Domestic Bliss

I have been enjoying the chance I have had over the weekend to "relax", well almost. I have been cutting the grass and washing, drying, sorting and ironing the clothes. Being domesticated has been wonderful as a different experience from the norm.

Let me say that I am very pleased with the quality and standard of the work I have completed. I had no idea I had that many shirts, but they are ALL ironed!! Denzel has been fairly independent, and whilst ironing I set up in the living room with my can of Fabulon spray starch, with the iron and watched a few movies. I have absolutely enjoyed it. I grabbed a few movies from my local blockbuster that were late releases and embarked on journeys of escapism. I was, and still am, in awe of the talents of Johnny Depp.

I watched Sweeney Todd. Let me say that I was repelled by the blood and the graphic nature of that aspect, but I was in awe of the talents of Helena Bonham-Carter and Johnny Depp. I had no idea it was a musical, and in the first few lines of Johanna I fell in love with the music. I have come to learn it was written and composed by the great Stephen Sondheim of West Side Story fame. He has been recognised with an Academy Award, Tony awards, Grammy and Golden Globe awards. He is exceptional. I was truly amazed at the music and lyrics and performances that developed before me on the small screen. I have long been a fan of the song that I have with Donny Osmond singing, Not while I'm around, and surprised to find that it came from Sweeney Todd. I loved the music, the lyrics and the journey that it took me on. I love musicals. I have seen many and have enjoyed all of those journeys as well. I cannot give this a big enough spiel. This first clip is not any video footage but just the music of the film surrounding the song and character of Johanna, and the various voices that form that wonderful song. It is gorgeous.



I give Sweeney Todd a rating of 4.5 out of 5. I would have given it 5 out of 5 excepting for the graphic blood letting. Mind you it is totally commensurate with the tale it speaks of. It is directed by Tim Burton, and characteristically the film resembles the darkness and gloomy atmosphere of his previous films. But I loved it. It also stars Sacha Baron Cohen and Alan Rickman who plays his role with great ability. I was also thinking that I have never seen a film starring Johnny Depp that I didn't like his performance in. According to a basic internet filmography search, he has credits for 47 movies, I scanned the list and clearly haven't seen them all, but really think that Mr. Depp is one of the best actors I have ever seen. All hail to Johnny Depp. A person I would like to meet and photograph in a coming day. I am confident that will happen.



The next film was Charlie Wilsons War, an interesting story, which just happens to be true. It is about a US Senator who became affected by events around Afghanistan and how he altered the course of that covert conflict. It was an interesting look into a process of politics that seems to be all about negotiation and sacrifice. Giving up some things to get what you want. I would give this a 3 out of 5. It stars Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts and Phillip Seymour Hoffman. It was a good film. Tom Hanks is another one of those actors who just has mastered his craft and I love the variety of roles he chooses.



Next, was National Treasure 2. I loved this film. I love conspiracy theories and when it spans the globe and weaves together threads of intrigue, suspense and arpund the world travel you have me hooked. I thought it was great. It was a star studded cast led by Nicholas Cage, John Voight, Harvey Keitel, Ed Harris, Dianne Kruger, Justin Bartha and Helen Mirren. I give this film a 5 out of 5. I don't recall any swearing in it either. It was a fantasy film and that is why I watched it and enjoyed it. It is great fun. Just imagine if it was real though! Disney people know their stuff, they always have.



The last film I watched was Perfume, the Story of a Murderer. It was an interesting film. Based on a very successful novel and I feel whilst I understood and related to certain aspects of it, found the film to be wanting. I give the film 1.5 out of 5. Not much more to say. There were parts I loved, and as a person who has loved scents and aromas for years, found it intriguing in certain ways, but it lost me a couple of times and then fell flat in my mind. I think it got somewhat gratuitous in parts. I think it could have been a much stronger film by altering small aspects. Though I can imagine some of the readers thinking - who the hell is he to say!



Overall, I loved the various journeys my domestic chores took me on, and now today, I am back on the computer working at what I do best....pictures, well I will be now anyways. I had to make some breakfast for Denzel and I , so now I am back to the work I love.