Tuesday, May 02, 2006

Memoirs of a Geisha


I watched this movie last night and my overall impression was a good one, but the film is dark and shadowy (the coloration - not the subject matter). A lot of it takes place at night or indoors, and it was sometimes hard to see on my smallish TV. This is another one that I am sure is better viewed on the large screen.

I read the book when it first came out and I remember thinking that I couldn't wait to know what happened, but I didn't want it to end. I loved the book. They did a good job of translating it to the screen, but I wish they had shown something from the beginning chapters, which tell of the hardships the girls endured before they were taken to the big city.

The actors and actresses were all gorgeous to look at and very good at their craft, the costuming was superb, the music (John Williams) was wonderful, as his usually is. There is a nice balance of mystery, intrigue, jealousy and humanity in the movie. I recommend it.
Terri, from Island Writer, has also done a review of it in her post today. See it at http://www.islandwriter.net/

I've been cleaning my guest bathroom today; not the fixtures, but windows, knick-knacks, lights, etc. I might take some photos of it and post later. It is an odd color scheme, chosen because of the avocado formica countertop, which we didn't want to change when we moved here. It's decorated with my aunt's hand-painted Toleware from the 50's and 60's. Some of you have already seen the barbershop sign from that room. If not, see it in my archives for 11-18-05.

13 comments:

edina monsoon said...

I read somewhere the Japs were/are infuriated with what they see as an inaccurate description of gheisha life. You're absolutely spot on with the "dark" reviews. I watched it on my laptop so most scenes were dark and gloomy. Still, I had a nice time watching it.

Anonymous said...

I read the book a while ago, and think I'll see the movie. The book was wonderful.

Cas
Thanks

goldenlucyd said...

I'm on my way to the video store. Thanks for the push out the door!
lucyd

Anonymous said...

I enjoyed this movie as well. Sadly, I have yet to read the book even though it sits in my bookcase. But, now I really want to read it.
I agree that it was very dark and hard to see and get some scenes.
I am really looking forward to The Davinci Code movie and I did read that book!

brendalove@gmail.com said...

Now I want to read the book!

Jamie Dawn said...

I've been wanting to see that movie. I remember when it came out that the previews looked good.
Your guest bath sounds unique and interesting.
I hope you post pics of it.

Anonymous said...

I like the movie too. The costumes were indeed beautiful. I read most of the book, but anytime a middle-aged male choses to write about a teen female protagonist, I get a little suspicious. Her obsession with the older chairman struck me a bit like imagining Britney Spears carrying a torch for Bill Gates for more than a decade. Sounds like male midlife fantasy to me!

OldLady Of The Hills said...

I saw that movie Judy, and I did see it on a DVD, but my set is a pretty good size, so I had no trouble seeing all the wonderful color...I had not read the book, but I very much emjoyed the film...

Traci Dolan said...

I wanted to see this movie too, but wanted to read the book first. I'll get there eventually.

Anonymous said...

Hey, thanks, Judy...I thought it was ME or my TV. I was so frustrated with all the "darkness" of those night/inside scenes at first, I was ready to stop watching. Glad I didn't though.
Looking forward to the guest bath photos...sounds like a funky room with the decorating and colors.

srp said...

This is one I haven't read or seen. Actually I haven't seen much here. Nyssa may be 20 but her heart is still a teenager. She adores the squirrel "Scritch" from Ice Age I & II and wants us to see Ice Age II, even though she has already seen it.

Pat said...

I hate it when the film is dark - light wise - usually in a thriller and you can't see who's throttling who.

Eddie said...

I read all but about 60 pages of the book then saw the movie, so I have been putting off finishing the book ever since.
But I did enjoy both of them.