Find It on Film: Grey Gardens

Even more than films, I adore documentaries and Grey Gardens is among my very, very favorites of all time. Fashion, poetry, dance, song, design, architecture and, of course, gardens--it's a near-perfect piece. Because of this, I have to admit, I'm pretty skeptical about this new version of the musical (Drew Barrymore? really?) and I'm probably not going to tune in (maybe you can convince me!). But, that said, all the talk of the movie has brought about some great remembrances from those who knew the Beales, their home and style, and I'm reveling in it. Especially these photos from the current owners of Grey Gardens. As Little Edie says, "It's all embedded together. Believe it or not, the past is part of the present and the future is here with us now."

Oscar (Wedding) Fashion

How wonderful were all the light dresses at the Oscars--are you seeing a trend here too? The draping, the pleats, the glittering satin...I was starry-eyed! Penelope Cruz may just be my favorite actress--I lovelovelove this movie. More white dresses to be found on etsy.

Find It on Film: Vitus

On a friend's suggestion, we rented Vitus this weekend--a nice little film! The winding story of a German boy and piano genius, we really loved Vitus' relationship with his sweet and eccentric flight-obsessed grandfather (my favorite scene was the one above--he toddles around with these enormous bat wings!). Great for the kids, too.

Find It on Film: Happy-Go-Lucky

S and I are off to the movies on this slightly snowy day to see Happy-Go-Lucky--which looks like just what I need to cheer me up! A teacher learning to drive--girl, we have so much in common! Have you all seen it yet? What's your review?

Find It on Film (er, Quicktime): Elements of Style

Speaking of Maira Kalman, I'm loving her Elements of Style movie, such an irreverent and wonderful addition to the illustrated edition. My favorite of the book's captions: "Be obscure clearly! Be wild of tongue in a way we can understand!" Who wouldn't want to pull their chair up to a table with conversationalists of that style...!

Last Woman in America...

...to finally watch the Sex and the City movie. A silly indulgence, yes. Fun fashion, yes. The best part I swear: that version of Auld Lang Syne and the snowfall. If you haven't heard the version, you've just got to--so sentimental. I got the first twinge of wintry holiday excitement...look out!

Find It on Film: Eagle vs. Shark

I admit it: I'm a fan of the kooky Flight of the Conchords and it is anything but surprising that I really enjoyed Eagle vs. Shark. It's sweet, irreverent, sassy. The characters are imminently lovable. Jarrod, played by Jemaine Clement, is full of charming dim-witted retorts: "He's gonna reap what he sowed, and it sure ain't corn. Or wheat."

Find It on Film: Caramel

Our Saturday night movie: Caramel. The cinematography is beautiful, the storyline compelling. I highly, highly recommend this Lebanese film. If you liked Monsoon Wedding, you'll love Caramel.

Home Is Where the Art Is: Emile Norman

One of my very favorite things: wooden eggs. Partially because of my Polish background, partially my simple affection for birds, I love egg sculptures. Tonight, watching PBS, we saw a lovely little documentary on Emile Norman and his beautiful Big Sur home. If you haven't heard of his work (like me about an hour ago!), he makes the most whimsical, vivacious pieces out of wood, dirt, plastic and paint. The best: this egg made of a swirling bird sky, every piece a different natural wood. His whole life seems to have been one of complete enthusiasm.

Gratitudes: Week in Review

Wow, this week has been full of generous details...(for some reason S thought I might get bored after all the wedding hubbub was over, no way!). There have been lots of big little times. Some of the highlights:

1) Walking under the beautiful Nebraska sky and trees--there's cotton every where and the lightening bugs are out--so magical!
2) Farm fresh eggs, a gift from our new neighbors--they're just a little bit smaller than grocery store eggs and such a nice range of colors:

3) Resting before our honeymoon road trip to Santa Fe (!)
4) New cds dropping (this artist and this)
5) Watching some new films finally (this, this and this)
6) Scheming about my new project--hmmm!!

Find It on Film: Senator Obama

Our documentary of the week. I'm quite hopeful that our next president will care about Africa--the place, people, culture--and bring about compassionate change.

Find It on Film: Stealing Beauty

Perfect Bound is featuring a series of posts on Italy inspired by "Stealing Beauty," my all-time favorite movie. Can't wait. Someday I'll get to Tuscany....!

Find It on Film: Green Porno

Never have I been so interested in anything on Letterman before: check out Isabella Rosellini in Green Porno. Wow. All at once it's hilarious, evocative and educational (I mean, look at her, she's one hot, smart spider!!). It really makes me wonder what's going on in my own garden...!

Find It on Film: Motherland Afghanistan

As I've mentioned before, I adore documentaries. If you get the chance, I highly recommend watching this one.

Find It on Film: The Business of Being Born

I can't imagine my life without documentaries and I highly recommend this one.

Find It on Film: Persepolis

I cannot wait to see this movie.

UPDATE: Go see it! The nod to paper animation techniques is just so resonant with the story.