Watch Before You Go: Italy
In preparation for my first trip to Italy, I'm cramming in as much visual ref as I can before I leave (typical designer!). Here's what I'll be watching the next two weeks (and likely on the plane).
Courtesy of Amazon
A Room With A View
Helena Bonham Carter? Maggie Smith? Daniel Day Lewis? HOW HAVE I NEVER SEEN THIS MOVIE?! Though it features Brits, it's set in Florence and looks like a perfectly lovely romantic drama.
Fun fact: It's considered the 73rd best British film in the 20th century.
[Sidebar from Staci: It's also one of my favorite books!]
Courtesy of Netflix
Master of None: Season Two
"Master of None" Season 1 was a true treat, but Season 2 took more risks, specifically in Episode 1. The season opens with a fully black and white, subtitled episode filled with delightful Italians in a quaint town. That alone made me want to travel to Italy.
Courtesy of Amazon
Bicycle Thieves
I feel like the season opener of "Master of None" took from this movie, but I might just be thinking that because it's black and white, is set in Italym and involves a bike.
It's supposed to be a post-war masterpiece featuring great writing, directing, and acting, so I basically have to see it.
La Dolce Vita
This classic 1960s Fellini film features high drama and hedonism in Rome. Over the course of a week, a journalist searches for "the sweet life" in a fruitless journey to find love and happiness. It won a ton of awards including Cannes, so I should probably check it out.
Courtesy of Amazon
The Borgias
I worked on the branding for this show while I was at Showtime a few years ago but never actually watched the series. I've heard it's pretty good -- a little soapy, but hey, that's what a good drama should be. I heard the Borgias family was the original inspo for The Godfather(!)
Courtesy of CNN
Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown -- Rome
I actually watched this a few days ago and was utterly enchanted. Instead of the usual tour of Rome you get from travel shows, Bourdain ventures to the suburbs and forgotten areas of the city with the help of a local filmmaker. I wish I had a few more days in Rome to really get to know the outer areas.
WATCH AT YOUR OWN RISK:
Courtesy of Amazon
The Tourist
Even though it has a 20% on RottenTomatoes, I'm leaving it on here for the beauty shots of Venice. Maybe watch it with a bottle of wine and the sound turned off?
Any other sugestions?
-Jen
P.S. I know I've missed a few, but Staci already covered a bunch a few years ago.
