Nostalgia amidst Satiation

Yes, satiation took hold of my persona: having had more than enough holidays, disruption to normal routines, helpers deserting for the New Year, and even food.

- BY NAN

The definition of the word 'satiation' goes thus: "state of being fully satisfied, often to the point of being overfilled, or even weary, specially with something like food or pleasure." Yes, it came to the point of weariness, even of exchanged good wishes as Easter followed the Sinhala and Tamil New Year by one week.

Scrolling down Netflix list of films desultorily after a friend's treat of biryani, I seemed to be satiated with a sense of weariness in films advertised. Our list is very different from what the Americans are given concession made to local audience with many Hindi, Tamil, Korean and other foreign cinematic productions included. I selected to see a perennial favourite which I had enjoyed immensely.

Classic in many ways

Roman Holiday of 1953 is what I watched with nary a hint of boredom after having seen it many times before, not only whole but in parts as in videos to accompany sentimental golden oldies of our time (60, 70 years ago!) Directed and produced by William Wyler of Hollywood and filmed outdoors in Rome and Cinecitta studios, it starred Gregory Peck, selected to star in the role of the American journalist eking out an existence in Rome; first choice having been Cary Grant. Audrey Hepburn who plays Princess Ann was new to stardom, having just had a screen test in England. She went on to win the Academy Award for Best Actress while the film bagged the Oscars for best story and best costume design - Edith Head designer.

The Italian Ministry of Tourism had originally refused permission for the movie to be filmed on location in Rome on the grounds that it would 'degrade Italians.' Wyler had wanted to film in colour, but the cost being prohibitive, he resigned himself to B&W.