Speaking my Language

This summer may not include a wonderful vacation so to make up for that fact, I've been indulging in other activities that have been closed off since 2019.

Some of my jaunts include swimming at the city park, the Nethercutt Museum, the Hollywood Bowl, Shakespeare in the Park, live theater, listening to RadioTheater from the 1940s, going to a Speakeasy in Chinatown, The Dog Park at the Beach, Greystone Mansion in a few days, Alliance Francaise open house in a mid-August and what possibly be the most satisfying of all; seeing the film, Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris.

The film stars British actress Lesley Manville, who is a widowed cleaning lady in 1950s London that falls madly in love with a couture Dior dress, and decides that she must have one of her own. After she works, starves, and gambles to raise the funds to pursue her dream, she embarks on an adventure to Paris which will change not only her outlook but the very future of the House of Dior.

At the heart of the film, it says so much more than a materialistic drive; it speaks volumes about people being themselves, knowing what they want, getting out of their comfort zone, and stepping out of the unknown to take a chance on life and that's when the magic happens. It gives her experiences and makes her grow as a person.

It also points toward judging others based on appearances and people-pleasing, the latter being something Mrs. Harris does to a certain extent but she has her boundaries. And that people are not always what they seem. Despite her invisibility of being a middle-aged blue-collar woman, she is kind and her kindness is rewarded by the Universe.

It's a charming film and very few in the past few years have given me as much genuine continuous pleasure.