I LOVE my Netflix :)

[floatingleaf]

Thank you, stormatdusk, for the virtual Dessert Waffle! It looks so yummy I wish it was real.:D I've been wondering about you, girl, and I'm very happy to see you back in LJ-land. <333

Also, here goes a Very Important Message for illuins_lair: We've been missing out on another film by Ferzan Ozpetek!!! I found it accidentally last night while I was browsing through Netflix's "Watch Instantly" movie database. Netflix knows what I like by now, so they're giving me lots of "Gay & Lesbian" recommendations.:D Anyway... I was just scrolling down the page, and suddenly I see this cover with a bare-chested guy on it that reminds me a little of Le Fate Ignoranti... I take a closer look, and there it is: Saturn in Opposition, by Ferzan Ozpetek (original title Saturno Contro). Released in Italy in 2007. Starring, among others, Stefano Accorsi, Margherita Buy and Serra Yilmaz (you know, the plump Turkish lady who provides comic relief in all his movies :). I don't think you know of it, since you didn't mention it during our Ferzan Ozpetek discussion a while ago. But now that you do know of it, maybe you can find it in a video rental somewhere.:D

I don't think it's as good as Le Fate, btw - nothing can beat that one for me, I'm afraid. But it's probably better than any other film by Ozpetek I have seen so far. It's very... mature, I think. Very subtle. Sad and moving, with just a touch of gentle humor here and there. He's dealing with his usual topic here: the intricate nuances of human relationships. The central characters - typically, again - are a group of close friends, consisting of one committed gay couple, two straight married couples (one of these is played by Stefano and Margherita) and a few singles of varying ages and sexual preferences.:) A few unexpected twists of fate put their relationships at risk and/or reveal hidden meanings. Again, you have to follow very closely what each person says and does - all the little details become very siginificant as the plot unfolds. I might have to watch it again just to appreciate all those careful allusions better. This is what I absolutely love in movies: the subtle nuances, the meaningful looks, the moments of silence that say more than any elaborate dialog lines might. And Ozpetek's really good at that. Of course, having a loyal team of great actors doesn't hurt either.:) Stefano Accorsi is simply amazing. He has such depth and gentleness of expression, you can't help but feel for him, regardless of whether you approve of his character's actions or not. He knows how to portray a complex, flawed, beautiful and vulnerable human being. I was also very impressed by Pierfrancesco Favino, who plays one of the gay guys. He had some emotionally difficult scenes to do, and he was great.

Just an interesting piece of trivia I can't resist mentioning: Stefano Accorsi, according to IMDB, is exactly my age. He was born literally TWO DAYS before me. A Pisces then, obviously. Very sensitive, vulnerable and empathetic. Guys born under this sign aren't good macho material... but they certainly make great actors.:D

Btw, the film's title is an obvious astrological reference which signifies difficulties, obstacles, conflict etc. One of the characters is an amateur astrologer who constantly offers to do everyone's horoscope, but seems totally lost when it comes to her own life and future. Which is also very symbolic, in a way.


And just to end this post on a lighter note... I also watched Belle Epoque, with an endearingly young Penelope Cruz AND Ariadna Gil as a stylish 1930's drag king. One word: ROWRRR. :D :D :D

That's it for the moment. Time to relocate myself to the kitchen and get started on a Mediterranean chicken salad.:)

Comments

[floatingleaf.livejournal.com]

It's a silly romantic comedy with a bunch of sexy ladies and one confused young gentleman who can't seem to make up his mind on which one he should pursue.;) Good entertainment for a lazy summer evening, I'd say.:D

Oh, and Happy Birthday!!! I almost missed it again, since you don't have the date in your profile and I don't get reminders... *pouts*

[stormatdusk.livejournal.com]

thank you! it was a really lovely day, right down to a nice dip in the humidity and temperatures we've had lately. :)