No I don’t know the answers, but I live by the idea that some things get arranged by someone with a little bit more power, and hopefully sense, than me. I don’t mean this in a church-like religious kind of way, just in life-is-sometimes-really-a-simple-twist-of-fate kind of way. Or something.
I was on my way to Dreamgirls (the movie), hurrying because I was late, and when I finally stood in front of the counter, in time, it was sold out. This drove me in the arms of Prince Charles, who served me something that was much better suited for me to watch, for more than one reason.
When people call me a filmbuff I always say that I’m not, as I haven’t seen many of the classics a film buff is supposed to have seen. A black and white 28 year old Woody Allen film just didn’t seem that sexy to me. But today I was more or less thrown into it, as if someone wanted to tell and show me something. The only Woody Allen film I have ever seen is Match Point, which I only saw because it is filmed in London. It was OK, but not great.
There are some brilliant pieces of writing though:
The man who said “I’d rather be lucky than good” saw deeply into life. People are afraid to face how great a part of life is dependent on luck. It’s scary to think so much is out of one’s control. There are moments in a match when the ball hits the top of the net, and for a split second, it can either go forward or fall back. With a little luck, it goes forward, and you win. Or maybe it doesn’t, and you lose.
I learned a few things today:
Male actors with black rimmed glasses are funny. I had no idea how funny Woody Allen (72) was until today, and I have to see more of his work, even though many say that Manhattan (1979) is his best.
His self confidence in this film is hilarious, and his lack of knowing how to live his life was, ehrm, very recognizable.
Manhattan has some fantastic, classic and stunning views and shots of New York. Since I’ve been in New York, films shot there make my heart beat a little bit faster. It ran amok (to rush about violently and out of control) when the film even featured shots of 42nd Street. The joy of recognition. And the joy of recalling good memories. No, I’m still not over that trip. Tragic and pathetic.
Woody Allen is a great script writer. I need to dig into some of his scripts.
Manhattan (the movie) is recommended. I love stories about people who understand just as much about love as I do.
While watching it, in the dark, I took 3 decisions. Good ones, I was inspired. I’ll get back to that, but I was glad Dream Girls was sold out.
A kiss on the cheek for Prince Charles for showing films like this. And a welcome to Woody Allen in my head.
Tracy: Let’s fool around, it’ll take your mind off it.
Isaac Davis: Hey, how many times a night can you, how, how often can you make love in an evening?
Tracy: Well, a lot.
Isaac Davis: Yeah! I can tell, a lot. That’s, well, a lot is my favorite number.
Brilliant film! You have so much Woody catching up to do! Annie Hall is a must and I love a lot of his earlier more slapstick stuff too. I’ve always been vaguely ashamed of fancying Woody Allen when I was a lot younger!! Suppose it’s just another example of my lust for witty, smart men.
It’s exactly that – witty smart men, they are irresistible for me too.
I was hoping someone would recommend me other Woody movies, so thanks for that. I’ll have to check them out. But a DVD on my small TV will never be as good as watching them in the cinema.
was looking for don juan in soho reviews as the boyfriend is freezing his sexy butt this morning queuing for returns. We had bought tix for early january but had to give them away as went on holiday. He’s second in the queue for tonight so am hopeful. All that to say that googling led me to your blog and it’s a delight. Am going to forward it now to several thatre addicts friends. And it’s got one of the best layouts I’ve seen. Am jealous. Am techie friendly but not techie savvy and can’t really improve mine much.
bye.
@Lisa – Thank you for your nice words. It all started with a standard blog template template which I gradually have tinkered to make it as it is today. But I can’t take credit for it all.
I hope you got to see Don Juan, it is a great and funny play.