On Movies - flower power

This week at the Bumbles blog it's all about those films in which flowers play a significant role. Molly has assembled an impressive list of such films. I took my time thinking about this one & even asked Mr. Sassy for his ideas. Here's what we came up with:

1. Adaptation (2002) - A wildly creative romp based on Susan Orlean's novel The Orchid Thief.


Starring Mathew Modine :)

2. Flowers for Algernon (2000)* - A made for TV movie based on the sci fi book & short story "Flowers For Algernon." I just read that there is a Will Smith remake in the works.

3. War of the Roses (1989) - A dark comedy about divorce.

4. The Wizard of Oz (1939) - Who can forget the poppy field?



"I think I'll buy the flowers myself."

5. The Hours (2002) - Based on Michael Cunningham's book by the same name. Amazing performances by all the actresses featured in the film. Wonderful book.

6. Under the Tuscan Sun (2003) - Sunflowers! And handsome Italian men.

* This is Mr. Sassy's contribution.

What comes to mind for you?

On Movies - the insanity!

March Madness got Molly at the Bumbles Blog to thinking about madness or rather insanity. Our task this week is to consider films in which insanity is featured. Turns out that once I started thinking about this, I recalled a flood of films. This is a popular theme it seems. With the exception of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, I'm going to focus on films which depict a true story about a woman who is thought to be "abnormal" or even insane at some point in her life -- a painter, a writer, an actress and a survivor of horrific childhood abuse.

First, I have to start with One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest (1975) because I loved both the film and the book.

But now lets turn our attention to some films about women who were considered "abnormal."

Séraphine (2008) I just recently watched this film. It's beautiful to look at and the acting, especially by the actress in the title role is mesmerizing. Here's the trailer:



A familiar (and true) story of an unusually gifted women who is institutionalized for eight years: An Angel at My Table (1990). Fantastic film!



Another film based (loosely, some would argue) on a true story about Frances Farmer, a gifted actress who is also sent to a mental institution where she endures some rather harsh treatments and abuses: Frances (1982).



And lastly, Sybil (1976). This made-for-TV film created increased public awareness of multiple personality disorder similar to what The Karen Carpenter Story did for anorexia.

[Cross-posted at Wild Mountain]

sass appeal

Loved Hailee Steinfeld's performance as Mattie Ross in True Grit.

LaBoeuf: You give out very little sugar with your pronouncements. While I sat there watchin' I gave some thought to stealin' a kiss... though you are very young, and sick... and unattractive to boot. But now I have a mind to give you five or six good licks with my belt.
Mattie Ross: One would be just as unpleasant as the other.

LaBoeuf: I've just come from Yell County.
Mattie Ross: We have no rodeo clowns in Yell County.
LaBoeuf: A saucy line will not get you far with me.

Sassy's Oscar Predictions

Best Supporting Actor - Christian Bale
Best Supporting Actress - Hailee Steinfeld

Adapted Screenplay - Debra Granik & Anne Rosellini (Winter's Bone)
Original Screenplay - Lisa Cholodenko & Stuart Blumberg (The Kids Are All Right)

Best Documentary - Restrepo

Best Director - Joel & Ethan Coen

Best Actress - Annette Bening
Best Actor - Colin Firth

Best Motion Picture - The King's Speech

animated banana

Don Hertzfeldt's Rejected