Episode 201: Movies about Tourism

[johnnyunusual]

Good episode, though no one really stayed on topic. That's not a bad thing, but I was really hoping you were going to talk about the last segment in Parie, J'Taime, which was by far the best segment in the movie (which wasn't bad, but definitely had some weak bits). It's very sweet and beautiful.

[Dr Handsome]

Oh yeah, I've been meaning to re-watch some of those shorts! Like you said, it's not one perfect segment after another but it moves at such a brisk pace that it's easy to forgive it's slower portions. I do remember enjoying the Coen Brothers' contribution.

While Lost in Translation is my favorite movie "about tourism" Roman Holiday is probably my favorite vacation movie. Unlike the National Lampoon movies where the slapstick revolves around the stress of vacationing, this movie highlights the carefree fun of it all and pulls it off in such a genuinely delightful way. Audrey Hepburn (in her first starring role), Gregory Peck, and Eddie Albert are a joy to follow around as they tour Rome and escape responsibility for a few days. In the awkward and meandering words of the film's trailer: all the things happen to them that you'd always hoped for on the happiest day of your life.

Funny Face, also starring Audrey Hepburn, includes a cheery little musical number about American tourists visiting Paris. Before it begins the three leads all agree that they're too tired to go out and would rather spend the afternoon in their hotel rooms but obviously that doesn't happen. Show tunes are sung, choreographed routines are danced, and at one point Audrey Hepburn rides atop a priceless 17th century horse statue!

Now can someone explain why there's always a scene involving Audrey Hepburn getting her hair cut?