“It is better to be hated for what you are than to be loved for what you are not.”
– André Gide, Autumn Leaves
Phantom Thread – Film Review
A sumptuous, beautifully crafted and in the end rather perverse film about a fascinating relationship with the shades of Hitchcock’s Rebecca, Phantom Thread is also a grand (and supposedly final) showcase for Daniel Day-Lewis’ monumental acting talent. Hopefully he’s just taking a break, with more farewell tours to follow.
Tasmania – Bruny Island
I’ve been to Tasmania at least five times before, and seen most of its major attractions, but never made it to Bruny Island off the south-eastern coast near Hobart. This beautiful spot exceeded all of our expectations and was very much worth the trip.
I, Tonya – Film Review
I very much enjoyed this highly entertaining biographical drama about the controversial ice skater Tonya Harding, which plays as part savage black comedy, part tragedy, and part Mommie Dearest.
Sail Artwork in Progress 01/2018
I’ve procrastinated for longer than I would have wished, but I’m still pretty pleased with the progress having completed most of the fiddly sea area. It doesn’t matter how many shades of fabric you have, you still end up making endless trips to Spotlight for more.
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri – Film Review
A terrible unwieldy title can sometimes seriously put you off watching a film, but I’m glad that the positive word of mouth and critical acclaim got me into the cinema after all. This sharp, funny, brutal drama from Martin McDonagh is probably the best worst-named movie I’ve seen.
The Unadulterated Cat by Terry Pratchett – Book Review
In between pumping out his countless Discworld novels, Terry Pratchett (may he rest in peace) also found time to pen this delightful little oddity.
The Problems with Rey
These new Star Wars movies sure do bring out my analytical side. I’ve already done my review of The Last Jedi, but in this piece of over-thinking I wanted to focus more on Rey, who I find one of the most frustrating protagonists in the recent times. No don’t run, this is not another article on why Rey is a Mary Sue, or why it’s wrong and/or sexist to think that she is. I have zero interest in comparing power levels and skills and why this character shouldn’t have beaten that character, I’m more interested in examining things like motivations and character arcs, and why the writing for this trilogy so far has been letting Rey down.
Call Me By Your Name – Film Review
First great film I’ve seen in 2018, Call Me By Your Name is a moving coming-of-age tale, a beautiful romance and a love letter to the warm, sensuous, sun-kissed charms of Northern Italy. I’m sure I say this every time, but my heart skips a beat whenever I see lush summery European landscape onscreen, and in Luca Guadagnino’s film it’s a perfect backdrop for the gently unfolding, finely observed, slow-burn story of a vibrant, life-changing first love that cannot last.
New Music 01/2018 – The Kills, Richard Dawson
Catching up with the old alt-rock favourites; an avant-garde prog-folk concept album about the 6th century Anglo-Saxon kingdom… no really that’s what the album is about.
yggdrasille.com 