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.