"Sometimes there's so much beauty in the world my heart can't take it."

I found myself watching American Beauty on TNT a couple weeks back & just can't seem to get it out of my head. Maybe because I think Alan Ball is one of the greatest writers of our time (check out True Blood & Six Feet Under,) the performances are stellar, or Sam Mendes is capable of creating some of the most evocative moments in film and you're not even aware. The scene where Wes Bentley's character shows Thora Birch "the most beautiful thing he's ever filmed" that turns out to be plastic bag dancing in the wind, has always stayed with me, so when I saw this balloon floating outside my window, I had to capture it. Sadly I wasn't able to get any video, but it's playful nature and the delight it provided me with were just as worthwhile as the sense of surprise and shock I felt when the balloon popped soon after I took these.

yes that's the Hair Original Broadway Cast Recording Record sleeve on the wall [Saturday Night Fever and The Great Gatsby are the other 2 ]

Revolutionary Road Review

So I finally saw Revolutionary Road, the other night which may not have been the best call considering I was pretty distraught over finally admitting I was heartbroken over losing 2 close friends [they're not dead, but no longer in my life] but it was a well executed, yet dire look at a relationship between a miserable marreid couple, named Frank and April Wheeler (excellently played by Kate Winslet & Leonardo DiCaprio ) in 1950's New York. It was basically THE most depressing episode of Mad Men ever without any emotional payoff aside from great performances. The film starts off with a knock down drag out shouting match, which is incredibly intense, and then the film only gets darker. While there are faint glimmers of hope and the potential for things to get better for April and Frank Wheeler more fighting is inevitable and is reminiscent of the scenes in Closer where the couples lay it all out. Watching April and Frank shout at each other reminded me of a few arguments I had with an ex, which is probably why I found myself laughing aloud when April finally tells him:

"But I don't [love you.] I hate you. You were just some boy who made me laugh at a party once, and now I loathe the sight of you. In fact, if you come any closer, if you touch me or anything, I think I'll scream."

All in all Rev Road in my opinion is one of the best romantic dramedies I've ever seen, but that's because I coudln't help but laugh at the fact that these people hated each other, yet were together, plus Michael Shannon - who was nominated for a Best Supporting Actor Oscar -was hilariously brilliant as a neighbors mentally ill, but brutally honest son was a revelation. Sam Mendes' direction was flawless and has helmed a stark, realistic tome, but all I can say is if you do decide to sit through this, brace yourself it's pretty rough, but hey so is life.

My rating: 8.8/10

trailer trash - Away We Go

Sam Mendes came to town last summer for 2 weeks to shoot a sequence in this movie. I don't know if it made the final cut, but I didn't recognize the location in this endearing trailer.I love the cast and am totally digging John Krasinski with a homeless man beard.