Fatcork Flix

Had to cancel that dreamy Euro trip? Getting stir crazy? Good news! You can still digitally escape the house and transport yourself through an old fashioned movie night. 

Being cooped up doesn’t have to be all bad. Pop some corn, grab a blanket, and get horizontal! Here are some of our favorite flicks and bubble pairings for your extended time on the couch. Oh, and don’t forget to get up and stretch every once in a while. 

Marie Antoinette (2006)

Sofia Coppola's period drama, starring Kirsten Dunst, retells the story of the iconic but ill-fated young queen during her extravagant years before the French Revolution.  From her betrothal and marriage to Louis XVI at fifteen to the notorious and dramatic end of her reign, there’s plenty of pulpy historical musings to go around. Whip out your coupe glasses and feast your eyes on the lavish opulence of wild hairdos, gaudy wallpaper, and buckets of Champagne as you watch the young queen spiral out of control.

Pairs well with Jean Baillette-Prudhomme’s Brut Reserve, cake and a spread of macarons.

Chocolat (2000)

A charming light-hearted fable set in a tranquil, old fashioned French town. The nomadic and mysterious Vivanne Rocher (Juliette Binoche) & Daughter Anouk blow into town with the wind (literally), bringing chocolate and friendship while uprooting a stubborn and traditional community. 

And yes, even Johnny Depp makes an appearance as a brooding Irish gypsy with guitar skills and a low neck ponytail. Bonus points for Judi Dench as cranky old woman turned softie (our favorite role for her).

Pairs well with our Romance in the Air gift set—Rosé bubbles and Theo’s caramel chocolates!

Midnight in Paris (2011)

A fantasy comedy that dances back and forth between real life and “La belle epoque.” Gil (Owen Wilson) and Inez (Rachel McAdams) travel to Paris as tag-along companions of her globetrotting parents. Gil, struggling to find inspiration for his novel, finds the city and its infectious nightlife captivating. With Inez dancing with friends every night, Gil finds himself taking long walks at midnight to capture the inspiration he so desires. Will he find it?

Pairs well with Petit le Brun Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs,  cobblestone streets, and an overactive imagination.

Paris, Je T'aime (2006)

NY Times calls this film “a cinematic tasting menu consisting entirely of amuse-bouches.” Through an anthology of eighteen vignettes, twenty-two filmmakers have five minutes each to interweave each-others short clips into one cohesive story. Each short takes place in a different arrondissement of Paris, with a running theme of love for one another and of course a love of Paris.

Pairs well with Adrien Redon Extra Brut, a hunk of crusty baguette, sliced radishes & rich butter.

Amélie (2001)

Audrey Tatou shines as the star of the film. As a shy waitress she finds herself on a quest to make others feel happy, all while pursuing a quirky young beau who collects old photo booth pictures. This, all after she returns a long lost childhood item of the occupant who used to live in her apartment and sees the profound effect it has on him. The sound track is killer, too!

Pairs well with Vadin-Plateau Intuition and garden gnomes.

La Vie en Rose (2007)

An extraordinary performance from Marion Cotillard as Edith Piaf, this biopic tells the incredible tragic story of the famed singer.

Watch as this daughter of a street singer and a circus acrobat overcome abandonment, illness, and heartbreak and how she becomes one of France’s most iconic artists.

Pairs well with Adrien Redon Rosé & red lipstick.

The Artist (2011)

Rotten Tomatoes deems this flick “a crowd pleasing tribute to the magic of silent cinema.” Romance, comedy, and drama. You get it all in this black and white silent film adorned by a whimsical musical soundtrack. Simply no words are needed to dive deep into the story of this aging film idol who develops a relationship with a young, peppy dancer against the backdrop of Hollywood's transition from silent to talkies.

Paris well with Mathieu-Gandon Millesime 2008, pencil mustaches & Russel Terriers. 

Other suggestions for the bubble slinging, couch dwelling, bon vivants:

• Love me if you dare (2003)

• Bottle Shock (2008)

• A Year in Champagne (2014)

• A Year in Burgundy (2013)

• Wine Country (2019)

• Sideways (2004)

• A Walk in the Clouds (1995)

• Cement Suitcase (2013)

• French Kiss (1995)

• Red Obsession (2013)

• Langhe Doc (2011)

• Wine for the confused (2004)

• A Good Year (2006)

• A Heavenly Vintage (2009)

• Year of the Comet (1992)

There are so many great ones, it might be hard to choose. But you can't go wrong with any of these. Time to head to the couch!

Cheers,
Team fatcork!