1.10.2011

beauty * beauté * bellezza * in any language

I don't much care what the critics write. Call me of simple mind but the glory of the 'motion pictures' is just that, the pictures; the images that sweep you up and take you away...far away.
The Tourist, released in December, is film of beauty. Beautiful Venice, beautiful costume design (fellow Washingtonian Colleen Atwood) and you guessed it, beautiful characters; all these embraced by a good dose of dry humor.
It took me little time to be wrapped-up in what the world would be like living in the skin of an exquisite creature. Your every move watched, admired, even worshiped. To enter a room seizing the admiration of not just men, but women too.  As you take stroll across the floor you feel the sudden hush, much like a fog that has swept into a deep still valley.
 
 Angelina Jolie as the character Elise, is a woman that is b*r*e*a*t*h*t*a*k*i*n*g. The kind of breathtaking that extinguishes a flame as she would pass-bye. The kind of breathtaking that you'd take in a breath only to release it moments later, slowly.
As I became consumed with the scenery of Venice I tried hard to picture the girl I was at 18 walking those very cobbled streets and riding the blue/green canals.
I vividly remember disembarking from the train onto the stations platform that July of 1975. I immediately was startled by sounds of Italian men in uniform leaning out their train car windows on the track over. They were whistling and shouting at me and I was about as clueless as a female could be. I never grew up thinking of myself as beautiful. I knew I wasn't homely and I knew I had been blessed as a growing teen with good skin; other than that, 'that' was that.             

The word sexual was completely foreign; therefore never, ever considered myself as sexy. I by no means understood the power of beauty.


In the Tourist, captivating, and mysterious, 'Elise' checks into the 14th century Hotel Danieli
What awaits in her room is a wardrobe whose handles had been wrapped and secured with a lovely silk bow. Untied by Elise it revels itself full of glamorous gowns and accessories.
I can't think of a woman who wouldn't be enthralled with such a gesture of adoration,
or a pass by one bumbling math teacher named Frank who is has a striking resemblance to Mr. J. Depp.
A sure bet would be me not sitting there thinking twice whether to make that next move.
The Tourist is a visual delight to be seen on a theater screen; you'll not want to miss one pixl.

And because I admire you all so much, I leave you with one more photo of Johnny to make your day.Praises proudly accepted.

{go forth and live responsibly}
beauty is to behold

image credits - apartmenttherapy.com; netdna-cdn.ca; ifc.com; tripadvisor.com; pegs.com; imageshack.us; theperfecthotels.com; usnews.com; 7tavern.com; venezia.net; hikenow.net; kiwicollection.com; worldexecutive.com; movieweb.com; oneindia.in; ezinemark.com

47 comments:

My Dog-Eared Pages said...

Just love you Deb! And, happy you loved The Tourist. On my to-do list... and after seeing these images, it's moved up a notch. oxo

Kathy @ Sweet Up-North Mornings... said...

I will see that Gem....
Thanks for featuring...
Kathy @
Sweet Up-North Mornings...

James said...

Say what you will about Ms Jolie, she is a classic beauty. I had not considered seeing this film, but now it is definitely on the list. Thank you.

Splendid Sass said...

Jeb,
I don't believe I have seen a better review of a movie. You convinced me!
Have a great evening.
Teresa
xoxo

A Gift Wrapped Life said...

I do want to go to Venice this year. I do think AJ ia most beautirul. I love Depp's acting abilty. I love fashion.
Can't wait now that you have given such a good review.
And that includes the movie and Venice!
Thanks Deb ! XO

Julie@beingRUBY said...

oh this one is certainly on my wish list.. my favourite place Venezia!! and Johnny Depp doesn't hurt the eyes too much either!!

Have a lovely week Deb.. xxx Julie

Marian said...

I loved "The Tourist" too. I've read some really bad reviews but what could be better - Venice and Johnny Depp - fabulous place + lovely man, not to mention the beautiful Angelina Jolie. It's just a light hearted romp...nothing wrong with that. Plus there's a ball scene with A.J. in an exquisite gown - pure glamour. For me it was a mini escape to an enchanted place
and was just what I needed on a cold dreary January afternoon.

Splenderosa said...

Well, Deb...this was splendid. I won't miss the film (once I unpack completely). I love AJ and JD both.
I just saw SALT with Angie and even as a tough CIA agent she was still beautiful & graceful. Cannot wait to see the grand ball scene.
xx's

quintessence said...

Oh now just dying to see this (how I love the movies) - she is my husband's favorite (other than me hopefully) - and I can understand why. The film looks visually spectacular - and although I've gotten some whistles in my time, I can't really imagine what life must be like for a woman like Elise!!

Jacqueline @ HOME said...

Hi Deb,
Oh I am so desperate to see this film. We went to see 'Another Year' ( catch that one if you can. Mike Leigh plays and films are my favourite ) and we saw the trailer for 'The Tourist.'. Venice is my MOST favourite city after London and JD one of my favourite actors. I don't care what the story is like. Anything with Venice and JD is enough for me.... Angelina's not bad either !!!! haha. Hope your flu is gone now Deb and you are 100 % again. Will email soon. XXXX

Renae Moore said...

Deb,
My son and I saw the movie over the Christmas holiday. Angelina is so beautiful it's almost unreal. Johnny Depp certainly has a sexiness. I would love to hear more of your adventures in Venice, I have never been. Would love to go...perhaps a cycling trip?! Get your pedal on and let's go.
I am not one to see movies more than once generally, but this one may be the exception. Lots of twists and turns!
xo

SpryOnTheWall said...

Angelina is gorgeous for sure, this movie looks amazing and I'll put it on our "to rent" list for sure! I've never been to Venice (my hubby has and loved it) but I hope to go someday. Love all the images you posted, like a vacation for this crazy lady! xoxo Jenny

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

So, I'm not big on Angelina...but you managed to just sell me on that flick!

flwrjane said...

You are very convincing. I'll go. Luscious and def not what I'm seeing out my window right now.

Your have improved my inner view!

xo Jane

Jeanne Henriques said...

I have been debating on this one but now I am sold...I think it is the last photo of Johnny that did me in :)
Venice looks pretty nice too :))

Jeanne xx

Jen said...

A beautiful woman in a beautiful city!! I'll definately be seeing this movie at some point.

Happy Wednesday Darling! xo

Have you entereted by $75 EmersonMade GIVEAWAY yet?

Tricia said...

Ok, ok...you've convinced me to go see it. I'm not usually a huge fan of either star OR Venice (yes I know, call me crazy) but that last photo of Johnny is calling my name~ hee,hee. ;)
Cheers~
T

Christy said...

Ooh la la, you've sold me! Happy New Year to you Deb! Sorry I'm late too. We've been sick forever, but think we're finally getting healthy (fingers crossed). LOVE your new header and re-design. So fresh and stylish - just like you!

La Maison Fou said...

My daughter loved it! It is on my list!
Love the last pic!
L.

Kalee said...

Oh what a lovely post. I am anxious to see this stunning tribute to Venice and of course, the divine Mr. Depp!

SHERRY HART said...

I absolutely love the movies....thanks for the great review. And...thanks from dropping by my blog. How is it that I have not been here :)

Renée Finberg said...

okay....
if i must, i'll go.
if only to see johnny and venice.
*AND THE DECOR!!!!

set design is my first love-
my second....YOU!!!!
hahaha xxxx

I Dream Of said...

Ah, glorious Venice. So dreamy! And Mr. Depp isn't bad either. Thanks for popping by today. I hope you have a beautiful weekend. XO
Jeanne

Kelly Frances Dunn said...

You say it with class and style, much like Mizz Jolie!! I can't wait to see :) You write SO well!! XO

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Dear Deb,

It is so wonderful to see you again! HOW HAVE YOU BEEN???? THANK YOU FOR VISITING ME yesterday and here I come to see you and YOU ARE THE STORYTELLER! Your comments on my wishes are precious to me, for I am happy to know that some people have considered me a storyteller, and thanks to an audience in Blogland, we can all spread our wings and take flight as such. THIS POST IS WONDERFUL...you are making me want to see this movie for I too love Europe. When I was in France, WOW did I feel like a woman.....men treat you differently. WOOOO HOOOOO!!!! Oh Angelina Jolie is stunning and here in these pics, she really shines. Johnny Dep...well, what can we say but repeat what you said, "BEAUTY IS TO BEHOLD!"

Magnificent post, and be well dearest. Enjoy this new year of hope and happiness, Anita

Barbara said...

The constant refrain I have heard about this movie from those who have seen it is this: it's horrible but it's worth seeing if only to watch Johnny Depp.

Fun post, Deb!

Unknown said...

the images are gorgeous--I haven't seen the movie but now I must!

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24 Corners said...

Okay Miss. DT....now I have to see the movie!! How about you become a full time movie critic? You did a fab job! Also, sounds like you need to go back to Venice...and I just need to go!!!
xoxo J~

A Perfect Gray said...

delicious images, my dear gal. and yes, those two are so beautiful it hurts. I want to see this one, too...

donna

Averill said...

See now the reviews did scare me off this film, Deb. But your gorgeous shots of Venice have me thinking I should give it a shot anyway. Besides, I love Depp.

Hope you're doing well!!

*Chic Provence* said...

Wow thanks now I WILL go see this one, had also put it off but no more!

Great post as always Deb, hope you are feeling great!

Happy 2011 to you

Kit

Fifi Flowers said...

Loved the setting... Fun movie too!

Anonymous said...

Oh daaaaaaaaaahling, being such a beauty is not easy, trust me I know LOL.
Looks like a great movie. I'll have to look out for it, I don't think its come out in the UK yet.
Have a beautiful weekend.
*kisses* HH

Mona thompson said...

You've made this sound like a film not to be missed. thanks. I always like a heads up before I go to a movie. There are so many bad ones right now. First time here via Renae Moore. You have a really neat blog. I just signed up to follow. Have a great weekend. Mona

La Petite Gallery said...

looks like a dyamite movie, I love the photography, as much as the story, infact I gave up on Hollywood doing a good film and story. It's all aimed at kids.
yvonne

LiveLikeYou said...

Ok now I have to see that movie! Had decided to nix it-but I'm now hooked.

Beadboard UpCountry said...

Ok, Deb I'll see it!!!!!!!They should let YOU do the trailers for this!!!!!!!!!Lovely portrayal, I will go just to see who the other guy is!!!!!!!!!Maryanne xo

Park Street said...

You have me convinced. Completely. Thanks for your take on the movie and for changing my mind about an otherwise no-so-greatly rated movie.

The Devoted Classicist said...

My first trip to Venice, too, was the summer of 1975 as a student with a small group of twelve including the professor. What an impact it had on me!

Parisbreakfasts said...

Oh wasn't it fun!
I loved it too.
Every over the top minute of it :)

Francine Gardner said...

This movie was pure eye candy! Venise in all her splendor. Angelina and Johnny are mesmerizing, they are just perfect specimen of human representation!!!

Lisa Porter said...

YOU my dear are a woman's woman. You know what makes us tick!
xo Lisa

Marsi @ The Cottage Cheese said...

I haven't seen The Tourist yet, but it looks like one to see on the big screen. Although, it will increase my wanderlust tenfold I fear. I hope you're loving life my dear. XO, Marsi

designchic said...

What gorgeous images...must see this one!!

Jen said...

Hi Sweetie - How was your weekend??

Have a good Monday! xo

NADIA ABOULHOSN said...

my god i love angelina!