First February Friday Film Footnotes

I know I have mentioned a few films in my past few posts, but thought I’d do a full-fledged Film Footnote.  It is Friday the First of February, after all.

“The Impossible” – Saw this with Marissa at the late-late show on a Wednesday.  Before going, I read a bit about the family the movie is centered on.  It  would be interesting to read the book that they wrote, as it is very amazing how they came though the horrific situation as whole as they appear.  Having lived through a national disaster, as well as spending time thinking about a crisis response to a disaster, it is hard to imagine the response needed to a disaster of this magnitude.  The underwater scenes were painful to watch; the search for family was painful to watch; the difficult hospital situation was painful to watch.  I guess, it was painful to watch!  The middle son broke my heart when he said, “But I’ve never taken care of anyone before” after he is asked to take care of his younger brother.  Wow.  I cried throughout the movie and thought that the flashback underwater scene was a bit much.  I can recommend this movie, even as it isn’t the kind of movie that I would usually be drawn to.

“Silver Linings Playbook” – I just can’t say enough about this movie.  I saw it a second time last week and can’t wait for its next viewing!  I will refrain from purchasing another ticket and will wait until it comes out on DVD, but it is truly my favorite movie from 2012.  I’m glad it is nominated for so many Oscars and I hope that it takes a few!  Although it tackles the serious subject of mental illness, it is happy and light and funny.  It is sooo feel-good.  The first time I saw it, I was surprised by some of the plot.  No spoilers here.  It is just a clever story.  I ordered the book and will see if it lives up to the movie!

From Netflix:

What to Expect When You’re Expecting – a second viewing for me.  I saw this in the theatre and was pleasantly surprised.  It isn’t great literature or film, but it is a cute movie, well-done.

The Ides of March – political intrigue, not my usual cup of tea, but this was well-done as well.  Ryan Gosling and George Clooney, oh my!  But aside from being easy to look at, it had a good story.

In Honor of Pride & Prejudice being 200 years old:

Pride and Prejudice
Pride and Prejudice (Photo credit: elycefeliz)
A scene with Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy after a ...
A scene with Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy after a swim in a lake is recognized as “one of the most unforgettable moments in British TV history”. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

“Pride & Prejudice- BBC version” – I own this and thought it deserved a viewing upon finishing reading “Persuasion” by Austen and in honor of the 200th year since publication of the book.  It is just so delightful.  Colin Firth is a perfect Darcy; watching him play disagreeable and prideful and then seeing the love in his eyes when Elizabeth plays piano… amazing.  Ah…. such good stuff.  All 5 hours of it.   I’ll watch the most recent version sometime soon, too.

Coming next from Netflix: “Beasts of the Southern Wild” and Ruby Sparks.”  Can’t wait to see what the Oscar buzz is about for Beasts and think that Ruby will be a fun one to watch.  

What about you? What have you seen lately?

 

“It is a truth universally acknowledged…

that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.”

200 years ago on January 28, Pride & Prejudice was published in England.  200 years ago!

I just finished reading Jane Austen’s final novel, “Persuasion.”  Austen doesn’t disappoint, but I”m afraid it can’t compare to “Pride & Prejudice.”

Detail of a C. E. Brock illustration for the 1...
Detail of a C. E. Brock illustration for the 1895 edition of Jane Austen’s novel Pride and Prejudice (Chapter 3) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Favorite quotes:

“A lady’s imagination is quite rapid; it jumps from admiration to love, from love to matrimony in a moment.” Darcy

“I have been used to consider poetry as the food of love,” said Darcy.

“Of a fine, stout, healthy love it may. Everything nourishes what is strong already. But if it be only a slight, thin sort of inclination, I am convinced that one good sonnet will starve it entirely away.” Elizabeth Bennet

I could go on and on… I can’t wait until my next re-read.

In honor of the occasion, I started watching the BBC version of “Pride & Prejudice.”  Almost 5 hours of delight with the great Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy.  So proud and outwardly disagreeable.  I won’t get it done in one sitting, but it will be what I’ll be watching for a few days!

So that’s what I’m watching…

In other news,

  • I’m reading “Tell the Wolves I’m Home” before I read “The Great Gatsby” and “Gone with the Wind.”  
  • I saw “Silver Linings Playbook” for the second time and will have to refrain from seeing it again and again!  It definitely will be purchased!
  • Saw “The Impossible” with Marissa in the late show.  Wow.  Painful and heart-wrenching to watch, even knowing the outcome.  Those kids were incredible!  The adults were amazing, too.  Good stuff.
  • Had a great few nights with Deadra and family – watched “Magic Mike,” “Once,” “Young Adult” and episodes of the Take Home Chef.  Good talks and good food and good wine!  Good times!

What about you? What are you reading?  Do you have a favorite Pride & Prejudice quote?  Favorite film adaptation?  “Bride & Prejudice” done Bollywood style was pretty fun, too!

Good articles:  The Independent or First Post or NPR