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

I liked 'Aloha'

I saw 'Aloha' last night. Ordinarily, I wouldn't have gone to see it as the trailer put me off due to the military overlay (which rarely excites me); however, it was being offered as a double-feature with another film ('Far from the Madding Crowd') so I thought, Why not?

When 'Far from the Madding Crowd' was over, I wasn't too keen to stick around for 'Aloha'. I had heard nothing at all about the movie but the trailer had given enough away to make it seem sappy. It turns out that I was pleasantly surprised. 

However, at the end, everyone in the cinema seemed confused and comments of that kind circulated around the room. It was depressing to realise that I was seemingly the only person who understood the film. People had missed whole chunks of the subject matter and characterisation somehow. But for me, that was the beauty of the film--you're forced to stay active in it. You really have to pay attention because the pace is fast in the first 8 minutes. As the plot unfolds, you make sense of it as you go. The movie is like a journey--I found myself being able to identify with each of the characters in some way. It's not dissimilar to 'Jerry Maguire', except that Bradley Cooper is a more likeable protagonist.

'Aloha' is definitely more figurative than literal in nature. Like most films, you can't pick it apart too much, you just have to feel it. The film is multi-layered and moved me a lot without me expecting it (as Crowe films tend to do). It set out to achieve too much but that worked for me for the following reasons:

1) It resonates with similarities in Australia in relation to people's treatment of the indigenous population. The movie took me through a whole range of emotions, including disgust at what Gilcrest (Bradley Cooper) was there to do: abuse the trust he had somehow previously gained from the indigenous community. I think a lot of North Americans don't like the film because it makes a statement about land rights and past maltreatment of Hawaii's indigenous people. It could be considered anti-nationalist by some. To me, the film depicts the present-day reality of a people who were overturned in much the same way as indigenous Australians were. It serves as a reminder that land, culture and language were unrightfully taken away. Efforts must be made to preserve and respect Hawaii's rich heritage.

2) Similarly, I like the Hawaiian mythology that is woven into the film despite it being rather clumsy and tokenistic at times. I was reminded that the indigenous people's connection with the sky and the land is of cultural and spiritual importance. Although technological development is a reality, and we all benefit from it in our daily lives, the film touches upon the conflict between advancement and heritage. It also hints at the ruthlessness of American militarism as it expands its global strongholds in the Pacific at all costs. I like to hope that the lack of military intelligence in regards to Carson Welch's (Bill Murray) true motives was a far-fetched plot line. It is a truly scary thought that ordinary citizens of incredible wealth may be able to wield military power. It's scary enough when the US government does it.

3) It depicts a broken person, both mentally and physically, in Cooper's character--a consequence of his egotistical jaunts. It is pretty clear from the outset that he has become disconnected from himself somewhere along the way. He was so selfish in his past relationship with Tracy (Rachel McAdams), always putting his career first, but is forced to 'face the music' both personally and professionally throughout the film. It portrays his gradual transformation and growth, presumably originating from the serious injuries he sustained in Afghanistan, and culminating in his decision to cause Welch's satellite to explode. The film puts Gilcrest in the driver's seat of his own redemption. It's story of hope to anyone who finds themselves at the bottom of the heap. One may never rise again to the heights of former glories but somehow that doesn't matter any more when things are put into perspective.

4)  Bill Murray's character is repugnant and representative of North America's filthy rich individuals whose greed has no bounds. He played the character beautifully, capturing the eccentricity and narcissism that some billionaires possess. He is charged with the delivery of one of the most poignant lines in the film: "The future isn’t just something that happens. It’s a brutal force, with a great sense of humour, that will steamroll you if you’re not watching." This is so true. Life creeps up on you so fast and it can be ridiculously overwhelming. In the context of Welch's character, he deals with this by 'getting in first' and 'staying one step ahead of the game'. This is how most people think life should be approached but there are other people, more unassuming, who do get steamrolled. Perhaps they are just too honest or different or gullible. But it doesn't make them lesser people.

Everyone interprets a movie differently. To me, the movie made bold statements about militarism, globalisation, selfishness, greed, self-understanding, self-identity (the 'daughter' subplot) and loyalty. These ideas came across powerfully--I didn't have to search for them. The dialogue, acting and cinematography are very raw; you're right there amongst it and there's no escape. In this way, I think that 'Aloha' is quite a confrontational film because it really makes you question your own existence, and your affect on individuals and groups. We all play a part in this world however insignificant it seems at times. We have a choice each day in the way we interact with those we love as well as with the wider community.

Cliches of Life

A well-circulated quote, almost a cliche, but still a great reminder for each of us to value the lives we have and to make the most of each day. I am definitely guilty of flitting my days away at times--I could be so much more than I am. But, then, I start to question my priorities. Do we live each day to yearn after some kind of worldly success? To create some kind of notoriety for ourselves? This is ultimately a futile act in my opinion. We are here to encourage others, to contribute positively to the lives of others. Life isn't about fame, fortune or prestige; it's about acting kindly, fairly and with compassion.

I get about in this wonderful city of ours (Sydney) and use public transport a lot. I've seen so many people from all walks of life over the years. I've seen traits of humility, arrogance, selfishness, loveliness, anger and downright rudeness. In the CBD in particular, these human traits are more exaggerated: people walking down the street screaming into their phones, people who are still capable of giving eye contact despite the intense busyness and noise, and people who are so damn condescending and inconsiderate that you just wonder if they have any idea at all (when was it that they lost total touch with human decency/reality?).

Everyone has a story and we're all a product of our experiences. The trick is to never lose sight of the journey and the people along the way. "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams..." Does this involve treading on people along the way? I suppose some people might interpret it like this. Afterall, in these post-modern times, it doesn't really seem to matter how people reach their destination, it's the final destination that's applauded. I interpret 'confidently' as not resting on your laurels but getting up and actually doing something. It can be so tempting to lead insular lives but that's not what true community is made of. Does this mean we rant and rave about political or social issues on facebook, etc? Well, that's certainly not my cup of tea. In fact, I've been gradually scaling down my internet presence and bemoan some of the time lost thus far. People who aren't sharing minute-to-minute via facebook are still living valuable lives. They're just doing it in a more practical way. They're out there working really hard or spending time with other people in the flesh. In terms of my own reality, I'll never live the life I imagined unless I get out and physically do it: "Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do." (Johann Wolfgang von Goethe)

Blogging again...

 Luna Park entrance during the 'Vivid' light festival, June 2015

Sydney Harbour Bridge from my favourite street in North Sydney, June 2015

The Luna Park ferris wheel under a full moon, June 2015

It's been a while since I've had time to post due to various health reasons. I'm missing 'Green Gifts' but have not been able to get back into as yet. I still have some stock sitting around and will list it online soon. As for my handmade items, I will probably have to wait and see. I'm still recovering from an unfortunate wrist injury last year, made worse by a poorly performed surgical procedure. I was far too trusting and, as one colleague warned me, "Make sure you're completely comfortable with the surgeon before you let him cut into you." I wasn't completely confident at all--he was so busy and belittled me when I had questions, making me feel like it was inappropriate and unnecessary. But, he told me that he knew what he was doing and that this was my chance, before the bone healed incorrectly, to avoid early arthritis of the wrist. However, the bone had already healed...

Well, to cut a long story short, he did more damage than the original injury and the pain was extreme for at least 2 months. I still have difficulty using my left hand nearly 10 months after what was a relatively minor injury in its initial stages. Never trust a surgeon who won't let you discuss the procedure! He may not have adequate knowledge to actually help your situation. Don't let him bluff you with technical words and over-confidence! It's too late for me as I now have nerve damage and painful joints to contend with every day. I'll just have to find a way to carry on somehow despite the time and money I've lost due to the surgeries, endless appointments and the inability to find a job.

On a bright note, I've had the chance to go to the city of Sydney and see the sites of late. I had a fantastic day the NSW Art Gallery and saw some of the Vivid light festival. It's such a wonderful city and I aim to live in the heart of it one day! There are so many more opportunities in all areas of life when you live in the city, despite the congestion and noise. There are wonderful things to see and do and I would relish in it. I'd always find ways to go to the city when I was young. I remember one particular day--I took a day off from school ('jigged') and went to the city to see a movie and window shop. Did I go with my friends? No. I simply hopped on the train from Kogarah and made a day of it. The feeling of freedom in a relatively safe city was amazing. I relived this a little at the start of this year. The summer weather was glorious and there was so much to do around the harbour :)