Last weekend's film festival just finished up today! Over 6 hours of movie viewing, plus about 2 1/2 more of extras. Seeing the beautifully restored prints of this remarkable, witty and very moving film trilogy was a great way to end 2019 and begin 2010. The writing is so good, and the story so human based, that watching it today is likely just as riveting as it was back in the 1930s. The films took France by storm, and also did well in America. The Criterion extras really filled in most of the gaps regarding production, and most were fun to watch. Especially the ones with some of the actors. There was also a lot of footage with Pagnol discussing his career. We saw these films in Detroit more than 25 years ago. They should be seen be everyone interested in film. Pagnol wrote all three scripts,and co-directed the films with three different directors, including Alexander Korda on the first, and Yves Allegret on the second. I liked those two films more than the third one, though it has it moments, too. Minor characters enhance the films, and the outdoor photography, especially in #2 and #3, is totally amazing. French actor Raimu as Cesar holds the whole thing together--the man is simply a fantastic actor in this role. Many, many memorable scenes and lines. Highly recommended!
The first film in Pagnol's Marseilles trilogy.
The 2nd film.
The concluding chapter.
New Year's Eve was a quiet one for us. A wood fire, music, and of course in bed well before midnight. I did hear the fireworks from my pillow.
On Thursday we finally enjoyed an excursion to Detroit, the first in a very long time. The weather was sunny, breezy, and very mild. We began at the DIA, focusing on a three-room exhibit about Detroit's Bruegel painting, "The Wedding Dance." The painting is seen out of its frame, and is lit and restored so well as to literally take one's breath away when seen. The exhibit is very detailed, and though some of the material was also present in Vienna, there we had no time to spend on what kind of brushes and paints the artist used. Too many paintings to see. But with an entire exhibit based around one painting, we could take our time and delve into Bruegel world. The exhibit was packed, but like Vienna, there was no problem getting right up to the painting. Very well done!
We ate lunch at a Mid-Town Middle Eastern restaurant. Lentil soup, fresh baked pita bread, and baba ganoush was on the menu. We left stuffed and happy. We will be back to this attractive and delicious spot! Next came a new chocolate store, where we splurged and purchased one tiny piece of vegan chocolate for $3, carefully wrapped in a tiny box. After one tiny half bite each, it was gone. However, it really was worth the price, and one piece would be enough for one person. Then it was off to City Bird to replenish Deb's bath soap, and then on to Avalon Bakery for a box of their vegan cookies.
Next came a return visit to Brewery Faisan (Pheasant), my 2ns visit. I hit the jackpot with two of the most incredible beers I have ever had the pleasure to sip. Their Belgian inspired Tripel left me nearly speechless, as did the Paterwagen, or Robust Porter. I came home with a 16 oz can of each. I will return again and again and again. Leaving the premises, we actually did spot one of Detroit's famous wild pheasants, after which the brewery is named! No pink elephants, though.
Lastly came our coffee stop. Out of literally a dozen spots we could have visited, we chose Anthology Coffee. True artisans, these folk. Our pour over was among the best we ever had. Both ways at the border, in bound and outbound, we got right up to an agent within a minute, and were soon on our way. That certainly makes the trip a lot more pleasant. On every visit I am reminded of what a fantastic city sits just across the river from us.
I am currently working on writing my two essays for our January astronomy club newsletter. Sometimes deadlines are good. I will make it on time yet again. To read any of these articles, visit our club website (RASC Windsor). Just look under newsletter archives. The newsletters are nicely put together by Steve M., and always contain some great member photography.
Mapman Mike
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