We are probably very ready to go out for a beautiful dinner on a patio with friends, to dance all night at a new indie concert that our friend’s friend’s friend invited us to, or to go to the beach and let Cupid work his magic. Unfortunately for many of us, the world is not as ready as we are for our desires, but hey: “world” is just a concept and during these hard times, we’ve understood that it’s not that wild to relax at home, cook up a satisfying five star dinner while flicking through Netflix for a movie to watch. Here at NBGA, we’ve decided to whip up a little list of wine and film pairings for you to sultry up your next Friday evening at home. Ready?
Luca Guadagnino’s A Bigger Splash paired with Donna Fugata’s Tancredi
Luca Guadagnino’s movie is a pop-style remake of Jacques Deray’s La Piscine.
Be ready to immerse yourself into the savage rocks of Pantelleria’s landscape. An alluring Tilda Swinton will be joining you on the ride in the guise of an American rockstar who really does know how to enjoy relaxation, love, and good company. But it’s not all about relaxing and diving into the Damuso’s luxurious swimming pool, thanks to the arrival of the sparkling Ralf Finnes and his pseudo-lolita- daughter Dakota Johnson: summer holidays will be tinged with a bright red just like Tancredi’s wine you’re sipping on.
Tom Ford’s A Single Man paired with California Zinfandel
We’ve all loved the extraordinary work Tom Ford has executed as fashion director of Gucci fashion house during the 90s. His sexy yet refined pieces are unforgettable. What about his role as a film director? If you’re starving for aesthetics and on the hunt for visuals that will surely satisfy your hedonistic desires, you should take a moment and enjoy A Single Man.
Prepare to fall into the most lonely and yet appealing single day of a man, George Falconer (Colin Firth), who played a sad and repressed homosexual British university professor. It explores the hum of isolation following the death of George’s long term partner; not the easiest film to watch but absolutely and entirely gorgeous. Best with a chilled glass of California Zinfandel.
Ingrid Bergman’s Persona paired with Rondo Hällåkra Vingård
Bergman’s cinematic language is not for everyone. Definitely not. We are talking about one of the most complex and most refined artists of our time―all the more reason to approach his films. Persona is considered to be his most credible artistic testament since it includes all of the characteristic elements of his work.
Now, let’s leave aside the external descriptors for now. We wouldn’t want to reveal too much or to reduce with words the gorgeous intensity that this film possesses, nor the sublime beauty that can be understood/received only by looking at it: sipping a full-bodied glass of Swedish red wine.
Steve McQueen’s Shame paired with the strongest red you’re keeping at your place
This is not an easy film thing to watch by any means, but if you’re looking for a different perspective, or a deeper glimpse into the banality of our contemporary lifestyle then you should absolutely take a moment a watch Michael Fassbender’s interpretation of an attractive thirtysomething office worker who struggles with sex addiction and emotional avoidance.
Nothing here is particularly either sensual nor enjoyable, but every emotion is completely perceptible from the point of view of the audience, who can tangibly sense the isolation and human distance that take place within the story.
Federico Fellini’s La Dolce Vita paired with Casale del Giglio’s Mater Matuta
If you consider yourself a lover of cinema but you’ve never seen this masterpiece then you need to immediately solve this problem by opening a bottle of Mater Matuta, pressing play, and enjoying every sip of both this existential tango and your glass of red.
Fellini will guide you into the life of Marcella, a reporter who lives immersed in the pleasures of a mythological Rome, a Rome in which Hollywood stars and socialites swim in ancient fountains amongst the melancholic smells of sacred incense. A place where the deeper meaning of existence is a search that always seems unfulfilled.
Well, in any case, binge-watching this piece of art is an artistic exercise itself, not to mention an inspiration guide for anyone looking to get into cinema themselves. The opening montage is one of the greatest examples of how to compose a sequence with photography, music, and editing that can work just as well on its own. To enjoy the whole movie is however a truthful joy for both eyes, spirit and brain.
Let us know over on our Instagram which films you love to pair with your late-night glass!
