Autumn Song

I repeat: “I love (deeply in love with) Autumn.”

… and this very morning I found the “Autumn Song” by Dante Gabriel Rossetti in my inbox:

Know’st thou not at the fall of the leaf
How the heart feels a languid grief
Laid on it for a covering,
And how sleep seems a goodly thing
In Autumn at the fall of the leaf?

And how the swift beat of the brain
Falters because it is in vain,
In Autumn at the fall of the leaf
Knowest thou not? and how the chief
Of joys seems–not to suffer pain?

Know’st thou not at the fall of the leaf
How the soul feels like a dried sheaf
Bound up at length for harvesting,
And how death seems a comely thing
In Autumn at the fall of the leaf?

Happy Autumn, loves!

S

TIFF 2010 | L’Amour Fou

This remarkable documentary on one of the most remarkable fashion designers of all times, Yves Saint Laurent, was another breath-taking experience, where digesting the whole beauty on the big screen becomes almost unbearable.

In this gorgeous piece, Pierre Thoretton showcases the life of Yves and his love life with his long-life business partner, Pierre Bergé, as well as their mind blowing art collection, comparable with a real museum. I admire Yves Saint Laurent, not only for his creative and artistic streak and the fact that he changed the way women dressed by introducing Prêt-à-Porter for the first time, but also for his delicate personality and big heart.

Documentaries in general – and on such artists in particular – have a great impact on me and “L’Amour Fou” was no exception.

S

TIFF 2010 | The Hunter (Shekarchi)

Unlike past festivals, Iranian cinema didn’t have much to say at the TIFF this year. The only movie screened from the country was “The Hunter“, by not the most well-known director and screenplay writer, Rafi Pitts.

There wasn’t much dialogue in the film. However, the nature landscape shots and the framing of the movie were quite beautiful and evoked feelings of nostalgia in me for the Caspian region. I mean, I loved the shots of greenery through the several window frames, the tunnel, and all the rest. The storyline, on the other hand, was poorly scripted and didn’t have a clear path to follow – well, only in my humble opinion.

Didn’t love nor hate the movie. Unfortunately, it wasn’t my cup of tea. That’s all.

S

TIFF 2010 | Glückliche Fügung (Blessed Events)

On the second night of my TIFF adventures, I switched from French to German cinema. Unfortunately, I’m not too familiar (as much as I’d like to) with the German style of movie-making. Based on the very few I’ve seen, however, they seem to follow the same pattern: minimal and pure, with a bit of uncertainty and twist.

“Blessed Events” is another one of them. It has a simple storyline based on a short story with the same name, about an insecure and shy lady in her 30s who faces a new life with a man from whom she got pregnant after a one-night stand. The movie is slow (well, especially compared to the previous two on my TIFF list), yet an interesting one. I also had the privilege to be part of the world premiere screening with the director and the lead actress who performed a great job presenting the movie there. They both seemed really proud of the end product, which took them approximately four years to finish.

Would I consider it one of my all-time favorite movies? No. Was it different and worth watching? Hell, yes.

S

TIFF 2010 | Les Petits Mouchoirs (Little White Lies)

Yes, my French marathon at this year’s festival continued by watching my beloved Mr. Canet‘s movie “Les Petits Mouchoirs“.

Before I go any further, may I say something? Does Marion Cotillard even know how NOT to act well? Indeed, she showed her marvelous talent by performing beautifully in this absolutely appealing drama.

The movie starts with a shocking scene, followed by an annual reunion vacation of a group of friends with many different personalities. Their individual characters (one happily married, one single but confused, one struggling with a past relationship, etc.), their ties of loyalty, the dialogues between them, and their convictions not only make you feel you are part of them, but also urges you to continuously watch them in wonderment – despite the fact that some reviews criticized the length of the movie.

“Les Petits Mouchoirs” made me laugh, made me cry, made me feel lovely and in love with each and every character.

S

TIFF 2010 | L’homme qui voulait vivre sa vie (The Big Picture)‏

What could be better to start off the festival with than a beautiful French film – L’homme qui voulait vivre sa vie – that was not only screened for an actual audience for the very first time, but a piece that blew my mind away with everything a movie possibly could: the story (a European-style thriller), the direction, the breathtaking scenery, and last but not least the amazing acting by Romain Duris, who happened to be present at the screening along with the director, Éric Lartigau.

Yes, the whole gang were there at the theatre last night for both the introduction part and the post-screening Q&A session. Mr. Lartigau was extremely excited to have his “fucking great movie” (his words, not mine!) shown at the TIFF.

The movie starts with a baby crying and Beck’s brilliant music in the background. It’s an intense thriller which flawlessly potraits an exceptional photographer on the run. No more spoilers in case anyone is still waiting to see it!

Definitely happy with my choice to start the festival.

S