Picture books, paper goods & pretty things.
I watched this for the first time while on holiday last year drinking a G & T. The next day I was asked by a naval officer if I was a millionairess or an author. I, of course, said both. I think it may have been the effect of the movie, or the gin, or both!
There's always tough competition for who is going to produce the best Christmas advert in the UK. This year, the clear winner has to be H & M who have engaged the wonderful Wes Anderson to direct their Christmas masterpiece.
Oh my goodness, it's beautiful. Wes Anderson has the most perfect eye for detail and symmetry. It's so pleasing to the eye with every square inch of the frame considered. Enjoy.
"For relaxing times, make it Santori time."
This film transports me to memories of travelling and being on the other side of the world with people who become friends within moments. A perfect wistful Monday movie. And I still have no idea what he whispers to her at the end...
"I knew a time was gone and it took me like ages, just to understand I was afraid to be a simple guy."
I'm not sure what made me think of this song by the brilliant Phoenix. It puts me right in the middle of the feeling that I have when I watch Lost In Translation. A feeling of escapism, connection, adventure... Of being in another country without a friend in the world but somehow that being the most exciting, adrenaline rush in the world. I think I know what the Monday movie is going to be : )
Reader, I married him. Well, no, I didn't. But I did get *eye contact* when I attended a wonderful Q & A session with Zach Braff a couple of years ago. For me, Zach is a hero because of his tenacity, his passion for his art, his love of writing and music and his humour.
Zach ran one of the most successful Kickstarter campaigns ever to make his film Wish I Was Here which he directed and starred in. The film follows the story of Aidan Bloom, a struggling actor, father and husband who is trying to look after his family while finding his own purpose in life. It has echoes of his brilliant first film Garden State with a warmth and poignancy (and great soundtrack) that is unique to his style.
As Zach quotes Thomas Edison on his Kickstarter campaign page, "Hell, there are no rules here - we're trying to accomplish something." Yes.
Scroll down to see the trailer for Wish I Was Here and one of my favourite ever scenes from Scrubs : )
"I don't have any rules as I'd only be breaking them so it would be a waste of time."
This Monday's movie is the totally inspiring Iris. A documentary about Iris Apfel that I love. If only we all had her lust for happiness, colour and life. She inspired me to draw this little graphic below. Click on it to see the trailer for the film : )
After last week, we all need a cosy, funny film and this is one of my absolute go-to movies. Something's Gotta Give starring Diane Keaton, Jack Nicholson, Amanda Peet & Keanu Reeves. The whole film is like a warm blanket to me but I especially like the scene in the deli with Jack Nicholson eating his ice-cream, Diane Keaton wailing as she writes her script and the dancing Henries (it'll make sense when you see it!) I even made a special trip to go to the Grand Colbert brasserie in Paris a few years ago in honour of one of the final scenes in the movie. Click my photo of the Grand Colbert below to have a look at the trailer. Enjoy!
I only saw Singing In The Rain for the first time about five years ago and now I watch it at least once every six months. It's just joyful and the perfect antidote to a gloomy day. I'm particularly fond of the dance routine in Moses Supposes. Click on the video below for a tap dancing treat!
You know the Greeks didn't write obituaries. They only asked one question after a man died, "Did he have passion?"
Serendipity is the perfect film for when the clocks go back. Yes, it's a romcom and yes, it's totally predictable but as the days get shorter, I love a cosy movie and this one manages to be romantic without being totally saccharine. John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale have great chemistry but Jeremy Piven and Molly Shannon as their two friends really make it for me. Plus there's a great soundtrack including this beauty by Nick Drake.
"I love the Smiths."
I love how those four words say so much in this movie. It's a turning point for Tom. You can practically hear his heart falling for Summer in the first scene in the video below. 500 Days Of Summer is such an elegant portrayal of the arc of love while also being totally endearing and clever. And the soundtrack is just gorgeous.
