French Art Films: The Cliff's Notes Version

Yesterday, I made passing mention of the film Romance, directed by, and I quote, "Catherine I-Have-Sexual-Issues-and-a-Camera Breillat." Since most of you have likely not sat through a Catherine Breillat film, I am realizing that perhaps a bit more explanation is in order. First off, despite her issues, she can indeed be a good director, when the self-indulgent side doesn't take over. (Her masterpiece Fat Girl is absolutely stunning, although difficult to watch at times and triggery as hell.) As for what her films are like.... Well, here, let me type for you the list of chapter titles from the Romance DVD, which is probably the best Reader's Digest Condensed summary of Breillat's content and style you'll ever see:

1. Matador
2. Cheating
3. Cage
4. Indifferent
5. Passion
6. Delicious
7. Had
8. Seduction
9. Disgusting
10. Caress
11. Yield
12. Desire
13. Domination
14. Beautiful
15. Painful
16. Dream
17. Moist
18. Equipment
19. Power Trip
20. Meat
21. Fabulous
22. Chasing
23. Even
24. End Credits

And, oh yes, she's French.

(On a side note, also post-scriptish to yesterday: Whoever at MGM green-lighted the script for To Live and Die in L.A. must have been snorting a sizable amount of nose Nikes. Same goes for Wang Chung.)

Mary had a bicycle, its paint was red as fire....

I usually try to avoid Gratuitous Icon Posts, but having swiped shamelessly from mousme, I couldn't not share. Suitable for all creative meltdowns.

Speaking of which, at some point I really need to sort out my projects, and excise the ones that will never ever ever ever be done. That point is not now.

And also on creative matters, I've got a song in the works—just a verse and a chorus so far, but it's looking to shape up nicely. Also, rafaela and I spent some time hammering out a version of Woody Guthrie's "Pastures of Plenty" that's giving me goose bumps. Watch this space.