Play It Again

Hey, buddies. Today, I've put together a brief homage to some of my favorite movies. I know, I know, I'm supposed to be rewriting my second novel, The Second Life, but really, aren't movies more fun? I happen to think so. Especially, when my brain is tired, and I'd like to escape reality by taking a vicarious journey. To a world I'm not responsible for and didn't create, where I can bask in the glorious imagery and dialogue without worrying about punctuation and grammar.Ahh, Pride and Prejudice. Jane Austen was brilliant, and I enjoy any interpretation of this wonderful story. I swooned over the version with Colin Firth. I ask you, who doesn't swoon over Colin Firth in that movie? Especially when he emerges from the lake in his transparent poet's shirt. Great moment! However, my preference leans toward the 2005 rendering with Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen. Love it, love it!
I like this photograph with Ms. Knightley as Elizabeth Bennet looking so wistful and pensive. Haven't you felt that way? As though your life was at a stand still and you were merely waiting for your future to unfold?
One of the highlights for me--Darcy walking toward Elizabeth in the pre-dawn light. He is rumpled and mussed with his unbuttoned shirt and hastily thrown on overcoat. No cravat, no tailored jacket, or societal propriety. This is so out of character for the very genteel Darcy, and it adds a sweet vulnerability and fervor to his part in this scene. Magic. Romance. You gotta love it.

Another fun escape. Casablanca. This movie is a classic for many reasons. It was filmed in 1942, and yet, over time, it translates so well for the modern viewer. The dialogue is always smart, sometimes funny, and often heartbreaking. And then there is Humphrey Bogart. I love his face and voice, and even when he's being bad, he's so good. The reluctant hero with a deep, conflicted soul. Every time I watch this movie, I wish I could make the ending happy for Rick Blaine.

My father said that he saw Ingrid Bergman when she performed a reading from Joan of Arc for the US troups during WWII. Dad wasn't exactly the gushing type, but he described Ms. Bergman with reverence, saying she was a "natural beauty" and "luminous." She certainly is gorgeous in Casablanca, and a remarkable actress as well, I might add.

Well, there you have it, bloggers-extraordinaire. I hope you enjoyed this little tribute. Now, what are some of your favorites? Why do you like the movies you like?