08/08/13 - 'The Drowning of Arthur Braxton' by Caroline Smailes
Since I've been back at work, with proper sit-down tea and lunch breaks and a two hour train journey there and back, I've been reading a lot more than I have done for...probably three years. As a very recent graduate with an English degree, that is a terrible confession to make. But since I've been home, I've been whipping through books like a mental person. Most of them have been enjoyable and interesting, but largely passed me by. The Drowning of Arthur Braxton by Caroline Smailes is the first book in a while which has really excited me.
05/08/13 - 'Sea Wall' at the Shed, National Theatre
Those of you who have been reading my blog for a while (and you are my favourite kind of people) may experience a little sense of déjà vu whilst reading this review. And yes, I have written about this particular piece of theatre before (here). However, when the opportunity to experience Simon Stephens' 'Sea Wall' for a second time arose, I couldn't possibly pass it up. Especially a chance to see it as it was originally performed: by the inimitable Andrew Scott of whom I am continually in awe.
Last Friday, I jaunted down to London after work to meet my gorgeous friend Rachael for a very quick bite to eat before heading to The Shed at the National Theatre for the 10pm start of the run's final performance. Despite having to lug a heavy rucksack around with me and feeling a little harassed by my busy day, I have never been more happy with a decision I have made.
After the stunning half-hour performance, Rachael and I agreed that it could be summed up in two words: theatre magic. Andrew Scott was utterly incredible, commanding the attention of the audience from the moment they entered the studio theatre, nodding and smiling as people passed him to find their seats. He took Stephens' incredible words, full of self-deprecating humour, vivid imagery and heart-breaking reality in equal measures, and made them electrifying. From the trivial anecdotes of family routine to the gut-wrenching moment that comes out of nowhere to slap you in the face, every word and gesture and pause was utterly believable. The conversational tone makes the blow even more shocking when it does come and I can honestly say that I have never heard a packed room as deathly quiet before, every member of the audience totally engaged with the tragedy quietly unfolding before them. Having seen Cary Crankson perform the piece in Manchester earlier this year, I knew what to expect but it didn't make the performance any less impressive and moving. It was a total triumph and entirely deserving of the resounding standing ovation it quite rightly received.
Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to speak to Andrew Scott following the performance - unsurprisingly, he was swamped in the bar afterwards. We did get a brief chat with Simon Stephens, who was so lovely and enthusiastic whilst speaking to us which increased my respect for him even further - a true gent. Even getting caught in a ridiculous thunderstorm whilst having a drink at an outside bar once we left the theatre couldn't mar my amazement after spending an evening in the presence of two such incredibly talented men.
I've said it before and I'll say it again: if I ever manage to write something that moves one person in the way that Stephens' work moves so many, then I can die happy.
If you were one of the many unfortunate souls who missed out on the much-coveted tickets, check out the equally as impressive film version here - it will be the best £3.50 you spend.
31/07/13 - Film review: The Bling Ring
If you follow me on Twitter, you will know just how long I was dying to see Sofia Coppola's The Bling Ring. After seeing the initial trailer and doing some research into the 'true crime' aspects of the story, I was hooked. So many of the people I follow online - video bloggers and bloggers alike - helped to build up the hype around the film, so when I found that there was a significantly lacking number of showings local to me, I started to become desperate. I ended up going to the final screening at my nearest cinema (the only one in, it seems, the entire North West of England to show the film) with my dad...he took pity on me so I wouldn't have to go alone.
For those who don't know, the film is based on the real events of the 'Hollywood Hills Burglaries' which took place in 2008 and 2009. The alleged perpetrators - a group of teenagers - 'burglarized' (what a silly American word) the homes of celebrities including Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan and Orlando Bloom, coming away with millions of dollars worth of swag and taking celebrity worship to new levels. Seeing their idols on screen and in magazines wasn't enough; they felt entitled to owning a little piece of the Hollywood lifestyle - "the lifestyle that everybody kind of wants" as Marc suggests, words taken straight from real-life Bling Ringer Nick Prugo.
The influence of social media in the film is overwhelming. The Internet is the only port of call necessary for getting the low-down on the victims, their social engagements and addresses. The whole debacle is documented through 'selfies' and grainy webcam videos which show the teens living out their fantasies of extravagance, fanning themselves with wads of hundred dollar bills whilst drinking bottles of Grey Goose vodka and lounging on Paris Hilton's couch. An extended montage shows drug abuse, partying, shopping and 'shopping' through celebrity closets. Their peers are envious rather than judgmental as they flaunt the wares of their crimes, and the burglars become more brazen as they continue to get away with it. As technology becomes more advanced and society more concerned with excess, it can be argued that this film shows an example of how everyone's lives are becoming over-displayed and too accessible, not just those of the rich and famous.
The cast, in my opinion, were brilliant. Israel Broussard and Katie Chang as the originators of the scheme (in real life, Rachel Lee and Nick Prugo; here, Rebecca and Marc) compliment each other well, with her calm and collected attitude even under pressure and his eagerness to please her. Emma Watson as Nicki, the doppelganger of the now-infamous Alexis Neiers, was incredible. Having missed The Perks of Being a Wallflower, this was my first experience of Emma post-Hermione and she played a blinder. Her research into the role paid off as she nailed the whining Valley-girl accent and the expression of bored indifference. Some of the funniest dialogue were lines taken verbatim from interviews with Alexis, and Emma delivered them with perfect comic timing.
Personally, I really enjoyed the film and will most certainly be buying the DVD when it's released. While I realise that Coppola's style isn't for everyone, I found it the perfect vehicle for this story; the scenes of excess and the idea of celebrity-worship at times seemed reminiscent of her 2006 film Marie Antoinette. Although I don't entirely agree with the way in which this film places the blame for the crimes, it was an enjoyable and visually impressive hour and a half.
The influence of social media in the film is overwhelming. The Internet is the only port of call necessary for getting the low-down on the victims, their social engagements and addresses. The whole debacle is documented through 'selfies' and grainy webcam videos which show the teens living out their fantasies of extravagance, fanning themselves with wads of hundred dollar bills whilst drinking bottles of Grey Goose vodka and lounging on Paris Hilton's couch. An extended montage shows drug abuse, partying, shopping and 'shopping' through celebrity closets. Their peers are envious rather than judgmental as they flaunt the wares of their crimes, and the burglars become more brazen as they continue to get away with it. As technology becomes more advanced and society more concerned with excess, it can be argued that this film shows an example of how everyone's lives are becoming over-displayed and too accessible, not just those of the rich and famous.
The cast, in my opinion, were brilliant. Israel Broussard and Katie Chang as the originators of the scheme (in real life, Rachel Lee and Nick Prugo; here, Rebecca and Marc) compliment each other well, with her calm and collected attitude even under pressure and his eagerness to please her. Emma Watson as Nicki, the doppelganger of the now-infamous Alexis Neiers, was incredible. Having missed The Perks of Being a Wallflower, this was my first experience of Emma post-Hermione and she played a blinder. Her research into the role paid off as she nailed the whining Valley-girl accent and the expression of bored indifference. Some of the funniest dialogue were lines taken verbatim from interviews with Alexis, and Emma delivered them with perfect comic timing.
Personally, I really enjoyed the film and will most certainly be buying the DVD when it's released. While I realise that Coppola's style isn't for everyone, I found it the perfect vehicle for this story; the scenes of excess and the idea of celebrity-worship at times seemed reminiscent of her 2006 film Marie Antoinette. Although I don't entirely agree with the way in which this film places the blame for the crimes, it was an enjoyable and visually impressive hour and a half.
Have you seen The Bling Ring? Let me know what you thought of it in the comments.
28/07/13 - Blog Birthday
This weekend has been very birthday heavy on here as my little blog is a whole year old! When I wrote my first post a year ago, I never thought that posting on here would become such a huge part of my life. So much has changed since that first little introduction and I couldn't be happier that I have a year's worth of ramblings to document everything that has happened.
The past twelve months have been fantastic for me in many ways and not great in others, but I am so grateful to the medium of blogging for giving me a way to remember the good times and distract myself in the bad. And most of all, I'm grateful to everyone who has read, shared and hopefully enjoyed what I have to say.
The past twelve months have been fantastic for me in many ways and not great in others, but I am so grateful to the medium of blogging for giving me a way to remember the good times and distract myself in the bad. And most of all, I'm grateful to everyone who has read, shared and hopefully enjoyed what I have to say.
I hope you'll stick around to see what's in store for me in the next twelve months!