Sorry, sorry, sorry.
I have been so busy recently travelling around watching tennis that my "art & film" hobbies have taken a bit of a back seat.
Fear not though, I have been watching films via Lovefilm and booked myself a few little trips (see my next post).
A selection of films I have watched:
Dr Strangelove - Sellers at his best
The Long Goodbye - Monica & Ross' Dad gives a great performance
The Seventh Seal - Not easy to describe
Last Tango In Paris - Very interesting use of butter
The Sorrow & The Pity - Real documentary of wartime France
Flatliners - Would you?
The Mummy (1932) - This is what happens when you don't do as you are told!
The Crimson Rivers - Good film
Life Is Beautiful - A film of Fatherly love to the limit
Annie Hall - A must-see
Platoon - Hard hitting film
The Apartment - How to get on the right side of the boss
The Odd Couple - How not to share an apartment
Metropolis - A film ahead of its time
Deliverance - Fantastic film that you must watch
Kiki's Delivery Service - A heart warming film for all ages
Jean De Florette & Manon Des Sources - Greed always has a price
Houseboat - What a great way to live
Cape Fear - Bloody hell Gergory, just shoot him already!
Raging Bull - De Niro as a prize fighter
12 Angry Men - Wonderful film
The 400 Blows - Sometimes all they need is a little attention
Fistful Of Dollars - Hello Mr Man With No Name
Copycat - How easy is it to copy a killer
Witness For The Prosecution - Great film with a twist
The Son's Room - Very moving film
Repo Man - Very 80's
Au Revoir Les Enfants - Another very moving film
A Few Dollars More - Clint is back for more action
Days Of Wine & Roses - Epic tale of excess
Dogville - Very strange set
Pom Poko - Don't mess with the racoons
Beyond A Reasonable Doubt - Keep copies of everything
I have also made a few trips to theatre etc.
I went to London in April and paid a visit to The Royal Opera House where I watched 3 short ballets (Polyphonia / Sweet Violets / Carbon Life) I enjoyed the first, the second was pretty decent too, the third was forgetable as well as painful on my eardrums.
Back home in Preston I went to the local Odeon to watch Rigoletto relayed live from the ROH. Excellent opera with great performances from all involved.
I subscribe to a service called SeeFilmFirst and every now and then I receive free offers to concerts or shows. I was offered a ticket to the Opera House in Manchester to watch a Musical called Vampirette. I had nothing better to do on the Saturday afternoon so I went along. What a riot! Great music and songs as well as story (based on the Addams family) They had the whole audience up dancing at the end.
Brass Festival at Bridgewater Hall was a whole day long event I attended. Whilst it was good I had seen a few of the bands before but at least it helped me decide who I like.
La Fille mai Gardee was another show watched at the cinema. This was a very colourful affair with a funny storyline. How they never got tangles up during the Maypole dance I'll never know.
Jools Holland came to Preston in May so I dragged my partner along for a night of live music. Jools and the band did not disappoint playing their jazzy music that had people dancing in their seats.
Thursday, 12 July 2012
Friday, 30 March 2012
Where Have I Been?
To many different places is the answer.
I have watched many films, both at the cinema and at home. Have I told you that I am a member of Lovefilm? I have the unlimited package, 3 discs at home which is great value at £13.27 per month. I watch at least 4 films per week so I certainly get my money's worth.
I have joined a new cinema, Picturehouse in Liverpool. It is very similar to the Cornerhouse in Manchester that I regularly visit. I am a member of the Times+ and they are running an offer of half price membership, £16 instead of £32. Considering that I recieve 3 free tickets is was worth the price. I also recieve a discount on all purchases as well as numerous other offers. If you are in the North West I recommend membership to both Cornerhouse & Picturehouse.
So what I have been up to?
I watched the new Werner Herzog Documentary - Into The Abyss. This was a pre-release screening @ Picturehouse that included an after film Q&A session with the man himself via link from London.
Interesting film that concentrated on a murder case in Texas. The documentary explores the people involved in the crime and the families left behind. It also looks at the use of the death penalty. For anyone interested in this subject Herzog currently has a TV series showing on Channel 4, Death Row. The previous 2 episodes are available here to watch.
Others films I have watched recently that I can recommend are:
In Darkness - Poland's entry to the Oscars this year that follows a true story set in Lodz during WWII.
The Skin I Live In - Banderas stars in this excellent, if not slightly wacked out film with revenge at the core of his actions.
Ni Liv - Again a true story set during WWII but this time set in Norway as ordinary people help a man on a failed sabotage mission escape capture and to the safety of neutral Sweden.
Chocolat - A few of my friends needed a "girly chick flick" to cheer them up so we watched this lovely film set in a quiet French village that receives a rude awakening when a choclatier sweeps in and tempts them all during Lent.
The French Connection - I thought this was a great film with an great performance from Hackman. Lots of action and interaction with his partner that keep the pace thoughout. Nice car v subway train chase too :-)
I went to see the BBC Philharmonic again at Bridgewater Hall for one of their "Reflections on Debussy" performances. As to be expected from the BBC this was a very enjoyable show with nice and delicate music played in perfect harmony.
Three ballets have been watched, Giselle at the Empire Theatre in Liverpool and Romeo & Juliet & Swan Lake at the Opera House in Manchester. Whilw I don't always know the story or who is who I love to watch them dance, especially the men. I find their fast twirls and energetic moves very entrancing.
I return to Paris in May, where I watched my first ever ballet but alas there are no performances scheduled for the time I am in town :( The only show I could watch is the opera Barber of Seville but the ticket prices are silly at €90 so I shall pass.
Films/shows coming up include a free screening of Sideways courtesy of California Classics, a visit to Royal Opera House during my visit to London where I am watching a new performance of 3 short ballet's. Rigoletto & La Fille Mal Gardee are two performances live from the National Theatre I shall be watching but via the Odeon cinema.
I have watched many films, both at the cinema and at home. Have I told you that I am a member of Lovefilm? I have the unlimited package, 3 discs at home which is great value at £13.27 per month. I watch at least 4 films per week so I certainly get my money's worth.
I have joined a new cinema, Picturehouse in Liverpool. It is very similar to the Cornerhouse in Manchester that I regularly visit. I am a member of the Times+ and they are running an offer of half price membership, £16 instead of £32. Considering that I recieve 3 free tickets is was worth the price. I also recieve a discount on all purchases as well as numerous other offers. If you are in the North West I recommend membership to both Cornerhouse & Picturehouse.
So what I have been up to?
I watched the new Werner Herzog Documentary - Into The Abyss. This was a pre-release screening @ Picturehouse that included an after film Q&A session with the man himself via link from London.
Interesting film that concentrated on a murder case in Texas. The documentary explores the people involved in the crime and the families left behind. It also looks at the use of the death penalty. For anyone interested in this subject Herzog currently has a TV series showing on Channel 4, Death Row. The previous 2 episodes are available here to watch.
Others films I have watched recently that I can recommend are:
In Darkness - Poland's entry to the Oscars this year that follows a true story set in Lodz during WWII.
The Skin I Live In - Banderas stars in this excellent, if not slightly wacked out film with revenge at the core of his actions.
Ni Liv - Again a true story set during WWII but this time set in Norway as ordinary people help a man on a failed sabotage mission escape capture and to the safety of neutral Sweden.
Chocolat - A few of my friends needed a "girly chick flick" to cheer them up so we watched this lovely film set in a quiet French village that receives a rude awakening when a choclatier sweeps in and tempts them all during Lent.
The French Connection - I thought this was a great film with an great performance from Hackman. Lots of action and interaction with his partner that keep the pace thoughout. Nice car v subway train chase too :-)
I went to see the BBC Philharmonic again at Bridgewater Hall for one of their "Reflections on Debussy" performances. As to be expected from the BBC this was a very enjoyable show with nice and delicate music played in perfect harmony.
Three ballets have been watched, Giselle at the Empire Theatre in Liverpool and Romeo & Juliet & Swan Lake at the Opera House in Manchester. Whilw I don't always know the story or who is who I love to watch them dance, especially the men. I find their fast twirls and energetic moves very entrancing.
I return to Paris in May, where I watched my first ever ballet but alas there are no performances scheduled for the time I am in town :( The only show I could watch is the opera Barber of Seville but the ticket prices are silly at €90 so I shall pass.
Films/shows coming up include a free screening of Sideways courtesy of California Classics, a visit to Royal Opera House during my visit to London where I am watching a new performance of 3 short ballet's. Rigoletto & La Fille Mal Gardee are two performances live from the National Theatre I shall be watching but via the Odeon cinema.
Sunday, 4 March 2012
My Recent Adventures
I have been a busy bee recently. Films past & present as well as an Orchestra have been appreciated.
Tatsumi was a film following the career of renowned Japanese cartoon artist Yoshihiro Tatsumi
I found this to be very informative regarding the creation of "adult comics" in Japan. Artists found that their material was not deemed suitable for the main audience, i.e children. This new genre was called Manga.
I took another trip to Bridgewater Hall and watched The Halle Orchestera again. As per the other time I have watched this Orchestra it was a wonderful performance. I decided to try the "cheap seats" in the Gallery this time and found them to be the best seats so far. I shall certainly book seats there again.
Lots of films watched recently:
Les Diaboliques - Great film with a fantastic twist
Thes Best Exotic Marigold Hotel - Hilarious old folk
Four Lions - How not to be a terrorist
Disturbia - How to spy on your murderous neighbour
Cell 211 - A guard caught up in a riot
Tell No One - What happens when your dead Wife appears online
Picnic At Hanging Rock - Very strange bunch of schoolgirls
The Most Dangerous Game - You will be thankful not to be on this island
Repulsion - Crazy woman
Rampart - Very naughty policeman
Roman Holiday - Lovely feel-good film of a wonderful city
Raiders of The Lost Ark - Timeless classic
The Infidel - A Jewish Muslim
Midnight Cowboy - Bloody fantastic film
Howl's Moving Castle - Animated fun
Pather Panchali - A real look at rural Indian life
Lots more planned over the coming weeks
Oboe Concerto by the Berliner Philharmoniker. I am watching this concert as part of the Odeon Plus Culture
Arrugas, a Spanish animated film following two men in an old people home.
Another trip to the RNCM to watch the group Portico Quartet
The week will finish with La Caza at Cornerhouse.
Tatsumi was a film following the career of renowned Japanese cartoon artist Yoshihiro Tatsumi
I found this to be very informative regarding the creation of "adult comics" in Japan. Artists found that their material was not deemed suitable for the main audience, i.e children. This new genre was called Manga.
I took another trip to Bridgewater Hall and watched The Halle Orchestera again. As per the other time I have watched this Orchestra it was a wonderful performance. I decided to try the "cheap seats" in the Gallery this time and found them to be the best seats so far. I shall certainly book seats there again.
Lots of films watched recently:
Les Diaboliques - Great film with a fantastic twist
Thes Best Exotic Marigold Hotel - Hilarious old folk
Four Lions - How not to be a terrorist
Disturbia - How to spy on your murderous neighbour
Cell 211 - A guard caught up in a riot
Tell No One - What happens when your dead Wife appears online
Picnic At Hanging Rock - Very strange bunch of schoolgirls
The Most Dangerous Game - You will be thankful not to be on this island
Repulsion - Crazy woman
Rampart - Very naughty policeman
Roman Holiday - Lovely feel-good film of a wonderful city
Raiders of The Lost Ark - Timeless classic
The Infidel - A Jewish Muslim
Midnight Cowboy - Bloody fantastic film
Howl's Moving Castle - Animated fun
Pather Panchali - A real look at rural Indian life
Lots more planned over the coming weeks
Oboe Concerto by the Berliner Philharmoniker. I am watching this concert as part of the Odeon Plus Culture
Arrugas, a Spanish animated film following two men in an old people home.
Another trip to the RNCM to watch the group Portico Quartet
The week will finish with La Caza at Cornerhouse.
Thursday, 16 February 2012
Recent Films Reviews
I have been out and about recently watching various new films.
Firstly I got around to watching Amelie at Cornerhouse on Sunday 12 Feb. One of my friends absolutely adores this film and has been telling me to watch it for months. I will admit that I had severe reservations before watching as frankly, I find the poster for the film rather disturbing. Seriously, she looks weird! Look at her here That spoon could easily be an axe and it would not look out of place!
Anyway, the film itself was very enjoyable much to my surprise. I found it to be a mix of funny moments, slightly crazy people and bizarre situations. I am glad I finally listened to my friend and watched this film.
Second film was a freebie courtesy of The Times+ though I had to travel to the Showcase in Liverpool for the screening. Still, this film about a young boy searching for the lock or box that fits the key found amongst his dead Father's possessions is a film to melt your heart. You see the boy struggle to understand why his Father dies on 9/11, try to form a relationship with his Mother & meet a variety of people along the way. In the end the boy helps another person and in the process helps himself.
Woman in Black was the final film which sees Daniel Radcliffe in his first "post Potter" role. He does not disappoint in this film and at some points you almost expect him to pull out his wand and fight the evil spirit! There are parts too that can have you jumping out of your seat. Combining all that with a twisty end, that is both sad & happy, makes this a film worth watching.
Firstly I got around to watching Amelie at Cornerhouse on Sunday 12 Feb. One of my friends absolutely adores this film and has been telling me to watch it for months. I will admit that I had severe reservations before watching as frankly, I find the poster for the film rather disturbing. Seriously, she looks weird! Look at her here That spoon could easily be an axe and it would not look out of place!
Anyway, the film itself was very enjoyable much to my surprise. I found it to be a mix of funny moments, slightly crazy people and bizarre situations. I am glad I finally listened to my friend and watched this film.
Second film was a freebie courtesy of The Times+ though I had to travel to the Showcase in Liverpool for the screening. Still, this film about a young boy searching for the lock or box that fits the key found amongst his dead Father's possessions is a film to melt your heart. You see the boy struggle to understand why his Father dies on 9/11, try to form a relationship with his Mother & meet a variety of people along the way. In the end the boy helps another person and in the process helps himself.
Woman in Black was the final film which sees Daniel Radcliffe in his first "post Potter" role. He does not disappoint in this film and at some points you almost expect him to pull out his wand and fight the evil spirit! There are parts too that can have you jumping out of your seat. Combining all that with a twisty end, that is both sad & happy, makes this a film worth watching.
Thursday, 9 February 2012
The Film Music of John Williams: 80th Birthday Celebration Review
Wonderful, an absolutely wonderful evening. To hear many familiar & loved theme tunes, along with some unknown, played out live was a fantastic experience.
The show started with my up-most favorite theme tune, Star Wars. To hear this memorable piece of music played in front of me and to be able to see the instruments played was so exciting, I could almost picture the open credits of the film.
The next music was not by Williams but Bernard Herrmann with the theme to Citizen Kane. Quite bizarre as this film has just been delivered to me by Lovefilm. I have heard the music before watching the film.
The Lord of The Rings blockbuster The Two Towers, another film I have not seen was next. I tried to read the book as a child and that was enough to put me off the series for life!.
The next theme was a chance to check if it was safe to go into the sea, that's right, it was Jaws. I always find myself looking around for a shark when I hear the opening bars of the music :-)
At this point I had decided that I really have missed out on some classic film music. Close Encounters was next in two parts, the theme and the music towards the end of the film, which I have been told involves a "spaceship".
Time for the Witches to take to the stage now with music from The Witches of Eastwick and the Dance of The Witches. And yes, this is another film i have not yet seen but I have added to my Lovefilm list.
Another blockbuster was next, a popular TV series from the 1960's that has spawned multiple films though the decades, given us fearless warriors like the Klingon's, the Borg Collective and boldly gone where no man has gone before. It was of course Star Trek.
We next went for a fly through the buildings of Manhattan as Superman takes Lois Lane on a trip. This was concluded with the theme tune. This also concluded the first half of the performance.
At the start of the second half we were introduced to a piece of music that Williams wrote for the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles.
Magic wands were waved and owl feather ruffled next as Hedwig's Theme from the First Harry Potter film was played. I have read the book but will admit to only watching the first four films.
Another of my all time favorite films was next and another unforgettable tune, Raiders of The Lost Ark.
It was then time to find yourself an eye patch and parrot as we took to the high seas in the 2nd of the Pirates of The Caribbean franchise. Can't say these films have ever appealed to me so this was yet another piece of music that I had never heard before.
"Hymn to the Fallen" from Saving Private Ryan was next and also the final piece of music that I was yet to hear.
Jurassic Park, Schindler's List & E.T concluded the performance.
During the concert my mind kept wandering back to the same thought, John Williams certainly knows how to capture the heart & meaning of a film or scene and put it into music. When the film called for a more serious note you can feel this in the music. Equally so, when the film was about adventure, i.e Raiders of the Lost Ark the music is upbeat and you feel a part of film.
On the advert used for this concert Williams is described as "the greatest living composer". After the two hours plus I spent listening to a catalogue I cannot disagree with this statement.
The show started with my up-most favorite theme tune, Star Wars. To hear this memorable piece of music played in front of me and to be able to see the instruments played was so exciting, I could almost picture the open credits of the film.
The next music was not by Williams but Bernard Herrmann with the theme to Citizen Kane. Quite bizarre as this film has just been delivered to me by Lovefilm. I have heard the music before watching the film.
The Lord of The Rings blockbuster The Two Towers, another film I have not seen was next. I tried to read the book as a child and that was enough to put me off the series for life!.
The next theme was a chance to check if it was safe to go into the sea, that's right, it was Jaws. I always find myself looking around for a shark when I hear the opening bars of the music :-)
At this point I had decided that I really have missed out on some classic film music. Close Encounters was next in two parts, the theme and the music towards the end of the film, which I have been told involves a "spaceship".
Time for the Witches to take to the stage now with music from The Witches of Eastwick and the Dance of The Witches. And yes, this is another film i have not yet seen but I have added to my Lovefilm list.
Another blockbuster was next, a popular TV series from the 1960's that has spawned multiple films though the decades, given us fearless warriors like the Klingon's, the Borg Collective and boldly gone where no man has gone before. It was of course Star Trek.
We next went for a fly through the buildings of Manhattan as Superman takes Lois Lane on a trip. This was concluded with the theme tune. This also concluded the first half of the performance.
At the start of the second half we were introduced to a piece of music that Williams wrote for the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles.
Magic wands were waved and owl feather ruffled next as Hedwig's Theme from the First Harry Potter film was played. I have read the book but will admit to only watching the first four films.
Another of my all time favorite films was next and another unforgettable tune, Raiders of The Lost Ark.
It was then time to find yourself an eye patch and parrot as we took to the high seas in the 2nd of the Pirates of The Caribbean franchise. Can't say these films have ever appealed to me so this was yet another piece of music that I had never heard before.
"Hymn to the Fallen" from Saving Private Ryan was next and also the final piece of music that I was yet to hear.
Jurassic Park, Schindler's List & E.T concluded the performance.
During the concert my mind kept wandering back to the same thought, John Williams certainly knows how to capture the heart & meaning of a film or scene and put it into music. When the film called for a more serious note you can feel this in the music. Equally so, when the film was about adventure, i.e Raiders of the Lost Ark the music is upbeat and you feel a part of film.
On the advert used for this concert Williams is described as "the greatest living composer". After the two hours plus I spent listening to a catalogue I cannot disagree with this statement.
Tuesday, 7 February 2012
The Film Music of John Williams: 80th Birthday Celebration Preview
I am really looking forward to this concert tonight. The Orchestra is the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic conducted by Carl Davis.
Everyone knows a John Williams Theme tune. Tonight's performance will include the following films:
Star Wars (my favorite)
Raiders of the Lost Ark
The Magnificent Seven
E.T
Jaws
and many more.
I really do hope that after the performance I have a very similar big smile on my face to the one I have now as I write this review.
Look out for my review in the next few days.
Everyone knows a John Williams Theme tune. Tonight's performance will include the following films:
Star Wars (my favorite)
Raiders of the Lost Ark
The Magnificent Seven
E.T
Jaws
and many more.
I really do hope that after the performance I have a very similar big smile on my face to the one I have now as I write this review.
Look out for my review in the next few days.
Wednesday, 1 February 2012
The Descendants - Review
I went to the Odeon Cinema last night to watch the new George Clooney film, The Descendants.
Excellent performances all round from the cast in what is an enjoyable movie. A film about a Father who has an almost non-existent relationship with his two daughters. After an accident places his Wife in a coma it is up to Matt King (Clooney) to somehow connect with his kids and get them all through the traumatic situation.
Added to the event is the fact that is Wife was having an affair and was planning to leave him as well as his family Trust making a decision regarding a land sale that will net them millions.
The journey the family take as they try to make sense of their situation and find the family bond is a mix of tears & laughter and some absolute hilarity especially from the boyfriend Sid and the Father in Law Scott.
Will it win Oscars I am not sure but it is well worth a look if this is playing at your local cinema.
Enjoy
Excellent performances all round from the cast in what is an enjoyable movie. A film about a Father who has an almost non-existent relationship with his two daughters. After an accident places his Wife in a coma it is up to Matt King (Clooney) to somehow connect with his kids and get them all through the traumatic situation.
Added to the event is the fact that is Wife was having an affair and was planning to leave him as well as his family Trust making a decision regarding a land sale that will net them millions.
The journey the family take as they try to make sense of their situation and find the family bond is a mix of tears & laughter and some absolute hilarity especially from the boyfriend Sid and the Father in Law Scott.
Will it win Oscars I am not sure but it is well worth a look if this is playing at your local cinema.
Enjoy
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