'400 Blows'

Rarely will I not enjoy a film set in Paris. But nonetheless, I'm becoming a fan of the foreign film, especially of the French persuasion.

I'm especially loving the output of director Francois Truffaut. This is a really well made movie with some fantastic shots, and considering a lot of the film is shot in a dingy, cramped apartment, that's quite a feat.

Otherwise, I'm a fan of the French language and landscape and I can immerse myself in both in "400 Blows."

'Highway 61 Revisited' & 'The Freewheelin' ...'

These two albums were released by Bob Dylan within two years of each other ("Highway ..." in 1965 and "Freewheelin' ..." in 1963).

What a juxtaposition. The guy essentially reinvented himself from being a ramblin' folkie to being a legit rock and roll artist.

Not that the folk wasn't good and there are some great performances on "Freewheelin'" but it's hard to beat what he does on "Highway 61" and late on "Blonde on Blonde" and event getting country fried for "Nashville Skyline."

Thank goodness that Dylan went electric. But, more so, thank goodness for Dylan. You could probably point to The Beatles and probably The Rolling Stones as the only musical artists to evolve so quickly within a short time period. It's quite extraordinary to see it ... but it's far more interesting to listen to it.

'Mrs. 'Arris Goes to Paris'

This may be the only time I use this adjective on this blog: Charming.

A sweet little short story about a charming, headstrong London housekeeper who wants nothing but a Dior dress. And then she proceeds to charm the pants off everyone she meets.

A comment on religion, fate and the thought that good things happen to good people.

Of course, it brings up the question of what is really important in life. Why can't thing be important, like dresses, cars, houses, watches and such?

I have a friend who makes a lot of money, but you'd look at him and not know the difference. He doesn't drive an expensive car or live in a large house. But he likes expensive pens. Yes, the utensils used for writing things. In no other part of his life does he spend large amounts of money except on pens.

So what's wrong with that? We're taught not to overly value merchandise and consumer products, but to instead embrace religion, family, friends, etc. But in the end, we can take neither (the family and such and the ephemeral items, too) with us to the grave.

'Like Water For Chocolate'

Keeping my eyes on the thighs/of Mary J. Blige

I wonder if Common has read "Like Water For Chocolate." I would like him a lot more than I do now if he has. Either way. Great album.

'The Postman Always Rings Twice'

Lana Turner is a fine piece of ass. Just no two ways about it. Take Marilyn Monroe or whoever else, I'll take Turner any day of the week.

Speaking of, couldn't have Cora done better than John Garfield's character? I get why she married Nick: He was the sugardaddy. But Frank? What an ogre!

However, I guess when you're a total nut, not many guys will go after you. Frank, himself, says that one point he should've just walked away. There were about a dozen points when Frank should've walked away and Nick, too, was pretty dense when it came to the boiling pot of water he was continually hanging over.

'La Princesse de Clèves'

Read it and you're underwhelmed.

Read about how it changed writing and the novel forever and you take a second look. It makes you reevaluate the characters and the prose.

It was also immensely popular in its day as fans had to wait months before getting a copy. Of course, how many people in 1680 could actually read?

'Seven Brides for Seven Brothers'

I borrowed this from my mom, which should indicate how awesome my weekend was.

A good film because of the mention of Plutarch and in spite of the poorly done fake beards.