What’s one of your favorite movies of all time? Did it inspire you to travel anywhere?
One of mine was the remake of the Thomas Crown Affair with Rene Russo and Pierce Brosnan. I wanted to be her. I wanted a closet filled with her tailored perfect-for-every-occasion clothes. I yearned to cancel all my appointments and obligations and hop on a private jet to the Caribbean. I wanted to eat with my fingers and sip expensive red wine while musing over a dare on whether that was a Renoir burning in a fire or just a copy. I contemplated being an art thief. I even auditioned for a small roll in an independent flick as soon as I read that I’d get to rappel down from a skylight in a museum and play an art thief. I got the part! But unfortunately I think the low budget film never saw a silver screen. We never did film the helicopter scene.
Van Gogh’s Wheat Field With Cypresses
But before museum curators start putting my picture on a “must watch” list … I should let you know I haven’t the skill (or the balls) to steal anything. Not even a piece of gum. In fact, the only thing I’ve ever stolen in my life was a Raggedy Andy doll from a gift shop when I was 4 years old. But that’s a different story.
Back in college I did look into getting into art insurance, but it’s not nearly as sexy as Rene made it look. Alas, in the end, the movie inspired me to travel. To visit islands by private jet. To dine in some of the best restaurants (though, Cipriani’s is still on my bucket list.) And finally, I’ve now sat on a bench in The Met in the presence of 18th and 19th century rock stars.
I’ll gladly stand shoulder to shoulder in a crowd of tourists just to catch a glimpse of these famous pieces. The difference is that instead of the deafening base from larger then life speakers, you hear nothing as admirers stand in a hushed silence, mouths gaped open in wonder and completely entranced.
My day at the Met was a lucky day. There wasn’t a soul around except for me and my husband Pete.
Yes, I do love art. I don’t care if that makes me a geek. Where ever I travel, I’ll always seek out a day at the museum.
Have any movies inspired your travels?
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