Indie-gestion
What with various ailments of family members keeping me close to base this week, it's been time to catch up on some films.
A strange phenomenon has emerged from my DVD sessions. I seem to be watching more and more films which, in theory, are interesting, quirky and out of the ordinary, in other words, worthy of the attentions of a cultural commentator.
They turn out to be well crafted but ultimately annoying because the narrative just doesn't ring true. They seem to be coming out of some film factory specialising in interesting, quirky and out of the ordinary movies. They are simply trying too hard. Which ends up as plain trying.
Let's cut to the chase. The trio of movies watched in a row which brought me to this frustrating conclusion were Hallam Foe, Brick Lane and Edmond. The first two are based on books, the third is a version of a David Mamet stage play.
The really annoying thing is that all of them feature terrific performances - from Jamie Bell (above), Tannistha Chatterjee (above) and Satish Kaushik and William H Macy respectively. Writers and directors seem to be letting down indie film audiences while the actors are giving us a reason to watch.
Notes on a Scandal is another example which springs to mind. I want to see great movies, not just great performances.
Am I being unreasonable? Anyone agree with me?
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I wholeheartedly agree with yourself.
As I find 99% of TV programmes made since 1983 unworthy of the licence fee and therefore my attention - Dr Who being the honorary exception, obviously - I have become a great watcher of films.
Too often great performances are let down by clunking scripts and direction, whilst othertimes great scripts and direction is let down by shoddy acting - why can't they just learn to get along together, that's what I want to know.
Clearly there is a void left to fill. Well done to you for spotting it.
I am a big fan of a late, great cultural commentator - Ron Pickering - and would rank you almost in his shadow.
Nice one!
Derek ... we must stop meeting like this - let's form a mutual appreciation society, along with John Shuttleworth and that Sidebottom chappie. Are you making sure you get all the right Arts Council grants for postmodern irony as foreshadowed by Derrida?
I trained under Sidebottom (minor) off of Sidebottom, Melchet & Sidebottom from somewhere near Uttoxeter - possibly the greatest firm of model-makers within existence.
Is this Shuttleworth chap related to the Lickey Hills branch of Shuttleworths who manufactured model-making toolage, such as the Screaming Jackson?
As for signing up to a Mutual Admiration Society, I'm not a great supporter of societies these days after a spate of bad experiences when I embarked on a new hobby several years ago - Joinery (where you join as many societies and organisations as you possibly can).
I met some thoroughly disagreebale people, no offence or anything.
The only society - other than model-making related - that currently enjoys my membership is the Christmas Hamper for Orphaned Lambs fundraising club set up at our local public house (the Bedknobs & Broomsticks).
Good day!