This is the first of what I hope will be a series of postings about media treasures from the Terrazas Branch. You can find many popular movie titles here as well as films off of the beaten path. I often borrow films that I know nothing about other than the blurb on the cover. The results aren't always satisfying, but the price is always right. I enjoy foreign films because they provide glimpses of other cultures and world-views. Unless you speak the language of the film, you've got to read the captions. That means you've got to focus on the film and put the laptop computer, or whatever other media source you like to use, away. Sometimes the sacrifice is worthwhile.
I didn't plan it this way, but I've watched two films recently that have the complicated nature of romantic love as one their themes; just in time for Valentine's Day. . The Wedding ("Wesele" Poland, 2004) captures the disappointments suffered by Wojnar, a wealthy man in a small town, as the big wedding he's planned for his daughter descends into chaos. The marriage is based on a sketchy deal that Wojnar made. As the deal falls apart, Wojnar loses more than just his stash of cash in the floor of his greenhouse. Meanwhile, the Bride rediscovers her affection for a former boyfriend, who happens to be the cameraman hired to document the festivities, Through his camera, we see a film within the film. On one level, The Wedding is a madcap comedy. On another level, it's an interesting look at the relationship between Love (or lust) and Marriage. It's also fun to watch the wedding guests party like there's no tomorrow.
The other movie, Intimate Strangers (France, 2004) is as calm and focused as The Wedding is wild and diffuse. Beginning with a simple misunderstanding, the movie takes us to a deeper knowledge of two people.. Anna, who is in a troubled marriage, mistakes William, a tax attorney, for the therapist who has an office in the same building. Anna discovers her error before William confesses, but chooses to continue meeting with him to discuss her troubles anyway. As the burden of Anna's personal revelations increases, William consults with the nearby therapist for tips on how to cope with his new role. The story is told from William's point of view; so Anna remains more of a mystery than he does. I was mesmerized as I watched this couple move through their dialog of disclosure and concealment. Through their conversations, they become closer than many lovers do. Intimate Strangers is a beautifully made film by Patrice Leconte. I intend to track down two of his other renowned films Girl On The Bridge and Man On the Train.
If you've seen any movies or read any books or heard any music that you want to tell other library users about, send your recommendations to me by e-mail and let me know how to credit your blurb or if you want to be anonymous. I'm especially interested in hearing from people who visit the Terrazas Branch. Send your picks to eric.travis@austintexas.gov .
