress about her gorgeous shoes and she told us they were by Christian Dior, who she is a spokesperson for.

Both Johnny and Marion are scheduled to head to Paris next, where Marion is sure to make another elegant apperance on the red carpet.  Johnny, who seems to be getting more handsome with age, was dressed film themed appropriate, styled by Samantha McMillen, he signed autographs as he greeted fans for more than an hour.

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Express, $79.

The red carpet’s been rolled up for yet another year, and you can almost hear the entire city take a deep breath and relax.  As the celebrity pomp and circumstance make an exit from stage right – what’s left is the “OMG, did you see what she was wearing” and the “how can I get that look”.   Just as much a tradition as “thanking the Academy” on award’s night is dissecting the styles and looks from the Oscars and making them your own.   While you may not go all out J-Lo for your next date night – even a touch of new trend can update your look and keep you in the here and now.  Here’s the cliff notes version from this year’s big event…

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Natalie Portman in "Black Swan."

It’s never too early to get your mind wrapped around who could be taking home Oscar gold in February 2011. Some films are already being talked about, most notably The Social Network and Inception. But, then again, the race is notorious for surprising us and coming out of left field, both with nominations and the actual winners.

I’d like to take a look at one woman in particular that may have a nice addition to her trophy shelf come February 27, 2011- Miss Natalie Portman. The actress is no stranger to the Oscar race, after giving a praised supporting performance in Closer. This year marks her second wind of buzz with the lead in Black Swan, the Darren Aronofsky-directed ballet drama/thriller. Style Seen Daily attended this film premiere at The Venice Film Festival, and click here for that coverage and the official trailer.

The trailer for the film shows suspense and tension, with a blood-shot-eyed Portman picking feathers out of her skin. Critics say it’s her role of a lifetime and she’ll be awarded generously. I was lucky enough to get my hands on the script while working at a production company last year, and let me tell you… it’s mind blowing. The part is written very sincere with deep complexity and conviction, it’s no easy role. It’s one to be extremely excited over.

Now for the film itself, I’m getting from my peers either raves reviews or that it falls flat. Kind of like the Southland Tales of 2011, either loved or hated. What’s most exciting about the project to me is that it features a return of Winona Ryder as a ballerina past her “prima”… get it? Prima? Barbara Hershey also shows up as the vindictive mother to Portman’s character. Aronofsky is no stranger to career-reviving, he brought Mickey Rourke into the spotlight again with The Wrestler.

One wonders what would come of this film, Oscar gold or giant flop? One thing is for sure, ladies, if your guy is nice enough to take you to see this film, you better be sure to hook him up with The Expendables on DVD at Christmas time… and you need to sit through it with him… I’m just throwing it out there.

Black Swain comes to America in theaters nationwide December, 2010.

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Black Swan & Machete Film Premiere In Venice

For more articles from our Style Seen Daily Contributor Drew McAnany, click here to visit his personal blog.

Depp & Jolie-Pitt

We all need some down time, and depending on your mood, we took the work out of the choice for you, one less thing to worry about. Below are our top picks:

A great date movie: The Tourist ” The Perfect Trip, The Perfect Trap” gives you a luxurious glimpse of Venice with two of the most beautiful people on earth, Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie, this action/Thomas Crown type mystery/comedy/romance follows Depp, aka, Frank, an American tourist in Venice who’s trip brings him Jolie aka Elise, a beautiful, mysterious woman, who seemingly is interested in him, but little does he know its a trap as she is just trying to connect with Alexander Pearce her lover, who is wanted by both the law and the Russian mob for stealing billions of dollars, the almost Hitchcock feel to the filming creates something unique that both men and woman can appreciate. “It should make people feel good. It’s got lovely twists and turns,” Jolie said. “It’s a throwback in a way to old school thrillers,” said Depp.

Natalie Portman

To see someone else frustrated with their mom and finally get your boyfriend to enjoy some form of ballet: escape with a thriller of illusions and racy scenes, with Black Swan. Natalie Portman plays uber innocenet Nina who lands the coveted dual role of the Swan queen in Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake, she is the quintessential White Swan, but has to work insanely hard to exude the darkness of the Black Swan. Mila Kunis plays Lily, another, more sensual dancer, vieing for the same role and “friends” with Vincent Cassel’s character who of course plays the Director. Winona Ryder also makes an apperance as the Black Swan retiring. Like all of Darren Aronofsky’s movies, this psycho-thriller was shot in an edgy way that really stands out. Portman went through intense ballet training for a solid year for the film. “it’s so vicious on the body. And you never see it. It’s like you see those beautiful images and underneath it is some really really grotesque detail,” Portman said. Amy Westcott, costume designer, does an incredible job.

Dorff & Fanning

If silence is what you seek, learn to appreciate the art of acting with few lines to speak and the potential sadness of a lifestyle that the tabloids all make seem so glamorus. Stephen Dorff does a great job of covincing us his riches do not nearly fulfill his life, and seems to only find real happiness with his daughter, played by Elle Fanning. Shot at the famous Chateau Marmont, Sophia Coppola wrote and directed this film which, like Lost in Translation, approaches film making from more of an artistic subtle style, forcing the actors to really focus on their body and facial expressions as the verbal language is slim. Somewhere won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival and premiered in both LA and NY last week.

Jake and Anne

Girls Night Out: For a healthy dose of love, laughter and tears, see “Love And Other Drugs” this movie follows Jake Gyllenhaal who plays a cocky sales rep who meets a terminally ill patient while posing as a doctor, the firey bohemian patient is portrayed by Anne Hathaway, their relationship grows into something neither of them expected, while reminding us what loving someone really means.

Guys Night Out: The Fighter, based on the true story of the early years of boxer “Irish” Micky Ward (Mark Whalberg) and his brother (Christian Bale) who helped train him before going pro in the mid 1980s, Amy Adams plays Micky’s smalltown sweetheart. It is well, very Rocky like, but it is a beautiful story for the boys and Bale’s perforamce is surely one to snag him an Oscar.

Gwen at Country Strong Premiere

If you want a little Country in your life, check out Country Strong, its a story about a rising country-music songwriter (Garrett Hedlund, also stars in TRON) who sparks with a country legend who lost her way (Gwen Paltrow). Together, they mount his ascent and her comeback, which leads to romantic complications involving her husband/manager (Tim McGraw) and a beauty queen-turned-singer (Leighton Meester). Gwen sounds incredible singing, while we always fall for Tim McGraw.

James Franco

And if you feel like giving up, this will make you think twice, 127 Hours is the true story of mountain climber Aron Ralston’s incredible journey to save himself after a fallen boulder crashes and traps him in a canyon in Utah. For five days, Ralston aka James Franco, discovers if he has the courage to extricate himself by any means necessary, he scales a 65 foot wall and hikes over eight miles. Throughout his survival, he reflects on his life prior to his accident and you will find yourself counting your blessings for how lucky we all really are. Franco’s performance is Oscar worthy.

For more information and listings in your area try www.moviephone.com

Actors Vincent Cassel & Natalie Portman, with "Black Swan" Creator Darren Aronofsky

This year’s Venice Film Festival premiered with Black Swan, a dark thriller about a New York City Ballerina, played by Natalie Portman.  Reviews have already mentioned Oscar nominee for her, as well as her co-star Vincent Cassel, who plays her instructor. (Mila Kunis also stars) Darren Aronofsky, Director of “Requiem For A Dream“ and “The Wrestler“ is being rumored to also stand for a nomination. Despite the darkness of the film, Natalie was anything but on the red carpet for the premiere where she wore a one of a kind Rodarte Lite red floor sweeping gown.

Rodarte Costume from Black Swan & Natalie Portman as The Black Swan

The Rodarte designers, the Mulleavy sisters, also collaborated with Black Swan costume designer Amy Westcott on the film’s ballet performance costumes.  The film has some very racy scenes in it including one where Natalie and Mila get more than just romantic, we’re excited for everyone to see the film and the fashion.

Arriving by boat from the canals in Venice, was the lovely Jessica Alba promoting her upcoming feature Machete, she stars alongside of Danny Trejo and Michelle Rodriguez, the film is directed by Robert Rodriguez. Machete is a vivid Latino action-splatter-comedy, featuring Trejo as an ex-Federale trying to clean up the corrupt Texas establishment and make the state safe for illegal immigrants. Despite having a steamy nude scene with Michelle, Jessica was more cute than steamy at the premiere for the film, she wore a black Valentino dress, short in the front and long in the back.

Machete Premiere at Venice Film Festival Actors Danny Trejo, Jessica Alba and Director Robert Rodriguez

Following the premiere, the group joined together for a press day where the 29-year-old actress wore a long sleeve floral print cocktail dress with band at the waist by Dolce & Gabbana to the photo call.

Machete Press Junket at Venice Film Festival

Check out the trailers below for both films & Good Luck to everyone for the Golden Lion!

Stephen Dorff & Elle Fanning Shine in “Somewhere” At The 67th Venice Film Festival

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The human stars behind the Tangled stars, Zachary Levi and Mandy Moore at the Los Angeles Hollywood premiere on Sunday, November 14, 2010.

Flashing lights, neon signs, Hollywood sparkle. By these few words just spoken, you would think a guy like me was heading to the premiere of Burlesque. False. In reality, I hit the red carpet of the premiere of Disney’s Tangled. The scene is Hollywood Boulevard, the center of dreams and all things glamour. Specifically, this red carpet was hosted at the El Capitan Theater, a staple in most of Disney’s premieres.

When we arrived, the usual press check in seemed rather quick, considering the waiting like was nearly a block. Grabbing my spot on the carpet felt surreal when I looked down to see my sites name as one of the lucky few chosen to have a spot. Besides the rushing thrill of buses quickly passing us by and appropriately covered with Tangled poster art, it was time to get down to business and interview the stars.

The film is the story of Rapunzel, which if you don’t already know about, please remove the rock you live under and head to your local computer area. More specifically Google.com. However, this film changed its name to Tangled, so the emphasis was taken off of the princess scenario. You see, last years The Princess & The Frog was successful, but not as successful as Disney had hoped. Therefore, the title was changed to give the option of little boys wanting to check out the action, and not being deferred because it was a story of a Princess.

Moving along, the statuesque beauty, Mandy Moore voiced Rapunzel. We were given an opportunity to ask her a few questions. I know, I know, I’m supposed to ask questions about this role, but I just couldn’t help it. Mandy was featured in one of my favorite movies, Southland Tales. I wanted to know out of the roles she’s played, which was her favorite? A quick stump, and a bright smile, gave way to “A Walk to Remember, because it was my first film” and what a good role it was.

Chuck star Zachary Levi, voices the role of Flynn – a bad boy type, if you will. A dream come true for Zach, who admitted to us “I was the kid running around singing songs from Aladdin.” Clearly, this role was a dream come true. Something all of you may not know about him is that the man can sing, he gets to flex those pipes alongside Mandy in the duet, I See the Light, which is featured in the film. In addition to the many talents this actor expresses, we learned that producing is definitely at the top of his list, he’s started a company and it looking to possibly remake some 80′s films her enjoys. The task is not easy, but he’s hoping to shed some light and do things a little differently. We’ll have to wait and see.

The excitement of the cast and crew, the genuine appreciation of the Disney genre and the fact that Tangled marks Disney’s 50th animated film are all contributing factors that the kid in me came back. I admit it, I want to be a part of the experience and check it out on Thanksgiving. So, I say to you, take your family – kids, parents, uncles & friends. Check out the film and be a part of the experience, in theaters November 24, 2010.

SSD Contributor Drew McAnany at the "Tangled" Los Angeles premiere on Sunday, November 14, 2010.

For more articles from our Style Seen Daily Contributor Drew McAnany, click here to visit his personal blog.

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Scoping the scene in Hollywood for a Disney Premiere!

"Somewhere" film producer Sophia Coppola with co-stars Elle Fanning & Stephen Dorff

Labor Day weekend is a big deal in Italy, its time for the 67th Annual Venice Film Festival and this year we were blown away by one independent film premiering there, “Somewhere” by Sophia Coppola.  Not only does she look incredible in her Louis Vuitton dress and shoes, but her film is the most talked about and liked picture of the festival.  Elle Fanning, younger sister to actress Dakota Fanning, makes a precious performance in the film and on the carpet, stood out in her Marc Jacobs gown, the dress is a perfect choice for a young girl.

"Somewhere" filmed at the Chateau Marmont Hollywood.

“Somewhere” also marks an exciting new phase in the real life career of actor Stephen Dorff, who originally made his mark in the film world playing Deacon Frost in many guys favorite film “Blade“, despite having been a successful actor for ten years by that time, including the film released one year before “Blood & Wine” where he co-starred with Jack Nicholson.

Stephen Dorff in Blade

Last year we saw Stephen alongside of Johnny Depp in “Public Enemies” playing a bad boy robber, but “Somewhere” shows a side of the actor that has gone unseen till now, he plays Johnny Marco – a young successful actor who lives at SSD’s real life favorite Hollywood spot The Chateau Marmont Hotel,  the Sunset Boulevard icon of Hollywood often known for excess and impermanence.

Stephen Dorff on the set of "Somewhere" at The Chateau Marmont.

Every vice is easily available to Johnny: parties, women, sex, booze, drugs, fame, but he is always dissatisfied. Sudden change comes in the form of his 11-year-old daughter (Elle Fanning), who comes to stay with him after his ex-wife (Michelle Monaghan) leaves her at his doorstep.

“I think the movie is about his becoming a man,” Dorff said at the press conference at the festival.  “A lot of characters I’m interested in are at a transition in life,” Coppola said. “Elle’s character is something real in a world not based on real things.” She said. “When I was first writing the script, Stephen came to mind.”  Dorff praised Coppola and described making the film as “one of the most incredible experiences I’ve had. It made me really sad when it ended.” Dorff went on to add, “The one thing I found very realistic … there is an isolation that happens to an actor when a film is finished, for film actors, we work together three months, then the movie ends. I don’t go to an office every day. I am kind of left with not knowing what I am going to do, until the next movie arrives.”

Coppola said she wanted to do “a portrait of today’s L.A.” and the idea for the movie took shape while she was living in France after finishing “Marie Antoinette,” her last film, and viewing Los Angeles from a distance through the pages of tabloids brought by visiting friends.  The 39-year-old director gives a fresh and often wry twist to the excesses of showbiz fame.  We believe this is exactly the type of role that will bring Stephen Dorff the accolades he deserves and the insight to know not to let it all go to his head.

Stephen Dorff & Sophia Coppola at the "Somewhere" press conference in Venice.

Coppola said she got her inspiration for the story from growing up with her father, director Francis Ford Coppola, who serves as one of the film’s executive producers. “I spent a lot of time living in hotels while on location with my dad,” she recalled. “They are an impermanent place filled with characters in transition.

”We hope “Somewhere” wins The Golden Lion – the award all Venice Festival Particpiants hope to get – and is announced September 11th this year. And we are cheering Stephen on as his career takes on a new style. Watch for him in the upcoming movies; “Born to Be A Star”, Adam Sandler‘s comedy with Don Johnson and Christina Ricci as well as “Immortals” a Greek titan film where he was cast along side of Mickey Rouke, Kellan Lutz, Frida Pinto, and Isabel Lucas.

Natalie Portman & Jessica Alba Promote Black Swan & Machete In Venice