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mike-h-williams
Reviews
Wallander: Indrivaren (2010)
Quality return to form
After the last two episodes exhibited worrying tendencies of mirroring the production values of the Branagh version this episodes shows a return to form. No shaky camera work and bleached out visuals in this episode. Perhaps the season change had something to do with it as Ystad glows in all those autumn yellows and reds. Especially interesting was a back story involving Isabell's bad girl past and her former relationship with a handsome none-too-bright young boxer and his amoral brother. Here's hoping that if Krister Henriksson refuses to countenance a season 3 the show can do a Taggart and outlive its lead character.
Wallander: Arvet (2010)
Frustrating and confusing!
Yet more shaky camera-work (following on from the previous episode) and further bleached out visuals disappoint as they bring the Swedish version of Wallander closer to its inferior English-speaking cousin. Such a shame when the Swede's robust point and shoot approach underlines the triumph of substance over style which had been this series' hallmark before 2.10.
This particular episode seemed to pose more questions than it answered. Why was the cider heiress married to what appeared to be a chemically-enhanced former WCW star? Why did Katarina appear to express annoyance after she'd spotted Kurt and Claire in the restaurant and then suggest that anything more than an office relationship between herself and the detective would be unprofessional? Am I alone in thinking she's been teasing him for the last 10 episodes? Is it a case of "If I can't have him then nobody can?" Was Claire as barmy as her sister? It wasn't clear whether she was beating up Kurt or trying to kiss him during her final interview? FInally, and most importantly, the stars of the show, dear Ebba and faithful old Jussi were missing.....again! I only hope that this doesn't mean that this series is going out with a whimper rather than a bang.
Wallander: Vålnaden (2010)
Swedish Wallander goes all BBC Wallander on us!
Unlike all the other episodes from this season it looked very much like Yellow Bird's BBC Wallander team had been given the reins for this story. Whilst the teleplay was especially gripping towards the end of the story the shaky hand-held camera work and bleached out visuals were a reminder of how disappointing the BBC version is in comparison with the usually more stolid and realistic Swedish version. This disappointment was compounded by the absence of two key regular characters - dependable Ebba and Wallander's best friend, Jussi! I only hope that the Swedes see the error of their ways in time for the last three episodes of season 2.
Heavenly Pursuits (1986)
Sweet and small-scale but worth a view
A sweet, small-scale movie, rarely shown and only available in a deleted full screen PAL VHS edition at present, this film was screened on Scottish TV on 19 April 2009 in widescreen. It's quite grainy and the sound isn't exactly DTS quality but the story's good and the performances are universally good. It's Conti's film and his acting is almost invisible - I hope that's a compliment - whilst Mirren is an excellent foil to him; their relationship is not uncomplicated and consequently very real. Glasgow is shown in its all its pre "...Miles Better" glory with tower blocks and grime to the fore with a 14 year old Ewen Bremner in a key role as underachiever Stevie Deans. A sad sign of our times is that the innocent and friendly physical contact between teacher and pupil seen in 1986 would no longer be tolerated in 2009. Has Blessed Edith Semple School been granted its longed-for miracles or is Vic simply a great teacher triumphing in difficult circumstances? You decide.