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When making Beauty and the Beast in 1945, Jean Cocteau kept a diary of the process. As someone trying to make films myself, I am finding Cocteau’s account far more insightful than hearing about filmmakers talking about the process in retrospect. It’s so comforting watching Cocteau have to deal with everything going wrong ALL THE TIME (and knowing that it actually turned out amazingly), along with trying to balance his idealism with the practicalities of working with people and machines that might not always want to cooperate. He’s also making his first film at 50 so it’s never too late to take up a different path. An incredible book about filmmaking - and v inspiring if you make or want to make a film yourself ♥️
Feb 11, 2024
Related Recs
Jean Cocteau iconic Beauty & the Beast film. The Beast is so drippy. If you told me he was wearing Area I’d be like ”yah”
Feb 23, 2024
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old French cinema is melancholic chic
***tripping on mushrooms while watching this elevates the experience
**I did that and now I only want to make movies that look like this one
*****DISNEY steals ideas
Nov 3, 2023
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A kinda washed up legendary painter has his spark reignited when he meets a young artist friend and his girlfriend. This movie had a beautiful feel to it - from its location in Provence France, to its focus on the act of painting and sketching and the relationship between the artist and his muse (and everyone related). There were minutes where the camera focused on the artist as he scratched away on his notepad sketching what he may soon paint, or quickly but masterfully slashing his brush across the giant canvas. I loved attention to detail on the small things — the focus on the process.
Aug 2, 2022
Top Recs from @bperk13
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Digitised DVD commentaries from films when they first came out. David Fincher on Gone Girl. Richard Linklater on School of Rock. The list is endless, and so much fun if this is your thing!
Jan 28, 2024
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Not the tube, not the train, the DLR is an "automated light metro system", according to the internet. Without doubt, the best form of transport in London. I extend my trip to and from work by like 20 mins just so I can ride it. It's kind of like going on a rollercoaster that never actually goes fast. I have seen children have transcendent experiences riding it. I have had transcendent experiences riding it. The train is DRIVERLESS?! The best bit is going through Canary Wharf when the sun is setting - the way the light hits all that glass and steel...I am absolutely CONVINCED Caroline Polachek got most of her inspo for her most recent album by riding the DLR.
Jan 19, 2024
The way she marries All American girl-ness with this intrinsic depth/soulfulness. She's always had it - it's why BRING IT ON goes so hard. Her Architectural Digest also shows she's just a nerdy little weirdo. KD is the best.
Feb 9, 2024