For Lovers Only

In the past year or so, I've turned in to a total movie buff; always asking friends and family for recommendations, regularly going to the theater, and watching a lot of the old classics. I think it has always been something that I would inevitably inherit from my mother over time... There's nothing she loves more than spending an afternoon watching old black and white movies; a pass time that I, as a young girl, used to enjoy with her. Yet, sadly, black and white film has become such a thing of the past; embodying a completely different time in American cinema.

Then, about a week ago, a friend of mine shared with me a trailer she stumbled upon for a film called "For Lovers Only." Released in 2010, I was delighted to discover that not only does the movie take place in various locations around France, but it is also shot entirely in black and white. Of course, I had to see it.

There is just something so simultaneously magical and mysterious about this film that I think can be attributed to the use of black and white. The places and the characters become almost other-worldly, like distant visions from an old photograph that you desperately try to hold on to. The result is "a study and meditation on two lovers. A picture that practices restraint and embraces limitation—that allows the viewer to hold no judgement on the lovers behavior, but to accept these two and their passion for one another as something beautiful and rare."

Just to give you a little taste, here are some of my favorite stills from the movie.

Honestly, I'm not usually a big fan of the romance genre, but every frame, every word, every sound, and every moment of this film is absolutely stunning. Even the clothing, accessories, and make-up are executed masterfully. I'm dying to find a pair of sunglasses like the chic ones she wears in the first photo, and I can't wait to play around with some dark, dramatic eyeliner and bold lashes like she wears throughout the entire movie. A beautiful film filled with sartorial inspiration, I strongly urge you to check out this movie as it is truly a work of art.

I hope you are all having a wonderful weekend!

À bientôt!

French Films: Les Petits Mouchoirs

Since its release in 2010, my Aunt has been talking about a French film called "Les Petits Mouchoirs." Close friends had recommended it to her, but due to the closing of so many movie-rental stores (including one of our favorites, Trilogy) it seemed impossible to find. While the constant evolution of technology can be exciting, it's times like these that make me miss the good old days when the whole family had to pile in the car and drive down to Hollywood Video to pick out the weekends rentals. Services like OnDemand and Netflix may be convenient, but they don't always have the films that you want, especially in the foreign category. So, what do we do when one technology fails us? Well, move on to the next one of course! Finally, I took to the Internet and, within a matter of minutes, found "Les Petits Mouchoirs." With such anticipation behind this film, my expectations were high. And rightly so, for it was incroyable.

The film takes place in the South of France where a group of seven friends go every year for their summer holidays. There, the friends enjoy each others company in the sun; spending their days on the water, swimming, eating, laughing, and drinking rosé. But what seems like an enjoyable vacation quickly takes a dramatic turn when a tragic accident back home in Paris forces all of the friends to face their looming problems, changing their lives forever. Written and directed by the swoon-worthy actor, Guillaume Canet, and backed by an all-star cast including Marion Cotillard and François Cluzet, "Les Petits Mouchoirs" is a lovely and honest story that is as hilarious at it is heart-wrenching. All in all, the perfect film for a rainy autumn day.

Director Guillaume Canet hard at work

It may be sub-titled, but I promise, it's worth it! At the very least, you can indulge in some French eye candy and study their curious capacity for cheating. As for me, I'm still trying to wrap my head around it... Enjoy!

Note: the direct translation of "Les Petits Mouchoirs" is 'the little handkerchiefs', but you can find the film under its given English title, "Little White Lies."

À bientôt!