I first loved Juliette in the beautiful movie The Unbearable Lightness Of Being. I thought her perfect in the role and over the years I have admired her in a number of films from the grieving mother in Blue to The English Patient.
I was fortunate to watch her dance in Sydney with Akram Khan at the Sydney Opera House (the duet was called In-I). It was most inspiring to see her tackle such a project as she only took up dancing in her 40s and it was a very physical, challenging role. There were flaws in her performance but overall she pulled it off magnificently. I think because she had supreme self-belief and confidence that she could do so. It was magical to witness.
After the performance she was interviewed by Caroline Baum and it was fascinating to see her 'in the flesh' after so many movies.
From memory she wore some very unflattering grey tracksuit that on her looked incredibly elegant. How do the French women achieve that? Is it supreme self-belief and confidence performing some illusion? Her hair was pulled back from her face and not one trace of make-up was visible. She was stunning but not in a perfect, Barbie doll way. She answered questions in an eloquent, abstract fashion, shrugging away the questions relating to body image and ageing with disdain to loud cheers from women in the audience.
She is chic, beautiful, multi-talented, intelligent (she also paints, is politically active and has two children). Why I have selected her as my inspiration for Magnificent, Marvellous, Mighty Monday is her willingness to try something new and push herself beyond her perceived boundaries. Something I feel I need to do myself.
And so let us follow the fabulous Juliette Binoche's example and examine any unfulfilled dreams, wishes and goals we have and have the confidence of Binoche to pursue them!
But I think it's a little different in Europe, because 40 is really the best age for a woman. That's when we hit our peak and become this ripe fruit. Juliette Binoche
You must understand, I don't have to be happy to be happy. Juliette Binoche
image source of Juliette at opera house:
I was fortunate to watch her dance in Sydney with Akram Khan at the Sydney Opera House (the duet was called In-I). It was most inspiring to see her tackle such a project as she only took up dancing in her 40s and it was a very physical, challenging role. There were flaws in her performance but overall she pulled it off magnificently. I think because she had supreme self-belief and confidence that she could do so. It was magical to witness.
After the performance she was interviewed by Caroline Baum and it was fascinating to see her 'in the flesh' after so many movies.
From memory she wore some very unflattering grey tracksuit that on her looked incredibly elegant. How do the French women achieve that? Is it supreme self-belief and confidence performing some illusion? Her hair was pulled back from her face and not one trace of make-up was visible. She was stunning but not in a perfect, Barbie doll way. She answered questions in an eloquent, abstract fashion, shrugging away the questions relating to body image and ageing with disdain to loud cheers from women in the audience.
She is chic, beautiful, multi-talented, intelligent (she also paints, is politically active and has two children). Why I have selected her as my inspiration for Magnificent, Marvellous, Mighty Monday is her willingness to try something new and push herself beyond her perceived boundaries. Something I feel I need to do myself.
And so let us follow the fabulous Juliette Binoche's example and examine any unfulfilled dreams, wishes and goals we have and have the confidence of Binoche to pursue them!
But I think it's a little different in Europe, because 40 is really the best age for a woman. That's when we hit our peak and become this ripe fruit. Juliette Binoche
You must understand, I don't have to be happy to be happy. Juliette Binoche
image source of Juliette at opera house:
She is marvelous! I just saw Paris (just came out here in the cinemas- have you seen it yet?) and she was lovely in it. I love that she is multi-talented- actress, dancer, artist.
ReplyDeleteLove the new look for your blog too btw! xo
I love that she is not afraid to look ordinary if a role requires it, although she still looks naturally beautiful. what a healthy attitude to aging she has. i had no idea she danced, this makes her even more admirable! love your new sidebar (especially nigella and lulu) and background!
ReplyDeleteI think sometimes people miss the point of beauty. Beauty is not expensive make-up products or clothes. It is not lovely hair or wide alluring eyes, the perfect button nose, large breasts (fake or not), the right curves etc etc...yes, okay, magazines and society may dictate that it is and yes, it may all look wonderful on the surface but personally, I think that if you haven't the sufficient light and warmth inside you to make this vessel (the body) shine then it really amounts to very little... that is why personality and who you are, your mannerisms, the way you express yourself is so important...well that is my opinion anyway...and that is why people who are not very photogenic can often be surprisingly beautiful in the flesh.
ReplyDeleteYou speak of flaws in her dance - and then there are your daughter's ballet shoes...are you a dancer yourself too? You must know the subject quite well? xxx
What makes Juliette Binoche so beautiful is her gracefulness and graciousness. Her eyes alone express a range of emotions.
ReplyDeleteJust her name alone is so stunning.Thanks for the birthday wishes.
ReplyDeleteShe is one of my favorites. One of my all time favorites is Blue. LOVE that movie. She is so smart, elegant and so much herself and unmistakable.
ReplyDeleteLOVE this blog! Nice to meet you
ReplyDeleteSooo beautiful. Have you seen Paris? Watched last weekend and can recommend. Love your new 'polaroids' btw - gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteI too have been a fan of JB for many years, since Lightness of Being in which I remember she went very red in the face when wrapping her legs around Daniel Day Lewis - which is understandable. I think her appeal goes beyond beauty - she's one of those actors who appears to reach very deeply into herself to bring something to the surface for a performance. But I don't think she has to reach very far to find something interesting. She's so REAL. A real woman, that's what I've always liked about her, a woman with hips, a woman who blushes. Love her.
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