No, I wasn't really in Paris. (Although, it would be beyond lovely to be there right now.) Given the not-so-nice week I just had at work, I thought the best way to relax was to "fly away" to Paris, even if it meant simply putting in a DVD of "Paris, Je t'aime" and vegging for about two hours. If you haven't seen this movie, please do. It's a little gem of a movie...actually, gems of little short movies...about love in the city of love, Paris. Most of the movie is in French with English subtitles and stars some of Hollywood, like Nick Nolte, Gena Rowlands, Natalie Portman and Elijah Wood. The various interpretations the different directors spin on the notion of love is delightful, touching and reflective.
After immersing myself in the beauty that was the city of Paris and love in city of Paris, I thought I'd roll with it. So in with the DVD of Ratatouille, the story of a rat who becomes a famous little chef in...where else?...Paris. I had high hopes for this animated movie (what with all the raves and positive critiques it got when it first came out) but was ultimately disappointed. The animation was excellent, but there was something about seeing a multitude of rats filling up the screen which disturbed me.
Brrr... And last but definitely not the least of my virtual jaunt to Paris...Funny Face with Ms. Audrey Hepburn and the impeccable Mr. Fred Astaire. I simply cannot believe that this was my first ever Fred Astaire movie! Where can I get a man like that? They don't make 'em like that anymore! He is simply divine - the dancing skills, the wit...sigh. And the wardrobe? Givenchy's designs are sublime...from Ms. Hepburn's cropped black pants to the simple white wedding dress...'s wonderful.
And Amelie...never forget Amelie.
ReplyDeleteGood picks!
BTW, my Paris catalog can always transport you, as well.
P.S. Do you want me to drive to the Tyson's event? I am up for it and I need to drive to thank you for driving me to Mont. Mall all those months ago!
I have that DVD too but at one point or another, I had to get out of the house. LOL! Maybe this weekend? ;)
ReplyDeleteI'll try to call you tonight, lady!
I loved Paris, Je t'aime! We saw it at the theaters about a month before our honeymoon (to Paris) -- such a nice introduction to the city! My favorite part was one of the last clips where the woman was using her conversational French skills to narrate. Just so touching -- how Paris had become hers. Anyway - what a fun weekend! I've not seen Funny Face - I'll have to add to the Netflix queue!
ReplyDeletethe American visitor in Paris sequence in Paris Je T'aime is SOOOOO hilarious. Thanks for reminding me - I need to you tube that!
ReplyDeletei also love ratatouille and funny face. (and amelie!)
it's probably humid in paris anyways, better to enjoy comfortably at home for now : )
(oh and if any ladies have the inclination to scan more of the Paris catalog (or Rome or Boston one for that matter hehe), we would be mucho appreciative! : )
ReplyDeleteRatsOnParade, it's my new favorite movie; all the short films come together so nicely but could totally stand by themselves so well too! And that last short was just the perfect ending. :)
ReplyDeletejcbellemarie, I'm glad to have reminded you to watch it again! If I remember correctly, the "Paris. je t'aime" DVD should be on sale at your local Target for about $8.00. ;)