Train Movies
Readers have been sending me suggestions for train movies to watch before (or during) my cross-continental train trip with Younger Son later this month.
Here's the list so far:
The Darjeeling Limited
This film was suggested by Anu. Here's what Netflix has to say about it:
Following the death of their father, three brothers (Adrien Brody, Owen Wilson and Jason Schwartzman) embark on a journey on the cross-India train the Darjeeling Limited and attempt to reconnect after years of physical and emotional distance. The trip also opens up some old wounds and proves that their sibling rivalry can never be completely erased. Natalie Portman and Anjelica Huston co-star in Wes Anderson's lyrical comic drama.
The Iron Horse
Amy suggested this 1924 film. She says:
John Ford's The Iron Horse was wildly entertaining, about building the Trans Continental Railroad. It was long, and a silent movie, but you should watch it!
Netflix has both the U.S. and the UK versions.
Brief Encounter
Helen, a reader who lives in England, suggested this 1946 film. She says:
It's an English romantic weepie of a film set in a railway station! It was written by Noel Coward and the theme is unfulfilled love/behaving honourably/repression. It was made during WW2 and is shot beautifully in B&W. It stars Trevor Howard and Celia Johnson, who speak with the frightfully brittle, clipped British accents that you just wouldn't hear today. It may not be to your taste, but it's a gem of an experience.
[I didn't know that these classic British accents were disappearing! Must be our fault.]
By contrast, there's always "Throw Momma From the Train" (Danny de Vito). Bad taste but funny.
I'm looking forward to reading about your train adventures--I adore train travel, and my dream is to cross North America by train. I have relatives in Vancouver, but I want to sail into New York, past the Statue of Liberty.
Yesterday I "escaped" from the Isle of Wight, and attended a conference in London with my boss, travelling by catamaran and train. We skipped the final speaker because she was disappointing and our brains felt full. On the Thames-side walk back to the railway station we had to pass the London Eye. (This would be our equivalent of the Space Needle, perhaps?) The temptation was simply too much on a sunny spring Friday afternoon, so we went for it - the views over London were awesome and I felt so happy to be alive and feeling well.
Back to me: I've read about the London Eye, but have never been to London (I know, incredible, yes? I've been to France, years ago, that's the only European country I've visited. I have standing invites from friends in Germany and England, so maybe soon ...)
Here's the one train movie I came up with all on my own:
North By Northwest
It's a classic, starring Cary Grant.
Read more:
A Note About Netflix
I rent movies through Netflix, and really like the service: Movies come in the mail, with a free mailer for me to return them. And best of all: No late fees!
If you join Netflix by clicking on the link below, Netflix pays me $7 for referring you.
Netflix DVD Rentals. NO LATE FEES; Free Shipping. Try for FREE!
@ Jeanne Sather 2008.
