Jaffaroll Reviews

The Trust Fall (2023)

Important topic.

[7/10 · 11 March 2024]

"The Trust Fall" is a documentary written and directed by Kym Straton chronicling the 'trials' of Julian Assange from his time at Melbourne Uni to his present incarceration at Belmarsh Prison, London. It is presented as he fights extradition to USA for publishing classified information embarrassing to the US government about various episodes in the overseas wars of the US Empire. In particular there is a confronting helicopter video, called Collateral Murder, showing the slaughter of innocent civilians and photographers in Iraq.

There is discussion of the role of the press and numerous interviews of supporters and observers including the late John Pilger, Daniel Ellsberg and Tariq Ali. Much is made from the US side that he is not a "journalist", I think hair splitting. I would consider Journalism within his job description and while there may be a mix of drives within us, I think he did feel this stuff should be "out". The documentary is about and for Assange -and this must be taken into account. Reading 'around' there are some contrary views. However noting the strong support from Daniel Ellsberg, who I have tremendous respect for and ditto others like Tariq Ali, I came away with more sympathy for the subject and feel he is being badly treated. Whatever you decide, he has been punished enough! Julian's wife is eloquent and passionate. The various leaders of the involved major countries do not look that good in this.

As a doco it is a bit long and too venerating, particularly at the end where it soars away. I expected Julian to change water into wine. But the film is interesting, informative and topical. A lot of good work has gone into it. See it! Make up your own mind. Come November the freedom of the Press may be even more important.

Priscilla (2023)

some discomfort at heartbreak hotel

[8/10 · 18 January 2024]

'Priscilla', based on the book "Elvis &Me", tells the story of Priscilla Beaulieu, from when she was a 14-year-old schoolgirl (?1959), with her stepfather and mother in Germany till her breakup with Elvis (?1972). She is played by Cailee Spaeny, (25) who looks much younger and does a wonderful job. She is very believable as a winsome starstruck young teenager swept off her feet by the rockstar. You feel for her. A credit to the actress and the director is the subtle transformation from naive youngster to a slightly more worldly wise, battle scarred young wife. Cailee should be in contention for the awards scrum. Jacob Elordi too was impressive as Elvis. The King does come across as a bit weird but maybe was in love with her in an odd way, "a doll to keep at home?" Oh, those boys from the S'arth.

After this had been going for a while, I started to feel uncomfortable with the spectre of an older man (24), preying on a schoolgirl of 14. Why am I paying to watch this? But then I thought of the bleak, Russian dramas, which I cannot miss. Maybe I don't expect a "Hollywood" movie to be slow, discomforting, and subtle. - Ahh - how refreshing - Subtlety - after sitting through Holdover and Poor Things.

Music ok, sad there was no Elvis, apparently licence problem. Sofia Coppola has again made an interesting movie. She has resisted caricature and extravagance and there is some European slow pace and restraint. Maybe some signs of a woman at the helm. I thought worth seeing.

Poor Things (2023)

Matter of Taste

[4/10 · 8 January 2024]

This was a "Tree of Life" experience for me. I had enjoyed previous T Malick films but found Tree shallow and banal. Most of the critics loved it. Again, here I found "Poor Things" to be pretentious and irritating. I didn't mind The Favourite and The Lobster by Yorgos but in this film, I am missing something. (or is it there?) You know the story by now. I found it not engaging, despite the bizarre plot, the characters not that interesting but silly. Absurdism has a woolly definition but I think of Godot, or Death of Stalin, where the slightly ridiculous goings on, on the stage, still ooze meaning and feelings and affect the viewer. Not here. Just discomfort at the rather rote nudity and sex trolling across the screen and discomfort that talented people should be demeaned into this junk. Emma is a very attractive young lady, (I was devastated when she didn't finish up with 'Lars' in La La Land), but would Bella be always first pick at the Bordello? The surgical stuff was more disgusting than anything else. (Now- the original 'Lars/Ryan and the real girl', was sort of absurdist, and quite affecting, - getting a bit cryptic here.) The colours and steampunk were good, generally the acting wasn't bad though I never quite got a grip on Mark's accent. All a matter of Taste and mine must be awry. Go see it, I guess you'll love it.

Callas Paris 1958 (2023)

slice of history

[8/10 · 30 November 2023]

I am not an expert in Opera and in 1958 when this footage was taken, knew nothing about it. At that time, I was into Little Richard. However, I was aware of Maria Callas, who was very newsworthy then as "The Diva", (literally and behaviourally), for her weight loss (80lbs) and in following years for her relationship with Mr Onassis. I later developed an appreciation of Opera, though never sadly seeing Ms Callas. Also, since then, I did notice on rare occasions some artists (like Nina Simone), seemed to shine with a glow that lifted them above the ordinary (or even very good) and the show became an 'experience'. You get a glimpse of that feeling here, even though the movie was made with technology of 65 years ago. To see her live must have been something.

The film is of a concert in Paris, her debut there, in 1958. So that was after she had lost "all that weight" - 80 lbs or so. There is a little of the audience arriving, including Duke and Duchess of Windsor, and Brigitte Bardot and a small commentary, but mainly the film consists of the concert. We see the striking jewelry I thought was paste but gather much of it is real and hers! First half is a recital, including the piece from Norma she is famous for and "Miserere" from Il Trovatore and "Un Voce Poco Fa" from the Barber. The second half was a fully staged second act of Tosca, fitting with all the drama and the heroine another Diva. Tito Gobbi was the baritone and he and the other singers and orchestra were superb. The voice of Maria is beautiful. Maybe a bobble or 2 in the highest notes but a confident sweet-sounding soprano, better than anything you have heard before. And as strong as a Mezzo in the lower register.

But, there's more. The acting, the drama is something else. Like a prize fighter sizing his opponent, Maria moves staccato into the mood, fidgets with the cowl, flexes the face and emotes the anguish or hate or passion of Tosca or Norma. She is an Actress.

There was a camera up close, another back a bit - so this isn't "Opera at the Met". But the whole is a piece of history. See one of the greatest opera singers of the last 100 years, on media, beautifully restored by Tom Volf and helpers. 87 minutes.

Nyad (2023)

Godot on the water

[8/10 · 23 October 2023]

I thought this could be boring but was a little interested, as I have placed a toe in the water of "endurance" with a few marathons over the years and an ironman at 70. These efforts are a 50 metre jog compared to what Diana Nyad attempted in the proposed swim from Cuba to Florida (110 miles). She had failed when younger but decided to try again at 60.

The subject matter is not intrinsically exciting but the film is saved by good direction from Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin (Free Solo), a clever script and excellent acting throughout, - especially from the 2 leads Annette Bening and Jodie Foster. I have met a few of these "ultra" people, utterly consumed by their current passion, the latest gruelling masochistic challenge, which has blotted out their view of anything or anyone else around them. Bening has wonderfully captured this character (- ?psychopathology). The single purposed mania to achieve 'this' - leavened by the occasional sobering insight of the selfishness and, maybe, craziness of it all. The friendship between the 2 ladies was well drawn and affecting.

I found the film surprisingly absorbing. To witness a great athlete with inspiring self-belief, the drama of the swim(s) and to see 2 talented actors at the height of their craft, was worth seeing.

My Sailor, My Love (2022)

well acted family drama

[7/10 · 3 September 2023]

This is another interesting Finn-Irish film. English dialogue. It is set on Achill island on the west of Ireland and the scenery captured by the cinematography is one of the stars. The story is a tad manipulative and predictable with a quickly malleable, reclusive curmudgeon, Howard (James Cosmo) having a housekeeper, Annie (Brid Brennan) thrust upon him. There is some dysfunction and 'history' in the family and all is not plain sailing. However, the movie is lifted by excellent acting and direction and as a family drama it is better than many around. There is some complexity and pain, leavened by the developing affection of the protagonists. Some discomfort, some uplifting and affecting moments. Definitely worth a trip to the pictures.

Merkel (2022)

A Decent Person

[8/10 · 27 August 2023]

When I was young, I found the few brief documentaries padding the "shorts" rather boring. Bring on Hopalong or the Creature from the Black Lagoon. Later full-length nonfiction features started to appear, with some Art and Interest, such as the efforts of David Wolper, where it was a treat to be educated, to see real people, History. Gems arrived such as "The Fog of War" "Sugarman" and Amy" and the work of Michael Moore. A well-done documentary now can be every bit as entertaining as the wild fiction on the screen.

I have not seen "Looking for Merkel" (I shall seek it out) -but I enjoyed "Merkel" by Eva Weber. Yes, it is incomplete, there is not much on the actual policies enacted by the Chancellor or her effect on Germany or Europe, apart from the reliance on Russian energy and the acceptance of refugees. The film suggests the latter may have been influenced by her younger years behind a Wall.

To me the main feature of the film was to flesh out who is Angela Merkel, what is she like, through her response to interviews- measured, and I thought candid - and comments from peers such as Blair and Obama. From these she appeared a thoroughly decent individual, free from the hubris and want of adulation so commonly seen. Expressed in a banal way, it looked to me like she wanted to "Do a Good Job".

I think the comparison with other countries was valid. This is a slice of History and features one of the major players. Some vignettes were striking, Putin with his dog, Trump with his petulant scowl disdaining the photographer's request for a photo that she so gently mentioned though probably didn't much want. The "men" team didn't look that good!

When she bade farewell at the end of her reign to a conga line of politicians, each one got a 10 second, intense fix of the Merkel eyes so strong you could have walked over it. She is Human but a better example than we often see in the "Ruler" brigade. I left with much respect for her.

Carmen (II) (2022)

Less than expected

[3/10 · 11 August 2023]

I did not know much about this film before I went but I hoped it may be like the Saura Carmen which was largely flamenco, paralleling the Carmen story and was terrific. As well as cinema, I enjoy flamenco, some modern dance and opera. Well, there was some good flamenco at the start by the mother but not much more. The dance was then sort of modern ballet like a young girl might do, waving their arms around, not particularly engaging or exciting. This is Carmen! I was more impressed by the choreography in Barbie (unexpected). Matter of taste maybe.

I gather the story was modelled more on Carmen Jones than the opera. There were some symbolic moments; washing of feet - refugees- but even they were not very emotive. The whole thing should have excited more than it did. Mescal and Miss Barrera were ok, but not much to work with given the uninspiring dialogue. It may have been somewhat "stylized" and that does not always work for me. Paul is a talented actor but needs better scripts than he has recently received (this & Aftersun). I woke up at one stage thinking I was in an Almodovar as the redoubtable Rossy de Palma peered down from the screen, but even she could not save this. I agree, disappointing.

Corsage (2022)

Entertaining, but why not tell the story?

[6/10 · 24 March 2023]

Corsage, is a mainly a year in the life of Empress Elisabeth (Sissi) of Austria mainly around when she is 40-ish but extending to the end of her life, (listed as 60). It is nicely filmed apparently in grand Vienna buildings and various country scenes. As with many European period dramas it is slow -but acceptably so, just. The acting is good, but apart from Elisabeth, the characters are not well developed. Vicky Krieps didnt look quite like my idea of Elisabeth but she did give the impression of an Empress frustrated at the waste of her talents and time. And Elisabeth wouldnt sit for portraits much after teen age so my judgement may be awry.

Her story is interesting. She was married at 16 to Franz Joseph but didn't adjust well to the royal life. She almost certainly had an eating disorder as shown, and was obsessed with her waist size and diet and smoked. The marriage was strained. She was an intelligent, intellectually curious soul with Gym, fencing and equestrian skills and mastered new languages. She was regarded as one of the best horsewomen in Europe at the time. She was a filly pulling on the reins. These features are shown in the film but not developed. The intellect and talent along with the position of women, probably contributed to her frustration of court life.- However we are treated to scenes of her -- raising 1 finger leaving a dinner, -lying on a hospital bed with a patient, smoking, - dancing to a song written by the author of "Me and Bobby McGee" and ending her life in a manner that absolutely did not happen. There has always been some poetic licence with film histories but recently (Emily et al) it has got out of hand. It seems unfair and unnecessary, with a really fascinating character of the Hapsburgs to radically alter the facts. We like to learn history. The modern music I found jarring. ( I didn't seem to mind it in Marie Antoinette).

If you have been to Vienna it is nostalgic to roam through those grand rooms again. Go sit and largely enjoy the Movie -then hit the net and find out what really happened.

Empire of Light (2022)

Slice of time and place.

[8/10 · 10 March 2023]

I did not know much about Empire of Light when I went except that it was directed by Sam Mendes, who I respected and had Olivia Colman, ditto. It was refreshing to watch a film made the old way, that I could follow without 3 visits and that tracked in a chronological fashion. Set in Thatcher times, (though we can't blame Maggie for all the problems), in a British seaside town and centred around a charming old theatre and its staff. The Cinema is kept up, in part, for the job of showing movies while some of it is fallow, run down.

There are several threads to the story, the racial problems in the time of Brixton; affection for 'the movies'; an affair or 2; (a bit of a stretch but still believable) and the manic depressive illness of the receptionist - well portrayed by Olivia Colman. There is some discomfort watching this and a little violence, but it is worth seeing. The acting is uniformly excellent which speaks for the actors and the director. Photography is very good (Roger Deakins), not too busy.

I see some viewers were disappointed, I wasn't. Sam Mendes, has crafted a nice film which I am glad I did not miss.

La cena perfetta (2022)

Let yourself go and enjoy it.

[7/10 · 9 February 2023]

The Perfect Dinner came up in a film club that I belong to, or I probably wouldn't have seen it. Italian comedies seem to have a different sense of humour to me, and I struggle to laugh, often cringe. My fault maybe. The plot involves a sort of adopted 'son' of a Neapolitan Mafia Boss, who is exiled to Rome for being 'too nice' for the rough stuff in Naples. Son's new position is to run a restaurant to launder the ill-gotten gains from the south. He meets an ex chef from the restaurant who has talent and the hunger for a Michelin star but failed to make a success at the site. She also has 'attitude' and is attractive. See where it's going.

The movie had not been running that long when I said to myself -"told you so" as the script started to roll out predictably, with defined characters and the pushed humour. However, I did relax and it got better. As an example of the feel-gooder European comedy, which it is, it is very good. You can sit back and watch Puccini and love it with some hard to believe story, Puccini could have written this. (maybe sadder end.) The work is saved by a combination- not bad script, a bit predictable but with some little twists. - Direction is simple but good and effective. - Acting is very good. I have never seen Salvatore Esposito, the 'son' before, but here he was very good, likeable and engaging and anchored the film. Greta Scarano the feisty Consuelo and Gianlucca Colucci the comic relief, Rosario, were also excellent. Some of the scenes such as the "Gang of Chefs Party" felt quite real. I was pleasantly surprised and quite enjoyed it.

True Spirit (2023)

Inspiring adventure, script and graphics struggle.

[6/10 · 3 February 2023]

Years ago I read "Sailing Alone Around the World" by Joshua Slocum and I have been a solo Cape Horn groupie ever since. There were some great books including Naomi James engrossing "At One with the Sea." At the start the success rate of solo round the Horn was about 50%. It has improved with technology and weather data but is still a risky exciting enterprise. The sailors all seemed a little bit odd, I felt a kindred spirit. Cf "Voyage for Madmen", also filmed. So, I bussed down with my nearly 10 year old granddaughter to see "True Spirit" when it opened at Maroochydore.

At the time of her voyage, I had wondered if there was some pressure on the sailor for the trip, but the more I saw of her the more she seemed to be a determined independent young lady who had her own ideas. I have been steadily impressed with her. She is not seen chasing 'celebrity'. I was however a little apprehensive about the film, as there were no reviews, - this could be one of those over-earnest paeans that the Antipodes can do. The granddaughter is a hard critic. Well, she liked it and watched earnestly right through. It does have a bit of an old-fashioned feel to it. No slaughtering superheroes or flying hedgehogs. I am glad I took her to see it.

I thought it wasn't bad, with reservations. The storm scenes/CGI were a little unreal. (like in 'Perfect Storm' - graphically spectacular, but distracting) This detached me from the drama. And the general sailing was less absorbing than it might have been, though I know solo sailing isn't all excitement, it can be done. Apart from the 'over the top storms' the photography was good. The sea is a good act to watch.

The dialogue often tends to be formulaic and occasionally cloying. Shame; a lot is good. Teagan Croft is excellent as Jess, she seemed to be the character. Cliff Curtis was great as the mentor Ben Bryant. Anna Paquin good as ever and generally the actors were fine. Some things I vaguely remember from the time, such as the flyover by the parents (-must have been emotional.) and the wait before the Horn, were barely dealt with but excusable in the name of good editing. At 106 minutes it was about right. Actual footage of Jessica at the end was quite moving.

Sarah Spillane has avoided over adulation. There are some script failings but still very watchable reproduction of Jessica's exploits. The determination and achievement of the young sailor were recognised in the film and anchored it.

Babylon (I) (2022)

More is less.

[5/10 · 26 January 2023]

I lived in Los Angeles at the time the movie La La Land was set, and I felt that film really captured the feel of the place then. Also, it was a nice story, a touching romance and good jazz. So, I was keen to see Damien Chazelle's next writing/ directing effort, Babylon. The name reminded me of a much-thumbed book in the 60's, "Hollywood Babylon", with Jane Mansfield on the cover, which detailed some of the wild goings on of the early Hollywood set and was banned for a time.

The movie Babylon has more in common with the book than La La Land. And it's too much and too long. An awful lot of effort has gone into this, from the first orgy scene, with people everywhere trying everything, sweeping shots, and as a spectacle it is impressive. Or the panorama of the chaotic mammoth diorama that was the shooting of silent movies - (maybe somewhat stylised - as I imagine much of the film may be?) but it's spectacular and I guess that's how they were shot. The trouble was so much was going on it was hard to get too involved in the characters - or even the plot. They were small beer to the chaos, debauchery and "set pieces". More Baz than Antonioni.

The actors tried. Brad Pitt was great as usual; Margot Robbie earned her keep. She is good. The drug ridden character she portrayed would not have been easy. A side story of the black trumpeter Sidney Palmer (Jovan Adepo) was interesting but felt tacked on. Good music though.

The struggle to adapt to the intrusion of sound was well done, -irritating repeats -but that's progress. Like popular music - moving from LSD and groupies - to the LA Philharmonic up the back.

Chazelle is paying homage to the great art form of this age and its Bethlehem, sins and all. I enjoyed the taste of history, but I would have liked to warm to the people a bit more and to go home earlier.

Emily (2022)

Looks good, much poetic licence.

[7/10 · 23 January 2023]

"Emily", the debut directorial effort of English-Australian actor, Frances O'Connor, is focused on Emily Bronte from the late teens to the finishing of her only novel "Wuthering Heights". She was the middle of the three remarkable young ladies who made a mark on English literature in the mid 18th century. The movie is worth seeing for the trip back to the time and place, aided by the authentic Yorkshire setting and the excellent cinematography by Nanu Segal. Acting was generally good and Frances shows potential as a director. I felt it could have been a bit shorter and tighter. Music was pleasant and unobtrusive apart from a couple of times it built up to a portentous rumble --and nothing happened.

Emma Mackey looked the part as the introverted but then wilful and free spirited Emily, the 'smouldering' nearing 11. Fionn Whitehead was fine as the wayward artist brother Branwell who was expected to be the shining light. The 'close' relationship between brother and Emily may be largely fiction as was the romance between Emily and the curate. There apparently was some sibling rivalry as suggested in the film, but that is endemic where there are siblings. And Charlotte did value Emily's work.

Despite the liberties with the story, I gained some feeling of the place and time, and more admiration for the achievements of those three young ladies in their brief allotted time. I shall re-read "Wuthering Heights".

Recapping the Brontes; There were 5 progeny. The 2 eldest girls died as children, probably from Tb and possibly helped by the privations of a dodgy 'charity school' for parsons' children. The famous trio were- Charlotte, 1816-1855, -"Jane Eyre"- died at 39.

Emily -"Wuthering Heights"-1818-1848, 30, Tb.

Anne -"Tenant of Wildfell Hall"- 1820-1849, 29, Tb.

One son, Patrick Branwell 1817-1855, 31, Tb.

Their mother died young. They were raised by the widowed parson father and an aunt.

Moonage Daydream (2022)

not your usual music doco

[8/10 · 21 September 2022]

When David Bowie was making his ascendance I was weaning off wild music with the help of King, Taylor, Cat et al, as I struggled into professional life. I listened to and liked what I heard of Bowie, but never bought an album. Wondered 'bout those kids waving their arms around. So, I went to Moonage for an education as much as entertainment. If someone later makes a didactic chronological, documentary on Bowie, I would like to see it, this isn't it. The Director, Brett Morgen, has tried to create an 'experience' - an entertainment on film - that one might expect from David Bowie. While still giving some insight to his history and life. I think he has succeeded.

The interviewers are largely not seen and barely heard, so we mainly hear the answers and thoughts of the star. Chronology is loose, related images and the kitchen sink are thrown in (is that from 7th Seal? -Buster Keaton?) But they work. The songs may be spliced from different concerts and costumes but well-presented. The editing is incredibly well done. Similarities have been called with "Tree of Life", - no comparison, this is much better.

We have recently seen Elvis - a great singer and entertainer, but there are some "artists" like Bowie, Bjork, Gaga, that are a bit different. He was always searching, "on the verge", "something new", "don't waste the day". His paintings were impressive.

2 hours 14 was about my limit, but this is an interesting study of an inspiring and confident (? Fragile) Artist, wrapped in grand music and visuals.

The Quiet Girl (2022)

Sensitive Irish film.

[9/10 · 8 September 2022]

If you were looking for negatives you could say this is a tad manipulative and slow. But most fiction is manipulative to a degree and the unhurried pace is appropriate to the film. It is an excellent Irish production.

Well set in the 80's, this is the tale of a quiet, somewhat withdrawn girl in a poor catholic family that is shortly to expand yet again with another baby. Mum is barely coping and dad drinks a bit. To ease the strain the quiet child is hived off to a childless cousin and her husband who have a bit more time and cash for an attempt at compassion. Husband initially does not want to get too involved. The story is well drawn and affecting and while the ending is a little up in the air (and thats ok) you can contemplate your own while you reminisce of the times as a kid you were in trouble for tryin' to help.

The direction is restrained and the acting throughout is very good. Catherine the girl playing the lead Cait, is superb. A great film.

Compartment Number 6 (2021)

Travelling very North

[7/10 · 2 September 2022]

Compartment Number 6 is superficially a bleak 'Russian' railRoad film largely centered on a mismatched couple thrown together in a train compartment travelling from Moscow to Murmansk. I gather it was largely filmed in Russia, Moscow, but is directed by the Finnish, Juho Kuosmanen, who had previous success in Cannes and then shared the grand Prix there in 2021 for this effort, (with "A Hero"). It is from a Finnish novel by Rosa Liksom.

I like bleak "Russian" films (They are unpredictable, often very well done and more like my impression of life -) and this didn't disappoint. Laura is an older Finnish student, having an affair with her landlady in Moscow, circa the 90's. Landlady may be over the affair and has pulled out of a planned trip the 2 were making to see petraglyphs in Murmansk (these are 1000 year + old rock carvings and sound fascinating. Go in summer and maybe by plane.) So Laura decides to go anyway. After an uncomfortable pseudo-sophisticated farewell party where the gauche Laura tries hard but flails and seems out of place with the neat pretentious guests, she joins the train heading north to Murmansk. Russian winter. To her dismay she finds sharing the cabin is a boorish, rude, heavy drinking, Russian miner Ljoha (Yuri Borisov) heading back up there to his mine. She cant get another cabin. So there they are - both in their way lacking social graces and pretty dysfunctional. And you can compare these 2, with the earlier relaxed members of society at the party.

The Acting particularly of the lead couple is excellent as is direction and the filming in and out of the train. Bleak and rough but also in some way sweet. I liked it.

Juniper (IV) (2021)

Interesting but no "Boy" or "Bellbird"

[6/10 · 6 August 2022]

I dont mind bleak & slow, & I like NZ scenery, but somehow Juniper didn't engage me as I hoped. It is a bit predictable with a few hard to believe excursions of the story.

Sam ((George Ferrier) is forced to help care for his alcoholic harridan gran ( Charlotte Rampling). At first much yelling & angst between the two, slightly overdone at the start, - you can sort of do the script from here. As a foil of an almost normal person in the middle, is the nurse, very well played by Edith Poor.

The acting is good, Rampling great as ever (that face!) - & Ferrier, with the intimidating task of sparring with cinema royalty did very well. Marton Csokas as the father did what he could with a lesser role of an unappealing character. The schoolmates and the NZ scenery looked good. Certainly not the worst dysfunctional family drama I have seen & for me worth the trip to the movies.

Falling for Figaro (2020)

Disappointing

[4/10 · 24 July 2022]

The trailer made me think this could be another of those predictable but enjoyable british, against the odds, feel gooders, they do so well. I was disappointed. It starts with the female lead receiving an OTT paean at an investment fund board meeting that would embarrass Buffet, Warren not Jimmy. She decides to quit finance and become an opera singer in an unconvincing irregular script. The teacher, Ms Lumley (who can do acerbic b well) is OTT, just plain nasty and unpleasant. There are some unconvincing character "softenings" in the story. There is a little chemistry with the 2 leads in the duets but otherwise not and the 'soprano' seems miscast. The arias are the usual suspects and beautifully sung but I gather not by the figures on the screen. I guess you can enjoy the songs without the nausea from Andre. I liked the Scottish scenery.

Writing with Fire (2021)

Meera for President

[8/10 · 21 July 2022]

One can't help being impressed by the energy and courage of the ladies featured in this interesting Indian documentary. The production is a little rough and the message slightly forced - all totally forgivable. The plight of these scorned females and their subjects is terrible and it is uplifting to watch their accomplishments in News, against the odds and really, starting from below scratch. There are personalities here- an aggressive, foot in the door, 'where's the blood?' young reporter; another lost in naivety, bewildered by the letter E or the use of a cell phone, patiently mentored til at the end she seemed to have a gentle, innocent and intelligent grasp of the process.

Modi's ascension is in the background and you muse on the morphs of "Democracy" and the "Separation of Church and State" here, and the world now. To see how others live in this incredible country- the dust, cooking on the concrete floor, the not unpleasant grumbling from the News-Widow husband, is worth watching. Good luck to them.

Nobody Has to Know (2021)

A Pleasant Romance.

[9/10 · 18 July 2022]

Saw this at a film society in Oz. This is in an expertly done romance set in a severe but beautiful coastal landscape of a northern Scotland isle. The male and female leads, Bouli Lanners and Michelle Fairley both are listed as directors and Bouli also for screenplay. Dialogue is as sparse as the trees on the hills, but pleasantly sufficient. The characters and views reminded me a little of Babettes 'feasters', the stark cold scenery and dour people of a hard, high number, latitude.

Phil from Belgium is living and working on the island. After he suffers a minor stroke that causes amnesia, Millie falsely tells him he was previously in a relationship with her. As the story unfolds you feel the frustration of constricted feelings and too the warmth of their torturous release. A nice film, it makes me realize why I go to 'art movies'.

Elvis (2022)

Too much Baz

[7/10 · 3 July 2022]

Elvis is worth seeing for the history of one of the great characters of the time who also was a great singer. I think the last song actually featured the King and even at the twilight he was very impressive. He still showed some cheek, that was alluded to in the movie and was a feature of the time when music was still fun and not taking itself too seriously. That song and the performance of Butler and clips of Mahalia and the black music, were worth the trip to the movies. They made up for the frenetic glittery chaos between the songs and the 2hours 39.