Under rated movie Tarsem Singh's The Fall from 2008

My husband watches quite a few movies, but I am usually too hyper to sit down for 2 hours and focus on one. When he suggests a must-see movie, I trust his judgment. The Fall by Tarsem Singh (who directed the movie as well as the Cell - another movie I feel was under rated) takes my breath away with this film.

The movie is a visual fairytale with absolutely wonderful art direction, whimsy and cinematography. Every shot seemed well thought out and planned. I watched it just wishing i could expand my television to encompass the whole room and take me into the scenes.

I recommend the movie for its artistry - it was panned by critics for the storyline, but i think the magnificent artistry should override those opinions and it should be experienced by all.

It makes me think of all the beauty out in the world I have yet to see. Also admiration for those who can put an artistic vision into a solid format.

I've inserted a link to a better review than I have given it. http://www.offscreen.com/biblio/pages/essays/fall_tarsem/

Gift giving season - as they say in Japan

In Japan, they don't mess around with the ambiguity of the occasion. In the summer and December it is gift giving season. There was a time in my life when I worked for a Japanese company and had many Japanese friends. There were specific rules about what is given. It is usually an edible item that is beautifully boxed and each item inside is individually wrapped.

In the United States, not only is there ambiguity of whether to gift people, but also one does not know if they will receive a gift from another.

There is also the awkwardness of being an over-gifter to someone who has nothing for you or being surprised by a gift without one ready to give back. Although I do not have a problem with the latter as I can always send a gift later.

A more pleasant visual

Cataloging today, I was looking for the names of the big 3 Fairytale authors: Grimm, Anderson and i always get stuck on the third which is Perrault (Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty) - Thank you Wikipedia.

I was struck by this illustration. I love the antiquarian childrens fairy tales and their illustrations - the artists are so underrated in the spectrum of the art world.

This is a 1913 illustration is of Beauty and the Beast by Warwick Gable. Who was a wonderful Victorian illustrator.

Not your everyday snowmen

I saw this article on truly disturbing snowmen and how to build them...It was a pleasant contrast to the usual xmas cheer.

Tonight I will eat Sushi with my Girls!

What a wonderful way to celebrate the holidays with a
Sushi feast with some girlfriends.

That's all i have to say about it.