- When I’m at the musée d’Orsay to see the exhibit on the Second Empire, I will also check out Frédéric Bazille (1841-1870). The Youth of Impressionism. Bazille died at the age of just 28 as a soldier in the Franco-Prussian War. A friend of Monet, the sixty paintings in the exhibit show a young talent that had the potential to equal the other Impressionists. The exhibit shows Bazille’s work alongside his contemporaries, highlighting his unique talent. It’s on now through March 5, 2017.
- 24 Jours (24 Days) – This isn’t a cheery movie, but it is a compelling true story. I remember following the drama on the French news as it was unfolding in 2006. Ilan Halimi was abducted by a rough gang and held for ransom for twenty-four days. He was targeted because he was Jewish, and the thugs believed that “they” were all rich and stuck together, so the kidnappers would be able to raise a large amount of money very quickly. I won’t tell you how it concludes, but when country after country seems to be turning inward instead of welcoming those who represent the “other,” I think it’s an important film to watch. I saw it on Netflix, but it’s also available on Amazon.
One quality, the finest. 