classic film and poetic genius

the crazy ones ....reality delivered in 60 seconds.

finding art in the performance of life

I had the most joyous time last night watching a film that moved my soul. The 2006 film Venus stars Peter O'Toole, nominated for Best Actor in his role as Maurice, an aging actor that celebrates and loves the art of living. The film's cast is stellar and the dialogue amongst the film's characters is pure, pure genius, heartwarming, funny, and more importantly... incredibly real.

It's a story that makes us laugh, smile, cry, and breathe in all those things that most make us live. Venus is genius filmmaking, a remarkable story, and just another reason why Miramax remains at the top of my list.

"Venus" film quote that I just had to scribble in my sketchbook:

Ian: I love this horrible place. It reminds me of what I wanted to become.

art in a glass

We recently spent a sunshine filled autumn afternoon motoring the by-ways in a westbound direction towards the Shenandoah Valley. Our unplanned Sunday journey was met with a road sign announcing one of Virginia's many wineries was just a mile on the right. We decided to take the turn and after following the winding scenic road up the mountain discovered the fine art of DelFosse Vineyards.

After an hour or so of sampling their delightful spirits, we purchased several bottles of reds and whites to take home, joined their DelFosse Wine Club, and then enjoyed a glass of wine while sitting on the rockers overlooking the scenic hills, lush meadows and the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains. What a fabulous day of unplanned magic. cheers!

capturing the moment when it prompts you

photo © 2009 Gary Garbett

The color, the quiet, and the solitude suggested that I pull the car to a stop this morning to capture the moment during my eastbound drive through Richmond at 5:52 AM.

Fortunate for me, I had my camera with me. Pulling the Mini Cooper to a stop in a No Parking Zone, I did just as my creativity suggested.

As usual... inspiration reigned.

a cinema celebration of timeless film art

Over the past 15 years, TCM has become more than a television network - it is a community of passionate classic movie fans, a place where watching great films connects people. In April 2010, we will gather to watch great movies introduced by the the people who made them, listen to behind-the-scenes stories, enjoy newly restored films, and share our enthusiasm for classic cinema... at the first ever TCM Classic Film Festival in Hollywood.

I'm looking forward to hearing more details about the festival in the next few weeks. In the meantime, this seems to be the perfect reason for me to plan a trip out west while whistling a few bars of Hooray for Hollywood.