MOMA Film Festival 14: Druk (Another Round)

I really enjoyed this film!  I was never a fan of Thomas Vinterberg's previous films but this one was certainly the exception.  The film explores the mid-life crisis of four school teachers and has a great sense of humor.  I find myself drawn to these four men as they coped with their drunkenness.  Who knew Thomas Vinterberg (part of Lars Von Trier's group of directors) would finally make a film that I actually would enjoy wholeheartedly?

 Mads Mikkelsen was great as always in his role.  I don't understand why I tend to favor his films in general.  Can't explain it.  

MOMA Film Festival 13: The Mauritanian

 

What happened to Jodie Foster?  She looks 80!  I liked this film even though most reviews were only lukewarm.  It has a good narrative and does not play any games.  It would work well as a made for TV movie.  

There are two films left that I want to see from the MOMA Film Festival.  I feel privileged that I was able to see these films during these uncertain times.  I am a little jealous that movie theaters are opening next Friday in NYC. Who knows when I will be able to step into a movie theater here?  Who knows when I will be able to get a jab before I can relatively feel safe to travel again?

I dream about NYC all the time.  I want to be able to visit my favorite stores and walk on the many streets that I love.  I miss it so much 😿😿😿

Reading Haruki Murakami

What an interesting book!  A great peak at all my favorite translators of Murakami's fiction.  These translators are so much better than the Chinese translator that Murakami used for the Chinese translations.  I swear I've given up on all the Chinese translations once and for all...

Sadly, I don't think Murakami's new fiction is not as good as his old works.  His short stories are still worth checking out but his novels have lost their quirkiness!  Nevertheless, I am looking forward to his new short stories anthology "First Person Singular" coming out in April.  But David Karashima's book on his translators was such a good read that I didn't skip any of the sections!

 

Vogue on Location

 

I grew up reading and loving Vogue.  This is a mediocre collection of Vogue photographs.  I was expecting more and this is simply a way of Conde Nast making a quick buck of coffee table books.  

I do miss Stella Tennant.  She is a great British model and I heard she died from suicide this year.  I was a fan of so many Vogue models in the 90s..  I miss the 90s and the models in Vogue.    

MOMA Film Festival 12: The White Tiger

 

The White Tiger is not a bad film.  It has a good story since it is based on a novel. This is not another Slumdog Millionaire but it does have a good dose of humor. I would recommend it as a good film festival film and I am glad I have a chance to view it now that there won't be a film festival until September (fingers crossed).  Pacing is good and it's neither too fast or too slow.  

MOMA Film Festival 11: The Nest

 

How should I describe a middle age Jude Law? He's no longer the eye candy he once was but he's still better looking than some boozy American his age.

This film is another mediocre film about a failing marriage.  It's heartbreaking to see so many of these stories are being made constantly.  Are all marriages so depressing?  

The Film Festival is ending soon and the only two films that are still sticking in my mind are "The Father" and "Minari".  "Mank" was disappointing even with Gary Oldman in the lead.  I am not looking forward to seeing the Golden Globes, SAG and the Oscars this year with this roster of films.

Six Word Memoir About Love

 

My All-Time Favorite One is:  (Drum Roll)

He Was The One, But I Wasn't

Belgravia Needs An Attractive Cast

 

Belgravia is another mediocre series that has very old fashioned storyline.  I am surprised Julian Fellowes is responsible for writing the script.  If it has a more attractive cast, it won't be as boring.  At least catching a glimpse of the main leads would be more rewarding!  Needless to say, it must be a relatively cheap to produce with such an unknown cast.  

Pretty Cities

 Pretty Cities Everywhere.  Both books have beautiful pictures displaying an idealistic lifestyle in two ultra expensive cities.  I love both cities very much and only wish I can afford to live in these exquisite homes.  I will never be tired of an urban lifestyle because I just love love love the variety of life.  That's why I am a librarian.  Lifelong learning and lifelong exploration come hand in hand.  How can anyone be bored when there's so much out there to know outside your own home?  

If only we can travel again...

Paris by Subway

I love this updated edition of Paris by Subway. I've read several of these type of "By Subway" series and this has got to be the best so far.  Hey if I can't travel, to Paris, the least I can do is fantasize about all the best shops and places to eat.  I must shed the pounds before I go traveling again.  I won't be able to wander around with all my excess weight!

I am celebrating Marie's birthday with a French dinner. Maybe I'll allow myself a macaron at Laduree since I haven't had one in months.  It's too bad Bouchon is now closed (has it re-opened?) in New York.  They have the best chocolate macarons there!

 

MOMA Film Festival 10: Pieces of a Woman

This film again is all about the lead performances.  I love Vanessa Kirby in the Crown and she is just s good here.  The story is very simple and it can be told in a few paragraphs.  The film will not any awards for its story but Vanessa Kirby will certainly earn a nomination.

I am almost at the end of the film festival.  I am looking forward to seeing Nomadland and then I am done.  None of the films so far have left a deep impression with me.  

2020 was a horrible year for the Arts.  Let's hope 2021 will not be the end of the movie theater!  I want to see the films on the big screen!