Last night we watched the documentary Man On Wire and I have one word to describe it. Amazing.
If you’re unfamiliar with the story, it’s about a young Frenchman who on August 7, 1974 rigged a tightrope between the twin towers and then spent an hour dancing on the wire before being arrested and then sent for psychological evaluation.
Throughout the documentary I was anxious, excited, nervous and inspired. I highly recommend.
This movie made me cry. Not in a I’m so touched kind of way. But in a I’m so mad at the government kind of way.
Parts of the movie weren’t surprising. Especially in light of the information that has come out because of E-Coli poisonings. What was surprising to me was the proof that big corporations (not the FDA as the government says) are regulating our food industry for their profit. And it’s hurting farmers, it’s hurting the American public and it’s hurting your health.
I learned the truth about corn. Why it’s inexpensive, why it’s bad, how it’s killing people and how it became this way. I learned about how small family farms are bullied into bankruptcy. How corporations consider themselves food engineers, not farmers and how and why genetically altered food isn’t labeled. I learned that 90% of some crops are controlled by one company. 90%! I even learned the truth about how some non-organic food is put through- hello- ammonia for cleaning!
I didn’t find many scenes to be disturbing visually or gross. The cold hard facts are enough to do that. More than anything though, this movie taught me the truth, it solidified my commitment to purchase organic food through our CSA, it has prompted me to only buy organic meat (I don’t clean my house with ammonia, why would I eat food that has been washed in it?!) and it has renewed my vow to help teach others.
I love our small farms. I want to know where my food comes from. I want workers to care about what they are producing for other peoples health, not how much is going into their pocket. And most of all, I am going to continue to vote with my dollars. Three times a day. The more people who purchase organic, the lower the prices will be. I definitely encourage you to watch the movie. Your body will thank you.
On Saturday night we watched Julie & Julia and found it to be so charming! It’s definitely a great film to watch when you’re holed up due to crappy weather. It doesn’t hurt to have a big cup of hot chocolate either. 
I really didn’t know anything about Julia Child’s life and the film has piqued my interest to do some reading. Any suggestions?
Last weekend Tonya and I saw Coco Before Chanel. Although I wish it showed more of her fashion, I definitely recommend you go see it. She’s very inspiring and I learned a lot about her life. And well, really you can’t go wrong with a movie that’s in French and filmed in France.
Anna Wintour, the legendary editor of Vogue, has long been speculated about, loved and loathed. She is the name in fashion and makes and breaks what’s in and out. And yet, very little is known about her. So, when I heard there was a documentary about her I got super excited. I don’t even read Vogue but I’m still fascinated by her. Anyone in Charlotte up to seeing The September Issue with me? I’m sure Stephen will definitely be passing on this one.
Lately we’ve been watching a lot of dramas {Gran Torino, Into the Wild, Frost/Nixon} and I’m totally in the mood for something lighthearted. I think (500) Days of Summer fits the bill. I can’t wait to see it.
Last night we watched Into The Wild and today the movie is still with me in an almost haunting way.
Inspired by a true story about a young, college graduate who goes on a trek across the country with an ultimate goal of exploring Alaska’s wilderness alone, the movie is inspiring. It made me think about life and what’s important. The fact that it has stayed with me this long is a testament to the acting and the story itself. And, I have to say, the music done by Eddie Vedder is out of this world.
Over the weekend we watched The Great Debaters. It was on my list of movies to see when it was released last year, but for some reason it dropped off. Well I must say, I’m so glad we rented it! It’s such a great story about never giving up as well as a wonderful example of U.S. history and racism within this time period. As sad as it is, I think it’s important to remember and review where we were so that we can continue to improve. If you haven’t watched this great film, I definitely recommend.
Have you seen the movie Driving Miss Daisy? I saw it years and years ago and over the weekend I decided to watch it again. This time around it was even more touching than I remembered and I absolutely fell in love with the characters. If you haven’t seen it, I highly recommend.
Over the weekend I watched I’ve Loved You So Long, a film that’s been on my list since the second I saw the preview. I’m a fan of Kristin Scott Thomas but truthfully, not all that familiar with a lot of her work. After seeing this movie I’m going to seek out a few more of her titles. She’s just that good.
So as not ruin the story, I’ll tell you this basic story plot: Kristen Scott Thomas’s character is moving in with her much younger sister, husband, two young daughters and father-in-law who no longer speaks due to a stroke. An ex-doctor, she is adjusting to life, getting reacquainted with the family she is strangers with, finding a job and meeting new people after being in prison for 15 years. This film is the story of her first several months out of prison.
I know it sounds depressing, but truly this moving is very heartfelt. It’s a film about family, the relationships that are unbreakable. Friendship and the least likely of places to find them. And about finding yourself. It’s truly beautiful. This is a French film with English subtitles but I didn’t seem to mind them at all. The next time you’re in the mood for a movie that will make you feel, I recommend this one.
Let me get this out there. I went into Rachel Getting Married thinking it was a dark comedy and in no way is this what the film is. So, I’ve had to adjust my immediate opinion based on the fact that I had the wrong assumption. Yes, there is definitely some funny moments but overall this is a serious movie with some very depressing, sad scenes.
With that said, I have to agree with the critics, Ann Hathaway gives the best performance of her career. She was the shining star of the movie. Playing a recovering drug addict dealing with the consequences of her past choices, she is home for her sisters wedding. The wedding provides many beautiful non-traditional wedding scenes and makes for a visually, very pretty movie. But, with five-minute dance scenes and three too many speeches at the rehearsal dinner, the movie needed tighter editing. I think it could have 30-minutes cut out of it, easy. Additionally, the film is shot with a very jerky, shaky camera. I definitely do not think this in any way enhanced the movie, except in a few scenes.
Overall, I would give it one-thumb-up and one-thumb down. Thumb up for the acting and for the emotion so accurately portrayed. Thumb down for the poor editing, shaky camera and overall depressing tone when I personally thought the trailer depicted it as a bit more upbeat.
Over the weekend we saw Slumdog Millionaire and I loved it! The movie definitely provides a realistic view of what life in India is like for many children and at times is a very sad film. But overall I left feeling uplifted and so glad to have experienced this beautiful film.
Now, onto the rest of the nominated movies!
This past weekend we watched the newest West Anderson film The Darjeeling Limited and both LOVED it! It has my fav Adrien Brody in it as well as great performances from Owen Wilson and Jason Schwartzmen.
The film is filled with tons of dry humor as it follows the three brothers as they set off on a train voyage across India with a plan to find themselves and bond with each other. I definitely recommend.
{P.S. Erin at Elements of Design is the one who recommended the movie. She did a great piece on how you can take the Indian desingn and bring it into your home. Definitely check that out too!}
