Back in time

 

This weekend the streets of Montmartre have been transformed into a movie set.

 

Above: filming on rue Lamarck

 

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Also: flea market / brocante thru Sunday

Start: Métro Lamarck

 

 

 

Theater Thursday

Inside a favorite small film theater in Paris.

Studio 28

10 rue Tholozé  75018

 

 

Wine Wednesday

 

Champagne, wine, beer and other refreshments set out for an evening screening at one of the many small arthouse cinémas that dot the Latin Quarter.

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Years ago, while living in Spain I’d treat myself to weekend movie marathons in those tucked-away arthouse theaters on Paris’ Left Bank back streets - unassuming small venues that championed obscure international indie films and emerging filmmakers.

The moment I'd arrive in Paris, my ritual began: straight to the nearest kiosk for the latest Pariscope or L'Officiel des Spectacles, those pocket-sized weekly bibles that listed every screening across the city. Over breakfast, pencil in hand, I’d scour the pages, plotting the perfect itinerary, circling titles and noting showtimes - what to see, in what order, at which cinemas - creating the optimal sequence without wasting a single reel.

These were films from everywhere - U.S., U.K., Germany, Japan, Italy, and beyond, and they had to be in their original languages, marked VO (version originale). I (mostly) went for French films and off-the-radar indies. In Barcelona, most mainstream films were dubbed into Spanish or burdened with clumsy subtitles that flattened nuance and stole focus. Paris delivered actors’ real voices, unadulterated, and as so many of the titles were English-language anyway, the French subtitles stayed discreetly at the bottom, never stealing the show. - BPJ

Below: some surviving cinémas

Latin Quarter / Quartier Latin:

Cinéma Le Champo

Cinéma Saint-André-des-Arts

Christine Cinéma Club

Le Reflet Médicis

La Filmothèque du Quartier Latin

Studio Galande

(besides a roster of independent films, "The Rocky Horror Picture Show” in VO w/performances every Friday and Saturday night. Bring a bottle of water and rice

Montmartre:

Studio 28

(must-see interior by Jean Cocteau w/bar / charming tea salon / courtyard area)

 

 

Adieu Monsieur Haffmann

A section of rue Berthe and rue Androuet in Montmartre has been eerily turned into a 1940's film set of Paris under the Occupation.

Adieu Monsieur Haffmann

Director: Fred Cavayé

Based on the play by Jean-Philippe Daguerre 

[filming begins today]

Magic steps

Steps where Owen Wilson's character waits every night to be taken back to 1920s Paris in Woody Allen comedy film, "Midnight In Paris."

Vaux-le-Vicomte at the movies #3

The château, an easy day trip from Paris, is quite different in the daytime than at night.

Above: room after sumptuous room decorated w/art and furnishings of the period; for the exhibit signs are set out indicating where a specific film scene was shot

Below: a glimpse into the basement kitchen w/table set for the household help as it would have been when the castle was a royal residence

Vaux-le-Vicomte at the movies 2018

September 22 - November 4


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Article: The Good Life Magazine

Vaux-le-Vicomte at the movies #2

Bond. James Bond.

 A new exhibition has been added in homage to Sir Roger Moore who died last year in Switzerland.

Thanks to "The James Bond Club" the helicopter from the scene in the 1979 film Moonraker when Bond does his unforgettable double-take upon seeing the château for the first time will be on display.

Above: photos from the passenger seat as we swooped over the castle

Below: aerial shot of nearby village and its medieval fortress; our helicopter before takeoff

Vaux-le-Vicomte at the movies 2018

September 22 - November 4


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- Tomorrow: inside the castle -

 Article: The Good Life France Magazine
  

Vaux-le-Vicomte at the movies #1

 A fairytale castle and gardens...

Last week I was invited to an exclusive press preview at Vaux-le-Vicomte that included afternoon tea with the castle owner and, in a tribute to Sir Roger Moore - as James Bond in Moonraker (filmed at the château) and, in 2017, passed away - a lucky few were treated to a surprise helicopter ride to behold the castle from the air, just as 007 did in the famous scene when he catches sight of the palace for the first time.

The occasion: this year, once again, and to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its opening to the public, Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte has opened its doors for a behind-the-scenes experience into the magic of movie making, with something for everyone.


Besides Moonraker this 17th century inspiration for Versailles has been the setting for some eighty films including Marie-Antoinette, Valmont, The Three Musketeers, Molière, Man In The Iron Mask, Gene Wilder's Start The Revolution Without Me, Versailles the series and most recently, L'Empereur de Paris starring Vincent Cassel.

The exhibition features spectacular sets, dazzling period costumes, interactive activities, guided tours, astonishing virtual visuals, special effects make-up workshops, plus more surprises in store.

For all ages.

Less than an hour from Paris.

Vaux-le-Vicomte At The Movies 2018
(click on video)

 
- Visit website for schedule of candlelit evenings -

September 22 - November 4

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- Tomorrow: bird's eye view -



  Article: The Good Life France Magazine