See The Sun

Left speechless by…

Thursday, August 30th, 2007 | Book | 1 Comment

… a few things actually.

My friend was left by her boyfriend of 2 years in a cold and unpersonal manner out of the blue (I never know what to say in these situations, but I feel for her deeply)

The gossip that has already started to arise from the situation. ^^

I start feeling for Chris (book: Into the Wild) and his family and friends as if I knew them. So being about 2 3rds through the book - and thinking I knew the style of the book and the people - I was honestly shocked by Chris discovering a family secret!

Keira looking really bad at the Venice Photo Call. Especially if you have a close-up shot of a non-smiling Keira with too much make up spreading over half a newspaper page. Thankfully I saw Riikka’s post of Keira at the premiere wearing a beautiful Chanel gown, but still. I’m not a Keira-hater and I’ll see any movie she’s in. I think she could be pretty and classy. But her constant pouting, her being too skinny and her not knowing how to deal with the press (IMO) really get on my nerve.

Anne-Marie Duff looking weird as a blonde. Haven’t kept up with her lately, so I was surprised. 

A neighbour town beeing flooded for the 3rd time in a month.

However, I’ve decided not to rant so much on here, so sth with a slightly positive note:

The rassistic political poster being in the news for the millionth time. (international link link link link and the a further-developed version) I honestly think it’s definitely past what’s tolerable. And they hang on every street corner and got sent to all households as unsolicited mail! Now, apparently the UN are asking for an explanation.

[edit:] Something real positive now: My boss came back after lunch break with some very tasty chocolate ‘mousse’ tart. D.e.l.i.c.i.o.u.s.

Into the wild

Tuesday, August 28th, 2007 | Book | No Comments

Because I can’t wait to see ‘Into the Wild’ I decided to buy the book by Jon Krakauer - describing Chris McCandless’ journey. So far, I’m only at page 55 - started reading last night - but it’s already proven to be a very gripping and emotionally powerful read.

However, reading that book doesn’t mean I intend to go on a diet and live off what nature offers me. Yet, I stupidly forgot to take my purse this morning as I realized when I stood in front of a sandwich bar during lunch break. Good thing I hadn’t ordered yet - otherwise it would have been really embarassing! Such a shame, that salmon sandwich and the apricot ‘plunder’ (might be translated as ‘Danish Pastry’), as well as the biscuits on sale looked so tasty and would have made a fabulous meal. Well, I’m back at the office and am currently chewing on every bite of a (very old and supposedly healthy) ‘Wellness bar’ I managed to find in the back of a drawer as long as  possible and can’t wait to be home to eat… I usually eat 3 ‘proper’ meals + at least 1 snack in between.

Incendiary

Monday, April 2nd, 2007 | Book | No Comments

I’ve rarely been able to not read the book one of my favourite actor’s/actresse’s upcoming projects was based on. ‘Incendiary’ by Chris Cleave - to be made into a film starring Michelle Williams, Ewan McGregor and Matthew Macfadyen - is no different. However, it took a while to get comfortable with the writing style. You could say I am a ‘grammar freak’, not only when it comes to my native language but also - or even more - when it comes to another. I have spent many hours learning how to spell English - and then to have an international bestseller that’s written with absolute no commas and horrid sentences and spelling mistakes (e.g. I would of thought) left me quite perplex. I needed a few pages to forget about the writing and only focus on the story and thoughts. Then however, I was impressed by how real the characters felt. I hope they’ll be able to have that in the film as well. But then I doubt Ewan and Matthew would be attached were that not the case.

Jane Eyre

Thursday, February 8th, 2007 | Book, Film | No Comments

I have just seen the most recent adaptation of Charlotte Brontë’s classic, the 2006 BBC miniseries. And I can’t stop thinking about it. I feel the same I did when I read the book years ago. I’ve always loved the novel but never any adaptions. I was starting to think I maybe misunderstood the book. But now with this new excellent film I’m as much in love with this story as ever.

I did love Anna Paquin in the 1996 version as the young Jane. The part of Jane’s early years is still the best in that adaptation; even when taking into account the many deleted scenes from that early part of Episode 1 in the new film I still prefer the other version. Charlotte Gainsbourg as the grown up Jane however, was just plain, lifeless and quite self righteous. How such a spirited and strong-willed young girl could grow up into such a woman, I could never understand.

Samantha Morton as the grown up Jane Eyre in another film was quite good actually, she did the best she could with the script. But I’ve never liked any Mr. Rochester.

The problem with the story I suppose is that it is very complex, subtle at the same time as dramatic, subdued as well as enormously passionate. Mr. Rochester especially is one of the most complex characters, nothing is black and white with him. It is only over the course of time that the characters are fully revealed for who they really are. And 90 minutes are just too short a time to do that justice. That’s the big advantage of the new film - it streches over 4 episodes.

While I deeply love the Pride & Prejudice story, the love between the characters is rather superficial when compared to the love bond that develops in the Jane Eyre novel. Through the talks (which have substance) and time spent together Mr. Rochester and Jane Eyre really get that bond of love that allows them to cry across space. Their connection really is intellectual, emotional and passionate. And I felt all that in the new film.

Why I identify so much with Jane: she’s passionate, but also intelligent, her passion covered under something more quiet. She’s a combination of the clichés: a person thinking with the heart and the mind. That’s how I feel about myself. And just like Jane needed Mr. Rochester (and the year spent with the Reeds and living an independent life) to become the strong and mature woman she is at the end I think I need someone (or something to happen) to help me become who I really am.

Apart from doing all of the above justice, I also love the new film for its visual beauty. The northern rugged countryside, the fog and almost mystical atmosphere when the 2 meet for the first time and how the leading actors are believably plain and not-handsome (when judged at first appearance) while at the same time being attractive and more so as we get to know the characters. As Jane says: Beauty is from within, who you are.

Yes, dialogue has been changed, alterations have been made. If one want to find fault with this one, one will. But what’s the point of making a new adaptation if you’re doing the same as in all the previous ones? I for one can accept these changes and love both the original dialogue from the book and the one here. To me it is important that I can feel the story, the characters, the love, the passion, the emotions. And clearly I do.

The only ‘fault’ is maybe the change of how St. John found out who Jane really was. The way it is in the book, that he finds her painting with the signature feels much better. And the final scene is simply lifeless compared to what we’ve seen in the past four episodes. But then, I suppose, it’s hard to top something as passionate. North & South was less obviously passionate during the 4 episodes, so it was quite easy to make the most beautiful & romantic final scene ever. Sandy Welch (the screen writer) is talented. I love ‘Jane Eyre’, ‘North & South’ and ‘Our Mutual Friend’, all adapted by her.

The Other Boleyn Girl

Tuesday, December 12th, 2006 | Book | No Comments

Ever since I’ve heard about this book being made into a film (first there were the rumours about Keira getting a part, then it was announced that Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johansson got the main roles) I was thinking about reading it. When I saw it at the local library I started reading it. I loved it. I just can’t come to terms with what the book presents as facts but are widely looked upon as untrue according to encyclopedias. But that’s the way it is with fiction I suppose. I truly hope that the film will be able to capture the books atmosphere and spirit. The first still looks promising, the actresses look the part. To cast 2 actresses who are not only very talented but also bring a special glow & charisma to the screen was a great choice. I think the personality of the characters already transpire from these pictures. I can’t wait to see this film!!