ON MOVIES & FILMS:
My husband laughs each time we prepare to watch a movie, because his wife has been known to fall asleep very early into the movie. I say, if you want to keep me awake, then choose a movie that challenges my brain as well as my heart, and possibly makes me laugh at times. Choose one that offers transformation for its subjects; one that deals with deep-hearted matters that offer the ability to radically transform one’s life, thinking, and perspective. I guarantee there’ll be no backward head-bobbing on these:
- Beasts of the Southern Wild – Radically different from anything I’ve seen onscreen in a long time. Wildly unpredictable, and certainly left up to several interpretations. Beautifully affecting. (I also posted this review at http://www.fandango.com)
- Colombiana with Zoe Saldana. Now that’s some bad-ass fighting! Girl power! Cataleya ain’t taking no shorts, except the ones she’s wearing! 🙂 Not sure whether this one makes the cut on transformation, but it was just good to stay awake the entire time, and not see a woman get hijacked for her goods…. for a change.
- Still Bill A must-see! You know the music, now know the man. Memorable quotation by Bill Withers from this film:
“It’s okay to head out for Wonderful, but on your way to Wonderful, you’re gonna have to pass through Alright, and when you get to Alright, take a good look around and get used to it because that may be as far as you’re gonna go.”
Bill’s words are certainly worthy of reflection. Interesting to hear that from someone who many consider wonderful, or having already arrived at Wonderful.
- Lunchbox and Wadjda. Both were so good in the most everyday and affecting of ways! Common and transcendent stories that reverberate in the soul. (reviews pending)
- Fried Green Tomatoes , starring Kathy Bates, Jessica Tandy, with important guest appearances by Cicely Tyson and Stan Shaw. This is one of my all-time favorites for so many reasons … the laughs, the delicate and provocative take at friendships and relationships among women. I must have seen this one at least three times and intend to see it again. Girl power!
- Get Low starring Robert Duvall and Bill Murray. Did someone say “funeral party”?!!!
- Famous line: Asked of Robert Duvall (the town hermit) “How are you today, sir?” His response: “I Am.” What’s not to love? 🙂 It was a FunkyLB reco.
- Mother and Child, a film by Rodrigo Garcia. The cast is long and well worth it. Stars include: Kerry Washington from Scandal (which I don’t watch), Samuel Jackson, Annette Bening, Naomi Watts, Jimmy Smits, and David Ramsey. Awesome movie! “… humor and pathos” Yes!
Life As An Art Form 