Day 331. Coco Before Chanel (SOLD)

I found myself sucked into a couple of French films tonight on the IFC (Independent Film Channel).  I DVRed the first, but was glued to my chair as 2009's "Coco Before Chanel" came on with Audrey Tatou ("Amelie" fame--another favorite!).  Well, even though I've seen it over and over and own it as well, I couldn't move.  I thought, I had better at least draw something while I watch or I'll be in big trouble in a few hours.  I attached a white collar to her outfit, an homage to the House of Chanel's distinctive style.

"Coco Before Chanel"

Day 40. "You transfix me, quite."

Charlotte Brontë's "Jane Eyre" 

A few weeks ago I watched Cary Joji Fukunaga's 2011 version of "Jane Eyre" with Michael Fassbender and Mia Wasikowska.  There is a scene, where Mr. Rochester (Fassbender) is speaking to Jane.  He is intrigued by her; she possesses an innocence and lightness of mind--even though she has suffered greatly in her short life--that he has lost.  At one point he stares at her intensely and says,

"You transfix me, quite."

It was...arresting.  I think I caught my breath.  

What a beautiful wording...putting that "quite" on the end of the sentence.  Of course, the fact that Michael Fassbender uttered them in a low, deep voice, with piercing blues eyes did not hurt.

In January 2004, James Lipton aired an interview with Russell Crowe. Lipton always asks actors the same questions at the end of the interview, one of which is, "What turns you on?" 

Russell Crowe replied, "A well-constructed sentence will give me chills."  I completely understand.

"You transfix me, quite."

Here's another great one from the movie:

I struggled with this painting.  His face came and went as I reworked it.  It looked good, and then I lost it.  I wanted to portray him "lost in grayness"--the color of his torment--contrasted with the soft green and violet of the plants growing out of the grayness--the possibility of lightness with Jane.  I guess it was apropos that is was a struggle, as their love--and what stood in there way--was a struggle.

This is the man I was watching (Day 37. "I'm So Tired, a.k.a that darn YouTube") on Youtube on the Irish "Late, Late Show."  And the bizarre twist was, right after I had seen "Jane Eyre," I saw Fassbender in "Shame" on IFC (Independent Film Channel)--or Sundance Channel.  "Shame" is about sexual addiction.  And as you may suspect, Michael's blessings of physical attractiveness extends to every area...ahem.  Here's the thing, though.  This man is such a great actor...so unbelievably talented.  So much so, that even in the midst of the most graphic sex scenes, he can convey miniscule pleasure overcome by painful desperation.  His despair in his addiction is palpable.  What an incredible actor.

Day 9. "Dating, Portlandia Style, Part I" $25

I am obsessed with the IFC show, "Portlandia."  It is hilarious, weird, crazy, true, cutting-edge, and all-around fabulous.  I don't know about you, but I spent my rockin' New Year's Eve watching a Portlandia marathon.  Later, through bleary-eyes, I realized it went on to replay during normal viewing hours, but what's the fun in that?  I'd seen most of them, of was able to catch up on the handful I had missed.

I crack up everytime I hear Carrie say, "Most people from Portland are just from Brooklyn" or "Put a bird on it."  Fred says, "Portland is a city where young people go to retire."  Wish I were there!

In Season 2, Episode 1, Carrie (Brownstein-WA band, Sleater-Kinney) and Fred (Armisen-drummer, Blue Man's Group) are at a bar where Carrie spots the bartender.  But he's not just a bartender, he is a bartender extraordinaire--in other words, a mixologist!  She thinks she recognizes him as as someone she used to go to camp with when they were younger.  No matter.  The flirt is on!!  And in Portland style, the way to continue the flirt--"to keep the momentum going" is to return that delicious mixed drink with a mixed tap.  Ah, the mixed tape...such an art in it.  Filling in all those little lines on the cardboard insert...but wait!  I'm giving too much away.  Stay tuned for Part 2 and 3! ($25-1; all 3 $65)

Catch this clip if you don't know what the h-e-double-toothpick I'm talking about.