Visually stimulating - Movie weekend

After very very long, I have had the chance to just do nothing over the weekend, watch movies, read books and listen to some fabulous music. Not going into the philosophical dimensions of the effect this has had on me, let me start by recounting what I read and watched

Reluctant Fundamentalist:

Gripping read, finished it in 6 straight hours. I could relate to the character in several parts. Seemed more real than most similar books. The books about a Pakistani boy who aspired to have a fabulous career in the US, studies in Princeton, gets a dream job, falls in love and is yet seemingly shallow and empty in this land. The 26/11 changes his perspective and gets him to realize that he is constantly torn between his origin and the new camouflaged person he has become. He is torn for an identity. What adds to this, is that the only way he gets love momentarily is by becoming someone else. The narrative is strong, and the story telling is unique. It almost seems like the white tiger has kind of adopted this style of story telling.

The double life of Veronique:
What should I say, fabulous french movie. The more I watch, the more I seem to be in love with Krzysztof Kieslowski. This movie is a piece of art which you can watch over and over again and discover something new. The cinematography and music just add to its charm and give it a character so unique. You learn that you don't always need to say much to convey. As i rewind on scenes, I see how well subtle small things craft the striking similarity between two completely unrelated souls. There is a scene where you can see a cup with a tea bag- a beautiful shot! I would like it for each of you to just watch and experience the movie. No two experiences of watching the movie will be the same.
Cet obscur objet du désir:
Another fabulous movie by Luis Buñuel. One of the best movies when it comes to cast and story line which is obscure and yet well told. The movie keeps you gripped and one is still left wondering what might be even after the movie is over. Again a very fine use of backdrops to convey a message. Not an easy movie to understand, and not easy characters either. However this had me refreshed and in awe of the performance. The story is about a man in his figment of imagination interacting with a character, who plays two roles depending on the kind of interaction he chooses to have. The movie beautifully displays all emotions, love, teasing, war, anger, pain wonderfully.

In the mood for love:

Another fine piece of art, a little slow but amazing photography. The sets take you into almost real 1960's of HK. The struggle of how not to be what you despise is interestingly crafted. The music and the sets are really the best part of the movie.

3 idiots:

Okish watch, though got stretched and draggy. It seemed like another 5 point someone and evoked a similar reaction. Refreshing but not note worthy.

I guess this was a small subset of all that I did over the weekend. Hopefully these kind of times come by more often.