wear lots of layers

made the unforgiveable mistake of watching "vanity fair" a few nights ago.

ugh.

it isn't often that i dislike a movie so much! least of all a period piece based on a classic. it is one thing to find a rendition boring or uninspired; this just left me angry. probably exacerbated by the fact that i was watching it during a bout of insomnia. in any case, it was an absolute waste of time, despite having a fairly good cast (inc. reese witherspoon, whom i find endearing . . . though you're not supposed to really feel that way about becky smith, whom she portrays) and being directed by mira nair, whose "monsoon wedding" i simply adore! so what was wrong with it? there was little build-up, no real inciting action, little opportunity to invest in characters, and - most of all - that undefinable characteristic no one likes to see in a film: it fell flat. just didn't like it. bleh. and ugh. and done, now.


saw "capote" with skochie last night . . . his review will undoubtedly come out soon. as for me, found it . . . strong, moving, troubling, challenging, raw. that is, i think i liked it, but not sure i enjoyed it. glad i saw it, certainly. basically, not sure what to do with the conflict depicted: selfish ambition and authentic compassion. consider the contrast betweenn these two statements made by truman capote during his involvement with perry smith, a convicted murdered with whom he shared a similar family background:

1: it's as if perry and i grew up in the same house. and one day he went out the back door and i went out the front.

2: sometimes, when i think how good my book could be, i can hardly breathe.

capote's relationship with smith is complicated: the writer is clearly exploiting the prisoner, but there is genuine affection, as well. capote lies and yet he is sincere, which only makes it more horrible to watch. so, i don't know what to think or how to feel. spoiler (highlight to reveal): there is no moment of awakening for truman. indeed, he remains an ass for the entirety of the film. for better or for worse, that doesn't make him any less endearing. neither does it let you off the hook on the whole "not sure how to feel" thing. sorry!


also saw "yes", a valentine's day gift from mom: a wonder. again, uncertain as to how i feel about it, but certainly surprised and provoked. worth seeing, for sure. don't want to give away much, but here's a wee: regardless of your personal ethics, you'll find the main love story compelling. a lebanese chef and an irish-american scientist wrestle with love, sex, politics, race, and freedom in raw and shocking ways. one particular section - which roger ebert described as "the most erotic scene i've seen in the movies" - portrays the profound significance of intimacy, if in a slightly uncomfortable way. the writing - iambic pentameter - was a little unsettling for me at times. didn't take away significantly, but did distract occasionally. maybe i just need to get used to it. anyway, joan allen is beautiful, in the true sense of the word.

kim introduced me to this site. it's stellar.