Films # 9-11

In the past few days I have watched three movies and one television series. As I have watched so many I've decided to make the movies at least into one big post, using caps done buy yours truly.

It began with "Lulu in Berlin" a documentary on Louise Brooks, the legendary silent film star. Or more specifically her experience making films in Europe. It was very visually stunning. For its opening scene it has the most beautiful death scene I have ever seen (from the 1929 French film, "Prix de Beaute" or Prize of Beauty for the non French speakers). Louise, resplendent in finery, is watching herself sing onscreen in the dark theatre with a gentlemen friend. Then she is shot. She falls back and eventually dies as the film continues to play. I don't know exactly why I loved it so. Or for that matter, why I chose to watch a 40+ minute long documentary on an actress I've never seen in anything before, but I'm glad I did.

"The Ladies of the Chorus" made in 1948 is a fairly obscure film best known for having Marilyn Monroe in her first? starring role. It was enjoyable I guess, but filled with cliche. And the woman who played Marilyn's mother was much too young.

Last but not least I watched "The Big Sleep," a confusing favorite of mine. It stars one of my favorite old Hollywood couples/screen partners, Bacall and Bogie. But my true favorite character is the wise cracking lady who works at this bookstore Marlowe (Bogie) goes to. Ah I love film noir.

And now it is stills time!

Film #8: Easy Living

Today in my history class we watched "Easy Living." Which makes it one of the best two hour class periods I've ever had. Oh how I laughed.

"Easy Living," written by the great Sturges, follows the typical romantic-comedy plot line of mistaken identity. Jean Arthur's character has a sable coat fall on her, befriends the millionaire banker (named Mr. Ball) who threw the coat, and is mistaken for his mistress. She is fired from her job at the Boy's Constant Companion, stays for a dollar per night in the world's most luxe hotel suite, and eventually falls in love with Mr. Ball's wayward son (Ray Milland).

And it is glorious. It was one of the best screwball comedies I have ever seen. You should watch it.

And now I leave you with the French poster for "Easy Living."

Inspiration: Pierre Mornet

Pierre Mornet is a young French illustrator who paints using acrylic and oil paints. He is so obscure that the only artist's bio I could find was a short blurb in his mother tongue. Bless my four years of schoolgirl French! I could actually read and comprehend it.

Last week, I found his a piece of his work on tumblr (where I find everything) and immediately became obsessed. Which is saying something considering what a Matisse binge I had been on the previous week. I love the colors he uses, his repeated use of poppies, and his beautiful subjects with their faraway stares and glossy 40s movie starlet hair.

Behold!

A turban and a French cake

Last night, Amelia came over and we made Kouign Amann. It is a buttery caramelly cake from Brittany (a region of France known for its caramel, which its people call "dirty butter"). It took about 3 hours to rise, which drove me insane. I am most impatient.

Because I am so very practical, I wore a white sweater and a turban while baking.

Turban: 60s, vintage
Sweater, skirt: thrifted
Shoes: target

Film # 7: Beginners

A new one. I know. It's been too long.

"Beginners" is about both the death of a son's gay father and his new relationship with his French girlfriend. (The son is played by Ewan McGregor. The father is Christopher Plummer and the girlfriend is Melanie Laurent.) It jumps back and forth through time in between the son's, Oliver's, childhood, his father's illness and younger boyfriend, and how Anna (Laurent) and Oliver met (at a Halloween party, he was dressed as Freud, she had laryngitis) and their subsequent messy and confusing relationship. Throughout, the film has a wistful and sad feeling. However, it's expected with the death and whatnot.

The style of film making is much more experimental than my 30s romantic-comedy self is used to watching, but I liked it. Also it has pretty red dresses, roller skating, hotels, a beautiful soundtrack, and an intelligent Jack Russell terrier. What more could you need?

Blurred

An attempt at an outfit post. Too dark and late for any decent results. I found the dress at Lucky Vintage. It's from the 50s and has buttons down the back, which look very nice but do not like to stay closed. Today I listened 1920s jazz and read. Goodnight all readers who do not admit to existing.

(Last image via flapperdoodle on etsy)