It is always a queer thing when I look forward to a movie for months and months. As a few of you may remember, I have been anxiously...well...rather crazily looking forward to Pan's Labyrinth since I first saw the trailer over 4 months ago, while I was still living in Brooklyn. And I know I've been whining about it taking almost a month for the wide release to happen.
It finally came! Yesterday! It came to Athens! Can you believe it? I suppose I was underestimating the "wide release" potential...I guess it's the new Amelie (crossover sensation). So. It came. To the little town that I live in.
And, let me be the billionth person to declare it simply wonderful. It has already won a slew of awards, I believe, and received enormous heaps of critical praise, but it deserves it all. It is by turns terrifying, enchanting, sad (muy, muy triste!) but always riveting and very beautiful to watch. My only disclaimer is if you are terribly squeamish, and can't avert your eyes (as I did several times) you might want to avoid it...there are moments of gory realism that are pretty upsetting. The film is split relatively evenly between the backdrop of the war/"real world" and Ofelia's Labyrinth world. Speaking of beautiful...the name Ofelia? With that wonderful spelling? Possibly a new name for my imaginary future little girls.
I have a big date next weekend to see it again, and I can scarcely wait. Really.
As for yesterday's overwhelmingly kind and supportive responses, thank you so much...just for taking a moment to poke your head out and say hello + we like you. I kept being reminded of two (equally silly) things...Mr. Billy Joel's song, of course ( "I love you just the way you are") which has a special place in my strange little heart because my mom used to sing it to me when I was very small. And also the moment in Dr. Seuss' "Horton Hears a Who", in which all of the tinies cry out "We are here! We are here! We are HERE!".
Ooh! Also. I'm planning a shop update for early next week...probably Tuesday. Paintings, dolls, some Valentine-y things (I'm not that huge of a Valentine's Day fan, but I do adore the aesthetics of it...well, not the cheesy foil balloons and wierd bears-clutching chocolate, but you know what I mean). So, that's what I'm working on this weekend...making, painting, etc.
Hoping all weekends are progressing nicely!
*****(EDIT) Thank you to the sweet Carmen for the spelling help...Those two years of Spanish don't amount to much!
Comments (31)
Dear Darling Emily,
I am absolutely enchanted by you every time I read your blog or ogle over your wondrous stuff on esty. You rock girlfriend!
Don't change or edit anything here. People with nasty opinions need to mind their P&Q's and keep it to themselves. Don't let it get you down or cause you to question anything about who you are.
You are an inspiration.
Hugs,
Rebecca
knittygirlie · January 26, 2007 at 02:10 PM
I have always wished my name was Ophelia....I have even named many of my collages some sort of Ophelian (I know....now a real word) title...now I have yet another name to wish I had...you were right, Ofelia with an F is so beautiful and bit more whimsical and less maudlin than the Shakespearean Ophelia...
xoxo
stilettoheights · January 24, 2007 at 11:08 AM
Love your blog and shop! I'm a new reader, but am hooked for sure! Also loved Pan's Labarynth (although I did cover my eyes in a few parts).
Anyways, just thought I'd join everyone else in reassuring you that we love your blog and style, and shouldn't listen to any nasty comments!
Alice Hess · January 24, 2007 at 02:08 AM
Water off a duck's back...you know what I mean...smile
I was told the movie, The Devil's Backbone, is the prequal to Pan's Labarynth. It was made in 2001 and on my Netflix ordering it has a very long wait, so there may be something to the statement, especially since Pan's is sooo popular.
Julie · January 23, 2007 at 06:47 PM
oh! I have been *so* excited to see this too-a little worried about the scary bits, but I know it will be worth it!
amy k. · January 23, 2007 at 12:26 PM
First, I cannot believe that anyone would be so nasty as to post any negative comments on your blog. If I don't like the personal views, aestethics or anything else on a blog, I stop reading. That simple.
Second, I must tell you that your blog is one I turn to daily for a little joy and beauty. I LOVE your blog. So there.
And thank you for making me go and see Pan's Labyrinth. It was truly wonderful, a movie that changed the way I look at the world (like Amèlie).
I was a little late with my assurances, but they are no less heartfelt :) Keep going, girl, I love you.
pendlerpiken · January 23, 2007 at 07:27 AM
I can't wait to see it...though I doubt I'll get to see it in the theatre...so I'll have to wait to see it for quite some time
:(((
BUT, I'm glad to know it will defintely be worth the wait!!
Nichole · January 22, 2007 at 06:36 PM
how crazy is this?... i just saw pan's labryinth this weekend and was going to send a little thanks your way for mentioning it since that's how i first heard about it. glad you were finally able to see it!! it just started playing here in charlotte, nc this weekend (in only one theater, which i thought was surprising for such a big town). the film was so very beautifully done and i'm glad you recommended it!
april · January 22, 2007 at 03:46 PM
This film was so great and had such an impact on me as well. I can identify some weaknesses in the plot but ultimately it was so beautiful and the acting just blew me away! I think I have to see it again as well.
andrea · January 22, 2007 at 03:05 PM
It's on my list of "to see" as well.
Mimi · January 22, 2007 at 01:38 PM
Oooh, I can't wait to see Pan's Labryinth! Your lunch trays reminded me of a fuzzy memory; my mom used to fix us "lunches" of snackish things in muffin tins. It was great fun and influenced my taste for grazing rather than eating big meals! I'll have to look for those trays and relive those fun days...Thanks for sharing your world view!
Katie · January 22, 2007 at 10:49 AM
Emily Emily Emily (that is a nod to one of my guilty favorite movies -ugh- i can't believe I'm letting people know...but i love "Excess Baggage" with my former wallet man Benicio Del Toro) ok i just proved that being a "nerd" and honest
1. is fun fun fun
2. is empowering
3. is real and important
4. keeps life interesting
5. takes people by surprise and keeps everyone grounded in some way
6. sincere, and one of my favorite things
7. REFRESHING
8. makes one super beautiful on the inside
9. makes the world a bit more relaxed
10. and definately makes the world a much better place to be
you go girl
Terra · January 22, 2007 at 08:44 AM
Hello, Ms. E.! Completly unrelated with anything else, someone sent me this website and I thought you'd get a kick out of it:
http://www.storybookhomes.biz/
I think having a WHOLE house like that might be a tad too much, but the hardware..? Some of it is just..fantastic (well, literally and figuratively).
Vanda · January 22, 2007 at 08:09 AM
I saw this movie a couple of weeks back and loved it just as much as you. It's so dark and the imagination of Ofelia reminds me so much of how I used to think when I was a little girl...the magic chalk was I trick I always used to climb inside the trees in my garden.
The scene with the Pale Man and his banquet is my favourite part. I actually think the film is totally suitable for kids as it shows the darkness of life and is actually more realistic than all the saccharine Disney which makes them think life is always happy ever after.
I would love you to check out my blog - it's going to be on the featured weblog page tomorrow and I'm so excited!!!
www.vintagefilm.typepad.com
Jodie · January 22, 2007 at 05:58 AM
Emily, I recently bought some prints on your ETSY site. You are an ABSOLUTELY amazing artist and I'm just dripping with envy over your talent. I just found your blog today, and I must say, I envy you even more! You have a fabulous style and a unique view of the world that I relish. I have to say, The Cure's "Why can't I be you?" goes through my head whenever I look at either of your sites! I know this will not be an elegent way to put this, nor mature, but that "person" who left that comment is an asshat!!! Ignore her...I'm sure it's pure jealousy at not having even a miniscule piece of the talent you have!!!
Kathy · January 21, 2007 at 10:35 PM
You are so funny, "cheesy bears" and "foil balloons." hee hee hee :) A valentine Hedgehog would be just the thing however. Seriously.
tiffany · January 21, 2007 at 07:52 PM
It's on my list of movies to see, it's a very short list, but Pan's Labyrinth has still not made it to my neck of the woods.
I'm am looking forward to the shop update.
rachael · January 21, 2007 at 12:17 PM
i'm hoping hoping hoping that because this is in spanish it will make it to ecuador. please come! if you do i'll invite all of my friends and their friends and we'll all come and see you.
risa · January 21, 2007 at 11:59 AM
Love your blog...have your seen this? www.imsmitten.com It reminded me of you. :)
Sara Berry · January 20, 2007 at 10:35 PM
I thought of you the other night when Meryl Streep accepted her award for Devil Wears Prada (Golden Globes). She spoke about the need for people to go to their local theaters and talk to the management about bringing the kinds of movies that are important to the smaller cities and towns. I am fortunate to live in LA and have tons of second run, art houses, and museums that feature interesting things as well as the 16Plex theaters. Alas, I will not be seeing Pan's because my dh told me that I am too squeamish. He previews movies for me. Have a wonderful weekend!
Jane · January 20, 2007 at 08:47 PM
I would LOVE to see this movie again. I caught it last weekend. Del Toro is definitely my favorite movie director. It really is a beautiful story and visually captivating.
Marilyn · January 20, 2007 at 08:12 PM
Hi. Do I look nutzz because I visit everyday??Okay, guilty as charged.. We all know I am a nut-cake. But, I have to tell you. I was watching cable because I was at my own home, not studio/loft, for 2 nights... Okay, I didn't watch cable, I was engorged in cable. Anyhow, yes, I saw it, the making of Pan's Labyrinth.. And being the total "dork" that I am...I pulled something I would have done as a young young teenager...I started taking pictures of the screen...And, then I ran to "Cinderella" all excited and exclaimed, look look, it worked.. hee hee.. Should I tell of such ridiculousness on my part?? xoxo
Vanessa · January 20, 2007 at 07:32 PM
I can't wait to see it either! Unfortunately we're usually the last ones in the country to get the fun movies. =(
RAchelle · January 20, 2007 at 07:21 PM
i am so happy that this movie is being so well received!! I have seen it twice now, and each time it gets better and better, yet each time it still make makes cry like a big baby! You may also enjoy "The Devil's Backbone by del Toro...check it out if you haven't seen it. :)
Amanda Button · January 20, 2007 at 06:43 PM
El Laberinto de Fauno...asi
Carmen · January 20, 2007 at 06:39 PM
is LabErinto....*¡-
Carmen · January 20, 2007 at 06:38 PM
Lucky duckling! It's not comming here until either the end of January or the beginning of February. *sob* I can't wait to see it.
Though, I saw Children of Men, and I'm still reeling. That's not a movie, it's an experience. I sobbed through the whole thing!
Sarah · January 20, 2007 at 06:05 PM
I'm eager to see the new Valentines-y things in your shop next week! And your mention of "Horton Hears a Who" has got those little people screaming in my ears over and over now (thanks). :) Also, I own the DVD of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," and along with it came "Horton Hears a Who," which is when I saw and heard of Horton for the first time. It is great, and my hubby even has a Horton tie and socks now, how silly, right? :) We like Horton. Well, enjoy the rest of your weekend!
Erika · January 20, 2007 at 06:03 PM
Somehow I still haven't gotten around to seeing it, and it's been on for ages here. Tonight, however, appears to be the last showing. You may have convinced me that it's worth leaving the warm house in the middle of the night to see by myself.
ysolda · January 20, 2007 at 06:03 PM
Glad to hear you liked Pan's Labirynth!! :) I just checked to see if my local theater is showing it, and they are. So now I have to see it. :)
The Dr. Seuss comment made me smile. I haven't read any of those books in years... but I loved them growing up. hehe.
Casey · January 20, 2007 at 05:46 PM
ohmygod. i was just going to send you a little billy joel comment (proving my dorkiness once and for all). it's true (me being a dork and liking you just the way you are...)
meg · January 20, 2007 at 05:41 PM