Being Paris Hilton

I am not saying all this because I translated Paris Hilton’s book to Hungarian or because I had the chance to meet her in person a couple of times. I’m saying it, because I want everyone to see this perfect example of how cruel bitch media can be. Channel 7 is being a moron. They do use the name and the fame of Paris Hilton what she built up for herself, and they are aware of it that they are benefiting from being an ass, knowing how many people would be thrilled if they could trash the heiress. So acting like as if it was okay to start an interview with visible intolerance they decided to embarrass Paris in front of the whole wide word. Not cool at all. I’m sure anyone with a bit less ego could easily embarrass this so called reporter, who is just visibly flying above herself, thinking “I did it. I’m a hero.” I can’t be bothered with looking up her name, but this goes out for her. Honey. Paris Hilton’s job is to stay gorgeous at any time. She did a perfect job. You did not menage to interrupt her, not even for a second.

What the hell is the world’s problem with Paris Hilton being Paris Hilton? If you don’t approve her relevance, do not be occupied by her. And if you are occupied with her so deeply and obsessively, that you are spending hours with writing all these witty declarations , and editing this shamefully unoriginal report on your so called victory, I have news for you. Sorry, bitch, you are a closeted Paris Hilton fan. Oh, and as a side note… green makes you look pale. Or you were just a wee bit nervous?

My question appears around 6.38… and the answer goes on, and on!

The cherry on the top is that my question is already history! British paper, The Sun reveals her answer to my question: “Did your strong spiritual foundation help you to stay calm at the darkest hours?” The Queen of Pop held court during a post-screening news conference where she explained how she drew on her ‘strong spiritual foundation,’ to find time to work on the film project, including the writing the screenplay – a process that took three years. “Making films is really hard in the first place. You have to believe in your subject matter and be passionate about it because there will be challenges along the way. You have to be prepared like the captain of a ship, no matter what happens you have got to keep going. So your spiritual foundation has to be strong.”

After the incredible experience I had a few more days in the Italian city of love. Wondering around the old city I felt like I’m one of the weird characters from Woody Allen’s infamous neo-musical, Everyone Says I Love You, and enjoying the view from my fancy little hotel on the corner of a canal i kept pinching myself if this is only a dream. Well if it is, I still didn’t wake up yet. I’ll be grateful forever for my Kabbalah teachers for pushing me, and for making it sure that I’m always following my dreams. And – from a “material girl” point of view, I’ll always be grateful for this amazing website, where I found my “home in Venice”, this perfect little castello.

My article will premier in the December issue of the Hungarian Elle magazine.  More great hotel deals at www.szallodak.hu.

Are You?…

Roses are red, violets are blue,
Everyone’s a liar who says love is true.
Romantic illusions – get away from me!
Let’s celebrate scepticism with a themed party.

Put on your black gloves,
dig in the makeup set.
On this valentine’s day…
all the hearts are dead.

Join us for a drink,
better drunk than in love!
Say bye-bye white swan,
and welcome the black dove.

Breaking hearts with style,
it’s like heaven is near.
Bring your partner with you,
and have your break-up here!

Burn your wedding portraits,
melt your gold ring,
and be open for the pleasures
that our brawl will bring!

Fashion-smashion in Budapest!

Within the framework of the festival Digital Fashion Week offers a new showcase platform to the Hungarian fashion community of designers, photographers, and video artists side-by-side with international participants: replacing the format of traditional runway fashion shows, new collections are presented via fashion videos.

Along with our desire to become an international festival, we would like to create an authentic forum to present the fashion industry of Hungary, bringing recognition to Hungarian designers both domestically and internationally and initiate an ongoing dialogue within the industry in the context of an exciting and forward-looking series of events. Our intent is to provide appropriate communication channels and infrastructure, by including offline and online media, members of the fashion industry and the general public as well.

In recent years the new medium of fashion video – due to its attractive qualities and cost-effective mode of presentation – is gaining increasing popularity on the international fashion scene,which enables designers to keep abreast of rapid shifts in community-generated online media and allows their work to reach the widest audience.

The festival will feature two categories of videos: by-invitation and pre-selected from submissions through an open competition. The best featured videos will receive prizes from a relevant professional jury: Kathryn Ferguson, film and video director, Maroy Krisztina, Glamour magazine editor-in-chief, Lakatos Márk, stylist, tv personality, teacher, Oltai Kata, curator of Museum Ludwig – Contemporary Art Museum, Zanin Éva, founder&CEO of Sonntag Media, aestete, fashion critic, Martinkó József, design and architecture critic, journalist, Fliglauf Benedek, film director, Pálos Máté, filma esthete, editor of film magazine Prizma, Andreas Waldschuetz, video director… and myself, Steiner Kristóf, journalist, and – as they called me very kindly on the program sheet – pop culture expert.

In addition to the video screenings, the festival offers a variety of programs. There will be a slew of petcha kutcha presentations, interactive installation and film screenings on the topics of fashion and new media. Fashion meets culture in Hungary? I’m lovong it!

Rob still got it…

How do you feel when you’re offered parts that aren’t entirely normal?

Zach Galifianakis (ZG): I only get … I really haven’t been offered a lot of parts except by Todd, but they’re never normal. But I prefer that … I like it.

Robert Downey Jnr (RDJ): This just reminded me … it had the potential to be like some of the films tonally that I’d grown up really enjoying, and that impacted me. But it had its own sensibility, obviously as it’s a Todd Phillips movie, and then it was just an incredibly creative venture.

How did you develop your screen chemistry?

RDJ: (Looks at Zach) Don’t just stand there with glistening eyes, answer the fucking question!

ZG: Yes, sir.

RDJ: He’s formulating his answer to the question now, while he stumbles getting ready to answer the question.

ZG: I think you’re seeing the chemistry in action, this is basically how it went down each morning: insults, insults, insults, and then somehow magically and beautifully some of that energy was put into the movie, quite honestly. Pretty good answer, huh?

In comedy how far is too far, and that’s for everyone but especially Zach?

RDJ: He’s the wrong person to ask.

ZG: I think with Todd’s movies, that’s the whole point, to go too far. Sometimes in comedy I would imagine you have to do that because so many beats have been done in movies before but the good thing about Todd is that there are things, like a masturbating dog, that you haven’t seen since the old silent films.

Is it true that you were allergic to the dog?

ZG: I have an allergy to certain … Yes, I got a hair in my eye and my eye got big but there’s not much of a story there.

Robert, this is a question not about this film…

RDJ: What is the pertinence? What the fuck is wrong with you people, can’t we just talk about what we’re going to talk about?

It’s about your career?

RDJ: I’m sorry, go ahead.

You’re very successful right now…

RDJ: Yeah, right now. I love the preface. What’s with the passive aggression? What’s the fucking question?

And you’ve had ups and downs in your life...

RDJ: Oh fuck, here we go. Couldn’t have called it.

Was it a hard struggle, when you came back after years of…

RDJ: Next question please.

Zach, your character seems very camp in the film. What is this very gay thing what you are doing?

Director Todd Phillips (TP): He’s not playing a gay.

Yes, I know that, that’s why I don’t understand why is he acting like very stereotypical one.

ZG: I think the character is theatrical and emotional and a little show offy and if that’s gay then I’m gay. Todd and I discussed that, we didn’t want him to be seen either way.

TP: We wanted to make sure he came off as asexual but we made a point of pointing out that he lost his virginity at nine-years-old to Sheila Pimples, so there’s a badge of heterosexuality I think.

RDJ: There was more to that, wasn’t there?

TP: Well it used to be his dad’s secretary but people had issues with that.

ZG: Heart of gold but slow typist.

You’ve worked with Todd on three films in short space of time, so is he the love of your life?

ZG: To be honest, Todd is the … (rattles cup and saucer in mock embarrassment) I’m very fortunate that Todd and I got to meet because I don’t think I would have been given this big an opportunity from other directors who saw what he did … whatever he saw. And we do work very well together and I’m very appreciative and I do think about it every day, because he texts me to remind me!

Robert, you spat on the dog, how did it take to that?

RDJ: I think one of the things I love about Due Date is that I get kicked off the plane and then the guys says: “The person you travelled with …” And I say: “I’ve never met that dipshit in my life!” And he says: “He had nothing but nice things to say about you.” And Todd Phillips said: “Just to make it definitive that you don’t want to hang out with this clown anymore, just spit in his dog’s face.” It was right after lunchtime and I said: “No, isn’t that going too far?” And he said: “Spit in the dog’s face … I love dogs, he doesn’t mind.” So, I spat in the dog’s face and Sonny [the dog] was just like: “Ooh, what happened? Did he have to get something out of his throat or something? I hope he feels better …” And I was thinking: “My God, what is wrong with us?” That’s the great thing about comedies and particularly with Todd being at the front of that bloodline right now, I see the process both on the set when we were figuring out what to do with the scenes and then at early test screenings and stuff. There was this thing that we all agreed was hugely outrageous, this moment in act three when I finally asked him: “How did your Dad pass away, I never knew?” And Zach turns to me and says: “Oh, sharing needles …” You’re thinking: ‘That’s so wrong!’ But Todd says: “Well, let’s see what the audience thinks …” And they were like, ‘That’s sick, I’m going to walk out!’

ZG: I thought it would be funny to see on the credits ‘Due Date, starring Robert Downey Jr., Jamie Foxx … a dog … Zach Galifianakis’.

Are you more comfortable in comedy or drama?

RDJ: I’m equally comfortable doing any medium. The thing about comedy, if that’s what you want to call this – I call it spectacularity – is it’s more light-hearted and Todd runs a set that is just a very small group of people making fundamental decisions with a very trusting studio’s money. My dad was saying to me, and my dad was a maker of underground films back in the late ‘60s and stuff, and he said this reminds me of the kind of stuff me and my friends would be doing if we had the opportunity nowadays. So, keep hope alive.

What was the first meeting between the two of you like and is it true Robert that you wanted to punch Zach?

RDJ: (Smiling) Susan was there, my wife, and she was worried for me, I don’t tend to recognise people and I didn’t know exactly who Zach was yet. (Looking towards his wife) What was my reaction? I looked like I was going to drop him on the pavement? I don’t like punching Zach … but it has to be done.

ZG: He doesn’t punch me, he pinches me …

RDJ: I do pinch him … Yes (pinches him again)

ZG: And it drives me absolutely (swerving the pinch) … absolutely insane!

One Tree Hill – A new teen drama with  the same old story of a family, love, fashion and basketball, in it’s seventh successful season. My character is Mouth who’s dream is to become a real sports reporter. His love life is not too happy – he is kind of a loser – but he has a huge heart, and huge ears as well…

The Skins in a BAFTA-winning British television series. Its success is mainly due to the scandalous topics such as drug use or homosexuality. Maxxie is a gay guy whose dream is to become a professional dancer. One of my favorite scenes was when he announced in front of his class that he is a slut and he is very sorry about it…

One of my best jobs was the little Inu Yasha hero, Shippou, who is aKitsune-youkai, meaning a fox-spirit.  He was attacked by the evil lightning-brothers, who took a fragment of a small fox, and killed his father. Shippou was alone and wanted to revenge his father’s death. This is how he met the main characters, Inuyasha and Kagome, Sango and Miroku. It was absolutely impossible to use this tone of voice for 167 episodes… but I just loved it!

Travel with Benjamin…

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is curious indeed: the story starts in 1920’s after the World War as a little baby boy is born into the body of a nearly hundred year old Metushelah. His mother died while she was giving birth, and as his father, after seeing the baby with his all-wrinkled skin, decides to get rid of his own flesh and blood as soon as possible. After finding his new home with a family who knows exactly how is it to be different from all the others, we discover the secret: the strange little old boy is actually growing younger and younger as the years go by. The Forrest Gump-like storyline gives us the impression that we are all relatives, friends and mentors in this adventouros life. And although we feel we are a part of his path, we can never be as close to him as a little girl… woman… old lady, who has to go climb all the stairs of heavens and hell if she doesn’t want to give up on her loved one.

Anyone who saw the fantastic movie, “Babel” knows exactly how the chemistry works between Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett. Not just because she is pretty, tall and has an appearance of a queen, and he is charming and handsome as he has ever been, but also because both of them are shining with the glow of the classic Hollywood stars, and never seem superficial for a single second. Through three and a half-hour long movie, the actors and the creators are spoiling us with so many colors that the film never seems boring or heavy. Of course it helps a lot, that the movie is flawless also from a virtual point of view. The excellent work of the visual artists, designers and the entire crew is deserving every single technical Oscar which the film was nominated for. It also worth every minute what the make-up artists spent with applying the mask on Pitt, for turning him into Benjamin Button… it took five whole hours every single day.

The screenwriter Eric Roth based his story on a novel by Scott Fitzgerald, and even if the title is the same, the dramaturgy is as different as it can be. In the original story a sage was born old, with knowledge and wisdom, and later on he dies having forgotten everything, without even understanding how does it happen – he is just getting lost in the dark. Roth decided to introduce his own Benjamin as old man only in appearance, but with the mind of a newborn baby. This small twist entirely changes the character of the hero: it seems like Benjamin has nothing to loose and he is becoming younger, more handsome, and also wiser. But towards the end of the story, Roth decides to change his tune again, and now the little hero is suddenly loosing everything: his wisdom, his intelligence and most importantly his capability for being in love.

The plot ends in our days, as the Katrina hurricane destroys New-Orleans. The dramatic ending is not only spectacular but it works as an amazing metaphor: we usually deal with the acceptance of death in our own silent and personal way, trying to think about it as a natural part of life. But to loose our loved ones while we are still alive, can cause a real storm inside. A storm which in the end can be more devestating than the death itself…

My confessions on Leo…

Leo is a student whose wide eyes and curly hair project sensitive boyishness. He is vaguely aware that there’s something wrong with his relationship with beautiful Andrea. What’s worse, Leo’s mom is pressuring them to get married. Uncomfortable with Andrea’s requests for sex, Leo pretends he has to study. He goes to hide in the apartment he shares with a pothead who spends his days watching “Star Wars.” Away from everyone’s prying eyes, Leo searches online for friends. Timid and awkward at first, he invites one or two men to his room, only to have them leave when he says he just wants to talk. Then Leo stumbles into old girlfriend Caro, who has become listless and chronically depressed. As they grow closer, he finds that she, too, has a repressed secret. Leo’s visits to an understanding therapist, plus his new love for a candid man named Seba, help him begin to answer his questions about himself.

As the festival’s official site describes, the film explores the moments of unexpected connection that can lead to confession and acceptance. Love, loss, grief, guilt, desires, and fear are all more easily managed if we have the courage to face them.

You can catch the movie in Budapest…

…on the 21-22nd of May, in Művész cinema, at 20:30
23-24th of May, Puskin cinema, at 20:30
25-26th of May, Művész cinema, at 17:00
28th of May, Toldi cinema – ask for the details about the all day workshops and talkshows.

Jealous, Paris darling?

Bingo… it was me. And trust me, these dolls are ready to take over the world! In the school where all the guys are cool and all the girls are hot, Regina Feld had it all: blond… sexy… and she was dating with the most popular guy from the basketball team. She thought she will be the queenbee forever… well, she was wrong! ’Cos a misterious stranger is about to turn her world upside down! Since every school has it’s own rules… especially the really posh ones, instead of a new mate she gets only new hate. If you wanna play the game, you got to know: if you play by the rule, you’re a damn fool. The question is: BFF stands for best friends forever… or brutal foes forever?  One thing is for sure: our cheerleader is not so cheerful now… and defenetley not a leader.

Starring the super sexy blonde ambition: Lilla Labanc…
Love… Fight… Jelousy… Passion…
Dream.net!

A foxy comedy what you just can’t miss!

Hungary’s jucy celebrity magazine, HOT! recently published a two page article on my Kabbalah studies. If you’re interested in the technology of soul what changed my way of thinking, talking and living, go for it! I do know secret now: the main importance is not in fame on wealth, but what I do with it.

That’s our secret… and yours as well…

The magazine says: Kristóf Steiner left a glamorous life in the spotlight, when he moved to Tel Aviv half a year ago with Matan, his loved one. Now he is sharing with the Hot! magazine readers what changed in his life. „My dad and mum were really spiritual people and they had kabbalah books back in the 80’s, when no one knew about this cosmic wisdom in Hungary. For me, since I was a kid, the main thing was getting famous, to be on tv, go to VIP parties and be in movies. After I got all these, I realized how empty is the channel between me and the people who are looking at me: I don’t give anything for the fame what I got.”

While Kristóf was dealing with being a celebrity – what he always wanted – he lost his own, real personality: he stopped taking care of people and causes what he did before and he developed a serious eating disorder.

„I realized that being famous is a responsibility. I have to do and say things what has meaning and can guide others. When I came to Israel, I already knew I am going to visit the Kabbalah Centre, since I already finished most books which has been published in Hungary, and I found it very helpful and inspirational. When I met my instructor, David Zakin, I knew this the right way to the light.”

Kristof says being spiritual and finding God in himself does not mean he won’t go out or party again: he loves to have fun, but as he says, our material interests are in a certain 1 percent of our true nature, all the rest, what brings us closer to be filled up with satisfaction is in the 99 percent.

„My teacher called me a few times while I was in Hungary for 2 weeks, and if I get destructed he is giving me advices what meditation should I do or which book should I read and I truly trust him.” Says Kristóf, and he thinks, no one should be sarcastic about people looking for spiritual paths. „I know some people will say I’m following a fashion line by Madonna or Demi Moore, but I know how serious I am about becoming a better person, who can share the light what he experiences. Reacting on the sarcasm is never a wise thing. It’s time for us to do actions, not re-actions.”

I’m happy and grateful for my new mission what I got from the Light: building and editing the kabbalah.com’s Hungarian website. If you thought that it’s all about a red bracelet and a bottle of water, visit us on the other side of the curtain. Join our Facebook group and if you are in Tel Aviv, here is a hint… there is a new English language class starting really soon. “I think you wanna come over…”