Cinemoi had a Romy Schneider season in the Spring which still left one wondering at her iconic status as one of the great female actresses of European films. While I have seen her described as beautiful, this is surely journalistic exagerration as she is easy on the eye but no head-turner.
'L'important c'est d'aimer' is a poor film but it must be hard for a good eactress to play a poor one trying to be good without resorting to over-acting. "Les Choses de la Vie' and 'Max and the Junkmen' were definitely worth watching to see Michel Piccoli in top form but Schneider's roles in both films were underwritten so much that she was a copher. 'Le Train' is something of a 'why was it made?' sort of film but at least she was better than Trintignant though he is another mystery! "A Woman at the Window' is another poor film saved bu a fine piece of acting, this time by Philipe Noiret; Schneider seemed ill at ease in her role which could have been better played.
Her career blossomed with her early playing of Sissi, the Austrian princess of the late 19th Ct, in three films which I have not seen. Her forays into US productions are on a par with those of many actresses who refused to be moulded into the expected Hollywood conception and her role in 'Plein Soleil' is again a little underwritten. Possibly there are films that do reveal an actress of great qualitiy but what I have seen to date does not bear this out.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Why the delay?
Dealing with the Vuelta a Espana which gave Valverde his first Grand Tour and Cadel Evans another podium place( though one
wonders what would have happened had he not lost a full minute through a very slow wheel change at as inopportune a moment as there could be) kept me occupied through 19 September with the subsequent World Championships which saw
Cadel Evans at last throw off the 'doesn't attack' epithet as he took the Elite Road Race title and the Boassen Hagen triumph in the Tour of Britain adding to the load. With only two more Classics to come, life should settle down to a more regular pattern.
wonders what would have happened had he not lost a full minute through a very slow wheel change at as inopportune a moment as there could be) kept me occupied through 19 September with the subsequent World Championships which saw
Cadel Evans at last throw off the 'doesn't attack' epithet as he took the Elite Road Race title and the Boassen Hagen triumph in the Tour of Britain adding to the load. With only two more Classics to come, life should settle down to a more regular pattern.
Monday, September 14, 2009
General Remarks
That brings the previous blog on to this one in full although its predecessor is, alas, lost in the void of cancelled electronics. The time since June when the previous entry was made has been spent readin back issues of 'Interzone' rather than any novels until not too long ago. Since the magazines dated b ack to 2000, reading them was long overdue and there is still a
long way to go to get up to date -watching cycling, films on TV etc. seems to occupy rather more of my time than it did which
may be a function of increasing years and reduced energy. There are still a few entries needed to bring myself up to date but these will all be original ones not previously entered ones.
long way to go to get up to date -watching cycling, films on TV etc. seems to occupy rather more of my time than it did which
may be a function of increasing years and reduced energy. There are still a few entries needed to bring myself up to date but these will all be original ones not previously entered ones.
Leon, Donna: Suffer the Little Children (15.06.09)
After a somewhat untypically violent opening, the continuing tales of Commisario Brunetti settles down the more normal espansive narrative with well-wrought scenes of family life interspersed with the criminal investigation (or should it be the other way round). Well up to the high standard of previous works, the only jarring note for me was the dialogue between Brunetti and the victim of the initial violence which brings the story to a close. While the denouement was anticipated in that it had been all but spelt out, the way it was laid out was not to my liking.
Sleuth: Shaffer/Mankiewicz/Branagh 905.05.09)
The original play by Anthon Shaffer opened with Anthony QWuayle and Kieth Baxter in the lead roles in 1970 before running for some 1200 plus performances on Broadway also with Quayle in the lead, Patrick MacNee taking over later.
It was rapidly followed by the 1972 film directed by Joseph Mankiewicz with Laurence Olivier and Michael Caine to the playwright's own script. The plot is si9mple - a games loving best selling mystery writer persuades his wife's young lover to visit him in his country house, purportedly to discuss a divorce, but then plays a self-devied game with him. The film is set in a traditionally styled house (athelhampton in reality) with all the expected appurtenances of a rich country gentleman's life. The stage origins are emphasised by the opening shots which move in from a proscenium surround to the house's grounds. Olivier displays his usual run of histrionic tricks and funny voices in something of a virtuoso display to which caine as a half-Italian up-and-coming fashionable hairdresser responds in a much less flashy style - rather Harry Palmerish with emotion. This was Mankiewicz's last film and it does nothing to damage his reputation with few wasted shots and scenes, the two hours plus passing effortlessly in what is very much only a slightly opened out version of the stage play: effortless directing and excellent acting together give the film a high rating.
Kenneth Branagh refilmed the play in 2007 with a script by Harold Pinter with Michael Caine again, this time in the role of the writer and Jude Law in the role Caine had in the first film. Still set in a cvountry house but this one with an ultra-modern interior designed by the wife and with far less emphasis on games. The main differences are firstly, the debasing of the language to the extent that it seemed that every other word was either f...ing or c..., completely unnecessarily, secondly, that Law is now an out-of-work actor who also does hairdressing and thirdly, and most importantly from a cinematic point of vierw, Branagh seems to have discovered that cameras can be angled to record scenes or part scenes from ridiculous angles, none of which are in the last way helpful to developing or understanding the plot. With Caine's non-theatrical background, his role is far less histrionic than the Olivier one and `law again shats that, pace 'Alfie', he should not essay repeats of roles previously played by Caine. Seeing the two films back to back (though the eaelier one seen secondly was skip-watched) makes for the comparisons suggested but the more recent film has moved sufficiently away from the play that it is almost a different story and deserves to be considered in isolation, hard though this is to do (how does one dismiss memories). of the two, the former is the better film, even with Olivier, and the latter would be a better film, even with Law, had Branagh restrained himself
Comment
A far more complete and therefore better review than mine, but I think we agree which of the two films is the superior. I still can't believe that for once a remake was shorter than the original but as you rightly point out they are, in the end, really two different movies starting from the same basic plot but moving in wildly different directions.
pppatty
It was rapidly followed by the 1972 film directed by Joseph Mankiewicz with Laurence Olivier and Michael Caine to the playwright's own script. The plot is si9mple - a games loving best selling mystery writer persuades his wife's young lover to visit him in his country house, purportedly to discuss a divorce, but then plays a self-devied game with him. The film is set in a traditionally styled house (athelhampton in reality) with all the expected appurtenances of a rich country gentleman's life. The stage origins are emphasised by the opening shots which move in from a proscenium surround to the house's grounds. Olivier displays his usual run of histrionic tricks and funny voices in something of a virtuoso display to which caine as a half-Italian up-and-coming fashionable hairdresser responds in a much less flashy style - rather Harry Palmerish with emotion. This was Mankiewicz's last film and it does nothing to damage his reputation with few wasted shots and scenes, the two hours plus passing effortlessly in what is very much only a slightly opened out version of the stage play: effortless directing and excellent acting together give the film a high rating.
Kenneth Branagh refilmed the play in 2007 with a script by Harold Pinter with Michael Caine again, this time in the role of the writer and Jude Law in the role Caine had in the first film. Still set in a cvountry house but this one with an ultra-modern interior designed by the wife and with far less emphasis on games. The main differences are firstly, the debasing of the language to the extent that it seemed that every other word was either f...ing or c..., completely unnecessarily, secondly, that Law is now an out-of-work actor who also does hairdressing and thirdly, and most importantly from a cinematic point of vierw, Branagh seems to have discovered that cameras can be angled to record scenes or part scenes from ridiculous angles, none of which are in the last way helpful to developing or understanding the plot. With Caine's non-theatrical background, his role is far less histrionic than the Olivier one and `law again shats that, pace 'Alfie', he should not essay repeats of roles previously played by Caine. Seeing the two films back to back (though the eaelier one seen secondly was skip-watched) makes for the comparisons suggested but the more recent film has moved sufficiently away from the play that it is almost a different story and deserves to be considered in isolation, hard though this is to do (how does one dismiss memories). of the two, the former is the better film, even with Olivier, and the latter would be a better film, even with Law, had Branagh restrained himself
Comment
A far more complete and therefore better review than mine, but I think we agree which of the two films is the superior. I still can't believe that for once a remake was shorter than the original but as you rightly point out they are, in the end, really two different movies starting from the same basic plot but moving in wildly different directions.
pppatty
Hill, Reginald: An April Shroud (03.05.09)
I don't recall having read any Hill novels before though I may have done. This one dates from 1975 so is an early entry in the Dalziel and Pascoe saga. Concentrating almost exclusively on Dalziel during a reluctantly taken holiday, it is both well written with believable characterisation and an interesting plot but also with a lot of humour to the extent that it is almost a comic novel rather than a crime one
Fowler, Christopher: Disturbia (27.04.09)
An aspiring writer has to solve a series of clues to different locations in London to stay alive after he becomes involved with a group of upper-class neo-fascists. Displaying his usual erudition and love of the unusual, Fowler has told a fast-moving tale which is anything but pleasant as there are a number of murders in the run-up to the denouement which has an almost unbelievable twist. Bryant of the Bryant and May books has a brief appearance as do others appeaing in the stories though they all are peripheral to the main story. Well-written but the overall effect was not at all pleasant.
Gold, Glen David: Carter Beats the Devil (18.04.09)
This long novel took some time getting through. Many chapters are excellent in themselves and the basic story an interesting none though it does get lost in the pyrotechnic display of information about the mechanics of magic. I have read it over a quite lengthy period as the book is too large for reading on the train etc., but it was interesting enough for me to persevere to the end. I don't know if i would have rated it more highly had I read it more immediateoly but I think now - well written and plotted but too diverse.
Frightfest 2009: OneDay Event (09.04.09)
The regular one day taster was held this year at the Prince Charles and a fine and varied programme of films it turned out to be.
EMBODIMENT OF EVIL
A continuation of the Coffin Joe series and thus an acquired taste which I do not have. A lot of the imagery was well done and the quality of the film noticeably higher than I remember from the early films.
SHUTTLE
Even though taking place at night, this was darkly lit and rather confusingly filmed though the basic story was interesting and several of the effects well done. In some ways it was a refreshing (!) change for the feisty heroine to lose out after coming close to success more than once. The sort of film that would, in the good old days, have been a fine scond feature if cut back somewhat.
REPO! THE GENETIC OPERA
This was a hoot as long as it was not taken seriously. A sort of 'Little Ship of Horrors' for tomorrow with some good performances from Paul Sorvino and others though the female lead was rather under-powered voicewise.
LESBIAN VAMPIRE KILLERS
This was the surprise film receiving its premiere as ther had been someproblem with what should have been the first showing. The comic duo from TV is not one I know since my funny bone started to go when Morecambe and Wise stopped but they were pleasant enough in the small undemanding film. Some critics have subsequently buried it under a weight of comment the film is just not meant to have and some of the comments about the mainly female cast were a little cruel though none are great beauties: Myanna Buring who is the leade female is rather nice, however. Taken as a mindless bit of fun, it worked.
NOT QUITE HOLLYWOOD
A lengthy documentary on Australian cinema from the 60s to date outside the 'serious' efforts of such as Peter Weir. Dealing with smutty humour, nudity, shock and gore followed by horror it had a fine selection of clips though the inane remarks of the inevitable Quentin Tarantino added nothing.
We skipped the final film as we have a copy though my recololection of it is that it has some good gore effects and little else.
Comment
Glad to see that you finall got around to this - again you are far more lenient than I
pppatty
EMBODIMENT OF EVIL
A continuation of the Coffin Joe series and thus an acquired taste which I do not have. A lot of the imagery was well done and the quality of the film noticeably higher than I remember from the early films.
SHUTTLE
Even though taking place at night, this was darkly lit and rather confusingly filmed though the basic story was interesting and several of the effects well done. In some ways it was a refreshing (!) change for the feisty heroine to lose out after coming close to success more than once. The sort of film that would, in the good old days, have been a fine scond feature if cut back somewhat.
REPO! THE GENETIC OPERA
This was a hoot as long as it was not taken seriously. A sort of 'Little Ship of Horrors' for tomorrow with some good performances from Paul Sorvino and others though the female lead was rather under-powered voicewise.
LESBIAN VAMPIRE KILLERS
This was the surprise film receiving its premiere as ther had been someproblem with what should have been the first showing. The comic duo from TV is not one I know since my funny bone started to go when Morecambe and Wise stopped but they were pleasant enough in the small undemanding film. Some critics have subsequently buried it under a weight of comment the film is just not meant to have and some of the comments about the mainly female cast were a little cruel though none are great beauties: Myanna Buring who is the leade female is rather nice, however. Taken as a mindless bit of fun, it worked.
NOT QUITE HOLLYWOOD
A lengthy documentary on Australian cinema from the 60s to date outside the 'serious' efforts of such as Peter Weir. Dealing with smutty humour, nudity, shock and gore followed by horror it had a fine selection of clips though the inane remarks of the inevitable Quentin Tarantino added nothing.
We skipped the final film as we have a copy though my recololection of it is that it has some good gore effects and little else.
Comment
Glad to see that you finall got around to this - again you are far more lenient than I
pppatty
Manotti: Dominique: Lorraine Connection (09.04.09)
An interesting combination of industrial espionage, murder and the darker workings of government policies which uses real rather than imaginary firms. I assume that the basis for the story at the local level is invented though the high-powered scheming may well be a feasible interpreation os what may have happened. There is a steady pace throughout even during what are necessary explanatory or background passages and most of the leading players well described though many of the lesse ones are but ciphers - as it should be. It certainly kept my attention with the result that I read the book ssomewhat more rapidly than usual
Glauser, Friedrich: Fever (09.04.09)
Sergeant Studer finds himself in Paris at the start of the book, then Basel and Bern before returning to Paris and then travelling to a Moroccan outpost of the Foreign Legion in disguise in this very complicated tale of murder and greed. possibly because of the numerous changes in location and the occasional unexplained coincidences, I found this less satisfying than the books firmly set nin Switzerland while still admiring the excellence of the plotting and the economical use of language. As I have mentioned before, how much of one's appreciation is due to the translator rather than the originator is hard to decide though it must be assumed that the style of the former has to match that of the latter as closely as possiblt to prudce a satisfactory result
Glauser, Friedrich: The Spoke (09.04.09)
Returning to this writer after some time has passed, I was again delighted with the simple straightforward telling of what was a somewhat complex murder plot. Featuring Sergeant Studer again, the characters are all economically but believably portrayed and some parts, like the description of the village midway through nthe novel, are poetic without being overblown. It is easy to accept that Glauser was one of nthe greats of the inter-war crime story.
Dieu Seul Me Voit: Bruno Podalydes (02.03.09)
The first film I have seen on the new Cinemoi channel wich shows only Frecnh films - some classics, others not. This falls into the latter class though it is pleasant enough. It is the story of a boom operator who, over a few days, finds himself the lust object of three different women in a rather limited environment. Quite amusing in places though not as frothy as some French comedies can be, this film relies on the acting of the main characters, all of whom acquit themselves adequately.
Comment
Just a postscript: the lead actor is the director's brother and also had a hand in the not too brilliant screenplay.
pppatty
Comment
Just a postscript: the lead actor is the director's brother and also had a hand in the not too brilliant screenplay.
pppatty
Les Portes de la Nuit: Marcel Carne (02.03.09)
Apparently intended as a vehicle for Gabin and Dietrich which would have provided a completely different film, this moody evocation of Paris in the final year of World War II is not that good. Perhaps it is wrong to expect name directors to provude the goods in all their films (cf. John Ford and 'Gideon's Day') but this did not click. A rather melodramatic tale which was not helped by the wooden acting of Miss Nattier as the love interest, it has some nice touches - the sub-pot of the daughter and her new boyfriend, for instance, with Dany Robin shining as the young girl - but the main interest of the film now is like to be the appeance of Yves Montand in an early role and the theme music known in the USA and UK as 'Autumn Leaves' from the Johnny Mercer versiopn of the original Jacques Prevert verses.
Voyages Secrets: Paul Prevert (02.03.09)
Part of a Jacques Prevert/Marcel Carne season at the BFI, this farce was written by the former and directed by his brother. A simple robbery is conflated with a failing motor coach firm and an off screen revolution to provide a series of delightful visual gags which keep the action moving admirably. no great opus this but a pleasing diversion from the rather odd motor coach
that takes its clients on the mystery tour to an early appearance Martine Carol in the lead female role.
that takes its clients on the mystery tour to an early appearance Martine Carol in the lead female role.
Kent, Christobel: A Florentine Revenge (02.03.09)
While the description of Florence and its surroundings came across well as did the feeling of the city in winter, the overall pacing was on the slow side with the climactic scenes a long time coming. What did spoil an otherwise reasonably pleasing novel was the epilogue, especially the final page of it. The3 explanatory coda was acceptable but the book should have ended there.
Homes, Geoffrey: Build My Gallows High (Out od the Past)(19.02.09)
it is no wonder that the film is as highly praised as it is since the author of the book provided the screenplay which allowed Robert Mitchum and Jane Greer to give such memorable performances. The book must rate as one of the foremost of the genre - a complicated story of double cross wuth its roots in the past played out against a tender love story with the unfortunate but inevitable ending. Both the direct action and the interspersed almost lyrical descriptive passages are the work of a master craftsman.
Youth Without Youth: Francis Ford Coppola (19.02.09)
Based on a short story by the Romanian philosopher Mircea Eliade whose best known work is probably 'The Sacred and the Profane', this is completely unlike anything else Coppola has done. An elderly man falls and, while in hospital becomes much younger in appearance while retaining the memories of his life. Tim Roth plays the central role extermely well in a mesmerising film about belief and memory which demands another viewing to understand its complexity. Unlike "Banjamin Button' which is a strightforward tale of a baby born physically old and regressing through life to die as an infant, 'Youth Without Youth' is a far more complax examination of what it means to be human.
Face of Another: Hiroshi Toshiguhara (19.02.09)
A man badly disfigured in an inductrial accident which he caused is rejected physically by his wife. The doctor treaing him persuades him to try a new technique which requires him to select a live person's face which is then somehow fitted over his while still leaving the original intact and still in place. He does this and sets out to seduce his wife which he does successfully only to find out from her that she knew about it all along. he leaves her and the film ends with his killing the doctor. The film is low key with no 'horror' images as seen in 'Yeux Sans Visages', for example, though there are some deliberate distortions through various items of laboratory equipment. Near the end there is a rather disturbing scene of the man and doctor walking against a crowd of masked figures. The question of the extent to which appearance determines identity and behavious lies at the heart of the film and no real conclusion is reached. The man has a new face which gives him a new confident approach yet he is still the same husband that his wife has always known despite her physical rejection of him earlier in the film - her willingness to be seduced was because she thought that was what he wanted rather than any weakness on her part. A Japanese existential movie which is not as well known as it should be.
Four Months, three weeks and two days: Cristian Mungiu (19.02.09)
This highly praised and critically acclaimed film has recently received yet another reward and I still wonder why. I have seen comments claiming this is an indictment of the Ceacescu regime but the only real difference between the setting and that of an industrial city in Western Europe is the limited street lighting and the only other difference is that graduates are directed to their first employment which, with the state paying for their education, does not seem that unreasonable (cf soldiers in the UK having a university education in return for a given number of years' service). The acting of the female lead is first-rate even if her relationship with the girl needing, and getting, the abortion is not as clear as it might be and she is well supported by the rest of the cast. There are some fine camera shots especially during the night scenes but the overall impression I had was of a well-made film of no great significance about an incident of importance to thos involved but no more - the Dardenne brothers produce films that are as well-made, if not better, and every bit as miserable!
Pryce, Malcolm: Don't Cry For Me Aberystwyth (10.02.09)
The fourth Louie Knight noir in the parallel universe where Aberystwyth is home to, among others, veterans of the Patagonian war. With most of the characters continuing from the previous novels, the murder of Father Christmas starts the story off with Adolf Eichmann, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Etta Place, Mossad and the Pinkertons all playing a part. this is a briliant mix of noir and spy fiction with the latter being dominant. The many twists are reminiscent of those spy thrillers where no-one is quite who or what they seem to be with the whole revolving around the solidness of the ongoing cast led by Knight, his partner Calamity, his father Eeyore and his recovered love Myfanwy. brilliant in both conception and execution.
Kirino, Narsuo: Real World (10.02.09)
A rather strange novel about four girl students, one of whom lives next door to a weedy student they call 'Worm' who murders his mother, steals the main girl's bike and mobile telephone which then leads him to talk to all of them. One actually goes off with him which results in a tragic end for her. In few words, the author conveys the world of the girls and their respective natures very well though the overall impression is one of some disquiet - possibly this is intended.
Sullivan, Tricia: Double Vision (03.01.09)
An interesting novel in which the heroine seems to be employed as a human filter for images transmitted from a far-off planet where there is a battle between humans and The Grid whereas she is employed by a company that specialises in marketing using subliminal images - or does she? There is a conflict between what she considers real and a somewhat tenuous grip on everyday life. Even with different typefaces to separate the two worlds, I was not always certain which was which though this is possibly inherent in the plot. The book is well written and leavened with humour at times with both realities being credibly delineated.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Armstrong, Kelly: Haunted (19.12.08)
With the heropine a dead witch enlisted by the Fates to recapture a Nix, this is quite a good story with the lead character anything but infallible. It took me some time to get into the story partly because, as with most books these days, It read it in a number of small amounts though, later on, I made certain of extending these. Worth another try with this author.
London Film Festival 2008 (08.11.08)
Another festival has been and gone and it has been a little less enjoyable than last year though this may be distance lending enchantment.
DEAN SPANLEY
A delayed start as the cast were paraded for no good reason as only the director spoke. Early parts of the film seemed to be rather overlaid with tricksy camera angles which added nothing but a tour de force by Sam Neill and the usual charismatic performance from Peter O'toole which more than matched that in 'Venus' made this a delightful film to watch. Solid support from Jeremy Northm and Bryan Brown and a nice cameo from Judy Parfitt rounded things out.
THE WARLORDS
A Chinese epic which does not have spectacularly brilliant costumes like 'The Curse of the Golden Flower' but has a more solidly based character driven plot from the opening sequence where Jet Li, a general who has been thoroughly defeated, pulls himself from under dead bodies of his troops to the final few moments. Based, apparently on a manga, it tells the story of Li and two bandits who become blood brothers and then defeat the enemies of the Emperor but have a falling out. The battle scenes are very well handled with a cast of thousands (not CGI) in contrast to the very human interaction between the three and others. Overall, a very good film.
ACHILLES AND THE TORTOISE
The latest Takeshi Kitano effort is a distinct improvement on his previous two which were more than a little self-indulgent. A strange story about an obsessive artist who shows great talent as a rich child but then, following his father's ruin and death becomes impoverished while supported by a loving wife. The adult artist is played by Kitano and the art shown is his - some of it more acceptable than others - with the film being a satire on the art world of today, the indluence of dealers and their control of both the market and 'taste' and the ever-present search for the next big idea.
THE SILENCE BEFORE BACH
A finctionalised documentary with one very great advantage - Bach's music. Starting in an ampty set of rooms with a player-piano moving around while playing the Goldberg Variations, it then takes scenes from the life of Bach and, later on, Mendelssohn, as well as a number of contemporary scenes though what a lingering sequence of a well-rounded young violinist taking a shower has to do with the rest is not clear - at least she had the figure for it.
THE FUGITIVE FUTURIST
A short silent shown in Trafalgar Square before the main feature which I did not see as it had started to rain- sitting on cold steps is just about acceptable but cold, WET steps is not. The film purported to show a future London though a machine which showed the Thames covered over by a roadway amongst other fancies (and the winner of a future horse race) with the finale being the inventore being taken back to the asylum! Enjoyable.
LOUISE-MICHEL
This possibly claims the tital for the biggest load of pretentious rubbish I have set through (only because I had a dinner reservation at the end of the tilm). There are bad films cheaply made by beginners and others like some of the Frightfest offerings and many of those which go straight to DVD but this was supposedly made with serious intent and greeted with near reverence as the latest masterpiece from Kervern and Delepine whose previous offering 'Aaltra' had some merit. The best part of this mess was the fact that it ran only 90 minutes though this felt like several hours.
HANSEL AND GRETEL
A scary fairy tale for adults when a young man crashes his car and wanders into the forest looking for help. He is found by a sweet young girl who takes him to her home. His phone does not work and there is no phone in the house where the parents and three children make him welcome for the night - but the next day he finds no way back to the road and rescue. An interesting Korean film, well made and conceived with a charming and unexpected ending.
THE LIVING CORPSE
A 1929 German-Russian co-production which has been restored complete with orchestral accompaniment, a change from piano onl;y which can be a little wearing. The gret Russian director, Vsevolod Pudovkin, takes the lade role of a husbadn who wants his wife to be happy by marrying her lover but finds that is not possible as there are no grounds. He refuses to compromise by arranging a false adultery and then fakes his own murder which allows his wife to marry after a year's mourning. Some years pas but he is recognised by the man who was setting up the fake adultery who then tries to blackmail him. He refuses and there is a trial for bigamy (!) during which he commits suicide to allow his wife to continue her life. The two things that puzzle me and why he went back to a restaurant where he was bound to be recognised and why he appeared to be the one on trial. The film was long but well mad with some very noce shots and interesting montage sequences.
THE GOOD, THE BAD, THE WEIRD
A great romp set in the 1930s - Indiana Jones meets the Good, the Bad and the Ugly! The plot which involves a treasure map, a bandit, a bounty hunter and a patty criminal and the Japanese army is almost irrelevant, providing the basis for a series of splendid set pieces - a train robbery, a running battle through the thieves' quarter of the city and an extended chase in the semi-deserts of Manchuria which is where the Japanese army gets involved. Very well done with the main characters all demonstrating great panache in their roles.
Comment
Yop... that about covers it. By and large we agree with each other (so what else is new/) with perhaps more tolerance on your part for historical 'epics' than on mine. The one thins we can agree 100% upon is that 'Louise-Michel' was a complete, but complete waste of our time (and I didn't reack 'Aaltra' either)
pppatty
DEAN SPANLEY
A delayed start as the cast were paraded for no good reason as only the director spoke. Early parts of the film seemed to be rather overlaid with tricksy camera angles which added nothing but a tour de force by Sam Neill and the usual charismatic performance from Peter O'toole which more than matched that in 'Venus' made this a delightful film to watch. Solid support from Jeremy Northm and Bryan Brown and a nice cameo from Judy Parfitt rounded things out.
THE WARLORDS
A Chinese epic which does not have spectacularly brilliant costumes like 'The Curse of the Golden Flower' but has a more solidly based character driven plot from the opening sequence where Jet Li, a general who has been thoroughly defeated, pulls himself from under dead bodies of his troops to the final few moments. Based, apparently on a manga, it tells the story of Li and two bandits who become blood brothers and then defeat the enemies of the Emperor but have a falling out. The battle scenes are very well handled with a cast of thousands (not CGI) in contrast to the very human interaction between the three and others. Overall, a very good film.
ACHILLES AND THE TORTOISE
The latest Takeshi Kitano effort is a distinct improvement on his previous two which were more than a little self-indulgent. A strange story about an obsessive artist who shows great talent as a rich child but then, following his father's ruin and death becomes impoverished while supported by a loving wife. The adult artist is played by Kitano and the art shown is his - some of it more acceptable than others - with the film being a satire on the art world of today, the indluence of dealers and their control of both the market and 'taste' and the ever-present search for the next big idea.
THE SILENCE BEFORE BACH
A finctionalised documentary with one very great advantage - Bach's music. Starting in an ampty set of rooms with a player-piano moving around while playing the Goldberg Variations, it then takes scenes from the life of Bach and, later on, Mendelssohn, as well as a number of contemporary scenes though what a lingering sequence of a well-rounded young violinist taking a shower has to do with the rest is not clear - at least she had the figure for it.
THE FUGITIVE FUTURIST
A short silent shown in Trafalgar Square before the main feature which I did not see as it had started to rain- sitting on cold steps is just about acceptable but cold, WET steps is not. The film purported to show a future London though a machine which showed the Thames covered over by a roadway amongst other fancies (and the winner of a future horse race) with the finale being the inventore being taken back to the asylum! Enjoyable.
LOUISE-MICHEL
This possibly claims the tital for the biggest load of pretentious rubbish I have set through (only because I had a dinner reservation at the end of the tilm). There are bad films cheaply made by beginners and others like some of the Frightfest offerings and many of those which go straight to DVD but this was supposedly made with serious intent and greeted with near reverence as the latest masterpiece from Kervern and Delepine whose previous offering 'Aaltra' had some merit. The best part of this mess was the fact that it ran only 90 minutes though this felt like several hours.
HANSEL AND GRETEL
A scary fairy tale for adults when a young man crashes his car and wanders into the forest looking for help. He is found by a sweet young girl who takes him to her home. His phone does not work and there is no phone in the house where the parents and three children make him welcome for the night - but the next day he finds no way back to the road and rescue. An interesting Korean film, well made and conceived with a charming and unexpected ending.
THE LIVING CORPSE
A 1929 German-Russian co-production which has been restored complete with orchestral accompaniment, a change from piano onl;y which can be a little wearing. The gret Russian director, Vsevolod Pudovkin, takes the lade role of a husbadn who wants his wife to be happy by marrying her lover but finds that is not possible as there are no grounds. He refuses to compromise by arranging a false adultery and then fakes his own murder which allows his wife to marry after a year's mourning. Some years pas but he is recognised by the man who was setting up the fake adultery who then tries to blackmail him. He refuses and there is a trial for bigamy (!) during which he commits suicide to allow his wife to continue her life. The two things that puzzle me and why he went back to a restaurant where he was bound to be recognised and why he appeared to be the one on trial. The film was long but well mad with some very noce shots and interesting montage sequences.
THE GOOD, THE BAD, THE WEIRD
A great romp set in the 1930s - Indiana Jones meets the Good, the Bad and the Ugly! The plot which involves a treasure map, a bandit, a bounty hunter and a patty criminal and the Japanese army is almost irrelevant, providing the basis for a series of splendid set pieces - a train robbery, a running battle through the thieves' quarter of the city and an extended chase in the semi-deserts of Manchuria which is where the Japanese army gets involved. Very well done with the main characters all demonstrating great panache in their roles.
Comment
Yop... that about covers it. By and large we agree with each other (so what else is new/) with perhaps more tolerance on your part for historical 'epics' than on mine. The one thins we can agree 100% upon is that 'Louise-Michel' was a complete, but complete waste of our time (and I didn't reack 'Aaltra' either)
pppatty
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Koontz, Dean: The Darkest Evening of the Year (08.11.08)
Another first following from the Srephen King experience earlier in the year. Apparently, this is not typical of the author though it does mix the supernatural in a thriller setting. Character development was a little flat and the heroine and hero a little too good to be true while the villains were just bad. some of the imagery is rather overblown - " In the sky's distillery, the afternoon kight was a weak brandy" being a particularly noteworthy example. The various strands from the early chapters and skil;fully brought together and the book is a good read. I shall eventually try others.
Comment
I'm obviously having a pernicious effect on your choice of reading - but there are some treats amongst both Koontz and King
pppatty
Comment
I'm obviously having a pernicious effect on your choice of reading - but there are some treats amongst both Koontz and King
pppatty
Leon, Donna: Blood from a Stone (08.11.08)
Another excellent novel about Commissario Brunetti which again gives a convincing portrayl of Venice without hyperbole and presents a rounded picture of Brunetti and his family. The plost is possibly a little overblown though not until the denouement. Not only Brunetti's family environment but also his working one are skilfully depicted with economy. The whole series is well worth seeking out - and I must try one of the German TV adaptations soon
Banks, Carla: The Forest of Souls (08.11.08)
A rather confused novel in many ways, it examines the events before and during World War II in what is now Belarus by taking the back story of two elderly people, one the grandfather of a university lecturer and researcher and one the mother of the former's department head. The link is added to by an investigating journalist who interviews the grandfather as a result of which he has an involvement with the graddaughter while also being a friend of the mother. The murder of the lacturer's best friend provides the basic plot but there is an overload of information which is presented in a far from satisfactory manner.
Robinson, Todd (Ed): Hardcore Hardboiled (08.11.08
A variable collection of 'neo-noir' fiaction, some of them good, some of them not to good. As with most such collections, the phrase 'parson's egg' comes to mind though one doesn't know in advance which are the good bits.
Carofiglio, Gianrico: The Past is a Foreign Country (24.09.08)
A positively brilliant psychological study of the insidious effects of 'hero' worship when a law student is led astray by a charismatic man of about the same age (ealy/mid 20s) whom he meets at a party. Very much in the Patricia highsmith vein and completely believable with the early loss of morality coming in small doses once the first step has been taken. The parallel police investigation seems irrelevant until near the end when the denouement provides some sort of salvation. An excellent study of a flawe human being from an Italian master.
Frightfest 2008: Day 5 (24.09.08)
THE DEAD OUTSIDE
Yet another of the fatal pandemic leaving few survivors type, this time set in Scotland. Dour and downbeat, it is probably well done but just did not resonate withme at all.
THE DISAPPEARED
Set on a London housing estate, the elder of two sons is blamed for the disappearance of his younger btother by his father.
He starts hearing voices, meets a girl living in the next flat who persuades him to visit a clairvoyant. Matters come to a head when his best friend's sister goes missing and he is led to the rather shocking truth. A mix of realism and the supernatural comes off well though, as with the preceding film, I find it hard to relate to the characters.
MIRRORS
A Hollywood remake of a Korean horror and it shows - high production values with an in vogue star in Kiefer Sutherland, a nude Amy Smart (is it written into her contracts?) and brilliant special effects. At the end of it all, definitely inferior to the original.
Summary
Two outstanding films in 'Let The Right One In' and 'Martyrs', some greatly improved British offerings compared with earlier years and a strgong mix of schlock from the USA made this a solid festival if not quite up to one or two earlier editions.
Comment
As you now know ms smart manages to keep her duds on in 'Love 'n' Dancing'(but this is a movie that only completists like me are likely to see)
pppatty
Yet another of the fatal pandemic leaving few survivors type, this time set in Scotland. Dour and downbeat, it is probably well done but just did not resonate withme at all.
THE DISAPPEARED
Set on a London housing estate, the elder of two sons is blamed for the disappearance of his younger btother by his father.
He starts hearing voices, meets a girl living in the next flat who persuades him to visit a clairvoyant. Matters come to a head when his best friend's sister goes missing and he is led to the rather shocking truth. A mix of realism and the supernatural comes off well though, as with the preceding film, I find it hard to relate to the characters.
MIRRORS
A Hollywood remake of a Korean horror and it shows - high production values with an in vogue star in Kiefer Sutherland, a nude Amy Smart (is it written into her contracts?) and brilliant special effects. At the end of it all, definitely inferior to the original.
Summary
Two outstanding films in 'Let The Right One In' and 'Martyrs', some greatly improved British offerings compared with earlier years and a strgong mix of schlock from the USA made this a solid festival if not quite up to one or two earlier editions.
Comment
As you now know ms smart manages to keep her duds on in 'Love 'n' Dancing'(but this is a movie that only completists like me are likely to see)
pppatty
Frightfest 2008: Day 4 (24.09.08)
FROM WITHIN
This is set in a community ruled effectively by the local pastor whose fundamentalism is willingly accepted by the locals to the
extent that deviation leads to ostracism. His son is even more fundamental than he is. A series of suicides and the return of an outsider after the death of his mother lead to an unexpected denouement. Well enough done without being too good.
LET THE RIGHT ONE IN
According to the writer of the novel and screenplay, the film is based on his own childhood with the supernatural element added. A teenage vampire love story which is extremely well done with the setting in a small town in the depths of winter excellently portrayed.
THE BROKEN is an English supernatural thriller - what happens when you see yourself drive by? Excellently acted by Lena Headey in the lead with able support from Richard Jenkins as her father, the twists of the plot tighten the tension in a believable London for a change.
AUTOPSY
A rather poor gore strewn piece of rubbish with no much to commend it.
MARTYRS
A disturbing Frecnh film about the work of a rich cult who lebieve that ultimate suffering brings revelation of life after death.
If it were not so well done and acred, it would be just another nasty piece of exploitation but the film is much more than that - almost up to the standard of 'Jack Ketchum's The Girl Next Door' from last year in its impact.
Comment
I did not find Martyrs a festival highpoint - too unrelenting for entertainment
pppatty
Reply
not everyone thinks films should just entertain: what is entertaining about slasher horroer other than the relief that it is happening to someone else
mgp1449
This is set in a community ruled effectively by the local pastor whose fundamentalism is willingly accepted by the locals to the
extent that deviation leads to ostracism. His son is even more fundamental than he is. A series of suicides and the return of an outsider after the death of his mother lead to an unexpected denouement. Well enough done without being too good.
LET THE RIGHT ONE IN
According to the writer of the novel and screenplay, the film is based on his own childhood with the supernatural element added. A teenage vampire love story which is extremely well done with the setting in a small town in the depths of winter excellently portrayed.
THE BROKEN is an English supernatural thriller - what happens when you see yourself drive by? Excellently acted by Lena Headey in the lead with able support from Richard Jenkins as her father, the twists of the plot tighten the tension in a believable London for a change.
AUTOPSY
A rather poor gore strewn piece of rubbish with no much to commend it.
MARTYRS
A disturbing Frecnh film about the work of a rich cult who lebieve that ultimate suffering brings revelation of life after death.
If it were not so well done and acred, it would be just another nasty piece of exploitation but the film is much more than that - almost up to the standard of 'Jack Ketchum's The Girl Next Door' from last year in its impact.
Comment
I did not find Martyrs a festival highpoint - too unrelenting for entertainment
pppatty
Reply
not everyone thinks films should just entertain: what is entertaining about slasher horroer other than the relief that it is happening to someone else
mgp1449
Frightfest 2008: Day 3 (24.09.08)
PEUR(S) DU NOIR
An animated feature made by a number of different animators which I had thought of mssing. As it tunred out, it was variable but the good bits were very entertaining and there were enough of them for the lesser parts to be ignored.
DANCE OF THE DEAD
Zombie formation from toxic waste combined with prom night angst in a forgettable but enjoyable mix which turned out to be rather better than I was expecting.
MANHUNT
A Norwegian version of 'The Most Dangerous Game' with a foursome going into the Norwegian wilderness where they are hunted by some of the locals. Rather shocking and brutal with, yet again, the resourceful female escaping - or does she?
THE CHASER
A Korean suspense thriller where inept cops and an ex-cop lead who runs a call-girl ring. he gets involved in the hunt for a killer when he thinks he is losing girls because they run away. Very well done with a fine leavening of humour and a strong central role.
BUBBA'S CHILI PARLOR
A near amateur effort at producing the grindhouse movie reproduced by Tarentino and Rodriguez, much more professionally.
Virtually no redeeming features.
Comment
Ine tends to lore tolerance and patience after sitting thru (sic) so many films in a row but Bubba's whatsit was total rubbish
pppatty
An animated feature made by a number of different animators which I had thought of mssing. As it tunred out, it was variable but the good bits were very entertaining and there were enough of them for the lesser parts to be ignored.
DANCE OF THE DEAD
Zombie formation from toxic waste combined with prom night angst in a forgettable but enjoyable mix which turned out to be rather better than I was expecting.
MANHUNT
A Norwegian version of 'The Most Dangerous Game' with a foursome going into the Norwegian wilderness where they are hunted by some of the locals. Rather shocking and brutal with, yet again, the resourceful female escaping - or does she?
THE CHASER
A Korean suspense thriller where inept cops and an ex-cop lead who runs a call-girl ring. he gets involved in the hunt for a killer when he thinks he is losing girls because they run away. Very well done with a fine leavening of humour and a strong central role.
BUBBA'S CHILI PARLOR
A near amateur effort at producing the grindhouse movie reproduced by Tarentino and Rodriguez, much more professionally.
Virtually no redeeming features.
Comment
Ine tends to lore tolerance and patience after sitting thru (sic) so many films in a row but Bubba's whatsit was total rubbish
pppatty
Frightfest 2008: Day 2 (24.09.08)
TIME CRIMES
Another in a line of excellent Spanish films where the horror is psychological rather than blood-spattered. Ignoring the theory that you cannot go back in time (or forward) and meet yourself, the film plays with the results of going back a short way in time by leaving the current male lead in a nightmare where he meets himself not once but twice with devastating effects.
KING OF THE HILL
This late substitute for 'The Substitute' is anoth Spanish film again using the theme of killer children in the wild, more or less and adventure film than any sort of frightener - reminiscent of 'The Most Dangerous Game' withouth the prey knowing who was hunting them or why. Well filmed and gripping, it had a plus in that the hunter came out on top.
TRAILER PARK OF TERROR
This took the teenagers in jeopardy theme into a parody of the genre while piling on the gore. Not that good though it kept moving.
MUM AND DAD
What a nasty little film. Some nice touches though.
Gave up on the remaining films of the day.
Comment
I wasn't as taken with the two Spanish entries as you seem to be although i found the first one rather fascinating, albeit totally
unlikely
pppatty
Another in a line of excellent Spanish films where the horror is psychological rather than blood-spattered. Ignoring the theory that you cannot go back in time (or forward) and meet yourself, the film plays with the results of going back a short way in time by leaving the current male lead in a nightmare where he meets himself not once but twice with devastating effects.
KING OF THE HILL
This late substitute for 'The Substitute' is anoth Spanish film again using the theme of killer children in the wild, more or less and adventure film than any sort of frightener - reminiscent of 'The Most Dangerous Game' withouth the prey knowing who was hunting them or why. Well filmed and gripping, it had a plus in that the hunter came out on top.
TRAILER PARK OF TERROR
This took the teenagers in jeopardy theme into a parody of the genre while piling on the gore. Not that good though it kept moving.
MUM AND DAD
What a nasty little film. Some nice touches though.
Gave up on the remaining films of the day.
Comment
I wasn't as taken with the two Spanish entries as you seem to be although i found the first one rather fascinating, albeit totally
unlikely
pppatty
Frightfest 2008 Day 1 (24.09.08)
A month has passed since the rather tiring Frightfest weekend sponsored by Film4 so there has been time to allow the immediate to be replaced by a more considered opinion - though not any great change of heart.
EDEN LAKE
The opening film is a British effort set somewhere in a rural part of the commuter belt round London (at least one reviewer places it in the Midlands but I think wrongly so) which tells how a couple are terroried by a gang of local youths whose path they cross in a bucolic seting which is presumably meant to point up the difference between superficial appearance and 'reality'. Better done than many recent British horror films, it has some resonance with films such as "A Clockwork Orange' and 'Them' (not the ants one) while tending to reinforce the feelings of ther well-to-do about the 'lower' classes being a bunch of ill-behaved criminals which is far from the truth for the most part.
I KNOW HOW MANY RUNS YOU SCORED LAST SUMMER
An Australian comedy horror which should have stayed there.
Comment
I'm I guess pleasantly surprised at how well reviewed 'Eden Lake' has been (at least in the British press); I doubt the reviews will by quite so glowing in other markets.
pppatty
EDEN LAKE
The opening film is a British effort set somewhere in a rural part of the commuter belt round London (at least one reviewer places it in the Midlands but I think wrongly so) which tells how a couple are terroried by a gang of local youths whose path they cross in a bucolic seting which is presumably meant to point up the difference between superficial appearance and 'reality'. Better done than many recent British horror films, it has some resonance with films such as "A Clockwork Orange' and 'Them' (not the ants one) while tending to reinforce the feelings of ther well-to-do about the 'lower' classes being a bunch of ill-behaved criminals which is far from the truth for the most part.
I KNOW HOW MANY RUNS YOU SCORED LAST SUMMER
An Australian comedy horror which should have stayed there.
Comment
I'm I guess pleasantly surprised at how well reviewed 'Eden Lake' has been (at least in the British press); I doubt the reviews will by quite so glowing in other markets.
pppatty
Wright, Edgar: The Silver Face (24.09.08)
Asecond novel featuring a former minor cowboy film star who now works for his Indian (Native American) former sidekick.
Set in the Los Angeles area of the late 40s, the setting is believable and the film background deftly sketched in without being overly intrusive. like so many crime novels, it reiles on a fair amount of coincidence but does provide a well-written and
entertaining book.
Set in the Los Angeles area of the late 40s, the setting is believable and the film background deftly sketched in without being overly intrusive. like so many crime novels, it reiles on a fair amount of coincidence but does provide a well-written and
entertaining book.
Fowler, Christopher: White Corridor (24.09.08)
Another Bryant and May adventure which takes them out of London while leaving the rest of the unit puzzling over a closed room mystery. The latter is in many ways the more interesting part of the book as the main story is more than a little melodramatic. However, the inventiveness of the writer and the deft way he develops the personal relationships, coupled with the usual top rate writing, make this better than almost anything else of its kind.
White, Michael: The Medici Sewcret (24.09.08)
Another of the 'look I've found the answer to the ancient mystery so let's go and get the treasure while defeating the bad guys' genre. Not too badly done though there are a lot of coincidences and the historical element sort of makes sense.
A pleasant read while nothing special
A pleasant read while nothing special
Fauser, Jorg: The Snowman (24.09.08)
The story of a petty criminal who lucks upon a large amount of cocaine which he then tries to sell. The efforts to do this
are conveyed ina way that well supports the nervousness of the lead as he blunders around Europe in his efforts to make
a fortune without getting caught by the original owners of the drug. The author was a drug addict and much of the tale
reads almost as an autobiography. In some ways, this enhances the telling and certainly gives and indication of the febrile
state that drugs can produce.
are conveyed ina way that well supports the nervousness of the lead as he blunders around Europe in his efforts to make
a fortune without getting caught by the original owners of the drug. The author was a drug addict and much of the tale
reads almost as an autobiography. In some ways, this enhances the telling and certainly gives and indication of the febrile
state that drugs can produce.
Stross, Charles: Singularity Sky (24.09.08)
The first novel by this author though not the first of his I have read. Extremely well done though the science is beyond my
grasp. It is, however, consistently applied and believable. The characters are well drawn and have rounded personalities
unlike some sci-fi novels where the humans are cadrboard cut-outs. The plot is relatively simple in outline but complex
in execution and the author handles this well.
grasp. It is, however, consistently applied and believable. The characters are well drawn and have rounded personalities
unlike some sci-fi novels where the humans are cadrboard cut-outs. The plot is relatively simple in outline but complex
in execution and the author handles this well.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Stansberry, Domenic: Chasing the Dragon (30.07.08)
Having enjoyed other books by this writer, I was looking forward to this one which has sino-Italian rivalry in the San Francisco
dock area as its theme. However, I was disappointed. Possibly the use of a lead character who is related to the events but
has a shadowy past and is working for an unnamed US Government agency, apparently, added a dimension which offset the
more solid grounding that Stansberry's earlier novels provided. Not a bad read but not one which makes me too eager to
read a second book featuring the same 'hero'.
dock area as its theme. However, I was disappointed. Possibly the use of a lead character who is related to the events but
has a shadowy past and is working for an unnamed US Government agency, apparently, added a dimension which offset the
more solid grounding that Stansberry's earlier novels provided. Not a bad read but not one which makes me too eager to
read a second book featuring the same 'hero'.
The Battle of Algiers: Gilles Pontecorvo (30.07.08)
I saw this film again a short while ago and confirmed my earlier impression that it is an excellent piece of work. Not only
is the camera work first-rate but the composition and the acting are equally worthy of praise. The film has been criticised for
its political stance but this is really irrelevant. It gives a reasonable interpretation of what did happen and does not really
condemn either side.
is the camera work first-rate but the composition and the acting are equally worthy of praise. The film has been criticised for
its political stance but this is really irrelevant. It gives a reasonable interpretation of what did happen and does not really
condemn either side.
Harrison, Kim: For A Few Demons More (02.07.08)
The continuing story of Cincinnati-based Rachel Morgan, a witch and her two partners, Ivy, a vampire, and Jenks, a pixy,
with Cari, the elf rescued from a demon, also present. Following on directly from the previous book, this is also a well-
written tale with consistent internal logic and a believable set of inter-species relationships and the problems of resolving
some of them. It is, however, decidedly darker than the previous books which turns out to be beneficial in many ways.
I look forward to the next one.
with Cari, the elf rescued from a demon, also present. Following on directly from the previous book, this is also a well-
written tale with consistent internal logic and a believable set of inter-species relationships and the problems of resolving
some of them. It is, however, decidedly darker than the previous books which turns out to be beneficial in many ways.
I look forward to the next one.
Pullman, Philip: The Amber Spyglass (22.06.08)
Not much time for reading of late for various reasons but I have at last read the third and final part of 'His Dark Materials'
and it is splendid. I did wonder if the excellent writing, thought-provoking ideas and pace of the first two books would
be sustained - they are not - they have been surpassed. The book moves and an exhilating speed with firm adherence
to what has gone before, drawing together several interrupted strands and allowing for Lyra and Will to resolve many
unfinished items. Pullman does not succumb to the romantic way of finishing the story but leaves bit realistically open
though complete. Definitely to be read again someday.
and it is splendid. I did wonder if the excellent writing, thought-provoking ideas and pace of the first two books would
be sustained - they are not - they have been surpassed. The book moves and an exhilating speed with firm adherence
to what has gone before, drawing together several interrupted strands and allowing for Lyra and Will to resolve many
unfinished items. Pullman does not succumb to the romantic way of finishing the story but leaves bit realistically open
though complete. Definitely to be read again someday.
Fasman, Jon: The Geographer's Library (29.05.08)
The geographer is al-Idrisi to use his short title, best known for his time at the Sicilian court of Roger II. The book has two
parts, one the present day thriller set in a small New England town and the other the story of and description of the artefacts
that make up the 'library'. How erudite and correct the latter may be is beyond me but both parts held my attention and
the cover reference to 'The Rule of Four' is well justified though the latter is rather the better of the two. Some stretches
of coincidence and the likelihood of a 30 plus good-looking female teacher bedding a somewhat callow reporter near enough
10 years younger made one wonder but an enjoyable read overall
parts, one the present day thriller set in a small New England town and the other the story of and description of the artefacts
that make up the 'library'. How erudite and correct the latter may be is beyond me but both parts held my attention and
the cover reference to 'The Rule of Four' is well justified though the latter is rather the better of the two. Some stretches
of coincidence and the likelihood of a 30 plus good-looking female teacher bedding a somewhat callow reporter near enough
10 years younger made one wonder but an enjoyable read overall
Knight, David B.: Landscapes in Music (29.05.08)
I don't know what I was expecting from this book but it turned out to be a straightforwaed series of chapters on different
aspects of the landscape and music associated with them - Debussy's 'La Mar', Richard Strauss's 'An Alpine Symphony' and
so on. There were references to a number of modern composers not known to me but I felt that the author was straining
his brief rather in including mystic and imagined landscapes and also by reversing the equation and having a chapter on
places where music is performed. I am glad I made the effort to read it but not that impressed; possibly useful as a
reference
aspects of the landscape and music associated with them - Debussy's 'La Mar', Richard Strauss's 'An Alpine Symphony' and
so on. There were references to a number of modern composers not known to me but I felt that the author was straining
his brief rather in including mystic and imagined landscapes and also by reversing the equation and having a chapter on
places where music is performed. I am glad I made the effort to read it but not that impressed; possibly useful as a
reference
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
The Kidnapping of Fux Banker: Karel Anton (29.05.08)
A Czech silent from 1924 which was also part of the 2nd Fashion in Film Festival though the fashion show which presumably
gave the reason for its inclusion is missing from what is a reconstruction of a lost original. Meant to revive the fortunes
of the local film industry and considered by some as the best Czach film to that date, it really is something of a let-down
(andf that is being polite about it). The female lead is Anny Ondrakova who later appeared in Hitchcock's British films.
The opening sequence of the eponymous banker being waited on by manicurist, barber and a typist is mildly witty but the
film then goes off the rails. Meant as a crime film, with no background for such films locally, the director opted for
slapstick which, with the intertitles, did raise a few laughs from the audience at the BFI. Apart from the curiosity value of
the film, a waste of time.
gave the reason for its inclusion is missing from what is a reconstruction of a lost original. Meant to revive the fortunes
of the local film industry and considered by some as the best Czach film to that date, it really is something of a let-down
(andf that is being polite about it). The female lead is Anny Ondrakova who later appeared in Hitchcock's British films.
The opening sequence of the eponymous banker being waited on by manicurist, barber and a typist is mildly witty but the
film then goes off the rails. Meant as a crime film, with no background for such films locally, the director opted for
slapstick which, with the intertitles, did raise a few laughs from the audience at the BFI. Apart from the curiosity value of
the film, a waste of time.
The Rat- Ivor Novello/Graham Cutts (29.05.08)
Part of the 2nd Fashion in Film Festival, this is a 1925 British silent film. Co-written by Novello who starred in the lead
role, this was the first of three set in the Parisian underworld with his syarring as a jewel thief. A rather melodramatic
story in which Mae Marsh confesses to a murder he committed to save her from the villain (a grossly overacted performance
by Herman Stetz) though she is acquitted on the grounds of self-defence. Isabel Jeans plays the demi-monde mistress
of Statz who seduces Novello and hers is the showier of the two roles. Novello shows his profile a lot and tries to display
anguish when Marsh is in jail though not that convincingly. The settings are well done but the filming and acting leave much to be desired. Why it was part of this festival is beyond me unless it was for the inserted footage from the Folies Bergere
which was mirrored by 5 young ladies who paraded through the auditorium.
role, this was the first of three set in the Parisian underworld with his syarring as a jewel thief. A rather melodramatic
story in which Mae Marsh confesses to a murder he committed to save her from the villain (a grossly overacted performance
by Herman Stetz) though she is acquitted on the grounds of self-defence. Isabel Jeans plays the demi-monde mistress
of Statz who seduces Novello and hers is the showier of the two roles. Novello shows his profile a lot and tries to display
anguish when Marsh is in jail though not that convincingly. The settings are well done but the filming and acting leave much to be desired. Why it was part of this festival is beyond me unless it was for the inserted footage from the Folies Bergere
which was mirrored by 5 young ladies who paraded through the auditorium.
Casque d'or: Jacques Becker (05.05.08)
Having commented on Pretty Pink Patty's review of this film, I decided to give a separate review as well. Highly thought
of by many (8.1 on IMDb with a series of comments referring to both Becker's direction, Signoret's acting and looks
and a;lo the playing of both Reggiani and Dauphin in glowing terms) I fif wonder if I had watched the same film. Signoret's
square face is not one of beauty - character, yes - and she has, overall, a very solid appearance. The nub of this film is
the amour fou between Reggiani and her and it was not there. The pair of them seemed to be sleepwalking as if in the
hands of a controlling force and both their relationship and the less immediate one of Signoret and Dauphin failed to
provide any sparks. Even the final shot of her watching her lover's execution was mechanical - she was there through some
inner compulsion but without emotion. Becker captures the feel of 1900 lowlife (or have we seen sufficient similar portrayals
to believe that this was really how it was) and there are a few excellent pieces oof camera work. But this does not make
for anything more than a run-of-the-mill film.
Comment
...and she does have a big head
pppatty
of by many (8.1 on IMDb with a series of comments referring to both Becker's direction, Signoret's acting and looks
and a;lo the playing of both Reggiani and Dauphin in glowing terms) I fif wonder if I had watched the same film. Signoret's
square face is not one of beauty - character, yes - and she has, overall, a very solid appearance. The nub of this film is
the amour fou between Reggiani and her and it was not there. The pair of them seemed to be sleepwalking as if in the
hands of a controlling force and both their relationship and the less immediate one of Signoret and Dauphin failed to
provide any sparks. Even the final shot of her watching her lover's execution was mechanical - she was there through some
inner compulsion but without emotion. Becker captures the feel of 1900 lowlife (or have we seen sufficient similar portrayals
to believe that this was really how it was) and there are a few excellent pieces oof camera work. But this does not make
for anything more than a run-of-the-mill film.
Comment
...and she does have a big head
pppatty
Hart, Maarten 'T: The Sundial (02.05.08)
An interesting novel with a heroine who inherits the apartment and belongings of her best friend who was a flamboyant
and elegant research laboratory assistant, the latter having died unexpectedly of sunstroke. A necessary condition is that
she moves into the apartment to care for the three cats which she had done before when her friend was away. She takes
to wearing her dead friend's clothes and also using the long artificial fingernails her friend used. Someone she did not
previously know appears and is convinced the dead woman was murdered but there is no proof until, almost by chance,
the method used is exposed. The psychology of the heroine and her reactions to what she learns about her friend's
'hidden' life are well portrayed and the book moves along briskly while seeming at times to be rather leisured - in other
words, it is well-paced. The various characters are skilfully and economically drawn. A novelist who is worth searching out.
and elegant research laboratory assistant, the latter having died unexpectedly of sunstroke. A necessary condition is that
she moves into the apartment to care for the three cats which she had done before when her friend was away. She takes
to wearing her dead friend's clothes and also using the long artificial fingernails her friend used. Someone she did not
previously know appears and is convinced the dead woman was murdered but there is no proof until, almost by chance,
the method used is exposed. The psychology of the heroine and her reactions to what she learns about her friend's
'hidden' life are well portrayed and the book moves along briskly while seeming at times to be rather leisured - in other
words, it is well-paced. The various characters are skilfully and economically drawn. A novelist who is worth searching out.
Frightfest 2008 One Day Event (21.04.08)
WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE
The first film of the day was a poor riff on 'Cannibal Holocaust' with the action shown from the viewpoint of one of two
video cameras which meant that the gore was extremely limited and a lot of the shots were jumpy. The story line of two
recently met paors going in search of Michael Rockefeller who had disappeared some 40 years earlier is far-fetched and,
overall, this was a waste of time and, presumably, limited funds.
STORM WARNING
Better than I remembered from last year's Frightfest but the idea of two very intelligent people getting themselves lost
as happens is rather hard to take - though without this the subsequent escalation of violence would not have happened.
MOTHER OF TEARS
This Dario Argento film is the completion of the trilogy begun with 'Suspiria' and it does remind one of the excellent eye
the director has for striking images. The story makes as much sense as that of most of his films and the presence of
Udo Kier in a small role, his daughter, Asia, and her mother, Daria Nicolodi, provide a reasoanble level of acting. Many
of the set peices are imaginative but, all in all, this is a minor example of what Argento has done. One question which
I suppose will remain unanswered - what went through both his mind and his daughter's in the somewhat unnecessary
and lingering shot od her nude body in the shower?
All in all, on what was a rather cold day (and an unheated cinema), I think I would rather have stayed home - even dinner
at Bertorelli's afterwards did not impress!
The first film of the day was a poor riff on 'Cannibal Holocaust' with the action shown from the viewpoint of one of two
video cameras which meant that the gore was extremely limited and a lot of the shots were jumpy. The story line of two
recently met paors going in search of Michael Rockefeller who had disappeared some 40 years earlier is far-fetched and,
overall, this was a waste of time and, presumably, limited funds.
STORM WARNING
Better than I remembered from last year's Frightfest but the idea of two very intelligent people getting themselves lost
as happens is rather hard to take - though without this the subsequent escalation of violence would not have happened.
MOTHER OF TEARS
This Dario Argento film is the completion of the trilogy begun with 'Suspiria' and it does remind one of the excellent eye
the director has for striking images. The story makes as much sense as that of most of his films and the presence of
Udo Kier in a small role, his daughter, Asia, and her mother, Daria Nicolodi, provide a reasoanble level of acting. Many
of the set peices are imaginative but, all in all, this is a minor example of what Argento has done. One question which
I suppose will remain unanswered - what went through both his mind and his daughter's in the somewhat unnecessary
and lingering shot od her nude body in the shower?
All in all, on what was a rather cold day (and an unheated cinema), I think I would rather have stayed home - even dinner
at Bertorelli's afterwards did not impress!
Laino, Michael: The Demonologist (21.04.2008)
The wrier is described on the cover as one 'who may very well be the successor to Stephen King'. I have read only one of
the latter's books but it is immeasurably superior to this pot-boiler. The plot is just about feasible and some of the effects
are reasonably well done but the overall impression is one of an author trying to shock for the sake of shocking. This is
not the genre I usually read and the author has certainly not encouraged me to try any more of his books.
the latter's books but it is immeasurably superior to this pot-boiler. The plot is just about feasible and some of the effects
are reasonably well done but the overall impression is one of an author trying to shock for the sake of shocking. This is
not the genre I usually read and the author has certainly not encouraged me to try any more of his books.
Preston, Douglas & Child, Lincoln: The Book of the Dead (16.04.08)
I have read this rather out of sequence as it is the third of three featuring the villain and the seventh with the hero. The
story is very involved and a mix of gothic sensibility, a prison break, the preparation of a museum exhibition and the
distortion the villain creates. Belief has to be suspended in spades for some parts with many of the technical details
needing to be accepted as they stand, mystical happenings apart. Whether a young lady who had spent much of her
life in seclusion would be able to track someone, firstly in the USA, then from there to Florence and finally to the island
of Stromboli using only written clues is more than a little unlikely. At one point the villain takes a series of train rides
around Europe to disguise his intended destination with some 70 hours of rail time (excluding any connecting time) being
accomplised in 'two days of hectic travelling' which included a stop for medical treatment! In other words, several pinches
of salt are needed. That apart, the tale moves along quickly with the various strands fitting more or less adequately.
story is very involved and a mix of gothic sensibility, a prison break, the preparation of a museum exhibition and the
distortion the villain creates. Belief has to be suspended in spades for some parts with many of the technical details
needing to be accepted as they stand, mystical happenings apart. Whether a young lady who had spent much of her
life in seclusion would be able to track someone, firstly in the USA, then from there to Florence and finally to the island
of Stromboli using only written clues is more than a little unlikely. At one point the villain takes a series of train rides
around Europe to disguise his intended destination with some 70 hours of rail time (excluding any connecting time) being
accomplised in 'two days of hectic travelling' which included a stop for medical treatment! In other words, several pinches
of salt are needed. That apart, the tale moves along quickly with the various strands fitting more or less adequately.
Der Himmel auf Erden: Schirokauer/Schunzel (09.04.08)
Shown in the 22nd London Lasbian and Gay Film Festival, this German silent was a delight with Reinhold Schunzel
taking the lead role as well as weiring and producing (though not listed as director). Based on a farce 'Der Doppelmensch',
the film progresses from a marriage immediately before the hero makes his maiden speech in the Reichstag condemning
night clubs, alcohol and vice (his father-in-law is a major producer of sparkling wine) to his learning that he is the owner
of the club he denounced, Der Himmel auf Erden. He has to be there between 10.00 pm and 3.00 am daily which he njust
manages on the first night, leaving his bride completely alone. With many of the complications that make farces farcical,
the story continues over the next 24 hours only, ending happily. Schunzel's performance is a delight of twitchy mannerisms
without being overly broad though his appearance in darg is rather OTT. Two side comments - apart from the drag, there
was no homosexual element (of either sex) and the dancers' legs were much better than most of the chubby ones seen in
musicals in the 30s
taking the lead role as well as weiring and producing (though not listed as director). Based on a farce 'Der Doppelmensch',
the film progresses from a marriage immediately before the hero makes his maiden speech in the Reichstag condemning
night clubs, alcohol and vice (his father-in-law is a major producer of sparkling wine) to his learning that he is the owner
of the club he denounced, Der Himmel auf Erden. He has to be there between 10.00 pm and 3.00 am daily which he njust
manages on the first night, leaving his bride completely alone. With many of the complications that make farces farcical,
the story continues over the next 24 hours only, ending happily. Schunzel's performance is a delight of twitchy mannerisms
without being overly broad though his appearance in darg is rather OTT. Two side comments - apart from the drag, there
was no homosexual element (of either sex) and the dancers' legs were much better than most of the chubby ones seen in
musicals in the 30s
Muk Gong (A Battle of Wits): Chi Leung Cheung (09.04.08)
An Interesting Hong Kong historical set in the 4th century BC where a small knigdom is under attack from a much larger
one and is saved by a warrior philosopher. The film is based on a Japanese manga but there is no indication of the origin
as there has been in some manga based adaptations. A number of set piece battles with real people rather than CGI
dummies are excellently staged and filmed both in longshot and in close-up including one anachronistic attack with
manned balloons. Andy Lau in the lead role underplays which adds to the realism of the story - a more flamboyant
approach would have been very offputting - and the other leads are well played apart, I thought, from the king. One
reason I had for going was to justify my membership of the ICA and I am glad I did as I might well have missed this
first rate film otherwise.
one and is saved by a warrior philosopher. The film is based on a Japanese manga but there is no indication of the origin
as there has been in some manga based adaptations. A number of set piece battles with real people rather than CGI
dummies are excellently staged and filmed both in longshot and in close-up including one anachronistic attack with
manned balloons. Andy Lau in the lead role underplays which adds to the realism of the story - a more flamboyant
approach would have been very offputting - and the other leads are well played apart, I thought, from the king. One
reason I had for going was to justify my membership of the ICA and I am glad I did as I might well have missed this
first rate film otherwise.
Vargas, Fred: Have Mercy On Us All
Another brilliant offering from this Franch lady who combines everyday settings with offbeat erudite learning and twisted
plots. What I find more than a little appealing is the way she almost has a closed universe with the main characters in
one novel appearing in a secondary role in others. In this tale Commissaire Adamsberg has the leading role ina rather
bizarre story about the plague whereas in 'Seeking Whom He May Devour' his role is limited to an appearance will into
that book. In addition, one of the 'Three Apostles' appears logically in the novel. Adamsbergs has been compared
with Colin Dexter's Inspector Morse and there are similarities in their reliance on instinct rather than the minutiae of
police work. The characters that provide the background to the story are given a fairly rounded description, as much
from what thyey say and do and the interaction between them as from anything. Very enjoyable indeed.
plots. What I find more than a little appealing is the way she almost has a closed universe with the main characters in
one novel appearing in a secondary role in others. In this tale Commissaire Adamsberg has the leading role ina rather
bizarre story about the plague whereas in 'Seeking Whom He May Devour' his role is limited to an appearance will into
that book. In addition, one of the 'Three Apostles' appears logically in the novel. Adamsbergs has been compared
with Colin Dexter's Inspector Morse and there are similarities in their reliance on instinct rather than the minutiae of
police work. The characters that provide the background to the story are given a fairly rounded description, as much
from what thyey say and do and the interaction between them as from anything. Very enjoyable indeed.
Thomas,Jeffrey: Deadstock
I enoyed this but have a number of reservations. The alternate world setting is well described and the hero satisfactorily
portrayed. The basic plot is a relatively simple one but this becomes overly complicated by a side plot which does almost
take over the book. The concept of mutants living in some sort of harmony with 'normal' people is interesting but the
author does go overboard in the number of variations he produces - and this detracts rather than adds to the effect.
The book has a sub-title 'A Punktown Novel' se presumably is one of a series (I note that opposite the title page one of
the listed titles is 'Punktown'). My criticisms will not preclude my trying another of the books at some time
portrayed. The basic plot is a relatively simple one but this becomes overly complicated by a side plot which does almost
take over the book. The concept of mutants living in some sort of harmony with 'normal' people is interesting but the
author does go overboard in the number of variations he produces - and this detracts rather than adds to the effect.
The book has a sub-title 'A Punktown Novel' se presumably is one of a series (I note that opposite the title page one of
the listed titles is 'Punktown'). My criticisms will not preclude my trying another of the books at some time
Stross, Charles: The Atrocity Archives
This is one full length novel, a novella 'The Concrete Jungle', an Introduction and a polemic. I did not really read tne
latter and the introduction is, like all such, a variant on the usual publicity piece. 'The Atrocity Archive' which is the
novel is complex though the sci-fi element is straightfoward and held consistently throughout. The basic story is a
thriller using a Nazi relic body as the apparent body though this is being manipulated. The story moves along briskly
and the hero is well-defined and likeable - prone to error at times and aware of his own failings. The novella continues
his adventures presumably shortly after those of the novel though this is not spelt out - again an easy read.
((Just what I meant to say when describing the basic story is beyond me)
latter and the introduction is, like all such, a variant on the usual publicity piece. 'The Atrocity Archive' which is the
novel is complex though the sci-fi element is straightfoward and held consistently throughout. The basic story is a
thriller using a Nazi relic body as the apparent body though this is being manipulated. The story moves along briskly
and the hero is well-defined and likeable - prone to error at times and aware of his own failings. The novella continues
his adventures presumably shortly after those of the novel though this is not spelt out - again an easy read.
((Just what I meant to say when describing the basic story is beyond me)
Gray, Clio: Guardians of the Key (13.01.08)
A book in the historical mystery impinging on the present mode though this has a present in the past as well. Linking
Lucca and London and holy relics, it should have been better than it was. The references back to the past may have
been better placed as a preamble rather than being scattered. Admittedly, I prefer straightforward narrative as do most
but this is certainly a book that would have been better had it gone from then to the now if the book in a single line.
I also found that some of the main characters were a little unbelievable.
Lucca and London and holy relics, it should have been better than it was. The references back to the past may have
been better placed as a preamble rather than being scattered. Admittedly, I prefer straightforward narrative as do most
but this is certainly a book that would have been better had it gone from then to the now if the book in a single line.
I also found that some of the main characters were a little unbelievable.
Pullman, Philip: The Subtle Knife (13.01.08)
The second of the 'His Dark Materials' trilogy which almsot stands alone though there are necessary links back to the
first book as well as the ongoing thread. Without the connection, this can be described as a rattling good yarn with
some supernatural overtones. The main character in this part is a young lad called Will who is searching for his father
when he meets Lyra in a parallel world. Their adventures together flow unforcedly towards this book's completion
and take the overall plot closer to its resolution in the final part. the fact that the books were written for children
provides and economy of style and language. In no way is this a writing down to a lesser audience but a recognition
that the audience must be respected. Brilliant set pieces do not interrupt the flow and one looks forward to reading
the final book with some regret- there should be more.
first book as well as the ongoing thread. Without the connection, this can be described as a rattling good yarn with
some supernatural overtones. The main character in this part is a young lad called Will who is searching for his father
when he meets Lyra in a parallel world. Their adventures together flow unforcedly towards this book's completion
and take the overall plot closer to its resolution in the final part. the fact that the books were written for children
provides and economy of style and language. In no way is this a writing down to a lesser audience but a recognition
that the audience must be respected. Brilliant set pieces do not interrupt the flow and one looks forward to reading
the final book with some regret- there should be more.
London Film Festival 2007
Having seen some real bummers in the past, the choice from the considerable nnumber of available films has tended to
be limited to directors and actors that one knows and likes coupled with tolerable timings, i.e. no late nights and no
Saturdays or Sundays. This year had fewer possibilities and, for the most part, those seen were worth the effort.
GLORY TO THE FILMMAKER
Takeshi Kaetano plays a frustrated film maker and runs through the various genres in which he has previously had success.
Unfortunately, I found the film very self-indulgent and tired though some of the clips from his past successes were welcome.
EASTERN PROMISES
The new David Lynch with Viggo Mortensen, Naomi Watts and Armin Muhler-Stahl (with apologies for what is probably a
mis-spelling). Violent and a little slow to get going with a reliance on coincidence (but that is what makes the world go round in the cinema) - Watts playing a nurse who seese a young Russian girl die, is herself of Russian origin - but despite
this, a first-rate film. I don't know that Vincent Cassel was well cast and his was the least satisfactory performance of the
leading quartet.
LUST, CAUTION
Ang Lee's porno movie failed to convince. While the basic story of young Chinese patriots secretly trying to sabotage
collaboration with the japanese in the late 30s was sound, the development with a sweet young amateur actress seducing
(or letting herself be seduced by) a wealthy, unemontional businessman did not ring true. Explicit sex has its place but
the violence and contortions displayed here were almost laughable and gave no feeling that passion was involved.
LAST MISTRESS
Move to France over a century earlier for a tale of infatuation and loss. Very well photographed and believable (Balzac
does not mess about), this, too, had writhing sex though without the need to show insertion. The difference lies in the
enthusiasm Asia Argento threw into her rols and the sexual activities in particular which left one convinced of the passion
between her and her lover. Excellent performances in the minor raoles, especially from the great Michael Lonsdale.
I ALWAYS WANTED TO BE A GANGSTER
A black and white oddity which was a delight. I don't know why I picked this but it was an enjoyable afternoon's
entertainment.
EXTE
The title refers to hair extensions and this Japanses horror movie was very effectively done. The story made sense and
the special effects were both logical and scarily effective without being too extreme. Seeing hair grow rapidly out of
someone's eyes and mouth is as effectively bloodchilling as blood-spattered limb loss.
FAY GRIM
A belated sequel to 'Henry Fool' with the same main characters. A fine central performance from the eponymous heroine,
Parker Posey, in what was a rather different Hal Hartley film. Allowing for some quirks, this would not be out of place
alongside the Bourne trilogy or a cgi-less Bond movie. A delight to the eye and ear with Hartley's wry dialogue again
in evidence.
Comments
Again Ms Anonymous more or less agrees, but perhaps doing these reviews in retrospect lends the movies rather more
enchantment than my immediate knee-jerk reactions. I'm thinking about 'Fay Grim' in particular here and how you can
link this disappointment in your mind with any sort of blockbuster mainstream movie is beyond my ken.
be limited to directors and actors that one knows and likes coupled with tolerable timings, i.e. no late nights and no
Saturdays or Sundays. This year had fewer possibilities and, for the most part, those seen were worth the effort.
GLORY TO THE FILMMAKER
Takeshi Kaetano plays a frustrated film maker and runs through the various genres in which he has previously had success.
Unfortunately, I found the film very self-indulgent and tired though some of the clips from his past successes were welcome.
EASTERN PROMISES
The new David Lynch with Viggo Mortensen, Naomi Watts and Armin Muhler-Stahl (with apologies for what is probably a
mis-spelling). Violent and a little slow to get going with a reliance on coincidence (but that is what makes the world go round in the cinema) - Watts playing a nurse who seese a young Russian girl die, is herself of Russian origin - but despite
this, a first-rate film. I don't know that Vincent Cassel was well cast and his was the least satisfactory performance of the
leading quartet.
LUST, CAUTION
Ang Lee's porno movie failed to convince. While the basic story of young Chinese patriots secretly trying to sabotage
collaboration with the japanese in the late 30s was sound, the development with a sweet young amateur actress seducing
(or letting herself be seduced by) a wealthy, unemontional businessman did not ring true. Explicit sex has its place but
the violence and contortions displayed here were almost laughable and gave no feeling that passion was involved.
LAST MISTRESS
Move to France over a century earlier for a tale of infatuation and loss. Very well photographed and believable (Balzac
does not mess about), this, too, had writhing sex though without the need to show insertion. The difference lies in the
enthusiasm Asia Argento threw into her rols and the sexual activities in particular which left one convinced of the passion
between her and her lover. Excellent performances in the minor raoles, especially from the great Michael Lonsdale.
I ALWAYS WANTED TO BE A GANGSTER
A black and white oddity which was a delight. I don't know why I picked this but it was an enjoyable afternoon's
entertainment.
EXTE
The title refers to hair extensions and this Japanses horror movie was very effectively done. The story made sense and
the special effects were both logical and scarily effective without being too extreme. Seeing hair grow rapidly out of
someone's eyes and mouth is as effectively bloodchilling as blood-spattered limb loss.
FAY GRIM
A belated sequel to 'Henry Fool' with the same main characters. A fine central performance from the eponymous heroine,
Parker Posey, in what was a rather different Hal Hartley film. Allowing for some quirks, this would not be out of place
alongside the Bourne trilogy or a cgi-less Bond movie. A delight to the eye and ear with Hartley's wry dialogue again
in evidence.
Comments
Again Ms Anonymous more or less agrees, but perhaps doing these reviews in retrospect lends the movies rather more
enchantment than my immediate knee-jerk reactions. I'm thinking about 'Fay Grim' in particular here and how you can
link this disappointment in your mind with any sort of blockbuster mainstream movie is beyond my ken.
Rainforest Film Festival 15 (13.01.08)
It's amazing what goes on without being aware of it - as film buffs we should have known about this festival some years
back but only accidentally found it this year. Going back to early October has left me with a rather diminished memory
of the only two films seen.
UNCLE"S PARADISE
A pink Japanese film about a young man trying to save his uncle from the king of Hell. Some Japanese fantasy previously
has been either very impressive or charming but this was rather poor which is a delicate way of saying it was bad.
LA ANTENA
An Argentinian film providing a mix of expressionism and modern Gothic which is probably a political allegory. The
silence added to the oddness of the film and this, coupled with several striking images led to a generally favourably
impression.
Comments
I might as well comment on your hat trick of film reviews. The Japanese pinku was indeed pathetic, but 'La Antena'
is one that I would quite like to see again, although I suspect it will never surface again in the UK, not even on DVD, rather
like 'Wind with the Gone' which we saw many years ago.
Pat Evans
back but only accidentally found it this year. Going back to early October has left me with a rather diminished memory
of the only two films seen.
UNCLE"S PARADISE
A pink Japanese film about a young man trying to save his uncle from the king of Hell. Some Japanese fantasy previously
has been either very impressive or charming but this was rather poor which is a delicate way of saying it was bad.
LA ANTENA
An Argentinian film providing a mix of expressionism and modern Gothic which is probably a political allegory. The
silence added to the oddness of the film and this, coupled with several striking images led to a generally favourably
impression.
Comments
I might as well comment on your hat trick of film reviews. The Japanese pinku was indeed pathetic, but 'La Antena'
is one that I would quite like to see again, although I suspect it will never surface again in the UK, not even on DVD, rather
like 'Wind with the Gone' which we saw many years ago.
Pat Evans
Monday, September 7, 2009
Frightfest 2007 (12.01.08)
Some three and a half months late, my thoughts on last year's Frightfest which was somewhat unusual in there being no Asian
films (though one was scheduled), no French and no Italian ones. What there were provided a mixed bag of both genre and
quality.
23 August
BLACK SHEEP
Another dangers of genetic mutation effort, this time from New Zealand where efforts to produce the wonder sheep proved
deadly. nice scenery and some amusing touches without being too demanding or scary. A nice quiet start to the weekend.
24 August
THE SWORD BEARER
A Russian entry set in Kaliningrad for a change with the premise of the hero having a sword in his hand which extends at times of great danger and anger. Well handled with a believable story line to the extent that one all but accepted the rather
over the top ending. The exotically named Chulpan Khamatova who played the heroine was a sight for sore and not so sore
eyes though her engaging in rampant sex with the hero almost as soon as they met was a little hard to accept - or is that just envy.
THE SIGNAL
Basically good idea spoilt by bad acting, bad editing and bad filming which was a waste of time. I wonder if the idea came from Stephen King's 'The Cell'?
1408
Mainstream Hollywood with high production values and first rate performances from John Cusack and a well turned out, almost elegent, Samuel L. Jackson. Confusing backflashes at times but, overall, fairly good.
25 August
COLD PREY
Glorious scenery and a solid story with a convincing back story which mad what happened believable. Viktopris Winge as the first female victim should have a special award for exposure in minimal underwear in snow and ice! A strong heroine which
has become something of a cliche in slasher films of late possibly to compensate for the untold numbers of women who have
been killed in these films.
JOSHUA
Evil seed drama which was poorly acted and directed: with the high production values involved, this was definitely the biggest
waste of money of the weekend though not the absolute worst film, a title which a number of the low budget features deserved.
STORM WARNING
When things start to go wrong, why do horror heroes and heroines, if those be the right words, press on instead of turning back - haven't any of them seen what happens? A couple lost in shoreline swamps stumble into a marijuana farm where first the two brothers on the farm and then the father terrorize them. Again, the resourcefulness of the heroine, Nadia Fares,
eventually saves the day in what is a rather bloody climax.
WRONG TURN 2
Quite jolly horror comedy set in the boonies where inbreeding and nuclear waste mutants start killing off reality TV contestants. Not as good as the first of this name though. Again, a spunky female lead.
DISTURBIA
Described in the programme as 'the surprise smash American hit of the year', the surprise being that it was a hit. An updated version of Hitchcock's 'Rear Window' for the teen years, it has a few interesting riffs on the way the main character is
restricted but has nothing other than this to commend it.
26 August
JACK KATCHUM'S THE GIRL NEXT DOOR
The revelation of the weekend and, were it not so nasty a true tale, the film of the weekend. Very disturbing indeed with excellent performances from both the eponymous heroine, Blythe Auffarth, her nemesis (brilliant acting by Blanche Baker)
and some less so by the narrator of the events that occur, Danial Manche. Unflashily directed, and all the better for it, by
Gregory Wilson, the film portrays real evil very convincingly indeed.
BOTCHED
A romp with scary special effects and a bloody killing spree that was both amusing at times and effectively done. As with a
number of this type of film, a jolly way to pass the timewithout too much strain on the grey matter.
POSTAL
First of a Uwe Boll double bill which reminded me of 'Attack of the Killer Tomatoes' in some ways. Utter rubbish.
SEED
The second Boll feature which may have been better but was filmed in next to complete darkness so after 30 minutes or so
I gave up and went for coffee.
WAZ (Middle letter should be the Greek letter delta)
A horror noir based on the theory of a geneticist, George R. Price, that there is no such thing an altruism. A serial killer sets out to prove this or the opposite and is chased by Stellan Skarsgard in yet another solid performance. his path crosses that of Selma Blair, much better here than in 'Hellboy'. The revelation of the film was Melissa George as Skarsgard's partner; a strong well-nuanced performance, all the better for being unexpected.
27 August
THE ZOMBIE DIARIES
To call this trips is being unfair to that much unloved delicacy. An English Zombie movie in quasi-documentary style with no
redeeming features apart from its mercifully short length of 81 minutes.
KM31
Twin sisters communicate psychically and one is left mutilated and in a coma after a road accident at - Km 31 - after which the walking sister experienced her sister's terrors. It then gets confused but remained, for me, fairly well done without overly
relying on special effects. apparently a big hit in its home country of Mexico, I doubt it will resonate much elsewhere.
SPIRAL
Joel David Moore, who co-directed and co-wrote, plays a disturbed and rather dysfunctional young man who is befriended by his employer (a family friend) and is then increasingly involved with a new employee (a sweet performance frrom Amber Tamblyn). When she fails to turn up to him with him at his employer's on Christmas Day, the latter decides she is a figment
of Moore's imagination - until the last moments of the film. I did not like the film much but acknowledge that it was well done.
DAY WATCH
The sequel to 'Night Watch' and apparently more successful. Again, a strong and believable story line, excellent but not overdone special effects, good performances from the leads, particularly Konstantin Khabensky, with a merit award to the good girl, Mariya Poroshina, and her bad counterpart, Zhanne Friske, for reasons which have nothing to do with acting - see
their fellow countrywoman in' The Sword Bearer' to complete the trio.
THE ORPHANAGE
The final film of what was a very interesting weekend with a number of other films which were missed either because of thei
late timing - getting home after the Underground stops is no longer fun - or because they did not appeal. This was the best film of Frightfest with some strong contenders - the two Russian films and 'Jack Ketchum's...' running it close. Not a film with lots of gore but a psychological fantasy of the highest orde directed by Juan Antonio Nayona with a supber central performance by Belen Ruenda. From the opening sequences with the backflash to the history of the setting for the film through the moving fairytel ending this is a film to be treasured and watched again and again.
Comments
Here goes Ms Anonymous as the owners of your blog would call me even if I do give my name where asked.
By and large I agree with most of your assessments (well she would, wouldn't she) although I am a little surprised that (in retrospect) you reacted so favourably to 'Day Watch' which I found definitely something of a disappointment.
I particuarly like the way your blog organises itself into blank verse for reasons unknown. it must recognise the poet in your soul.
Con mucho amor....
Pat Evans
(A short explanation of the final comment - although entered as a regular set of lines, when reproduced, the text often came
out in a series of irregular line lengths).
films (though one was scheduled), no French and no Italian ones. What there were provided a mixed bag of both genre and
quality.
23 August
BLACK SHEEP
Another dangers of genetic mutation effort, this time from New Zealand where efforts to produce the wonder sheep proved
deadly. nice scenery and some amusing touches without being too demanding or scary. A nice quiet start to the weekend.
24 August
THE SWORD BEARER
A Russian entry set in Kaliningrad for a change with the premise of the hero having a sword in his hand which extends at times of great danger and anger. Well handled with a believable story line to the extent that one all but accepted the rather
over the top ending. The exotically named Chulpan Khamatova who played the heroine was a sight for sore and not so sore
eyes though her engaging in rampant sex with the hero almost as soon as they met was a little hard to accept - or is that just envy.
THE SIGNAL
Basically good idea spoilt by bad acting, bad editing and bad filming which was a waste of time. I wonder if the idea came from Stephen King's 'The Cell'?
1408
Mainstream Hollywood with high production values and first rate performances from John Cusack and a well turned out, almost elegent, Samuel L. Jackson. Confusing backflashes at times but, overall, fairly good.
25 August
COLD PREY
Glorious scenery and a solid story with a convincing back story which mad what happened believable. Viktopris Winge as the first female victim should have a special award for exposure in minimal underwear in snow and ice! A strong heroine which
has become something of a cliche in slasher films of late possibly to compensate for the untold numbers of women who have
been killed in these films.
JOSHUA
Evil seed drama which was poorly acted and directed: with the high production values involved, this was definitely the biggest
waste of money of the weekend though not the absolute worst film, a title which a number of the low budget features deserved.
STORM WARNING
When things start to go wrong, why do horror heroes and heroines, if those be the right words, press on instead of turning back - haven't any of them seen what happens? A couple lost in shoreline swamps stumble into a marijuana farm where first the two brothers on the farm and then the father terrorize them. Again, the resourcefulness of the heroine, Nadia Fares,
eventually saves the day in what is a rather bloody climax.
WRONG TURN 2
Quite jolly horror comedy set in the boonies where inbreeding and nuclear waste mutants start killing off reality TV contestants. Not as good as the first of this name though. Again, a spunky female lead.
DISTURBIA
Described in the programme as 'the surprise smash American hit of the year', the surprise being that it was a hit. An updated version of Hitchcock's 'Rear Window' for the teen years, it has a few interesting riffs on the way the main character is
restricted but has nothing other than this to commend it.
26 August
JACK KATCHUM'S THE GIRL NEXT DOOR
The revelation of the weekend and, were it not so nasty a true tale, the film of the weekend. Very disturbing indeed with excellent performances from both the eponymous heroine, Blythe Auffarth, her nemesis (brilliant acting by Blanche Baker)
and some less so by the narrator of the events that occur, Danial Manche. Unflashily directed, and all the better for it, by
Gregory Wilson, the film portrays real evil very convincingly indeed.
BOTCHED
A romp with scary special effects and a bloody killing spree that was both amusing at times and effectively done. As with a
number of this type of film, a jolly way to pass the timewithout too much strain on the grey matter.
POSTAL
First of a Uwe Boll double bill which reminded me of 'Attack of the Killer Tomatoes' in some ways. Utter rubbish.
SEED
The second Boll feature which may have been better but was filmed in next to complete darkness so after 30 minutes or so
I gave up and went for coffee.
WAZ (Middle letter should be the Greek letter delta)
A horror noir based on the theory of a geneticist, George R. Price, that there is no such thing an altruism. A serial killer sets out to prove this or the opposite and is chased by Stellan Skarsgard in yet another solid performance. his path crosses that of Selma Blair, much better here than in 'Hellboy'. The revelation of the film was Melissa George as Skarsgard's partner; a strong well-nuanced performance, all the better for being unexpected.
27 August
THE ZOMBIE DIARIES
To call this trips is being unfair to that much unloved delicacy. An English Zombie movie in quasi-documentary style with no
redeeming features apart from its mercifully short length of 81 minutes.
KM31
Twin sisters communicate psychically and one is left mutilated and in a coma after a road accident at - Km 31 - after which the walking sister experienced her sister's terrors. It then gets confused but remained, for me, fairly well done without overly
relying on special effects. apparently a big hit in its home country of Mexico, I doubt it will resonate much elsewhere.
SPIRAL
Joel David Moore, who co-directed and co-wrote, plays a disturbed and rather dysfunctional young man who is befriended by his employer (a family friend) and is then increasingly involved with a new employee (a sweet performance frrom Amber Tamblyn). When she fails to turn up to him with him at his employer's on Christmas Day, the latter decides she is a figment
of Moore's imagination - until the last moments of the film. I did not like the film much but acknowledge that it was well done.
DAY WATCH
The sequel to 'Night Watch' and apparently more successful. Again, a strong and believable story line, excellent but not overdone special effects, good performances from the leads, particularly Konstantin Khabensky, with a merit award to the good girl, Mariya Poroshina, and her bad counterpart, Zhanne Friske, for reasons which have nothing to do with acting - see
their fellow countrywoman in' The Sword Bearer' to complete the trio.
THE ORPHANAGE
The final film of what was a very interesting weekend with a number of other films which were missed either because of thei
late timing - getting home after the Underground stops is no longer fun - or because they did not appeal. This was the best film of Frightfest with some strong contenders - the two Russian films and 'Jack Ketchum's...' running it close. Not a film with lots of gore but a psychological fantasy of the highest orde directed by Juan Antonio Nayona with a supber central performance by Belen Ruenda. From the opening sequences with the backflash to the history of the setting for the film through the moving fairytel ending this is a film to be treasured and watched again and again.
Comments
Here goes Ms Anonymous as the owners of your blog would call me even if I do give my name where asked.
By and large I agree with most of your assessments (well she would, wouldn't she) although I am a little surprised that (in retrospect) you reacted so favourably to 'Day Watch' which I found definitely something of a disappointment.
I particuarly like the way your blog organises itself into blank verse for reasons unknown. it must recognise the poet in your soul.
Con mucho amor....
Pat Evans
(A short explanation of the final comment - although entered as a regular set of lines, when reproduced, the text often came
out in a series of irregular line lengths).
Rodenbach, Georges: Bruges-La-Morte
A Symbolist masterpiece from 1892 telling a fairly straightforward tale of infatuation to the point of madness, betrayal and
retribution. The main thrust of the book is the setting - Bruges - which also features in the essay contained in the book,
'The Death Throes of Towns'. That Bruges should be so regarded is, of course, hard for present-day readers to accept as it is
the honeypot of Flandrian tourism and thus hardly a dead town. Historically, however, this is not so as the town's medieval
prosperity was cut short when it was suddenly cut off from the sea which greatly restricted its trading opportunities though
it did continue with some success for several hundred years until the coming of the Strem Age gave the deep-water port of
Antwerp its current dominance. The book is hypnotising and vary effectively gives a feeling of a town that has seen better
days but is now a backwater. A small side comment - 'Rie Tote Stadt', Erich Korngold's opera, is based in this book.
retribution. The main thrust of the book is the setting - Bruges - which also features in the essay contained in the book,
'The Death Throes of Towns'. That Bruges should be so regarded is, of course, hard for present-day readers to accept as it is
the honeypot of Flandrian tourism and thus hardly a dead town. Historically, however, this is not so as the town's medieval
prosperity was cut short when it was suddenly cut off from the sea which greatly restricted its trading opportunities though
it did continue with some success for several hundred years until the coming of the Strem Age gave the deep-water port of
Antwerp its current dominance. The book is hypnotising and vary effectively gives a feeling of a town that has seen better
days but is now a backwater. A small side comment - 'Rie Tote Stadt', Erich Korngold's opera, is based in this book.
Tracy, P.J.: Snow Blind (09.01.08)
Another in the series from the mother and daughter team featuring gino and Maguzzi, two Minneapolis detectives, whose
investigations do take them into the wolds of Minnesota. A minor part is played by characters from 'Want to Play' without
their involvement being forced. Well-plotted and fast-moving, the noval maintains the standard of the three earlier books
and leaves one looking forward to the fifth.
investigations do take them into the wolds of Minnesota. A minor part is played by characters from 'Want to Play' without
their involvement being forced. Well-plotted and fast-moving, the noval maintains the standard of the three earlier books
and leaves one looking forward to the fifth.
Fulvio, Luca di: The Mannequin Man (09.01.08)
A rather complex and densely written Italian thriller set in an unnamed city which seems to be Genoa. The characters are
well delineated and the plot....(the original post stops abruptly here, presumably because the rest did not hold).
The plot is gradually expounded and this is done in a way which holds the interest with development fitting in with local
colour - the stgory takes place during a garbage strike - and character growth. While details escape me after two years
I recall that I found the book more than satisfying.
well delineated and the plot....(the original post stops abruptly here, presumably because the rest did not hold).
The plot is gradually expounded and this is done in a way which holds the interest with development fitting in with local
colour - the stgory takes place during a garbage strike - and character growth. While details escape me after two years
I recall that I found the book more than satisfying.
Harrison, Kim: A Fistful of Charms (08.11.07)
The most recently issued in an ongoing series set in a Cincinnati where the human population are complemented by witches,
vampires, weres, pixies, fairies and elves, each of which has certain characteristics. Rachel Morgan, the heroine, is a witch
in partnership with Ivy, a Vampire, and Jenks, a pixy, in a private investigator setf-up. The story is one of her going ater a
former human boyfriend who has gone off with one of Jenks's sons to help him find an artefact, the possession of which would lead to weres coming together under a single leader, the holder of the item, which would then lead to war with the
vampires and then the human population. The book is rather long which leads to a loss of interest somewhere about two-thirds in though it picks up for the climax. The interplay between the leading characters is believable and allows for the
different abilities of the various types with the occasional reference back to earlier novels in the series though these do not
interfere with understanding the narrative. Enjoyable without being in any way great literature.
vampires, weres, pixies, fairies and elves, each of which has certain characteristics. Rachel Morgan, the heroine, is a witch
in partnership with Ivy, a Vampire, and Jenks, a pixy, in a private investigator setf-up. The story is one of her going ater a
former human boyfriend who has gone off with one of Jenks's sons to help him find an artefact, the possession of which would lead to weres coming together under a single leader, the holder of the item, which would then lead to war with the
vampires and then the human population. The book is rather long which leads to a loss of interest somewhere about two-thirds in though it picks up for the climax. The interplay between the leading characters is believable and allows for the
different abilities of the various types with the occasional reference back to earlier novels in the series though these do not
interfere with understanding the narrative. Enjoyable without being in any way great literature.
Talladega Nights: Will Ferrell and others (07.10.07)
Can someone please tell me if this film is meant to be a laugh-out loud comedy a subtle (!) satire of a commentary on the mores of working class people from the South. If the latter it failed as the cast were playing for laughs rather than adopting
a naturalistic approach and if either of the first two it failed because it just was not funny. Sasha Cohan who has made a
career out of grotesques who are meant to be funny (guess who finds them anything but) here plays another grotesque and
is just about the best thing in it. One final point - if a woman's desirability is that she has large breasts there is little point
in pretending to expose them to those on-screen and not to the world at large.
Comments
Sadly I think it was meant to be funny and Ferrell is meant to be a comedian. Ha, bloody, ha!
Pat Evans
a naturalistic approach and if either of the first two it failed because it just was not funny. Sasha Cohan who has made a
career out of grotesques who are meant to be funny (guess who finds them anything but) here plays another grotesque and
is just about the best thing in it. One final point - if a woman's desirability is that she has large breasts there is little point
in pretending to expose them to those on-screen and not to the world at large.
Comments
Sadly I think it was meant to be funny and Ferrell is meant to be a comedian. Ha, bloody, ha!
Pat Evans
Hayder, Mo: Pig Island (07.10.07)
I have read two of this lady's books previously which were sequential though I inadvertently read the later story first (possibly
how it was written) so I kne I could expect a lot of nastiness. I was not disappointed as the first part of the novel does have
a horrifying climax which is completly in keeping with the build-up to this point. I id find that the middle section sagged
rather and failed to maintain tension but the final chapters and the syaryling twist in them worked admirably.
how it was written) so I kne I could expect a lot of nastiness. I was not disappointed as the first part of the novel does have
a horrifying climax which is completly in keeping with the build-up to this point. I id find that the middle section sagged
rather and failed to maintain tension but the final chapters and the syaryling twist in them worked admirably.
Schow, David J.: Lost Angels (07.10.07)
Five short stories of varying length which are all first rate. Schow not only has a way with words but also a highly developed
and somewhat macabre magination. An earlier collection 'Seeing Red' which I must have read well over a decade ago was,
if I recall correctly, rather gorier and scarier than this collection. There is a certain calm to these rales even though they are
dealing with the supernatural. I recommend this to anyone who likes the stories from an earlier time of Vernon Lee and
M.R. James; anyone who wants the written equivalnet of Rob Zombie (is that really his name?) will be sadly disappointed.
and somewhat macabre magination. An earlier collection 'Seeing Red' which I must have read well over a decade ago was,
if I recall correctly, rather gorier and scarier than this collection. There is a certain calm to these rales even though they are
dealing with the supernatural. I recommend this to anyone who likes the stories from an earlier time of Vernon Lee and
M.R. James; anyone who wants the written equivalnet of Rob Zombie (is that really his name?) will be sadly disappointed.
Pullman, Philip: Northern Lights
As with Stephen King and the Harry Potter series (I think I am halfway through the first book of these), this is a book I have
been meaning to read for a number of years and I have at last gotten round to it. Wow!!! What I have missed. It is brilliant.
I have seen a lot of comments about the philosophy and atheism of the author but have tried to ignore this as it seemed to
be irrelevant - and it is. Pullman could be advocating the return of hanging for shoplifting (there's an idea) for all that it
matters. The story is supberb and the imagery stunning. I shall start the second book soon and I wonder just how the film
will hold up - Nicole Kidman is rather over-rated to my mind though a better actress than her former husband is an actor
(that's like saying Tony Blair is more believable than Pinocchio) though she has some first class performances to her name.
The success of the film will really depend on the integrity and believability of whoever plays Lyra
been meaning to read for a number of years and I have at last gotten round to it. Wow!!! What I have missed. It is brilliant.
I have seen a lot of comments about the philosophy and atheism of the author but have tried to ignore this as it seemed to
be irrelevant - and it is. Pullman could be advocating the return of hanging for shoplifting (there's an idea) for all that it
matters. The story is supberb and the imagery stunning. I shall start the second book soon and I wonder just how the film
will hold up - Nicole Kidman is rather over-rated to my mind though a better actress than her former husband is an actor
(that's like saying Tony Blair is more believable than Pinocchio) though she has some first class performances to her name.
The success of the film will really depend on the integrity and believability of whoever plays Lyra
Indridason, Arnaldur: Tainted Blood (26.09.07)
As the film of this Icelandic-based policier is one of the year's London Film Festival showings, any description of the plot
would decidedly be a spoiler. The story is complex and, in some ways, can be taken as a riff on the tales of such as Ross
Macdonald where present day crimes unearth the sins of the past. In this tale, there is a definite link with the past but with
a most decided twist. One variant is that the lead detective, albeit a curmudgeon, seems relatively normal but has a junkie
daughter to provide the flaw which is such a necessity, apparently, these days. There is a sequel which I intend to search
out and read (ahead of the probably 100 waiting on my shelves!).
would decidedly be a spoiler. The story is complex and, in some ways, can be taken as a riff on the tales of such as Ross
Macdonald where present day crimes unearth the sins of the past. In this tale, there is a definite link with the past but with
a most decided twist. One variant is that the lead detective, albeit a curmudgeon, seems relatively normal but has a junkie
daughter to provide the flaw which is such a necessity, apparently, these days. There is a sequel which I intend to search
out and read (ahead of the probably 100 waiting on my shelves!).
Sunday, September 6, 2009
McDermid, Val: Blue Genes (26.09.07)
Kate Brannigan is a great invention and the convoluted investigations in which she finds herself are both highly imaginative\on the one hand but also highly credible. This sound basing of what happens in the realities of what
presumable passes for everyday life in urban England makes the stories move along at a brisk pace and one is never left
straining to accept what happens. In present terms, a worthy successor to those who tread the mean streets - and this
one in high heels!
presumable passes for everyday life in urban England makes the stories move along at a brisk pace and one is never left
straining to accept what happens. In present terms, a worthy successor to those who tread the mean streets - and this
one in high heels!
Fowler, Christopher: Ten Second Staircase (26.09.07)
Another delight featuring Bryant and May in a contemporary setting as were the previous two. Highly imaginative story line
well worked out with the usual well-rounded characters and May's granddaughter coming on the scene as a new recruit. I
have often wondered previously just how much of the historical facts and fables are 'true' and how many have been invented
for the particular story - in the end this does not matter. Oh that all fiction were this absorbing.
well worked out with the usual well-rounded characters and May's granddaughter coming on the scene as a new recruit. I
have often wondered previously just how much of the historical facts and fables are 'true' and how many have been invented
for the particular story - in the end this does not matter. Oh that all fiction were this absorbing.
Noort, Saskia: The Dinner Club (26.09.07)
A mystery set in a Dutch commuter village where the heroine is a recent arrival who has an affair with a local resident, a
businessmen who seems to have financed several others. As the tale unfolds, she discovers that she is less accepted than
she thought and hardly alone as an adulteress. The female characters are well delineated while the men who are mainly
secondary to the plot tend to be sterotypes. I am not too certain about this one
businessmen who seems to have financed several others. As the tale unfolds, she discovers that she is less accepted than
she thought and hardly alone as an adulteress. The female characters are well delineated while the men who are mainly
secondary to the plot tend to be sterotypes. I am not too certain about this one
David, James F.: Before the Cradle Falls (13.07.07)
From the pre-title blurb, it seems that this mix of policier and sci-fi is the standard fare for this author and I am not too sure
of his success in mixing the two genres. The hero is (aren't they all nowadays) seriously flawed but still having the support
of his superior and for some reason he becomes involved with a legless heroine whose body and face and very attractive.
The plot is well constructed, the sci-fi element reasonable well introduced but inconsistent and the policier element rather
submerged by this and the growing attraction of hero for heroine. Maybe a further reading will convince me but I am in no
great hurry to search out other of Mr David's books.
of his success in mixing the two genres. The hero is (aren't they all nowadays) seriously flawed but still having the support
of his superior and for some reason he becomes involved with a legless heroine whose body and face and very attractive.
The plot is well constructed, the sci-fi element reasonable well introduced but inconsistent and the policier element rather
submerged by this and the growing attraction of hero for heroine. Maybe a further reading will convince me but I am in no
great hurry to search out other of Mr David's books.
King, Stephen: Cell (13.07.07)
This is the first Stephen King novel I have read so I have no idea whether it is up to his usual standard, better or worse, then
others. The concept of an everyday object in near universal use being the agent of horror is well done and, by and large,
sustained though some of the effects seem to appear rather late in the day - I could not see the point of the levitation scene
near the end, for example. While the characters are somewhat stereotyped - the nerdy young schoolboy and the beautiful
teenager, etc. - there is consistency.
others. The concept of an everyday object in near universal use being the agent of horror is well done and, by and large,
sustained though some of the effects seem to appear rather late in the day - I could not see the point of the levitation scene
near the end, for example. While the characters are somewhat stereotyped - the nerdy young schoolboy and the beautiful
teenager, etc. - there is consistency.
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