Before I tell you about my current DVD watching, I want to remind you that you can email questions to me that I'll answer on Fridays. Or, more interesting, Lola will answer. Additionally, if anyone ever wants to write another What is Love? What is Intimacy? guest post, then please feel free to do so. I ran out of the guest posts, but I'd be happy to take up the series again. I thought your answers were fascinating.
Now, the first movie is W.E. When I saw it had been directed by Madonna, I thought, Ugh. She was married to a director so now she thinks she's a director.
My ugh was wrong. I loved W.E. This historical biopic is called W.E. because that's how Wallis Simpson and Edward the VIII referred to themselves. The story of Wallis and Edward intertwines with characters living in New York during the 1990s.
Wally Winthrop is fascinated by the great romance between Wallis and David (Edward) and haunts the auction of their belongings. As she examines the things accumulated over many years of marriage, the film switches to vignettes in the life of Wallis. Wally becomes disenchanted with her V.I.P. doctor husband, falls in love with a Russian security guard at the auction exhibit, and gradually learns that perhaps Wallis did not have the perfect life.
This photo is of the real Wallis and David following their marriage.
I have two words for this movie, however, and neither one is ugh. My words are lush and stylish. This film is beautifully made and recreates the scandalous Wallis and David period with accuracy, for the most part. The score is also gorgeous.
I must say, though, that you youngsters who didn't like Midnight in Paris probably won't like W.E. unless you're interested in the unusual historical event of the abdication of an English king and what it was like for the woman he couldn't live without, or you absolutely adore everything Madonna does.
I'm not a big Madonna fan, but I hope she directs more movies as good as W.E.
As I write this, I'm watching the new to DVD remake of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. I've never liked spy movies, and so far, this one is no exception, in spite of Colin Firth's brief presence. Even if I got to see more of Colin, I don't think I could be interested in this movie. If Colin were naked, it might up my interest level, but thus far, he's fully clothed.
I could cobble together an explanation of the plot of this movie, but it would be stupidly written. I simply can't feel interested in it.
But, I don't like to give up on a movie. It's kind of like executing the film. It can't redeem itself if I turn it off after 20 or 30 minutes. Since I have the patience that comes with age, I'll finish the darn movie. If my opinion changes for the better (which would mean I saw Colin naked), I'll let you know.
Infinities of love,
Janie Junebug
Johnny and Ryan, I love you, but you must make room on the pedestal for Colin.
W.E. sounds really nice, I might check it out!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
When movies are reasonably accurate, they're also a good way to learn history.
DeleteDear Janie, . . . I'd like to see W.E. as I'm interested in the aspect of the couple's link to Nazi Germany during the late thirties and early forties. Is it an older movie? If so, I could probably get it at the library. Or is it a recent release?????
ReplyDeletePeace.
It was released on DVD earlier this week. As far as their link to Nazi Germany is concerned, it's mentioned in the movie but not really explored. They defend themselves by saying they were trying to prevent war.
DeleteW.E. sounds like an intriguing movie, even if it WAS directed by a foolish woman who wore a couple funnels as a brassiere. (sour grapes!)
ReplyDeleteMadonna and I are the same age. I asked The Hurricane why Madonna looks so much better than I do. She said, Madonna has a personal trainer and a chef.
DeleteI wasn't interested in W. E. but now you've changed my mind.
ReplyDeleteI was surprised that I liked it so much.
DeleteNever heard of this movie. I'll have to check it out. Also I think I did describe what real love it today. :)
ReplyDeleteYou probably didn't hear about W.E. because it wasn't very successful. I learned a lot from you today.
Deleteyeah, it sounds good, Janie.
ReplyDeletei should pick it up and watch more movies and shows. been totally boring these days.
Jaya, Your blog is so upbeat that it's difficult for me to imagine that you're ever bored.
Deletei do all those things to be less bored...but i'm still pretty bored and sometimes unhappy :)
DeleteMaybe the entertainment in your life is not up to your level of intelligence. I'm very sorry that you're bored or even unhappy. I'm lonely. We could start a new set of dwarfs for Snow White: Bored, Unhappy, Lonely . . .
DeleteI almost thought I hadn't heard about it but it's ringing slight bells now that you've described it a bit. I do like historical films so I may just have to check that one out :)
ReplyDeleteI like historical films, too, Maggie, and I really like the way Wallis and Wally connect in the film. I also wouldn't mind having some of Wallis Simpson's jewelry, but that's not going to happen.
DeleteI've been watching movies all weekend~! Brb movie
ReplyDeleteMakes me wonder what you're watching, Baur.
DeleteAh that Mr. Darcy....beats out stupid Brad Pitt every time.
ReplyDeleteMy Dear Mrs. Tuna, I agree; however, I like Brad in Legends of the Fall. He blends in so beautifully with the countryside.
DeleteAs we discussed earlier, I will be doing a guest post for you. I'm just waiting for my mojo to arrive....
ReplyDelete:)
Happy Mother's Day Junebug.
I look forward to the arrival of your mojo, Juli, but I don't know how you have enough energy to do anything after you work. Happy Mother's Day to you too.
DeleteDear Janie, . . . I truly appreciate your going back and reading three of the links I put in my Saturday posting. I know that teaching today is much different from what I experienced back then in 1972 and 73. After the New Hampshire year, I taught adults, and of course, that's much easier than teaching young people. So I really know only what I hear of how difficult teaching can be today.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry that some of your experiences were so different from mine. But please know that it is the trying that is important. We touch people's lives, often, even without knowing it.
Peace.
I read all four links, Dee. I didn't comment on one of them. At the high school where I was employed so briefly, the few students who wanted to learn were outnumbered by those who wanted to play "kill the teacher." I am so sad for all of them. During the three or four weeks I was there, I think at least 40 - 50 of my tenth-graders were expelled for assaulting me. Schools that need security guards and have the police on duty full time -- are they really schools? Or are they prisons where the teachers attempt to churn out students who can write an essay as proscribed the State?
Delete