Baby it’s cold outside. It’s that time of the year when you just want to sit at home with a big bowl of soup and turn a classic on the TV. I came up with five of my favorite movies with brilliant aesthetics. I have always liked movies that inspire brilliant visuals. Of course a good story doesn’t hurt either. Subliminally, I hope that watching movies like these would inspire you.
So here it goes
Brideshead Revisited (2008)
The outstanding late seventeenth century Castle Howard nestled just outside Yorkshire plays as much a character in the movie as the protagonists. I don’t think I can gorge enough at the brilliant English décor, classic Queen Anne dining and the sprawling lawns. Everything about this movie is sheer perfection.
Marie Antoinette (2006)
Can a movie about such an icon disappoint? Absolutely not. The palace of Versailles is the epitome of opulent décor. In fact, it’s synonymous with luxurious rococo of King Louis XVI. An added plus- Kirsten Dunst looks flawless.
The Sound of Music (1965)
This one is for the whole family. Needless to say that we all grew up with the songs from this one. It’s funny, but when I see my three year old sing the lonely goatheard, I realize that life comes back in a full circle. But have you noticed the beautiful Austrian villa with absolutely fabulous French furniture. Of course, a view of the Edelweiss and the flowing river is a big plus.
Anna Karenina (2012)
It’s extremely ambitious to bring all the emotional complexities that Leo Tolstoy penned down in his magnum opus. But this movie has done it fair justice. What’s stunning about this movie is the brilliant portrayal of imperial Russian palace interiors, and even a glimpse into a Russian wooden country dacha.
Cinderella (1950)
A childhood favorite of almost every girl. Now, when I sit and watch it with Sayuri, I love the provincial estate of Cinderella even more than the prince’s palace. Maybe it was this movie and ‘Beauty and the beast’ that shaped me to always fall in love with classic things.
Other honorary mentions are'Beauty and the beast', ‘Great Expectations’, ‘The Royal Tenenbaums’, the South Indian home in ‘Ra. One’, the small Lucknow house in ‘Paa’
Wish you very happy holidays and a 2016 full of grace and beauty.