Films that inspire me: The Way Way Back

The Way Way Back is a film that has recently come into my collection. I bought it in the hopes that it would be good (as I had seen the trailer and it looked like something I would enjoy) and I wasn't disappointed. From the creators of Little Miss Sunshine and Juno, this  film is a poignant, heart touching look into the life of the misunderstood 14-year-old, Duncan, as he begins to come into his own and find his place in the world.  

After being well received at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival, it moved on to show the world exactly why it was so wonderful.  

With the transition of the characters as they experience real-life, relatable issues, the forming of an unexpected friendship between an unlikely pair (that you secretly become jealous of), the perfect balance of witty and serious dialog and the phenomenal acting, while being veiled in a beautiful simplicity - this film is truly refreshing. 

On the same note, I would highly recommend the original score to this movie, as it it uplifting and simply beautiful. I have been listening to it while editing and doing copious assignments, and it has helped get me through.  In all honesty, I have been listening to the score almost every single day for the past month and a bit and I still love it. 

I think as a whole, this film shows the vulnerability of life and how what we say and do can affect those around us more than we realise, but also shows how there is still true kindness and simple joys in the world. I left thinking about these things and feeling a sense of comfort and hope for life's journey. This, I think, is the mark of a good movie.

I would without a doubt, recommend this film to anyone. 

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Films the Inspire me: Into The Wild

“So many people live within unhappy circumstances and yet will not take the initiative to change their situation because they are conditioned to a life of security, conformity, and conservatism, all of which may appear to give one peace of mind, but in reality nothing is more damaging to the adventurous spirit within a man than a secure future. The very basic core of a man’s living spirit is his passion for adventure. The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun.”
― Christopher McCandless

I was recently reminded of this film (goodness knows how I forgot about it). 

There are truly no words to describe the feeling I get when I see images, let alone scenes from this film. It's like someone tuned on a fountain of emotions inside of me and they are all bubbling up at once, trying to escape, but they just can't. I don't know what actually goes on inside me when I see this film - but I get all tingly and fizzy inside and feel like crying from the sheer beauty of it all. 

When I first saw this movie, I spent days talking about it (my poor parents got an ear full). But I just couldn't get over the beauty of the whole thing. I replayed scenes in my head, constantly thinking about the places he went and about the words he has said - again, feeling all of the emotions I had felt from watching the film days before. It was incredible, as I had never been so taken aback by a film - well, so much so that I spent days mulling over it again and again.

From the incredibly perfect cinematography and beautiful soundtrack, to the mind blowing landscapes of Alaska and a story that tugs at the heart strings (with lessons of survival and companionship in the mix), this film is seriously one you cannot go past. I think everyone needs to see this film at least once in their lives.   

I had recently heard many good things about the book/biography, so I went out and bought it. Cannot wait to get stuck into it!
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Films that Inspire me: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is, in its finest essence, a film about a man living his life vicariously though the photos by which he is surrounded. Working in LIFE magazine as the negatives assets manager (dealing with the negatives of all the photos that are in LIFE magazine) he finds himself stuck in a world where he fantasises scenarios of his life - the way he wished things were, rather than the reality he is stuck in.  A turn of events find Walter Mitty's fantasies whooshed away as he embarks into his unbelievable, breath taking reality.  

I feel like in many ways, I can relate to Walter Mitty - I do photography, I love long boarding and I dream of adventures. But also, here I am, living my life behind a laptop, being fairly content with where I am, watching others go on adventures and seeing places I only dream about. On many occasions, I have found myself to fantasise about 'what could be' - where myself and (usually) several/certain photographers and friends are in certain places around the world, exploring and taking photos and just living life to its fullest.  I mean, I make plans to travel - yet I still sit and fantasise and never actively put my plans into motion. But no longer! I feel my 'unbelievable reality' is soon approaching. It is time to get out of my comfort zone, to actually explore and get out and adventure with those whom I long to meet in countries I dream about. 

With scenes of long boarding on winding, deserted countryside roads, vast landscapes of rolling hills, rugged, ice-capped mountains and many photography references, I knew this film would soon become one of my favourites. What I didn't expect was a movie that would inspire me to stop living so comfortably, to shake things up, to take a bit of a risk and actually live life. With beautiful cinematography, a light-hearted, heartwarming storyline, wonderful acting and amazing landscapes, it is a film that I definitely recommend and truly believe will (even for just a moment) inspire you. 

(Photos from The Secret Life of Walter Mitty: Find your Frame site). 

Watch out world! It's my turn and I am putting plans into action. 

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Making plans: Shakin' things up!

Hey you! How are you going? 

So, as you may have guessed by the title, I am planning to shake things up a little on this blog! HOORAY! I am hoping to give the blog a little makeover and a little more structure. 

THE PLAN: 

My main plan is to add categories! 

- To Make (DIY/craft/food)

- Thoughts and ramblings  (like what I already do)

- Home/Lifestyle (ideas, decorations and setups) 

- What I am Listening to 

- Things I like (reviews and recommendations) 

- Genevieve's Adventures (definitely keeping that one!) 

Eventually (if I feel it comes to that) I may add a 'wardrobe style guide' and other tips and tricks. 

I then plan to write every week, or at least every second week. The 'To Make' section will hopefully have something new up every second week and in the weeks between (maybe twice a week), I plan to write something in one or two of the categories. 

Hopefully it comes out like how I imagine it will - squeaky, clean and revamped!

Until things have been shaken and until university work dies down, I will be on a little break from writing (well, I guess an extended break... Unless I have a brain wave and need to write). So hopefully that wont be too much longer. 

Hope you are all well. 

See you soon! 

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