The Secret in Their Eyes

Knew little of this film apart from seeing the odd good review which had mentioned that it won best foreign language film at the Oscars (not that is anything to go by).
So with no baggage associated with it, we went off to see it in our local 'art house' cinema The Phoenix, in Oxford.
Disastrous start when wife managed to spill her piping hot coffee over some guys leg, scalding her hand, and no doubt soaking his trousers. To be followed by us dropping the packet of MMs' all over the floor and due to the low rake of the seating, ten minutes of bobbing and weaving to read the subtitles because of heads obstructing the line of sight. Eventually a couple two rows in front of us got up and left so we regained clear line of site. But the problem maker, a tall guy in the front row remained bolt upright, still obscuring the view for others below but thankfully not for us.
The film needless to say was very good, good believable central roles well acted, set against Buenos Aires during the Peron years.
Worth seeing.
However, one small complaint, the subtitling is poor at times with text set over white or yellow background and therefore unreadable. I could have done with having headphones on with an english dub translation being run simultaneously, but open enough so that you could hear the sound of the film as well. Now there is an idea.

8.5/10

S.C.M. Waterstones, Oxford

Up to humour, terminal free, and rather quickly Second Class Male is up on the screen. Step back, phone camera out, click, step back a few paces and click. Left it on there.
Walked along to Blackwells (the worlds premier bookshop...possibly) but they are a bit old fashioned and no terminals to be had.
Got home, bugger, out of focus, but notice the backdrop is cookery. now there is a subject that has not been used yet.

Girl With the Dragon Tattoo

Our local 'Art' picture house showed the first movie as I guess a pre-cursor to the new one, so with nothing to do off we went. Knew nothing about the book or the film apart from the hype over the books success, which probably accounted for us not seeing it in the first place. One of our fellow commuters was an editor for the UK publishers, Quercus, who on mentioning the book to me a year ago, meant nothing.
Anyway, thoroughly enjoyed the film even though it did get to the stage of all films of this genre of plot reveal, plot reveal, plot reveal..... But nevertheless, well made and shot, good performances all round with believable characters, and this being Swedish, actors unknown to you, and a decent plot. A couple of very arresting scenes, and revelation that the Swedes had their own version of the Nazi party. Although now I can remember that the founder of Ikea had been accused of one time membership.
However what is astonishing is that Hollywood are doing a remake of it with Daniel Craig in the lead (have you ever seen a chiseled looking hack???) and Emily Watson (her of this parish) as the girl with the tattoo. Cut her hair short for the audition apparently. Cant imagine the girl who sat on this sofa three years ago doing those scenes of a sexual nature.
Rotten tomatoes score correct.
8.7/10

Richie Hayward

Richie Hayward the drummer and founding member of the group Little Feat died yesterday from liver cancer.
I shook hands and chatted with him in Oxford a year ago before their gig at the Zodiac club in the Cowley Road. He was slight and showed the obvious signs of being a rock musician on the road. But given his slightness, he was a remarkably powerful drummer, and I admired his playing at the gig in the way he orchestrated the group from his perch behind the drums.
What was also remarkable was that I heard this on the BBC radio news last night, and they devoted quite a bit of time on it. This for a group that is hardly known in the UK apart from the affectionadoes.

Countdown to End of the Road Festival

A month today, my very first festival that spans more than one day. Three days in fact. The Felice Brothers on the Sunday although their mate A.A. Bondy appears to have dropped of the line up which is a great shame.
Cheating slightly as we have checked into a first class B&B a mile down the road. proper beds, hot showers and a full breakfast to start the day.

Yorkshire Sculpture Park

This was a return visit for us after I think a decade, and it certainly has changed. Now incredibly extensive with additions to both the exhibits but also to the galleries.
James Turrell now has a Skyscape building which despite the rather dull sky, was still impressive. But best of all was the current exhibition of David Nash's, essays in timber, small, medium, big and gigantic pieces, stunning!

Recent Films

Sin Nombre
Excellent
9/10

Julie & Julia
Amusing
8/10

21 Grams
Difficult but rewarding nonetheless
8.75/10

Let The Right One In
Not a genre I go for but neverless yet another excellent film
9/10