Grace for Grace of Monaco

If you want to sacrifice

the admiration of many men for the criticism of one, 

go ahead, get married.

Katharine Hepburn

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A film I’ve been looking forward to seeing has been thoroughly trashed by critics. When it was released at the Cannes Film Festival this month, the family whose story it’s supposed to tell declared it may not be labeled a biopic for failing to represent their version of reality “needlessly glamorized and historically inaccurate.” The director and the US film distributor want different finished versions of the film. The critics were extra harsh in their reviews of Grace of Monaco, starring Nicole Kidman as Grace Kelly. Geoffrey MacNab of The Independent was already gentle in saying, “Kidman excels in a role in which she is called on to project glamour and suffering in equal measure – and is never allowed to be seen in the same outfit twice.” 

Why so much clamor over a movie?  Why miss out on a good story by insisting on accuracy and perfection? Goddess knows more pedestrian productions based on the good old formula of sex and violence have made billions in box office revenues. Why not appreciate this film for the relevance of its story line: the human portrait of a woman as a prisoner of her (royal) circumstances,  striving to find her own way in the world as she reconciles her needs with those of her family and her man like this Powerful Goddess?

Casting Nicole as Grace is perfect with her regal air and elegant restraint.  As a woman, I admire her for shining as her own person, delighting in her own talents, and breaking free from the shadow of her famous ex-husband. I applaud the creators and artists who put their best foot forward with their best intentions in making this film. While critics may have their place in helping us do better, no movie, no art, no life would ever be created or lived if we were to constantly consider their opinion.  We must do what we need to do just as critics must do what they do–if they didn’t, we would have to call them fans!  Like Grace, we can choose to be kind to ourselves, be our own best friend and supporter especially when venturing to distant lands and new adventures far from the approval of family and friends. And please do so in great style!  I personally relish the thought of never having to wear the same outfit twice.

Click on “Leave a Comment” to share how you silence your inner critic.

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xoxox

© Sharon Birke

201 697 1947

Sharon@PowerfulGoddess.com

www.PowerfulGoddess.com

Glamour Portraits of the Goddess in Every Wife & Mother

What Would Grace Do?

I have to be seen to be believed.

Queen Elizabeth ll

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Vogue’s April issue featured a tribute to the movie The Rear Window.  Nicole Kidman angles for an Oscar with the movie Grace of Monaco this December.  That Hermes bag is still highly coveted over half a century after Grace Kelly was first seen with it.  Starting out as a model before charming Hollywood and capturing the heart of a Prince, Grace Kelly’s signature style of neatly pinned hair and pale tailored outfits endures.

Her Royal Highness inspired the timeless portraits of this Powerful Goddess here. Even Grace would kiss the ground this woman walks on for being a down to earth inspiration of generosity and joy.  If you were lucky to be blessed by her friendship, you’d be even more impressed to know that this lovely queen of her domain does not delegate the care of her own hearth and home.

For those who want to behave, flirt and live like Her Highness, What Would Grace Do? is in bookstores now (Gotham Books, $26).   Click on “Leave a Comment” (above left) to add to this list of Her Grace’s movie classics:

  1. High Society.  Her musical comedy starring Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra.
  2. High Noon. Kelly does a Western with the conflicted Gary Cooper.
  3. To Catch a Thief.  As Alfred Hitchcock’s favorite muse in her Hollywood days, Grace stars in these 3 classics.
  4. Dial M For Murder.  Another Hitchcock film.
  5. Rear Window. Arguably one of Hitchcock’s best, Grace stars with Jimmy Stewart.

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© Sharon Birke

201 697 1947

Email me

www.PowerfulGoddess.com

Glamour Portraits of the Goddess in Every Wife & Mother

xoxox

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