Inspired by Bob, accompanied by his friend from Late Night Line up, Ian, with films from 40 years ago re-mastered by Stuart Orr, a small gathering of us ventured back into a time when these two film-makers were walking out into their lives. It felt intimate, edgy and expansive. It was the time when the BBC made a programme which no fixed… Continue reading Bob and Ian’s films at the Waveney festival
Dead Poets Society (Film at the Cut)
Aafka inspired, a spontaneous film showing of this classic Robin Williams. The out of the box, carpe Deium teacher who awakened the soul. He looks so young. That same ironic smile the same. The quote from Thoreau, I'd first heard on Walden Pond (where I am continually reminded he took his washing home to be… Continue reading Dead Poets Society (Film at the Cut)
The Invisible Woman (film at the Cut) August
As refugee crisis expands in Iraq, Israel Palestine amid restless ceasefire, I bike to the Cut to watch The Invisible Woman, Ralph Fiennes directing and staring as Dickens. What I recall is not the plot but the opening scenes, of life before Facebook and TV, where in darkened rooms, enlightened by warm gas light (no… Continue reading The Invisible Woman (film at the Cut) August
Photographer Eamonn McCabe (The Cut 10.30 Thursdays)
Ex Guardian. Started off taking photos of bands until they became rote, like Garry Glitter, then turned to Sports In the days when the Guardian and Independent were in healthy competition with each other. Sadly The Independent no longer plays ball. The importance of family albums - what’s happened to them now? Old photographs of… Continue reading Photographer Eamonn McCabe (The Cut 10.30 Thursdays)
Captain Philips (Film at The Cut)
I wrote the title in my notebook, but didn’t look down again. Suspense amazing. Brilliant retelling of the true story of Captain Philips’ and his container cargo ship hijacked by Somali pirates. The machinations of the ship, it’s engine room and corridors. An inspiring Captain, holding all together until right at the end when he… Continue reading Captain Philips (Film at The Cut)
Wimbledon with Tim – June 25
Lead, treats and notes for Kalis minders: the dog minder who I called Sally but is not, Tom and Kit. Dressed in Valerie's stylish silk dress cut on the bias, and feeling, unusually comfortably and happily like my mother, I set off from my provincial Halesworth station to London. I was not, however comfortable with… Continue reading Wimbledon with Tim – June 25
Spectrums – May/June 2014
Whitstable Camping wild in England. Parked at the end of a cul de sac overlooking the north sea, the mouth to the Thames, a muddy cove, called here a beach. It is definitely estuary, mud not sand, calm tidal mud flats. ’To the beach’ signs, beach huts gayly painted, banked up 3 deep in parts,… Continue reading Spectrums – May/June 2014
About Elly – film at the Cut (by Asghar Farhadi)
Why do I like Iranian films? That different culture, a place I have never been, know little of That open display of emotion, that heated debate, with wild gesticulation. An equal playfulness. Headscarfs. A group of friends 3 couples and a pair being matched, rent a run down villa by the sea. Elly the woman… Continue reading About Elly – film at the Cut (by Asghar Farhadi)
Africa to Halesworth
David, who lives south of the equator where Ursula Minor (Polaris at the end of the handle) is upside down, and water drains the other way round the plug hole, came to Halesworth on his bicycle. We drove to the sea, for Tuesdays local lunch at walberswick. We talked of Africa. 'For the first time… Continue reading Africa to Halesworth
Mary Bell – Cries Unheard
Cries Unheard! The Story of Mary Bell! By Gitta Sereny Daily Mail obit - The woman who tried to humanise monsters: Gitta Sereny wrote brilliant books trying to explain the evil of murderers. She also helped create today's cult of victimhood • • • Gitta Sereny tried to claim society was to blame for child murderer Mary… Continue reading Mary Bell – Cries Unheard