Stuff

[shipperx]

Watched The Duchess last night and I'm intrigued enough that I may find the biography that formed the basis of the movie. I do understand why Ralph Fiennes hesitated to take the part because the Duke did come across as a complete ass that Fiennes was trying to make not seem to be totally awful... which, strangely may up the awful factor. His character didn't seem souless or sociopathic, just uncaring in a very deep way. I did like the scene where he said that he 'loved' his wife and Keira Knightly's character looked aghast and asked "How?" That was the point, wasn't it? He never showed love in any conceivable fashion. Even though he thought himself to be perfectly reasonable, and even though by the mores of his class and time he was somewhat reasonable (that said, even in his place and time it was considered "shocking" to have his mistress in the same house as his wife. So not totally reasonable). But there would be a very difficult time finding any meaningful expression of 'love' in any of his actions toward her... and yet, in his way, he probably thought he was telling the truth when he said that he 'loved her... in his 'way'."

Have also rented Hellboy II and will watch it tonight.

Finally, spent the day looking for the slate tile that I've been claiming for years that I'll use in my kitchen. Because it's quarried here in the state it's actually one of the more affordable natural stones to use (cheaper than many ceramic or porcelain tile) and I'm going to be using some of my Christmas bonus tomorrow to finally buy the tile. God knows when I'll find the time to actually lay it, however. Still, it's not like milk. It'll store until I'm ready.

Comments

[jenjojen.livejournal.com]

You should totally read the book. It's one of my favorite biographies!

[spikewriter]

The book is fascinating -- I read it years ago when it first came out after seeing the author on a C-SPAN Booknotes. Haven't seen the movie yet, though it is one of the choices on my flight back from London, so I may watch it then. But definitely read the book; it's well worth the time.

[salymander.livejournal.com]

I thought that movie had the most realistic portrayal of marital rape, but that also makes me say that the Duke was more than an ass. Still, good movie.

[usedtobeljs]

The tile and the movie both sound good -- in v. different ways, of course. ;-)

[kitmarlowescot2.livejournal.com]

That is what men are for :) They do the heavy lifting while we direct.

[shipperx.livejournal.com]

I probably will. Thanks for the rec.

[shipperx.livejournal.com]

Have fun in London!

[shipperx.livejournal.com]

The marital rape was cringeworthy. I do look at it though as in that time and place neither she nor he could have verbalized that as a rape. It certainly was rape and as such horrific. Actually, what made it more horrific was when he admitted later that he'd done it deliberately with intent. Not even that was out of emotion -- not rage or hate or sadistic pleasure. It was done to force an heir (if possible.)

They had much the same scene between Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn in "The Other Boleyn Girl." It was equally as awful.

[shipperx.livejournal.com]

The tile is heavy! :)

Which is to say that I bought it and then had to unload it into my garage.

The movie was a lot easier on my back. :)

[shipperx.livejournal.com]

If only they did. I had to unload all 23 boxes of slate myself. I suppose it's a good workout. :)