My neighbors are away for a little bit and have asked me to take care of their house. They have an extensive video/DVD collection. So I have been having a movie feast.
First I watched a spirited young Jack Nicholson challenge blind authority in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. Then it was the tender Broken Flowers with Bill Murray’s sensitive performance in a movie on non-commitment. One scene stays vividly in my mind: towards the end, Murray tells his probable son “The past is gone so forget it. The future isn’t here yet. So all you have is the present.” And then when Murray, as probable father, makes his first gesture towards intimacy, the young man jumps up and runs off yelling “You’re crazy man.” Even the kid avoids intimacy.
The next movie was about the birth of the CIA, the Good Shepherd with a great cast (Matt Damon, Angelina Jolie, Robert de Niro) but far too cold for my taste. I kept waiting for it to warm up. It never did.
Then I watched Memoirs of a Geisha, beautiful images, great costumes, lots of intrigue. The movie was good, the book better, of course.
I also borrowed Water but I don’t think I can watch it. I remember it as being a very painful story and I don’t think I can watch it again. So I will have to go back to their house for a new selection from their wonderful movie library. What a treat!