Films for movie night
And podcasts (for any time), too!
Of all the things to cement my aesthetic preferences, old movies might have had the greatest impact. I love how the fabric of Grace Kelly’s blue dress drapes across her shoulders in “To Catch a Thief.” And the tiny apartment where Audrey Hepburn stays in “Roman Holiday” is the type of hideaway I think would suit me. So many of my aesthetic and storytelling inspirations come from films. If you’re looking for something to watch or listen to, here are my favorites.
I’m taking the month of August off to soak up the last days of summer and renew my creativity. This month, you’ll be receiving prewritten, shorter versions of Choosy or content from the archives. Thanks for supporting my newsletter, it means so much to me. I’ll be back September 3.
FAVORITE FILMS
1940 to 2009
The Philadelphia Story (1940)
Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant and Jimmy Stewart make a remarkable trio in this classic movie. It’s the story of a slighted Cary Grant as he pines away for Katharine Hepburn, the woman he loved and lost. She’s wealthy and eccentric and talks fast. The movie is witty and the costumes and sets are beautiful. The musical version made a few years later, which stars Grace Kelly, Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra and Louis Armstrong, is equally as wonderful — but Katharine and Cary hold my heart as my favorite Hollywood duo.
Out of Africa (1985)
Meryl Streep and Robert Redford make an incredibly romantic duo in this movie but my love affair is for her house in Africa, especially the interior pieces she brings over from Europe. All cozy chintz chairs, antiques and books, books, books. The movie has a hazy, magical look to it and the interiors complement this with their muted, subtle hues.
When Harry Met Sally (1989)
I know this is one of those movies that everyone knows or has seen at one point, but I always have to include it in lists of favorites because I love it so. From a purely aesthetic perspective, I like the somewhat masculine feel of the fashion and the interiors — especially that scene where Sally’s wearing a blazer walking with Harry in the park. More than anything, I like that Sally is flawed and relatable and charming all at the same time.
It’s Complicated (2009)
I watch this movie so often that it’s a running joke. Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin star — a cast of characters that are wonderful together and so, so funny. Nancy Meyers is often lauded for her movie interiors, though she’s quick to say that it’s an entire team who is responsible for set decoration. The films do capture a relaxed, comfortable but elegant way of living and each home looks so personal.
PODCASTS I LOVE
History, movies and celebrities
Duchess
If you love old houses, castles and British history, you’ll love Duchess The Podcast. A mother and daughter duo interview the stewards of Britain’s stately homes, talking about their history and the work it takes to preserve and maintain them. If you’re interested in historic preservation, architecture and decor, you’ll love it.
Talking Pictures
Talking Pictures, a podcast produced by Turner Classic Movies and Max, goes behind the scenes of famous movies with some of the best writers, directors and actors in the industry. Movie people talk about their favorite movies and I find it fun to hear artists talk about the things that inspired them. My favorite episode has been an interview with Nancy Meyers in which she discusses how she doesn’t want to be recognized for her interiors. (Sorry, Nancy!)
Table for Two
I discovered this new-to-me podcast through interior designer Chelsea Handegan’s newsletter and have listened to so many episodes from the archives since. Bruce Bozzi hosts Table for Two, a lunch-chat podcast where he interviews his friends — notably, Anna Wintour, Sarah Jessica Parker, George Clooney, Julia Roberts, and more. The conversations sound casual, intimate and unfiltered.
I COULD COZY UP HERE
A perfect couch for movie night
I love the color and plushy look of this sofa. To curl up here to watch a movie would be the perfect setup.
All the best,
Mary Grace