Michael Blowhard writes:

Dear Blowhards --

* Tyler Cowen is reading a book that claims to have the final word on why Americans are carrying around so much more weight than they did a couple of decades ago: They're snacking more.

* And is obesity such a health risk anyway?

* It's often assumed that greater government spending will produce happiness. Here's a study that suggests that higher levels of government spending produce quite the opposite.

* Two creatures who have made me feel a lot of happiness are the Italian actress Monica Bellucci, a great beauty in the tradition of Sophia Loren and Claudia Cardinale, and the one-of-a-kind French film director Bertrand Blier. What a treat to learn that Bellucci is starring in Blier's next movie. In a Guardian visit with Bellucci, Blier has this to say about his star:

"She's completely relaxed with her image and with her own sense of modesty as well. Because she is so free and proud of being a woman and proud of her femininity, she has no problem with the fact that men look at her and desire her, and that is rare today with women."

And here's a nice bit from Bellucci:

"I'm not scared by nudity, because for me, nothing is more beautiful than a body. You can have such an amazing emotion from a body. In 'Irreversible,' I treated my body like it was an object and it's great when you can have this kind of relation with your body, it's a part of your job, an object you can work with. When you can have this kind of freedom it's the moment where you can give your best as an actress."

Sigh: the art cinema at its best.

Best,

Michael

Michael,
Great to hear about a new Blier coming out. I agree totally with you on the happiness that he brings.
My favorite Blier film is (still) "Get Out Your Handkerchiefs". The opening scene in the restaurnat where we first meet the 3 principal characters is still fresh and priceless, despite repeated viewings. The ending is still a combination of haunting, hilarious, and chilling; only Blier could pull off that combination.

Posted by: DarkoV on November 10, 2005 9:37 AM

See my comment under Donald's Buick porthole posting.

Posted by: annette on November 10, 2005 11:27 AM

I love Monica, I just wish she had given up the smoking. Still beautiful, but it adds age to her...

Posted by: . on November 11, 2005 11:47 AM






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