The Tree of Life

Today I watched this movie for the second time since it came out in theaters. I sincerely believe that it is the most beautiful movie ever made in the history of mankind. It deals with the relationship between man and his creator with reverence and delicacy. The entire movie uses natural lighting and some of the most breathtaking scenes you will ever see. The music, the scenery, the cinematography, the characters, the nostalgia, the intimacy—are all what makes it so magnificent. You will get goosebumps!!

But don't expect lightheartedness or fast pace or even explanation. This is a somber movie, meant to speak to the very core of each person's individuality and humanity. What makes us question our existence and purpose more than suffering and great loss? This is not God as the burning bush or the storm, but rather God as the whisper of the wind. It is both symbolic and intimate.

We are so caught up in our technological society that we forget how still and quiet things used to be. How kids played outside and learned about the world through nature itself. How neighbors depended on each other. How authoritative most fathers were, and how submissive yet brave were the women. I recommend this movie only if you are prepared to accept the contemplative nature of it—because you cannot watch it and remain unaltered.

[Edit - June 13, 2012]

I saw today this comment on the Facebook page for Tree of Life. It was so perfectly and beautifully put, I thought I would add it to my post:

"There are not enough superlatives in my vocabulary to express how much I love this film. It is not something you watch. It is something you live through. It has left me an emotionally open wound, but I wouldn't have it any other way. It is, perhaps, the most important movie made in the sound era. It is not easy. It is not always nice. It is, however, always magnificent." (-Matt Pinkerton)

The Artist Left Me Speechless

If you haven't heard of it, "The Artist" is a movie about an actor of the silent film era dealing with the loss of his fame due to the "talkies" or motion pictures with sound.

The film itself is shot, staged, and acted as if it were truly the 1930's and completely immerses the viewer in that world—with a few key exceptions.

I am a huge fan of classic movies, and am known for being particular and overly judgmental when it comes to period pieces, so it means a lot when I say that this movie is so accurate, reverent, and mindful of the style from which it draws its inspiration, that for once in my life, I am left with practically no complaints.

From the facial expressions, to the theatrical drama, to the interactions and differences of the sexes, and even the texture and accuracy of the set, this film is spot on.

It references the long-lost and underrated feel-good movies of Frank Capra with a concept and twist which gives it even deeper significance. In today's world, we can still sympathize with these characters because of their genuine and passionate nature and experience a happy ending in the midst of such modern cynicism.

The story takes the greatest possible advantage of being a homage created with modern technology. The concept is what sets this film apart and makes it truly brilliant. But so as not to give away too much, I will leave it at this: I cannot imagine another silent film being made that could be justified in modern times. Sure, it would be entertaining and refreshing, but no other movie of a similar style could live up to the bar that this one has set. I encourage you to see it if it's in a theater near you. I think you too will be left speechless.

Buttons

I finally finished my outfit woohoo! It was sitting around forever because I thought buttons and buttonholes were going to be sooo hard to do, but once you get the hang of it, they're really not! I was practicing by hand at first, and they were just turning out so sloppy and took forever, and then my Granny showed me the magic of the sewing machine once again and they turned out so nice! Now I have a skirt I can wear without safety pins keeping it together! :P

Here is a close-up of the buttons. I just used a simple white style for both pieces; a smaller one on top and slightly larger one on the skirt. 

I'm so excited to have made a pocket! Even though it was the simplest thing ever, I managed to have to do it twice because I forgot to fold the top under a whole inch and was wondering why it looked so disproportional. But I eventually figured it out...

This is what I love so much about vintage patterns. I think a gathered yoke looks so cute and feminine. I think this is my favorite thing about the shirt.

This shirt originally had sleeves in the pattern, but it is so hot here in Florida, I decided to make it sleeveless. Now I have a really light and summer-y outfit to wear out without dying of heat stroke, lol!

Strolling Through the Park One Day...

Since there hasn't really been anything exciting going on the past few days except for my car breaking down, I thought I would post some of the pictures John and I took last week when he was here visiting. My house is within walking distance of downtown Frankfort, which is a colorful, old-fashioned place to spend some time...well...forgetting about time. They have lots of events (like an amazing craft fair in the summer time) and the shop owners are so friendly; I'm sure they know most of their customers by name. Anyway, here's some photos; I wish I had taken more—especially of the buildings. Oh well; next time!

Everything is so colorful that even a picture in front of a random door looks nice! :P

I know it's hard to see in this picture, but John is standing in front of the "Old Frankfort Grainery" here, which is the landmark of the downtown area. You can see it from down the road and it's much taller than any other building around. 

...and yet I attempted to anyway, (lol).