An exclusive inside look at the BFI London Film Festival screening of the new Harmony Korine movie, 'Mister Lonely' and the Norfolk star, Melita Morgan, giving a first class performance as Madonna.
The Odeon Leicester Square in London opened it's doors to an array of stars for Mister Lonely directed by Californian mastermind Harmony Korine. Crowds gathered along side the red carpet hours before the scheduled screening to catch a glimpse of the star studied cast that grace the movie.
Diego Luna Samantha Morton Denis Lavant, Anita Pallenberg and Norfolk's Melita Morgan were amongst the expected guests to accompany director Harmony Korine at a packed theatre. The eagerly awaited film is one of Harmony's most powerful and compelling cinematic creations to date with comedy, twists, real life drama situations all cleverly rolled into one.
Making her debut international silver screen appearance was the golden girl of Norfolk, Melita Morgan that stunned the crowd with a dazzling gown that was sponsored by Love Couture of Norwich. Melita strolled effortlessly across the entrance to an array of camera flashes and made time for fans and media. Norwich born Melita was approached by film chiefs to play a principle role as a madonna impersonator sometime last year.
Harmony led the cast onto the stage with his wife Rachel Korine (that plays little red riding hood in the movie) in front of an excited audience to rapturous applause. Some of the world wide reviews the movie had gained were read out just before the curtains opened. One by one Harmony's carefully chosen dream cast, as described by a fan in the audience, stepped up on stage to a seemingly continuos applause of approval.
The element of black comedy is quickly introduced at the beginning of the film and is a trend that follows throughout the movie that creates the laughs amongst underlining sadness and tragedy. This amazing story unfolds when Michael meets a Marilyn Monroe impersonator 'Samantha Morton' at an old peoples home, who then persuades him to join her in a commune of impersonators in the Scottish highlands.
The scenery surrounding a castle and musical scores are breathtaking and deserve high rating status alone. It is here that Michael gets to know the other impersonators, including Marilyn's obsessive husband Charlie Chaplin - 'Denis Lavant', her daughter Shirley Temple, Madonna - 'Melita Morgan' The Queen - 'Anita Pallenberg', The Pope - 'James Fox' - and Abraham Lincoln 'Richard Strange' The charming and talented Denis Lavant demonstrates some superb acting in his challenging role, when I asked him what it was like working with Harmony and what were his views on the movie at the after show gathering he simply smiled rolled a cigarette and replied "très bon"
Some of Norfolk's leading fashion experts combined forces to produce a fashion show at Dunston Hall in aid of 'Balloons for Hearts' charity in East Anglia. The Event bought together some of the regions top names including hair specialist, Max Giammello, who conjured up some amazing and colourful creations. Talented MUA, Hollie, from 'House Of Frazer' Chapelfield, Norwich, complimented the whacky hairstyles with some fine Givenchy products.
Amber Models UK organised a bevy of beauties for the show after being approached by Max Giamello with the fund raising idea "It's not something agencies are readily able to do" said promoter Andreas Yiasimi "We totally respect the models time and effort needed for a function at this level. Most of the credit must go to the girls that volunteered to help.
The theme running through the show was tartan, complete with bagpipes that greeted an enthusiastic audience. The runway came to life with an array of extravagant clothes supplied by love couture of Norwich and shoes by Mima Lee. The tremendous support overspilled onto the surrounding gardens at Dunston with popular event suppliers, Edge Charter moving into the action.
Local sports personality, 21 year old, Tom Ashton arrived with his racing car to add to the glamour. The Southwold based former East Anglian Motocross Champion seemed at home at this prestigious function. Proud Father, Peter Ashton, was also present.
This extraordinary show bought together some vibrant up and coming personalities from Cromer based agency, Amber Models UK. Glamour model, Polly Guy, made the unusual crossover to the catwalk to show her dynamic diversity and to support a worthwhile cause.
The fashion evening opened a door for curvy and controversial model, Shelley Perfect, to prove a point. Recently shrouded in a barrage of media coverage over the size zero dispute, Shelley strolled effortlessly down the runway like a true natural.
Miss Norwich, Rebecca Richardson added a pageant feel to the proceedings after just returning from the Miss England competition in Leicester.
Poppy Rose Antoniades added an International flavour to the show and created London media awareness via her strong Greek connections. London Greek Radio had interviewed Poppy the night before the event and opened the door to world press. This polite, friendly natured top celebrity fashion model travelled on the morning of the show sporting an extravagant dress that she designed together with Adrien and Joan at all saints arts centre, Poppy dazzled the audience in this bright yellow dress that complimented her beaming smile. Poppy is no stranger to the limelight and had previously modelled for Givenchy - Harrods, Eye TV UK Ltd, Shopping Channel and Starbazaar TV Shopping Channel but to mention a few.