Quick post. Wanted to mention a couple of films that I've recently watched and enjoyed. First of all, 'The English Patient.' Apparently one of my Mum's all time favourites and I can see why, it's right up there on my own list of must sees.
The film came out in 1996 and is based on the novel of the same name. It won nine Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The story is set during the second World War and focuses on a burns patient, a Hungarian Count named Laszlo de Almasy. Flashbacks show us the fleeting memory of his affair with a married woman, Katherine Clifton, in the Sahara Desert where he was making maps. The film switches between the past and present, slowly unfolding the background story and how Almasy has come to be in the position in which he finds himself. It is gripping, beautifully shot and the acting is fantastic. The cast includes, amongst others, Ralph Fiennes, Kristin Scott Thomas, and Juliette Binoche. All three were Oscar nominated for their performances. Rent this film asap, but be prepared for an upsetting end.
The second film that I wanted to mention is 'A Good Year' starring Russell Crowe. Here the protagonist, the hard and ambitious stockbroker Max, inherits a large French House from his recently deceased Uncle Henry. He visits France with the intention of selling the property, but soon falls in love with the place and people there. Including a spirited young French girl. He learns how to soften up and eventually takes on the house and the vineyard attached.
'A Good Year' was a light, easy film to watch. It caught my attention, as usual, because of the cinematography. The lighting was soft, which I like, and the story was very sweet. Another aspect that caught my attention was a scene in which Max uses turquoise coloured ink to write a letter. I thought it was a really nice touch, using a unique coloured ink to write letters is almost like creating a trademark for yourself. So now, I am in search of some turquoise coloured ink to write with!
Turquoise Ink:
