Travel + Film : Inspiration For Soulful Travellers
Included in the body of work by Kazuyo Kinoshita: A Retrospective exhibited at Nakanomisha Museum of Art, Osaka. Captured back in June 2024 I am happy to share the work by artist Kinoshita (1939-1994), who had a fascination of the nature of existence and who worked through these inquiries through the particular mediums of pastels, brushwork and photography. The majority of the artists; inquiry explored the relationship between image and perception / image and matter. A lucid expression if her idea translates as “While there is absolute existence and relative existence, there can only be one existence…”
As per the curators written description, [ the coloured parts of the photograph represent human sight and cognition. Unable to see the whole at once, we choose objects to see based on our own subjectivity. The existence of these objects is confirmed by our seeing them, and their being apprehended. ]. Coming across this image again brings to my mind the teachings of Yoga and of esoteric traditions at large, especially in relation to the ‘third eye’ - symbolising the clarity upon which we as individuals have the capacity to see the lens of life through. When these aforementioned eastern traditional are further disseminated through practices of eg. astrology, yoga, the concept of ‘cutting’ through illusion and harmonising distortion of the mind through practical actions that involve movement and engaging with the body consciously can be better appreciated. How do you see this concept, and image above ?
‘ All of us, when we travel, looks at the places we go, the things we see, through different eyes. And how we see them is shaped by our previous lives, the books we’ve read, the films we’ve seen, the baggage we carry.’
~ Anthony Bourdain, World Travel: An Irreverent Guide
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Welcome to a shortlist of my personal favourite feature films that have at one point in time stirred a curiosity for life, travel and leaning into the unknown. I came across most of these films as a late teen / early 20’s, the impressions made at that particular time of life can be special and last longer than expected. So, If watching quality films brings you energy to follow through and mobilise your resources and initiatives, then you may enjoy the list to come ! Having had a deep appreciation of the world of cinematic arts the following movies have sparked the ‘inner explorer’ in me, all of which would be happily watched again while in transit, in-bed, or on-board in the sky and would be recommend over and over. + a brief commentary on the overall mood and essence of each.
FILMS that move the mind-body ;
Anthony Bourdain : Parts Unknown (from 2013…) Travel Documentary Series (!) - a mostly unfiltered personable approach to travel and eating through the grounded lens of the late iconic chef and bohemian spirit of Anthony Bourdain.
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013) - a tenderly adventurous reminder to live in the body and not in the fantasy world of the mind for too long, and so much more.
Tracks (2014) - based on the true story of Robyn Davidson (author, explorer) starring Mia Wasikowska and Adam Driver. Journey alongside Robyn throughout the 2700 kilometre journey set in the Australian desert in company of four camels and a dog.
Julie & Julia (2009) - capturing the realities of a cooking enthusiast paying homage to a culinary hero through the journey of blogging. Watch the evolution of two daring women living in 1950 and 2002. It stars Meryl Streep and Amy Adams.
Dead Poets Society (1989) - A film that explores unorthodox creative thinking within an oppressive and rigid system, set in an elite private boarding school for boys.
The Lost Land of Z (2016) - actor Charlie Hunnam portrays the biographical story of a curious, adventurous British military man feeling the depths of duality between ancient and innovative worlds.
Amelie (2001) - a classic, off-beat indie movie that highlights the human condition of navigating pain and pleasure of mundane life while seeking moments of humour and heart throughout.
Captain Fantastic (2016) - Viggo Mortensen leads his off-grid family through the lessons of life he believes are worth building. We get a glimpse into a way in which to explore an unconventional and alternative way of living, its challenges and virtues.
The Hundred-Foot Journey (2014) - a colourful movie that weaves the spectrum of conflicting emotions set within the context of food, family and persevering with purpose.
A Bigger Splash (2015) - Set within the landscape of island life, a rockstar played by Tilda Swinton navigates the loss of voice whilst on a ‘relaxing’ vacation.
Memoirs of a Geisha (2005) - first a novel, then turned film. A now controversial angle on the life of Geishas in Kyoto that follows the story of a child born into poor circumstances navigating a life heavily led and controlled by others.
Midnight in Paris (2011) - where modern day duties and 1920’s Parisian dreams collide. Starring Own Wilson.
Lost in Translation (2003) - a nostalgic, outdated and complex film exploring relationships, travel and solitude. A glimpse into a transient encounter in Tokyo Starring Scarlett Johannsson and Bill Murray.
Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008) - a feast for the eyes and comedic drama indulgence. Starring Scarlett Johansson, Javier Bardem, Penelope Cruz.
A Good Year (2006) - An off-beat movie exploring the changing of home and values set within the vineyards of Provence. Directed by Ridley Scott, starring Russel Crowe and Marion Cotillard.
Call Me by your Name (2017) - a layered depiction of growing up, self-love, romance and friendship.
The Danish Girl (2015) - a biographical performance led by actor Eddie Redmayne and Alicia Vikander in 1920’s Denmark. Where the nuanced and complexity of love, identity and transgender discovery are courageously and sensitively explored from the lives of two artists.
I Am Love (2009) - Italian escapades are led by Tilda Swinton looking to break the bonds of family and societal expectations.
Death on the Nile (2022) - one of several adaptations of the original crime novel by Agatha Christie. Caters to a mood for mystery, opulence, quirk and hyper-glamorised version of Egypt.
‘Before’ series : Sunrise (1995) /Sunset (2004) /Midnight (2013) - themes of romance and personal evolution working within the boundaries of times passing, chance encounters and refreshing ones’ commitment to love - all within the beautiful landscapes of several European cities and villages.
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008) - a fantasy story of a man who ages backwards. It presents as a richly depicted story of the many seasons of life and the lasting effects of love. Starring Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett.
Phantom Thread (2017) - caters to anyone looking for a psychological period-drama focusing on power struggles within a complex relationship between a 1950’s designer and his ‘Muse.’
Clouds of Sils Maria (2014) - a slow paced, refreshing storyline exploring creativity, ageism and the entertainment industry set in the Swiss Alps. Starring Juliette Binoche, Kirsten Stewart, Chloe Grace Moretz.
Burnt (2015) - the dynamic story of a chef seeking redemption and recognition in the intense culinary world of London. Starring Bradley Cooper and Sienna Miller.
Eat, Pray Love (2010) - an autobiographical memoir by Elizabeth Gilbert invites us into the landscapes of India, Italy and Bali through a lens of spirituality and sensuality. Starring Julia Roberts.
Train Spotting (1996) - a novel by Irvine Welsh brings to focus the lives of a group of drug addicts and their raw, heart-wrenching escapades around Edinburgh. A dark story played exceptionally by all cast -which happen to have the ability to bring moments of warmth and heart-breaking humour to such roles.
Slumdog Millionaire (2008) - an epic story of a humble young Indian man proving that diverse and uncomfortable experiences have value.
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Without travelling to different countries I’ve found each film to provide an effect, to ignite a part of my curiosity that desired to be expanded. Just as the artist Kazuyo Kinoshita allowed for time and position of perspective to alter her view of the body work produced - seeing more of the image and defining objects as layered perspectives. It is through the creative arts that mediums such as cinema can invoke a reminder to for the observer to also journey into the vast landscapes of mind-body calling for inner experience and consideration through the gift of expansion a visual story can provide. By discerning what comes to our minds eye- what we watch, we have have the ability to invoke within us new material to create from and with.
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Receive the August edition of KiMaya Journals ‘Monthly Letter’ to further explore practice prompts and personal travel tales that inspire others also approaching a life lived with more courage and conviction. Journey here.
with gratitude, Frances
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Hari Om.
