VIFF: A Fantastic Woman & The Killing of a Sacred Deer

Una Mujer Fantástica – A Fantastic Woman (subtitled)

If I didn’t know any better I would swear this movie was directed by Spanish film director Pedro Almodóvar (Volver, All About my Mother). But it was not. Instead it was Chilean director Sebastián Lelio (who made the smash hit Gloria in 2013).

This is a timely film. Because it is about time that people are more compassionate and at the very least, more tolerant of those who are different than what those of us less broad minded deem to be “the norm” in society. But guess what? This is the new normal.

I found this film to be beautiful, disturbing, touching and frustratingly maddening. It makes you want to fight for equality.

The main character is played triumphantly by Daniela Vega, an actual trans performer. As Marina, a nightclub singer living with Orlando, her much older heterosexual lover (played by Francisco Reyes) who suddenly dies, you see her struggle in dealing with non-acceptance and disrespect from all angles. From the police who suspect her to be a factor in Orlando’s death, to the ex-wife who doesn’t want her to come anywhere near the funeral because she will only upset the family….she is humiliated constantly.

Even so, she faces it all with dignity and a strength most of us would envy. A powerful movie. A Fantastic Movie! I give it a score of 5/5.

The Killing of a Sacred Deer is a whole other animal.

Here is a perfect example of two top-notch performers: Nicole Kidman and Colin Farrell being cast in a perfectly flat out psychological disaster of a movie. Sorry; but that’s just my opinion. I’m not saying the performances were not good (the characters were supposed to be flat, joyless and strange I’m guessing) but overall it was so disjointed with no explanation given to……too many situations. But the music was anything but flat. It was over the top (again; meaning to be) outlandish. I never saw the film “The Lobster” but apparently it was a pretty good twisted movie, directed by the same person – Yorgos Lanthimos.

In a NUTshell Farrell plays Andrew, a surgeon who’s patient dies while undergoing an operation. The patient’s son Martin (played by Barry Keoghan) is a total screwball looking to get back at Andrew. He keeps showing up in oddball places while I keep wondering (trying to make sense of course) why Andrew keeps allowing him access. Well it is a movie after all so just don’t question the bad sensibility of the surgeon who invites this boy into his home and brings harm to his once happy family. And it just goes (and goes, and goes on) from there. And it gets even weirder. And there’s spoiler alert: NO happy ending. My final words are: I’m just not that into this one!

Special mention: Okja

AND here I thought the special presentation of “Okja” was strange…………. although that one had amazing computer-generated imagery (CGI), and Tilda Swinton who did an excellent job (as always) playing the big boss-lady of a huge company manufacturing genetically modified super pigs. Also, a surprisingly zany Jake Gyllenhall. It had everything….humor, violence, glamour, scenery, car chases, crazy people, animal rights activists, capitalists, consumers and mostly, an innocent animal friend. I found it very schizophrenic but with outstanding direction from Bong Joon Ho. Very Hollywood. Now streaming on NefFlix.

If I lived up in the mountains of South Korea with only my grandfather for companionship, I’d love to have Okja for a pet.

More reviews to follow

Don’t forget to check out the rest of the films playing until October 13th @ https://www.viff.org/

ART/FILM/VIFF: Loving Vincent

I put my heart and my soul into my work, and have lost my mind in the process.

This anticipated animated film about Vincent Van Gogh was a real story telling treat. What’s so amazing about this film is that it is entirely hand painted with Van Gogh’s paintings serving as the backdrop for each frame. In fact, it is the very first fully painted feature which took seven years to complete. It’s visually astonishing!

The story takes place in the French village of Arles (a place I visited with my husband where we sat in the famous Terrasse du café le soir. Yes; that one!

The son of a local postmaster goes around hunting for clues as to why the painter took his own life. There were conflicting reports as to whether he actually committed suicide. The question is really why Vincent went from a complacent quiet man to someone who would take his own life in a matter of weeks. A look into a complicated, talented but tortured soul. Sad that in his lifetime he sold only one of his fine works. Can you imagine?

He saw beauty in the tiniest of objects and in things that most people would deem insignificant. A man of true genius.

I see paintings or drawings in the poorest cottages, in the dirtiest corners. And my mind is driven towards these things with an irresistible momentum.”

I dream of painting and then I paint my dream – Vincent Van Gogh

Your dream came true, it’s just too bad that you were not around to realize it.

How people all around the world admire your work and can only dream of owning a piece of you!

Please visit: https://www.viff.org to find out more and how to purchase tickets. The Film Fest runs until October 13th

Film Reviews

VIFF: BREATHE & MEDITATION Park

Funny thing about timing – that the first two movies I’ve chosen to see at the Vancouver International Film Festival would have the words “Breathe” and “Meditation” – two things that I’m trying to better accomplish. But enough about me.

How to make choices?

The first thing I look for when going through the movie listings are the film titles, then to find out who the actors are. It doesn’t go to prove that actors who are well known will make a better movie, but if I’m familiar with and like the actor’s previous work, I’m more likely to want to see another film they’re in. But since this is an International Film Festival, you must keep in mind that you will NOT likely be familiar with the talented actors and worthwhile great story telling from a host of other countries.

Then of course the overall synopsis. But I don’t like to know too too much about the movie because it ruins the element of surprise (which can work out good or bad, depending.) I try to keep it diversified mixing drama, comedy, documentary and thriller. Well done animation is good too The great overall thing about going to a film fest is that you get to see films firsthand. And that in itself is exciting enough. So having said that, here are two simplified reviews to begin:

BREATHE

Oh; and the film clip photos in the booklet attract me. The romantic, dreamy looking picture has two actors whom I admire: Claire Foy (she played Queen Elizabeth II in the Netflix series “The Crown” which I became addicted to) and Andrew Garfield (Hacksaw Ridge, The Amazing Spiderman). Suffice to day that was enough of a decision for me to say YES. Bonus: Hugh Bonneville (Lord Grantham in Downton Abbey – watched ALL episodes as it was one of my favourite series).

Breathe is an inspiringly beautiful but tragic story. In a debut directorial role, Andy Serkis directs the true story of the parents of his best friend and producing partner, Jonathan Cavendish.

It’s about how a couple, Robin and Diana Cavendish refuse to give up their fight when Robin is struck down by polio at only 26 years old, and just before he is about to become a father. It’s about how people face challenges and overcome hardship in the face of adversity and with a debilitating disease. It is heartwarmingly sad and uplifting at the same time.

MEDITATION PARK

This film was chosen for the Opening Gala. Directed by Mina Shum, it’s filmed entirely on Vancouver’s East Side & Chinatown. While I’m familiar with incredible actors Sandra Oh and Don McKellar, the real star of this film is Cheng Pei Pei (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) who plays Maria. A traditional first generation immigrant Chinese wife, Maria turns a blind eye to her husband’s (played by Tzi Ma) infidelity at first, but when she decides to break from convention, take charge of her life and become more independent, all hell breaks loose. It is charmingly funny in part and because I live in Vancouver, partly familiar.

The only common denominator between the two films is that they are family dramas.

VIFF is on until October 13, 2017. For information and to purchase tickets please visit:

https://www.viff.org

Girl Who Would be King

Self Care – Good Grief!

**No; grief is not good. Not one bit!**

So I signed on for six grief counselling sessions with a small group of people who’ve all recently lost someone near and dear. As the saying goes; misery loves company. But really, if we haven’t already been there, then we will be there at some point in our lives. Be it the loss of a parent, partner or pet; when it happens, it’s devastating. And it can make you question your own mortality.

After losing my husband, the loss hit harder a few weeks later because I was so preoccupied taking care of arrangements, paperwork, banking and other stuff almost immediately after he passed.

When the floral arrangements that were strewn all over my house dried up and I took away the sympathy cards which were sitting on my mantle…I had a good cry. And I’ve been crying ever since. Not continuously mind you. I find joy in little things every day. But off and on, here and there I feel sadness and void.

There’s a photo I took of Don and his brother George (who surprised him with a very welcome visit in July) that was sitting above the fireplace mantle with other photos. It was taken on the day George was leaving to fly back to Toronto and we were trying to coax Don out of his hospital bed to the outside courtyard for a few last photos of the two of them together. Seemed like an easy task but he was pretty bed ridden at that point and it took a lot of effort for him to get up and get out the door even with our help. But he managed, and I was able to take a few photos of the two on a nice summer day, both wearing blue shirts against a colorful backdrop. But I could see the strain on Don’s face. It was a very emotional time.

I ended up taking that photo and placing it in a less prominent spot because it’s such a bittersweet moment. Even now whenever I look at it I can burst into tears…thinking about his decline and his good nature, how he never complained, didn’t like to put people out and still wanted to look after everything. It’s painful actually. More than a husband, Don greatly influenced my life and I will forever miss him. Somebody said “You miss Don, but he won’t be missing you because he is still with you – you just don’t see him.” Ahhh…nice sentiment. And his energy is all around I know but still…

Therefore counselling is worth a try to hear other people’s stories and find out how to manage the pain which comes in waves and at unexpected moments. A good friend sent me a book entitled “When Things Fall Apart” written by Pema Chodron. She said it helped her get through a nasty divorce which although not a death, is a death of a partnership in life. I’m reading it now.

Grief takes as long as it takes and no one knows how long that will be. In the meantime here are a few books that may help in the process if you are experiencing a loss:

Great Books on Consciousness, Death, and the Afterlife

I haven’t read a so-called “self help” book in a long time. Don provided for me all the “self help” I required because he was wise and pragmatic. He made sense of everything and gave me confidence in my abilities.

Another month has just crept up on us…

Anyone who thinks fallen leaves are dead has never watched them dancing around on a windy day.

FUN, Girl Who Would be King

Workin’ 9 to 5: Inside the Vogue Office!

Mixing together Fun & Fashion. Since I loved the movie, the models and Dolly Parton:

On the final day of the New York Spring collections, director Charlotte Wales and Fashion Editor Jorden Bickham asked Kate Upton, Joan Smalls, Elsa Hosk, and a crew of their catwalking pals to come to work at the Vogue offices. How to wear the new officewear was the immediate challenge. How to navigate a corporate tower while retaining a fierce sense of style was the actual heart of the matter.

https://www.yahoo.com/style/workin-9-5-inside-vogue-130000148.html

Art, Architecture, Culture, Girl Who Would be King

Feel-good Friday: Film Fest

It’s that time of year again!

The 36^th Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF). Otherwise known as movie marathon mayhem. Well not really; because I’m planning to pace myself to no more than three movies per day. Actually that will only happen one day, because a few of my weekly evenings are tied up with other commitments. And it could not come at a better time as I’m really looking forward to losing myself in this years most anticipated international films, new discoveries, special presentations, documentaries, contemporary world cinema, and a spotlight on French filmmaking.

And after having carefully leafed through the VIFF guide and marking down my choices, I’ll be happily sharing my thoughts about each film. Stay tuned…(especially if you’re a film buff).

VIFF takes place from September 28^th to October 13^th 2017. For more information and to purchase tickets please visit:

https://www.viff.org/

Girl Who Would be King, STYLE

Style + Beauty = Balmain

A look ahead to…

BALMAIN SPRING 2018 FRANCE INSPIRED shoe/boots:

These high heeled boots were designed with a Sexxxxy lace up front.

Going for Baroque...The swirls on some of the uppers were inspired by the baroque interiors of France’s great palaces. The same swirls also found their way to the mini handbags.

Where oh where will I wear these?

By times we must look beyond the practical. And for many women, this IS their practical. Unless they have little french poodles please tell me they have NO dogs!

Always be comfortable in your own boots

Food + Drink, Girl Who Would be King

Food: high end fine dining

These ~~tree~~ three restaurants will take your dining experience to a brand new level. If you’re a foodie and they’re not already on your bucket list, maybe they should be! When you’re ready to take a break from the same old, same old…keep these places in mind.

SONEVA KIRI

IN A TREE: KOH KOOD, THAILAND

Anyone with a fear of heights need not apply to the Soneva Kiri, where diners ascend 16 feet into the branches via a “treepod,” a booth-and-table structure that’s hoisted up to overlook the Koh Kood rainforest. And please be sure to tip your zip-lining waiters (even if a water refill takes a bit longer than usual)… Seriously, they actually fly down to your table via cable and harness to deliver your meal. Now that’s service.

IN THE EIFFEL TOWER: PARIS, FRANCE

Although tourists flock to this famous landmark, only Le Jules Verne reservation holders get a chance to wine and dine from inside the tower. Although it’s not too difficult to get a reservation, we hear the prime window-adjacent tables can be a tough score, so you may want to book a few weeks in advance and make a note of where you’d like to sit. Boasting an esteemed Michelin star, it certainly beats the half-eaten baguette you’ve been toting around all day.

IN THE MOUNTAINS: SCHILTHORN, SWITZERLAND

Take in the sweeping 360-degree views of the Bernese Alps as you dine at Piz Gloria. Yep, not only is it literally on top of a mountain summit, but it spins around as you eat steak and goulash soup that’ll warm you right up. Don’t worry, no climbing required. Just hop on board the longest aerial cable car ride in the Alps to the tippy top, where you’ll immediately need a martini—shaken, not stirred. After all, this was a shooting location for the 1969 James Bond flick, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.

Talk about elevated dining and service!

Source: Roberta Fiorito – Wow Travel

Art, Architecture, Culture, Girl Who Would be King

Monday Mood Board #10

The beauty of MONET

I was craving an ART day, so recently spent the better part of an afternoon gazing at Claude Monet’s Secret Garden collection at the Vancouver Art Gallery. Which by the way is coming to a close at the end of September 2017 I’ve seen Monet’s works before at the Musée d’Orsay in Paris among other museums on my travels, but was delighted to witness some of his great earlier works in my home city.

This exhibition traces the arc of Monet’s career beginning in the late nineteenth century during his involvement with the impressionist group of French painters.

AFTER ART: The Gallery Café is a favorite Vancouver bistro especially on a nice day. Grab a table outside on a stunning patio, listen to classical music while dining on delicious Westcoast dishes. It’s Perfect!

I only know that I do what I can to convey what I experience before nature and that most often, in order to succeed in conveying what I feel, I totally forget the most elementary rules of painting, if they exist that is.” – Claude Money, 1912

Photos: d. king

FUN, Girl Who Would be King

Feel-good Friday: lighten up

Chanelling Anita Pallenberg

For those of you not familiar, she was the original ROCK CHICK!

Anita Pallenberg, Actress and Longtime Paramour of Keith Richards who passed away in June of this year at the age of 73. I bet she had some good stories to tell being that she was the ‘It’ Girl to the Stones. Why has she not written a book?

How blonde can you be?

You know those blonde jokes…well I think this is as far as I want to go!

Feelin very rock ‘n roll in these photos taken by my hairdresser (who decided to make me even more unnaturally blonder than before) because he felt I needed some lightening up.

Enjoy your weekend!