Stealing Beauty (1996)

How is it that a film so culturally removed from my life’s experience can resonate with me so powerfully, even two decades after its release? I first saw this film on VHS tape (possibly DVD) when it came out in 1996. Not only did the soundtrack blow me away, but the film struck me as creative and beautiful in ways that films today seem unable to capture. It isn't about beauty in the sense of physical beauty (although actor Liv Tyler is gorgeous); it's about Lucy Harmon, a beautiful soul who has not yet found her soulmate. Sounds cliche, I know, but it's so much more refreshing than the 'friends with benefits' tropes that have been doing the rounds in Hollywood of late. 

My love of the film is perhaps a projection of my worldview. The relationship that gradually forms between Lucy and Osvaldo Donati is not dissimilar to my own experience of finding love. An unlikely pair, we gravitated toward each other in much the same way that Lucy and Osvaldo discover their connection. 

Osvaldo, the younger brother of Niccolò, has a different moral compass to his brother. This guides him in the direction of seeking a genuine relationship with a partner, something he has been struggling to find in Italy. He seeks a new life far away from Tuscany, a meaningful life where he can escape the hedonism that surrounds him. 

Mostly everyone appears to be living in perpetual holiday mode, in part due to their success as artists and early real estate acquisitions. But the Donati estate seems to have been passed down for generations and Niccolò lives a quintessential Bohemian existence. He has become accustomed to self-gratification as he moves from one conquest to the next like an untamed stallion.

By contrast, Osvaldo is such an interesting character. He wants something more than momentary thrills, and so does Lucy. If she didn’t, she wouldn’t still be a virgin at 19, given the attention she would have undoubtedly received in high school. It’s her depth of character for her age that is so attractive, but she won’t allow herself to truly live until she finds out who her biological father is. Spoiler alert: she finds out after ruling out war correspondent Carlo Lisca and playwright Alex Parrish. (I would have been investigating that Donati father too, but he's not mentioned.)

Stealing Beauty is visually intoxicating film with an incredible soundtrack. Bernardo Bertolucci (director) and Susan Minot (screenplay) have created a timeless piece that will hopefully not be forgotten. I am thankful that Niccolò was ultimately unable to steal Lucy's beauty! For an extensive list of the songs and instrumentals in the film, please get in touch.

And love...

Although it's been circulating around Facebook for some time, I love this poster. It encompasses everything I believe (with gorgeous imagery to match):

• Be kind - I try to give people the benefit of the doubt and show compassion to people less fortunate than myself.
• Work hard - I always work hard, perhaps too hard, but I do it for the sake of doing my job to the best of my ability.
• Stay humble - It's important to be aware of where you stand in the the scheme of things. However, I have found the need to exude more self-confidence in order to be taken seriously.
• Smile often - I do this as often as possible despite my serious and studious personality type!
• Keep honest - Honesty underpins all aspects of life. I have come to realise, however, that many people have alternative views on the definition of the word. I have learned to be on my guard around those people.
• Stay loyal - I'm a consistent person who isn't easily swayed.
• Travel when possible - I'd love to travel more as it's always such an amazing and mind-altering experience.
• Never stop learning - Well, this is me to a T; I don't believe in stagnating and am always trying to better my knowledge and skills.
• Be thankful always - Every day, I try to be thankful for what I have rather than bemoaning what I don't have.
• And, "Above all, love each other deeply..." (Peter 4:8).

Photographic Cards

I took these photos in 2015 on a trip to Japan. It's an incredible country and I hope to return one day. Over the years, I have sold a number of my photographic cards. I just love the top image of a dew drop on the leaf of an ornamental kale plant. The bottom image is of peach blossoms. My photographic cards currently sell for $2.50 each, plus postage. Packs of 8 are available for $27.50 (including registered post). Please get in touch and I'll email you the current link for purchasing them.

I'll be exploring the possibility of selling my handmade items elsewhere this year. The markets in Leura have become very slow as a result of a drop in tourism to the area. People are also preferring to buy mass-produced items at chain stores at unprecedented rates. The decline in arts and crafts is difficult to witness. I may need to prioritise my online store even though selling online can be challenging and time-consuming. - Mel