My Five Favourite Movies Set in Paris

I'm going to Paris in a week's time so I thought it would be fun to write a post about my favourite movies that are set in Paris. 

Midnight in Paris (dir. Woody Allen)

Midnight in Paris is like a love letter to the city. It has some of the most beautiful shots of Paris and it takes you right across the city and the surrounding area stopping off at Monet's Garden in Giverny, the Palace of Versailles, the Seine and the Latin Quarter. Written and directed by Woody Allen, it tells the story of a Hollywood screenwriter and aspiring novelist, Gill Pender (Owen Willson) who takes a trip to Paris with his fiancee (Rachel McAdams). Gill has a romantic fascination with Paris in the 1920s and on one late night excursion he seemingly travels back in time to his beloved era. Midnight in Paris is one of the best romantic comedies I've seen and it has a great cast with the likes of Marion Cotillard, Lea Seydoux, Kathy Bates, Adrian Brody and Tom Hiddelston.

Breathless (dir. Godard)

Anyone who knows me knows that I love Godard movies, especially those that are set in Paris - Breathless, Band of Outsiders and Vivre Sa Vie. Breathless is about a small time thief on the run who reunites with an American student in order to persuade her to run away with him. I love Breathless because it gives a much more romanticized look at 1960's Paris. The famous scene in which Jean Seaberg sells newspapers along the Champs-Elysses always come to my mind when I think of Paris. Shot along Paris's left bank, the film travels from the chic bars of St.Germain to the streets surrounding the Notre Dame. Band of Outsider's famous Lourve scene in which the three characters set out to beat the record of running through the Lourve in 9 minutes and 45 seconds is a staple of new wave Paris for me. Vivre Sa Vie is another film you should watch to get a feel of new wave Paris. Vivre Sa Vie documents the life of a prostitute called Nana who is played by the wonderful Anna Karina. Although it gives a lot more realistic look at Paris, it still has the mischievous charm of Godard movies and its fair share of chic cafe scenes.

The Dreamers (dir. Bernardo Bertolucci)

Although a large proportion of The Dreamers takes place in a Parisian flat, the film takes you on an extensive tour through French and Parisian culture. Set to the backdrop of the 1968 student riots, it tells the story of an American student (Michael Pitt) who forms a friendship with a brother (Louis Garrell) and sister (Eva Green). The trio are obsessed with film and often meet to discuss French new wave movies and Hollywood classics. I love The Dreamers because it cleverly intertwines film clips and cultural references with a romantic drama. Based on the French classic Les Enfants Terrible, the Bernardo Bertulocci film is a master class in French culture.

Last Tango in Paris (dir. Bernardo Bertolucci)

Another Bernardo Bertolucci film, Last Tango in Paris, tests the boundaries of the relationship between a widowed French hotelier played by Marlon Brando and a young French woman played by Maria Schneider. Like the Dreamers, the content of the film may put off some viewers (a certain infamous scene was a tough watch) but I think Last Tango is a real masterpiece. Last time I was in Paris, I stumbled across the building by the Bir Hakeim bridge which features a lot in the movie. Its actually a beautiful place to visit because you can view the Eiffel Tower from a relatively quiet spot without the usual tourist buzz.

Cleo from 5 to 7 (dir. Agnes Varda)

Cleo from 5 to 7 is another French New Wave film shot on location on the streets of Paris. It is about a narcissistic young French pop singer called Cleo who has been brought down to earth by a cancer scare. As she waits for the results of her biopsy, she wanders around Paris visiting many of the left bank shopping streets, river fronts and gardens. The film mixes the elements of a musical with a realist drama in a really charming way. I love the day in the life style of this film and I think it gives a really interesting insight into Paris in the sixties.

I hope these movies make you fall in love with Paris too. Let me know in the comments if there are any movies set in Paris that I need to see! :)

Bristol Event Guide February

I've made another alternative event guide for February. Although Kate Nash, Cabbage, Two Door Cinema Club and The Blondie Tribute at the Fleece are sold out this month, there are still lots of cool things to do ...

The Beatles Eight Days A Week

When: Monday 6th 7:30pm - 10pm

Where: The Louisiana

How Much: Free!

The Louisiana are screening The Beatles documentary Eight Days a Week for free next Monday. It really is a fantastic documentary so I'd catch this opportunity to see it if you can

Event Page

Record Fair and CD Fair 

When: Saturday 4th 10pm - 4pm

Where: Colston Hall

How Much: Free :)

The biggest record and cd fair in the South West takes place tomorrow in Colston Hall. There will be bargains and rarities from every genre you can think of. Its the perfect event for a record collector or music lover.

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There Will be Blood Live with the London Contemporary Orchestra

When: Tuesday 7th

Where: Colston Hall

How Much: £25.50 (student) £45.50

Although this event is a little bit more pricey, its an amazing opportunity to see the oscar-wining film There Will be Blood accompanied by a live orchestra.

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LA Witch

When: Wednesday 15th 8pm - 11pm

Where: The Crofters Rights

How Much: £6 (before) £7 (at the door)

As part of the Bristol Psych Fest, La Witch are playing at The Crofters Right with support from Taos Humm and Umi. La Witch are a psych rock band based in LA. For fans of the Dum Dum Girls, Bleached and Best Coast. Check out there single Get Lost.

Event Page

These Smiths and Transmission (The Smiths and Joy Division Cover Bands)

When: Saturday 18th 7pm -11pm

Where: The Fleece

How Much: £13

The Fleece are hosting two cover bands of Manchester finest The Smiths and Joy Division. Its a perfect chance to hear some of your favourite songs from the eighties indie scene

Event Page

Bristol Vintage Weigh and Pay

When: Sunday 19th 11pm - 5pm

Where: Motion

How Much: £1:50 entry £15 for 1kg

Probably one of the biggest vinatge fair this month. Hosted in Motion Bristol, you can pick up 1kg of vintage goodies for £15! If you pay an extra £1.50 for entry you can gain entry an hour earlier and get a pick of the best.

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January Photo Diary: VU Vinyl, Dream Wife and Bass Practice

January as usual was a slow month but some of the highlights included picking up some velvet underground vinyl, going to Dream Wife and learning to play bass

I wore my Hades jumper a good few times this month, its still one of my favourite fashion items :)

I bought a few dvds this month, the Marlon Brando documentary was really interesting, it included recordings of Brando himself and different pieces of footage. I haven't gotten around to watching the Godard movie yet but I can't wait because I've heard good things about it

I finally bought Loaded by the Velvet Underground. I don't know why I left it so long because I love Sweet Jane, Rock n Roll and New Age

I also bought this Velvet Underground live record in shop in Bristol called Repsycho, its mostly a vintage shop but in the basement they sell records too. I think the vinyl sleeve is amazing and its a double Lp so theres lots of live recording from 1969 in New York and Texas

using up my Christmas lush goodies - this one is the Christmas Pudding bathbomb

I went to see Dream Wife again this month. They played the Crofters Rights and it was completely sold out. I wore this silver cropped jumper from Urban Outfitters featuring a Dream Wife sticker

Dream Wife <3

as part of my New Year's resolution, I'm learning how to play the bass. I using the game Rocksmith to teach me some songs but I really should buy a book to learn some of the basic technical stuff (or maybe I'll try and find a good youtube tutorial)

I went a jam session in a warehouse in Bristol on the 28th. Its organised by an art collective called Jam Jar and its on the last Saturday of every month

I was also went to see Trainspotting 2 this month and I really liked it. I'm such a big fan of the first one and the second one really suprised me because it wasnt really about heroin this time but its based more on the characters, as always its really funny and Danny Boyle has some really creative shots in it

Thanks for reading :)

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Seven Alternative Events in Bristol This January

In a bid to get to know the city of Bristol better this year, I've been scouring Facebook events to find some fun things to do this month. I thought I'd compile this list for you too because sharing is caring and all. If you are looking for an alternative night out, then I've got you covered

Twin Peaks Night

Where: The Louisiana
When: 10th January (tomorrow) at 8:30pm
How Much: £5

The Louisiana are screening of the first two episodes of Twin Peaks tomorrow with a side of coffee and cherry pie (not sure if they are serious about the pie). Its the perfect event for Twin Peaks fans anxiously waiting for the new series or the perfect introduction to one of the biggest cult shows.

Facebook Event

Taxi Driver

When: 10th of January 7:30pm or 13th January 10pm
Where: Showcase Bristol Cinema De Lux
How Much: £8.10 (student), £10:30 (general)

If Twin Peaks isn't your cup of tea then you can catch a screening of Taxi Driver this week in any Showcase cinema. Taxi Driver is a critically acclaimed movie directed by Martin Scorsese about a mentally unstable Vietnam War veteran who works as a taxi driver in the seedy streets of New York.  I am very excited to see Taxi Driver on the big screen tomorrow, its been a few years since I seen it and I know Ill be blown away again.

Book Tickets

Dream Wife

When: 19th of January at 7:30pm
Where: The Crofters Rights
How Much: £8.00

I seem to becoming Dream Wife's PR lady because if mentioned them quite a few times on this blog already but I will be heading to this event in Bristol next week. I'm sure it will be an awesome night filled with music, dancing and craft beer.

Facebook Event

Les Demoiselles De Rochefort

When: 19th January 8pm
Where: The Cube
How Much: £5

As fate would have it Les Demoiselles De Rochefort is showing at the Cube the same night as Dream wife :( As a lover of French cinema, this movie has been on my watchlist for a very long time and I'm disappointed that I want be able to go. However, if you are free you should go! Les Demoiselles De Rochefort or The Young Girls of Rochefort (en Anglais) is a French musical featuring Catherine Deneuve and Francoise Dorleac who play two sisters who leave their seaside town of Rochefort in search of romance. It is the follow up to The Umbrellas of Cherbourg which is also a must see of French new wave cinema.

Book Tickets

Lou Lou's Vintage Fair

When: 21st January 11:am to 5pm
Where: The Passengers Shed
How Much: £3

Lou Lou's are hosting a January Sale special at the Passenger Shed which is right beside Temple Meads Station. There will be over 80 vintage stalls, a tea room and a live performance. There is even a vintage beauty salon where you can get victory rolls, pin curls and beehives.

Facebook Event

Trainspotting Party

When: 27th January 9pm-3am
Where: The Lanes
How Much: £3 (before 11pm) £4 (after 11pm)

If you are heading to the opening night of Trainspotting 2 then you should pop over to the Lanes after to hear that amazing soundtrack one more time. They will be playing nineties indie and rave anthems all night with lots of drinks specials. The Lanes are part bowling alley/part night club so you also have to option to throw a few bowls while you down a few shots.

Facebook Event

Supersonic Britpop Club Night

When: 27th of January 11pm-4am
Where: The Fleece
How much: £4 (advance) £5 (on the door)

If you didn't get enough nineties anthems at The Lanes then you could head to The Fleece's Nineties Britpop Night. The Fleece have a britpop club night on the last Friday of every month. Its probably the only place that play bands like Oasis, Pulp, Blur and The Stone Roses all night.

Facebook Event

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Dream Wife Live at The Louisiana Bristol

I finally got round to making a video from some footage I took at the Dream Wife and Black Honey gig at the Louisiana in Bristol on the 3rd of October. The footage of Black Honey was too shaky because the crowd went so crazy when they came on so I only included the Dream Wife footage.In this video they are playing Lolita, F.U.U. and Hey Heartbreaker. 

I have tickets to see Dream Wife again on the 19th of January in the Crofters Rights in Bristol and I cant wait! They are such a fun live band so you should go see them on their UK tour if you can. They are also playing at SXSW in the US in March :)

November Photo Diary: Paris, Pins and The Damned

this month I went to Paris for a weekend as a last minute birthday present for Chris, it was so nice seeing Paris in the autumn even if the weather wasn't great, the autumn leaves made up for it

we went back to the restaurant we loved last time, Zero Zero Sevres in Saint Germain des Pres, and it was just as good :) 

on our first night we visited Serge Gainsbourg's house which hasn't been changed since his death in 1991 with his collection of art, furniture and instruments still intact. You can read more about it here

it is covered in lots of graffiti like this one of Jane and Serge

the next day we went to Montmartre because we didn't get a chance to see it last time, I really loved this area and its possibly one of my favourite spots in Paris now. We visited the Moulin Rouge and then had lunch in a cafe beside it

we also went to a market that morning and bought this France Gall record, there were so many cool ornaments and anitques, I would have loved to had an extra suitcase and the ability to haggle in French 😄

near the Sacre Coeur there is a square called the Place Du Tertre where you can buy art or get a portrait made for you

there are really create views from the Sacre Coeur, I would love to go there again in the Summer when its not as cloudy

Montmartre is full of cute little scenes like this one (btw you can tell Im freezing)

we also went to the Arc de Triomphe, it was remembrance weekend and the commemoration of the Paris attacks that took place last year so there were extra flowers laid underneath

it rained a lot that evening but the streets still looked pretty, we walked past the famous Cafe De Flore on our way to a metro station (a lot of the stops were closed for renovation so finding our way around was difficult)

on the last morning we went to see the Eiffel Tower again, this time we wanted to view it from the other side - here is me badly imitating this Francoise Hardy picture 

we also accidentally found the bridge that is featured in the film Last Tango in Paris

I picked up a few souvenirs this time :)

another great thing that happened in November was the release of Johnny Marrs book. I started reading it on the way to Paris but I haven't been able to finish it because of uni work :( I can't wait until the Christmas break to finish it

I pre-ordered the copy from Waterstones so its signed too !!!

I also picked up a few things from Lush this month, I love the Christmas collection, I just want to try everything

its starting to feel a lot like Christmas, I havent totally gotten into the Christmas spirit yet but I've started buying presents for people and Im getting excited now, I really need to go ice skating or something to get in the festive spirit

we also went to see Pins this month at the Fleece. They were supporting Honeyblood and there set was so good. If you haven't heard of them already you should totally look them up because they are one of the best UK bands out there

I really loved this outfit I wore to Pins - the leopard print coat is from pull and bear, the mesh top from river island, the velvet bralet from new look, the velvet jeans from topshop and the boots from office (so much goes into an outfit 😅)

I also went home this month for the first time since the 5th of September, it was really nice being home and I made good use of my time by eating four meals a day hehe

I got my Christmas present early this year because I'm going home for Christmas soon and I wanted to set up the record player before I go. The turntable is by Audio Technica and the speakers are by Logitech, I'm really happy with them and I can't wait to play the records I bought when I didn't have a record player. I've been using my Dads record player for years so its so cool to have a new one :)

I went to the Damned for the first time on the last day of November. I seen them in Motion in Bristol which was absolutely freezing but there were so much fun and we had a great night :)

This post is so long, I should really start doing these updates weekly 😛 (the new emojis are weird but I still intend on using them)