Blog Post 9: I love the 'Count of Monte Cristo' (2002)

There are three major protagonists in this film; Edmond, the Count & hybrid Count Edmond. 

I like the third one the best. 

My favourite parts in this film have to be every scene with the good old all-knowing Priest building up rock-bottom, broken Edmond as well as that grand and lavish entrance as the Count; our naive hero reborn into a powerful supremo. That part was rather cool. 

We sympathise with him, we laugh with him and we back him against the injustices thrown at him by the imposing forces corrupting his innocence. I mean, it’s exhausting really just watching this.

I think we can all relate to this movie in a million and one ways. Alright, we won’t exactly be noting down tips on how to survive the Chateau D’If but if this film doesn’t inspire or even affect you in some way I don’t know what will. 

Life is gonna chew you up spit you out and then it’s down to you- turn bitter or take it in your stride, gain strength and wisdom. 

Above all, never lose hope. 

I have to acknowledge the fact that this is a Dumas masterpiece but I also gotta say, they made a hell of a movie and I happen to like the adjustments to the story very much. 

Technically speaking, the direction is great and the acting is spot-on. Will continue to re-watch this film over and over as I have done for years. 

Bravo!

Blog Post 8: "Which is better, the book or the film?"

Why is it that we feel the need to appraise these two art forms? Call ourselves refined and pick a side… I was always too much of a film buff to class myself as a book worm but nevertheless appreciated the wonder of the written world. There’s nothing like being totally immersed in a great film or indeed escaping into a good book. Popcorn or cocoa; Hitchcock or Shakespeare can’t we just love both?

Art can be in music, in a painting, in a dish, in a photograph, film, book or even a memory. Whatever your ‘thing’ is, treasure it. A passion is a flame we can fuel and revel in throughout life. Never let it die out. 

So let’s talk about movies. 

The other day I found myself sinking into a pile of work aching to be completed. So, I figured, maybe I’ll just float on the surface for a little while until I find my feet. Naturally I headed to the cinema. There was one film on my mind for a long time that I had missed out on.

Here’s a clue: “Here’s looking at you, kid.” 

Yep, the 40’s classic ‘Casablanca’. It’s a classic for a reason. I found it magical watching this movie on the big screen so if you ever get the chance, save it for the cinema. Bogart and Bergman are a mighty pair dominating the camera with their powerful presence. These are two fine actors that once reigned the box office, true Hollywood royalty. 

It was clearly a different world back then. One we can experience through superb films like these that preserve time for us to travel through. It sure is nice to crossover into that world. Isn’t that the great thing about Art? Cheapest form of travel after all and you get all the culture you need.

So if you have time this week, visit the Art world. If not, make time. Devote at least part of your life to the things you love and you won't regret it. 

Ilsa: Thank you for the coffee, monsieur. I shall miss that when I leave Casablanca.

Senor Ferrari: It was gracious of you to share it with me.