Drive

I saw a ridiculously awesome film last night that I gotta talk about. It's called "Drive" and stars Ryan Gosling as the driver.

"Drive" is a  2011 film adaptation after a novel of the same title by James Sallis. It has been sometime that a film has touched me in such a way and for so many reasons. For instance, the cast is impeccable. Carey mulligan plays the love interest of the driver. She was ideal for the role for her natural sweetness alone in addition to her well done American accent and being able to make a secondary character shine even without overdone dialogue. She keeps her sweetness even with the backdrop of a gritty, dark LA as the set.

Albert Brooks as Bernie Rose is a villainous but likable character. He is the sort of character you know has done sordid things but you desperately want to be a good guy. He isn't though.

And, Ron Perlman as Nino, a scum bag to beat all of them, is as always a joy to see in this film for the sheer hatred of his character alone.

And of course, Ryan Gosling. He ties the film together - the glue - if you will. I have never been one of these ladies that gushes over Hollywood men. Certainly, I have my favorites but never have I checked fan sites or spoken incessantly about actors. I simply don't care. It isn't that I haven't been impressed in the past either. I just like to keep a bit of decorum about the whole Hollywood leading man thing. But Gosling, in this film, is quietly magnanimous. His natural strength and lack of arrogance amongst his pretending made me realize what the hullaballoo is all about. Sure he's attractive, but to look at him he is no more attractive than my own husband. But this is not about attractiveness, his appeal is that which separates an actor from an artist. He has the quintessential je ne sais quoi that has had my mind reeling about this film. I hate saying that because again, I'd like to maintain some dignity. His performance was just amazing. Before the film, I thought he was ok. After the film I think he is a truly sumptuous performer. He plays that hero that I looked up to as a child. I found myself wanting to be him and be with him all at once. Remarkable does not describe his performance well enough.

Drive is "Pretty in Pink" meets "True Romance" and that is all the appeal it needs for me. But as icing completes the cake the sound track threads the thing together. I just really can't say enough about this extraordinary film. Kudo's to Nicolas Winding Refn for such excellent direction.

See this film but be warned there is violence. It is, after all a crime film...

Vimeo Film Awards

Do you guys visit Vimeo? I, myself am a member. Infact I'm not sure I could live without it! I have featured several Vimeo movies from various film makers here and one on La Bottine too. It's voting week for the Vimeo Festival and Awards. Please be sure to go over there and check the films out if not just to support these independent and talented filmmakers but also to choose your fave!

Here is an example of what you'll find...





This film is by Everynone and you can see more of their films here!

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Poor Henri!

Im not in the mood to write something today. Lame, I know. But it just goes like that sometimes. It's not even that I'm lazy, it's that I busy with other junk.

Salvador Dali and friend.

So...I love this kitty. He's so sad. He simply can't stand this hot weather... And he makes me giggle...May I introduce, Henri: Paw de Deux!

Beet Cake - Not Just a Pretty Treat

The soft breeze of Spring. A sweater but only in the evening. No bad bugs - yet. The sweet smells of citrus blossom and Lilac. The first al fresco dining. A cup of tea and a good friend in the kitchen. And fresh new beets...

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The song on this video by Tiger in a Jar is an ethereal tune called "Babe" by Evenings from the album North Dorm EP an Extended Play that leaves you wanting more. Just like this little video. It really touches on the sensuality of cooking...the feel of flour in your hands, the sound of eggs cracking on the bowl. No wonder I love cooking...it's more than the mere taste of the art!

Bikram/Hot Yoga

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When I was 9 years old, I went to Los Angeles with my sister to visit my grandparents. That would have made my sister 4. My Nana was (and still is) a fashion forward, free thinking, cultivator who tried unique things and hobnobbed with fantastic people. She had lipstick made in exactly "her" shade and kept care of her body in extraordinary ways.

Her most potent fitness regime was with Bikram Choudhry the Yogi of the century! My sister and I would often accompany her to Bikram's studio. In those days there were no mats and towels as are used today. There was a floor and your body and that's it!

We loved this class. I recall asking Nana, "Will we go to see Bikram today?" Bikram once sat on my back during the half tortoise pose, I must've been 11. In attendance, we'd often see Martin Sheen and Raquel Welch. Looking back now that seems pretty weird.

Bikram moves you through 26 yoga poses that each have a specific link to a biological function. And after each class you feel strengthened, accomplished and relieved.

I've never in all these years completely given up my Bikram practice. And yesterday I committed to a 40 class package. I'm looking forward to all the changes that my body will endure in the following several months.

I highly recommend reading up on Bikram his story is amazing. Bikram Yogi Raj went to Japan and that is where he discovered the heated room.

You really should try this amazing practice. It will change your life.

Bubbles - Waiting for Spring

In an effort to patiently wait for Spring, I watched a Doris Day movie last night and began to think of this post. I promised Kelly from Little Paper Planes that I would post a song for her. I got the inspiration from a tweet of hers where she said, "Where is my head?" It spurred a knowing smirk from me and comfort in knowing I'm not the only one.

As I lay on the couch with my feet freezing despite the fact that it is, ahem, Spring, I scurried to the kitchen to make some bubbles. Hoping to warm my feet, solidify this post in my mind and create some fun all at once!

Here is the recipe:
1 Tablespoon dish liquid
6 Tablespoons water
Mix well and dip fork into mixture (or pipe cleaner or wire hanger or beading wire)
Blow...It's sort of magical!

Spring, Spring, Spring...get on it already mother nature!

Charles Edward Wilson
"Blowing Bubbles"

Thomas Couture
"Bubbles"

Ch. Chaplin
"Blowing Bubbles"

Bubbles - A Track List
1. Where is My Mind - Pixies
2. Heaven or Las Vegas - Cocteau Twins
3. Paris Collides - RUFUS
4. Rumour Has It - ADELE
5. Daniel (Death Metal Disco Scene Remix) - Bat for Lashes
6. Animal - Miike Snow
7. Breaking It Up - Lykke Li
8. Stand and Deliver - Adam Ant
9. White Rabbit - Jefferson Airplane
10. Sugarbush - Doris Day and Frankie Laine

Bubbles from poppiesandpaperbacks on 8tracks. Painting Jean Baptiste Simeon Chardin "Soap Bubbles" 1733

Old Movies

Every Sunday, the hubby and I spend about the entire day watching old movies. The black and whites...usually set during war time through the following two decades. But sometimes we catch shorts from as early as 1926 and as late as 1970.

Our latest adventures in old time films have been Going My Way, Hotel, I Was a Male War Bride, My Sister Eileen and Sweet November.

Going My Way has the best soundtrack and Bing Crosby who won an Oscar for best actor. The film itself won 7 oscars in 1944 and was nominated for 10! Some of the music includes Carmen, Ave Maria, Tura Lura Lura and Swinging on a Star - perhaps one of my all time favorite songs right up there with Down By the Old Mill Stream.

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This is a video from the film "Going My Way" of the boys choir singing "Swinging On A Star."All of the films we see can be caught on Turner Classic Movies.