Wednesday, October 30, 2013

"Argo" - If You Lived During This Time, Bring Extra Hankies When You See This Great Movie

The airplane scene from "Argo" got my attention and I then watched the whole thing. And again. And again. I can't help but think that anyone born around 1960 or earlier will be particularly affected by massive waves of nostalgia at seeing this movie. (It's a great movie no matter when you were born.)

As a result of this movie, I have learned so much more about the facts of the hostage crisis (more than what the movie shows) and about Tony Mendez, and more.

This movie and the people in it remind me so much of "larger-than-life" people and events in my own life at this same time.

The artists who created the look of this film did an amazing job recreating this time period. For anyone who lived during these days, it is profoundly affecting. (Translation: you will need at least five tissues!)


Photograph: Clea Duvall in "Argo"

Saturday, March 2, 2013

Scarlett O'Hara, Vivien Leigh, Mission Statements, and Hot Love Affairs


Recently, I got my daughter to watch "GWTW" with me. Just having her experience this amazing movie, which is so far removed from what's out there today, was tremendously enjoyable. I hadn't seen this movie in years myself, and now I had a very much renewed appreciation for this movie.

As a teen and young adult, I read Margaret Mitchell's novel countless times. I still have my old paperback copy. I have studied much about her life and have always admired Margaret Mitchell greatly - she's definitely one of my heroes.

One thing I love about her was that she, like a few other heroes of mine, wrote ONE... GREAT.... BOOK.

Fortunately I read her book long before the ADHD age we all live in now. I hope I can read it again soon.

In fact, Scarlett herself provided my business with its Mission Statement:

"As God is my witness, I'll never be hungry again. No, nor any of my folks. If I have to lie, steal, cheat, or kill, as God is my witness, I'll never be hungry again."

Yes, that Mission Statement has worked well for us in recent years. We stand by it. :)

Vivien Leigh and her "Scarlett" was beyond amazing. Who can imagine another person playing Scarlett. She was perfect. At the time, she was in a mad love affair with the great Lawrence Olivier and they were reportedly insanely hot for each other for many years. Of course, they married and shared many happy years, as well as difficult ones - it was a great love.

If you have never seen GWTW, you are seriously missing out - run, don't walk, and settle in for a lot of surprises. Then read the book and you'll get an even greater feast of knowledge about a time that was really not so long ago.

In the memorable words of Scarlett, "Take your hands off me.... you drunken fool."

Video Credit: Guiliana Delgado
Fantastic video, Guiliana!
http://www.youtube.com/user/giulianadp

Movie: Gone With the Wind (1939)
The many Academy Awards it received include Best Picture, Best Actress (Vivien Leigh), Best Supporting Actress (Hattie McDaniel), Best Screenplay (Sidney Howard), Best Director (Victor Fleming).

Video Credit: EternalLveStory08
http://www.youtube.com/user/EternalLveStory08

Wonderful video!