I haven't done too well with my January resolution to post here more regularly; maybe I'll liven up now spring is in sight ... at least I'm telling myself it is because I've got vases full of daffodils and Scilly Islands narcissi and a pot of hyacinths opening up. (What is it with supermarket hyacinths ... I love the scent but it doesn't seem to be as strong these days?)
I feel as if I've been hibernating but I have ventured out to the cinema, so here's a round-up. My Sunday morning cinema pal had a previous brunch date so I ventured out on my own this week to see Green Book - the true(ish) story of a black concert pianist and his Italian-American chauffeur-bodyguard on a two-month concert tour of the American South in the 1960s - which I thoroughly enjoyed, despite some snippy reviews suggesting that it's patronising; I thought it tackled racial prejudice in the segregated south with a light touch. And it'll reach a much broader audience than, say, The Rape of Recy Taylor ... okay, that was one of the best films I saw last year - but so gruelling, it was never going to get a wide distribution.
I'd never heard of The Green Book which was a kind of Michelin Guide for black Americans listing hotels and restaurants where they would be welcome. Even the Wikipedia entry makes shocking reading. It reminded me very much of this Persephone book, The Expendable Man. (Warning: link contains spoilers ... just read the book!)
Last night I saw Boy Erased, based on another true story about the son of Baptist parents who is forced to undergo gay conversion therapy. There's a trailer here. It's an interesting story but this time I'd agree with the Guardian's 2* (maybe I'd give it 3*) Too slick - too American - and I could do without Nicole Kidman as the mother. I couldn't help comparing it with the last film I saw about religious fundamentalism breaking up families; and Apostasy was infinitely better ... as ever, it got very limited distribution. (I persuaded a friend and her daughter to go and they agreed with me - one of the best films of last year.)
I was looking forward to A Private War - about the awe-inspiring war correspondent Marie Colvin - but this excellent documentary (coming soon on BBCFour) was far more gripping.
What else? Well, I went to see Alien ... 40 years on and boy, does it look dated - but I still jumped in all the right places.
As for All Is True ... what an extremely dull poster ... I felt a bit so-what about this film about Shakespeare's retirement to Stratford and family life after the fire at the Globe. But it does look sumptuous - a real sense of living in candlelit shadows - and Judi Dench is terrific as Anne Hathaway. But I think I nodded off so it didn't pass the all-important snooze test!
4 comments:
I'd not heard of the Green Book either so it's one to look out for. Thank you, Mary!
Don't worry about not posting more frequently - it's always a treat when you do. 'Keep 'em wanting more' is the quote that springs to mind!
So pleased to see your post and read your recommendations again. That Persephone book is very good.There's always loads to see at this time of year at the cinema (obv) but even here it is not possible to find some of the interesting films you get to see.
Very interesting reviews. We saw a trailer for Green Book at our local cinema, which a friend would describe as 'popcorn heavy', and thought it looked dreadful; but saw a much better trailer in the comfort of our Oxford Curzon and thought yes we'd see it, so may well pop along at the weekend, fortified by your comments. We don't usually disagree...however husband and I weren't that enamoured of the Favourite (which was the reason for our trip to the local cinema,) save Nicholas Hoult having so much fun; we just found it a little too knowing and arch. We saw Mary Queen of Scots at the Curzon and found it a bit so-so too. Margot Robbie was good as Elizabeth- the only character in the film who aged over time; I adored the costumes and soundtrack (Max Richter) but I think the script was a bit clunky and Saorise Ronan wasn't charismatic enough as MQS. David Tennant made an interesting John Knox,( the eye-rolling works well in that context) but he only ever seemed to be preaching to about 20 people!
Thanks, Veronica! I find I'm either out and about and I don't have time - or I'm not, and then I have nothing to write about!
Even in London, some of the best films disappear quickly, Sue - which reminds me that I still haven't seen Roma so I'd better get moving! And in fairness that's been on for a while.
I saw a dreadful trailer for Green Book, Lesley Anne ... must have been the 'popcorn heavy' one! It is a bit of a crowd-pleaser but I still enjoyed it. Sorry you didn't care for The Favourite - I loved it! I haven't seen MQofS - again, I think the trailer put me off.
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