My weekend was consumed (because of the weather and lack of money) by an impromptu marathon of foreign and independent movies that I'd bought along the way but had yet to get around to watching.

Boy was I glad that I did.

Not only is my Spanish better after watching three (or was it four) movies in that language, but my creativity was inspired and I felt compelled to start writing poetry and other stuff afterward. Weird, huh?

Among the movies on the list (not complete, I know I'm missing a few):

Paris Je T'aime Volver Talk to Her The Sea Inside Elephant The Science of Sleep

All moving and stirring and fun in their own way.

Although my brain felt a little mushy after that much time in front of a TV, it was well worth it.

Elephant, if you haven't seen it, is fairly brilliant and disturbing and simple all at the same time.

Paris was the equivalent of a collection of short stories. A lovely smattering of styles and themes, etc.

Volver wasn't what I expected, but was still pretty enjoyable. And Penny Cruz is really a lovely girl, so it's easy to watch.

Talk to Her. Sort of creepy, beautiful, wonderful. Dunno what to think of that one.

The Sea Inside was sort of inspiring without being the American over-the-top, in-your-face "We Are the Titans" brand of inspiration, if that makes any sense. Again, kind of beautiful in a simple, subdued way that I'm beginning to really appreciate.

And The Science of Sleep (which I think was the last one I watched) left me wishing I'd had more sleep because I had a hard time paying attention and keeping up with it. But it's so whimsical and fun, it's easy to like.

Others I should add to my list??