Film: Certified Copy (Copie Conformé)

Tonight - yes, back to film, this time on my own again - I went to Certified Copy, a nice pre-Valentine's Day romance, with Juliette Binoche showing an English author around Tuscany. Showing in the Prince Charles, one day only, and I finally booked, as it was beginning to sell out - and I booked to eat in my fave Bella Italia (Cranbourn Street) afterwards, appropriately. I saw French Film Fanatics were seeing it too, but they were meeting for a drink afterwards, and I wanted my dinner!

I was in the office, which meant I could walk there - not the pleasantest option, heavy rucksack and all, but at least it was't raining. With an early showing, I hadn't had time to eat beforehand, but grabbed some supplies at the lobby bar before heading upstairs. I was slightly to the side, but sure enough, the curve of the screen wasn't noticeable once the film started. Also, mercifully, the seats either side of me were free, affording me plenty of space for my bags!

So - beautiful scenery, to start with, and a profusion of old stone buildings. Also a profusion of brides - the film takes place on a Sunday, and the unnamed location of most of the film is apparently popular for weddings, as there's a golden tree which, if you make a wish on it, promises lifelong fidelity. Or some such. Anyway, as I say, this chap shows up to give a talk at a literary festival that has given him an award, she leaves her number, he pops around and suggests they drive somewhere, and she thinks of here.

It's pleasant. It's a romance, yes, but an odd one - very talky, for one thing. Having said that, they don't get lost in wordiness - and it does have its charming moments, generally provided by her. Interestingly, her character is never named - but then, nor are most of them. He's almost the only one that gets a name at all, and indeed, the only one whose full name is mentioned!

It gets quite philosophical, and meditates on the minutiae of relationships, as well as discussing the subject of his book for which he received an award. The book discusses the value of art copies - and by the ambiguous end of the film, we are left pondering how many things in life can be a copy of what is considered to be the original, and whether the copy is worth as much.

You could go very deep with that thought - me, I principally enjoyed the scenery, and the little breath of summer it afforded me. An interesting film.

Coming out, I had a look at what they're displaying over the door these days:

Another sad reminder, if one were needed, of the threat to the cinema posed by a massive rent hike, plus the landlord's desire to introduce a break clause in the lease so that the site can be sold to developers. Read more about the petition to save it here.

And so around the corner for dinner - where I found the place practically empty, and the windows covered in love hearts. They found my (unnecessary) booking, and seated me - my waiter said he could already guess what wine I'd order! I changed to the chicken strips starter, and it was gorgeous, with the accompanying mayonnaise to cool the spice. By the time I finished eating, I was the only one left.. I guess they might all be saving up for Valentine's Day, tomorrow! So the staff were chatting among themselves - my waiter apologised, but hey, I always get great service here, I didn't mind. As part of the chat involved the failure to order drinks, I shudder to think what they might be lacking tomorrow, and over the weekend! Some emergency trips to the offie, perhaps.. Anyway, I see they forgot to charge me for my second glass of wine. So, a good evening for me..

Tomorrow, I'm back to Ireland for the weekend - and the film is looking like Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, in which Renée Zellweger reprises the role of the lovelorn Bridget, married to Colin Firth but now, sadly, widowed. Also stars Isla Fisher, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Bridget's kids' principal, Emma Thompson as Bridget's doctor, Jim Broadbent as Bridget's dad, and Hugh Grant - although not as a love interest this time; no, this time she finds a toyboy.. by the name of "Roxster". Well, it looks decent - and it's the only film showing in the afternoon, that I haven't seen and am interested in seeing! It's showing everywhere - I'll probably see it in Ennis.

On Monday, back in London, and back with CT for a jazz & tap night at Piano Smithfield. I've enquired in the Old Red Cow, across the road, for a booking for dinner beforehand..

On Tuesday - I was waiting for the film list to come out, just in case, but have finally plumped for another dinner at Greenwich Yacht Club with Over 40 Living the Life. It's always a good evening! Unfortunately, this evening the organiser messaged me to say she's not feeling the best, and might have to cancel - watch this space.

On Wednesday, I've discovered more storytelling - Winter's Night Wonder Tales, as advertised on Facebook (how sensible), this is happening upstairs at The Palmerston. Just saw it advertised as I was thinking of what to do that night!

And next Thursday, finally back with Up in the Cheap Seats for The Shark is Broken, at Richmond Theatre. A comedy about the making of Jaws.. how could I resist?! I was perturbed, mind you, to see that the "cheap" seats in the Stalls involve an automatic VIP experience booking, with champagne and such! Huh - I went for the next price level up, in the rear Stalls, thus paying much less.. Booked for the Buenos Aires Steakhouse, across the road, for beforehand..