Last week I saw Woody Allen's movie "Vicky Christina Barcelona," which I really liked. It gave me the feeling that I should be more adventurous in living my life, you know? Why shouldn't I go to Barcelona for the summer and have a crazy affair with a married Spaniard? (OK, so I don't have the money and I'm over the hill. Are those reasons?)
I'm only half kidding. I love movies that remind me that there's a big world out there, both geographically and emotionally, and I should go live in it more often. I think we all need those reminders. Otherwise we'd all come home to our studio apartments every night and eat peanut butter.
I thought Penelope Cruz was great. I'm really a fan of hers. She is beautiful, with a kind of dark, take-your-breath-away, Sophia Loren fierceness and intenstity.
(Photo: Sag Harbor, Sept. 2008)
I loved the movie, although I wonder if I would have had the courage to be involved in something like this if ever given the chance. The roles were perfectly cast and well acted. It was Woody Allen at his best. It is one of those movies that really makes one think!
ReplyDeletedon't know the movie, must discover it. But really, Steve, those are very poor reasons for not having an earth-shattering experience. Specially in Barcelona. Never mind the married paramour, you'd fall in love with the city which is gorgeous and vibrant and... stop me now, it's one of my favorite places in Europe.
ReplyDeleteI'll check out the movie on your recommendation.
(and please - if you are over the hill, I'm already in the shadow of the valley of death, so - a bit of consideration for your elders, all right?)
;-)
You are NOT over the hill!
ReplyDeleteAnd as for life, you seem to live it more fully than most of the people I know. You get out and about, you notice things, you see shows and street art and read books, visit friends and family.
What's not lively about your life, huh? It's a spectacular life. Celebrate it, dah-ling!
I love Woody Allen's movies. I will have to check this one out.
ReplyDeleteWhat the movies show us is a life without restraints, either real or self-imposed.
Barcelona is well worth the trip.
ReplyDeleteI'll check it out. penelope Cruz was so good in Masked & Anonymous. When she says something, you believe it.
ReplyDeleteBarcelona is AWESOME! I LOVE that city.
ReplyDeleteI have been wondering how the movie was, too.
And, even if you don't have the money and are "over the hill" you COULD still make it happen. You limit yourself. ;-)
I REALLY needed to read this post today, Steve, so I'm glad I tuned in. There IS a big amazing world out there, full of good and interesting people - and we should all take some more risks in that arena.
Penelope Cruz is nasty. She always looks like she's got a headcold, with a big wet pink weepy booger-nose...Bleah!
ReplyDeleteI think there's a bit of grass-is-greener in your earth shattering experiences comments...you already live in NY and travel the planet on a whim...2+ years in North Africa. Really, does a summer in a completely westernized european city really compare? Now, if you could travel back in time 70-80 years and hang out in Barcelona with Stein and Faulkner and Hemingway...THAT would be earth shattering!
To the ring! Bring the green hoppers. They are good! And the Wine! The Wine is good! The trout were fat. And the day was hot. Her nose was a swamp. It was good!
"Oh, don't be such a bore", she said.
barcelona is worth going into debt for.... and by the way, I was older than you are now when I went for the first time! over the hill - what's with that?
ReplyDeleteand by the way there is incredible street art in barcelona!
over the hill my arse!
ReplyDelete;0o
I was being tongue-in-cheek about "over the hill," everybody -- though I suppose mathematically I really am!
ReplyDelete@utahdog: I've been to paradise, but I've never been to me.