I love this review, Gerry, and the fact that this movie was shown recently in Barcelona's Velvet Room signifies the movie's relevance even today. I think Julie Christie is a fine actress, and it must be amazing to see her travel through all three cities. I really honed in on your discussion of Christie's character ultimately being unsatisfied with herself, that the self-love component is missing. That would make this film even more interesting, in my opinion.
Thank you for your comment Beth. The film felt timeless to me for just exactly what you’re highlighting, Christie’s stormy performance as Diana made a lasting impression on me. There isn’t a scene in the film where she doesn’t appear, so you’re completely involved with her emotional journey. And despite her beauty and fame, she’s ultimately and desperately lonely throughout the film. As a travelogue piece, what’s fascinating is how Paris, Rome and London all bring out different aspects of her character. The island of Capri presents her at her most centered, most humane, most supple yet vulnerable self—also due in part to her gay friend. But it’s a wonder to see her transformed by the island’s raw beauty, the seascapes and craggy terrain, and her encounter with traditional Catholicism which offers her a personal moment of deeper self reflection. It’s that thread between an individual and their personal connection to location, that also makes this an absorbing story for travelers. If you like vintage film Beth then I strongly recommend this. You’ll feel like you’ve been abroad when you’re done watching.
Thanks for the like! I think it holds up as a cohesive, engaging film Nancy! Despite the "Sex In the City" women, and Samantha in particular, I found the character of Diana pretty shocking--even by today standards. But it's the notion of frolicking from city to city that engages--a truly fun romp through Europe.
Thanks Robin! I do enjoy armchair traveling too--whether it's a good film, like this one, or a book, pictorial, documentary--anything that moves me into another environment. The sixties really were a time of testing one's limits!
I love this review, Gerry, and the fact that this movie was shown recently in Barcelona's Velvet Room signifies the movie's relevance even today. I think Julie Christie is a fine actress, and it must be amazing to see her travel through all three cities. I really honed in on your discussion of Christie's character ultimately being unsatisfied with herself, that the self-love component is missing. That would make this film even more interesting, in my opinion.
Thank you for your comment Beth. The film felt timeless to me for just exactly what you’re highlighting, Christie’s stormy performance as Diana made a lasting impression on me. There isn’t a scene in the film where she doesn’t appear, so you’re completely involved with her emotional journey. And despite her beauty and fame, she’s ultimately and desperately lonely throughout the film. As a travelogue piece, what’s fascinating is how Paris, Rome and London all bring out different aspects of her character. The island of Capri presents her at her most centered, most humane, most supple yet vulnerable self—also due in part to her gay friend. But it’s a wonder to see her transformed by the island’s raw beauty, the seascapes and craggy terrain, and her encounter with traditional Catholicism which offers her a personal moment of deeper self reflection. It’s that thread between an individual and their personal connection to location, that also makes this an absorbing story for travelers. If you like vintage film Beth then I strongly recommend this. You’ll feel like you’ve been abroad when you’re done watching.
Sounds great. Portraying her gay friend in 1965 makes the film seem ahead of its time.
The movie sounds intriguing, and I am interested in seeing the 1960s sights of these 3 cities. Thanks.
Thanks for the like! I think it holds up as a cohesive, engaging film Nancy! Despite the "Sex In the City" women, and Samantha in particular, I found the character of Diana pretty shocking--even by today standards. But it's the notion of frolicking from city to city that engages--a truly fun romp through Europe.
Armchair traveling at its best, as always!
Thanks Robin! I do enjoy armchair traveling too--whether it's a good film, like this one, or a book, pictorial, documentary--anything that moves me into another environment. The sixties really were a time of testing one's limits!
For sure! Wondering if we’re heading into a new test in this moment. How far must we travel?