What I've Been Reading
Bila Yarrudhanggalangdhuray by Anita Heiss - this is a groundbreaking novel, being the first to be published by a major publisher with an indigenous title (and no English) on the cover. It also features Wiradjuri language throughout. Based on the 1852 floods in Gundagai, it tells the story of the flood and the families - indigenous and white - involved. This was Australia’s biggest natural disaster, 80 people died. The true heroes of the flood were Yarri and Jacky Jacky – Wiradjuri men who rescued 69 people in their home made canoes.
My Year of Living Vulnerably by Rick Morton - I don't even know how to describe this remarkable book. The second work by Rick Morton, it follows him as he breaks down his heart and soul and learn how to use them better. That is a very clumsy description. After writing his seminal memoir, 100 Years of Dirt, he found himself reliving his past and coming to terms with his aversion to love, no matter how much he wanted it. So he, in true reporter style, decides to break himself open but researching love methodically and scientifically and in turn learning to love 'properly'...whatever that is. From hug therapy to statistics and other countries, Rick goes through it all and, rather ironically, is really warming up to it all when COVID hits and he has to isolate himself from others, the very thing he was running from. Of course, we all know you have to love yourself before loving others, and that is what he did. There is SOOOOOO much more to this than that, it is just too complex to explain. However, it is not complex to read, and just a sheer delight. I listened to Rick reading it himself on talking book and highly recommend.
Great cities through travellers eyes edited by Peter Furtado - this was a wonderful book full of older travel stories from great writers. Some of these stories go back to the 1800s, and some of the stories from established authors like Hemingway, Marco Polo, Mark Twain etc. I liked reading about cities I have visited and seeing how they have (or not) changed over the years, decades, centuries.
Murder Your Darlings: and other Gentle Writing Advice from Aristotle to Zinsser by Roy Peter Clark - this was a great book with loads of writing advice from various writers over the years.
My Rock 'n' Roll friend by Tracey Thorn - I loved this so much Tracey was in the British band Everything But the Girl and has written before, she is a great writer. The friend is Australian, Lindy Morrison, the drummer from The Go-Betweens. Lindy and Tracey met in the 80s when The Go-Betweens were touring the UK and they became firm friends. This is the book of their friendship and indeed a potted memoir of Lindy and her time in The Go-Betweens. It is a remarkable story and a great feminist tale. Ground breakers in so many ways, both of them, it is about survival in the mostly male world of rock-n-roll. You don't have to know Tracey or Lindy to appreciate or enjoy this book, but if you do it certainly heightens the read.
Under the rainbow: the life and times of WE Cole - Richard Broinowski - this was a fabulous coffee table book about Coles Arcade and the man behind it. Fascinating historical story with dashes of whimsy.
Our Only Hope: a climate appeal to the world by His Holiness the Dalai Lama with Franz Act - this was a lovely little mini book with loads of succinct information about climate change as lectured by the Dalai Lama himself and Franz Act. They talk about the good work being done by scientists over the world and by activists such as Jane Goodall and Greta Thunberg.
Olive, again by Elizabeth Strout - this is the follow-up to the Pulitzer Prize winning Olive Kitteridge. I loved the first book, full of wonderful short stories set in a small US town and evolving around the cantankerous character of Olive Kitteridge. It ends with a possible relationship. Olive, Again, picks up where it left off, Olive is as cantankerous as ever, but softening ever so slightly when she is with her new partner. Olive is ageing, and faces the ever changing world and navigates family life. I didn't mind this, but didn't enjoy it as much as I did the first book.
Professor at Large by John Cleese - this is a selection of University addresses and Q and A's by Cleese when he was working as a Professor, teaching comedy and script writing. It was interesting, but had a whiff of you had to be there! The best chapter was an interview or Q and A with the great William Goldman.
Shit, Actually by Lindy West - Lindy West got her break doing 'honest' and funny reviews of movies. Specifically, Love, Actually, where she tore the plot apart in such a way that even the most ardent admirer has to agree (eg, me!). SHe commences with a review of her favourite movie, The Fugitive and benchmarks every other review to it. This is a fun read,you will laugh out loud, or yell in disagreeance. Either way, you will be entertained!
Best. Movie. Year. Ever: how 1999 blew up the big screen by Brian Raftery - this was a great book especially if you love independent cinema. When I first looked at the title, I thought really? Then I looked at the cover filled with characters from films of 1999 and the contents page listing the films to be discussed and I realised, yeah!
Here are some of the films discussed in the book: Fight Club, The Matrix, Election, Magnolia, American Beauty, Being John Malkovich, The Sixth Sense, Virgin Suicides, Boys Don't Cry, Three Kings, Eyes Wide Shut, Rushmore, Run Lola Run, and The Straight Story.
It delves into culture at the time - pre 9/11 and pre must-see-TV and Y2K - the end of truly independent film, films with heart and originality. And he interviews many of the players; actors, writers, and directors.
This was a great read and made you realise how much you miss that kind of film, they are a rarity today!
Big Ideas for Curious Minds: an introduction to philosophy - this was a coffee table style book with a very basic and understandable guide to philosophy. The book uses examples of life and how philosophy is matched to it. And then an example of an actual philosopher and how they match to the examples and philosopher. I really enjoyed this.
Unreliable memoirs - Clive James - I revisited this old favourite for my book club. It was just as marvelous as my first read way back whenever. More memoir, less pop-culture and less humour, although you read it in his fabulous voice with a smile in your heart. It goes way more into his sexuality than I remembered, quite remarkable for that time. I was worried it may not hold up in the era of Me Too, but it does and then some actually. If you haven't read this and you love and miss Clive, get onto it! You'll be pleased you did, I sure was!ony
What I've Been Watching
After Life S2 - This show is utterly heartbreaking but also incredibly funny, in a very dry way. I loved the first series, and this one picks up where it left off. Tony (Gervais) is still grieving his wife, he is less cranky but still has moments of frustration. This show takes a really open look at grief and can be gut wrenching. Gervais is stunning. the supporting cast are a bunch of hopeless losers, that Tony is now trying to help, which is a lovely way of keeping him from being a complete arsehole. OK this is not selling the show, it is difficult to describe without giving it all away. The cast are superb, Gervais is amazing, the story is compelling, and it has a gorgeous dog. It WILL make you cry and that is ok, give it a go, I know you will thank me!
Everything's Gonna be Okay S2 - this picks up in the middle of the Pandemic and Nicholas (Joshua Thomas), his step-sisters, and boyfriend are quarantining. The series mostly features Matilda, her sexuality and her autism. She is dating and this offers up some interesting situations for Nicholas to help with. Meanwhile, Genevieve isn't on board with her sisters choices, and Alex is doubting his relationship with Nicholas. Add in the casting of Maria Bamford and the brilliant Richard Kind as the parents of Drea, one of Matilda's love interests, and the show grows from strength to strength. I love this show, it is quirky, and real, emotional, and hilarious. You want to be a part of the world these characters live in.
The Crown S4 - wow, this was a fabulous season, mostly due to the Charles and Di storylines, and a wonderful portrayal of Margaret Thatcher by Gillian Anderson, so wonderful you almost feel sorry for Thatcher...almost!!! I am no royalist but I totally get sucked into this! Great drama, fabulous set design, wonderful acting, and a little walk down memory lane.
Search Party S4 - This show may be disappearing up it's arse, but I still watched it. What started as a millennial comedy/drama with a Hitchcockian turn, has grown increasingly dark with each season. Having been found not guilty of murder, our main character, Dory (the brilliant Alia Shawkat) ostracised by her friends, has been kidnapped but no one has realised. The series follows being under lock and key and her trying to escape. There are moments of humour, albeit dark humour, but it is mostly trying and goes along too far before people even realise she is missing. This has been renewed for a 5th (and I think final) season, I will watch it, if only to see what their vision really is and where it is going. This is not bad, it is infinitely better (and orginal) than most things you will see, it is edgy and cool, but this season left me a little bored and flat in the middle parts.
Breeders S2 - Season 1 of this British dramedy starring Martin Freeman finished with their son surviving a viral attack that had him in a coma. The family is going along as usual, but is there more to life that what they have. Paul is thinking they should move to the seaside, after his parents decide to have a sea change. Ally isn't keen. the kids are growing up and have their own issues. Paul's temper is still an issue, and all of this adds to some hilarity and drama. This is a slow burn, and without Freeman, I probably wouldn't watch it.
This is a Robbery: the world's greatest art heist - one of my favourite subjects is art theft, I have read a lot about and particularly this one. It is about the biggest art heist ever, which happened in 1990 at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Gallery in Boston. The thieves, costumed as police officers, took about $500 million worth of art including Vermeer, Manet, and Rembrandt. I enjoyed the mini series but it lost it's way towards the end. Initially it takes in all the details, interviews the key players and the biggie, it actually takes you into the gallery. For art lovers, this is a must, what a stunning building and set up. But as this crime has never really had much in terms of leads, it peters off towards the end with a lot of Boston mob history and so forth. Despite that it is still worth watching, at least the first couple of episodes!
Letterman - this is the third series of long interviews by David Letterman. I watched Dave Chapelle, Robert Downey Jnr and Lizzo - all were fabulous. Dave is picking people he seems genuinely interested in talking to and is affable and delightful, probably moreso than when he did his late night talk shows. I ahve always loved that there is no BS with Dave, if he is genuinely interested in someone - and he usually is - the interview will cut into who that person is and show a different side to them, this is absolutely obvious here. He doesn't suffer fools and is not at all interested in the 'wares they are peddling'. He wants to showcase a human being. And that is why I love him and this show!
Anh Do's Brush with Fame - I just love this series, Do is a National Treasure, and he has the most fascinating people on the show to talk to as he paints their portrait. Even if you know them well, he always pulls out a little nugget of unknown that opens up their life and personality. My favourite this season was Peter Garrett, and the portrait was fabulous.
Aside: sometimes the portrait doesn't quite seem right or I don;t like it, it is rare, and i always feel something is up. He is a marvellous painter, why the odd dodgy one, I guess we all have off days, but for a show like that you'd think not. I recently read that he likes about 4 hours to do a painting (which is remarkably quick as far as I am concerned) but some only have an hour or 2 to spare and he just doesn't get enough time to do them justice...what a shame...
Escape to the Chateau DIY S2 - this is another season of people renovating Chateaus across France! Not as good as the actual series, but you get snippets of Dick and Angel and their Chateau. This is living through other's fortunes, but I love it. So much work though, so happy to watch!
Le Tour - always love Le Tour, mostly for France. the countryside, the chateaus, the food, the little bits on which area we are in. The riding is good, and who doesn't want to watch a tight bun on a bike, but for me, Viva La France!!!
The Center will not hold - Joan Didion - this is a stunning documentary by her nephew, Griffin Dunne, from a few years back. I love Joan, she is America's Helen Garner, her writing is sharp, and to the point, it showcases the time as it was/is. Her essays really are everything. She is sharp and formidable but also warm and human. Like Helen, she could be your grandmother! It follows her life and career, her meeting John Dunne and their love, and his subsequent death along with thier daughters not long after. They talk about the pain and the books she wrote about them and the play made about The Year of Magical Thinking. She is old and frail and has MS, so sometimes I found it upsetting to watch, but her mind and wit are as sharp as ever. I wanted to spend more time with Joan at the end of this. All she has seen in her remarkable life, you can only imagine the discussions. I guess this is for fans, or maybe for those interested in the human condition.
Jane Goodall: the hope doco - another documentary about the International Treasure, Jane Goodall. It follows her around as she does her thing, talking about chimpanzees and the environment. She seems to be at her best with children, but really tells it like it is to adults and politicians. She tries to befriend everyone, despite their politics, because you never know who you can turn in your favour she says. Fascinating stuff.
Skin: a history of nudity in the movies - this takes us all the way back to the early 1900s, through the Hays Code, through the Ken Russell stages, and into modern film. It was an interesting look at film history via nudity.
My Salinger Year - I loved this memoir about Joanna Rakoff's experience at a small New York literary agency in the early 90s. It has been turned into a movie. I enjoyed the movie but not as much as the book. Sooo much more happened. When she starts her job, a mysterious Jerry is mentioned, she then realises Jerry is none other than JD Salinger. One of her jobs was to type (it was the early 90s and the Manager, Margaret, was old school and didn't like computers) standard letters to the many fan letters sent to the agency for Salinger. She starts to read them all and writes a few as Salinger until she is found out. In the book Salinger is mysterious with the occasional phone call, leaving you wondering if she will ever get to meet him. The film is similar but not as mysterious. I enjoyed the film, the visions of New York, the agency, the Salinger fans were true to the book. Margaret Qualley played Joanna perfectly and Sigourney Weaver was great as the sharp, and formidable Margaret.
Soul - this won Best Animated Feature (and Best Original Score) at the Oscars this year. The Score (by Trent Rezner and Atticus Ross) was great. I thought I was going to watch a film about Jazz, and to a certain extent it was. But the Soul of the title is about your soul not Soul Music. A young Jazz musician (Jamie Foxx) is on the precipiece of greatness when he accidentally falls down a manhole crossing the street in NY and ends up in some kind of limbo. Trying to get back to where he came from his soul and body become detached. His soul going into a sad blobby thing that takes form of a cat. (Tina Fey). This is a buddy comedy with a touch of melancholy, and loads of jazz and great music. I enjoyed this.
House of Wax - bit of a rewatch of this melodrama. Vincent Price is a wax sculptor and co-owns a museum of wax works. The museum ends up being set on fire and Price himself gets caught up in it and burnt left for dead. Strange things start to happen, people are being kidnapped and murdered. What is going on, well, you need to watch the film, lol! It holds up ok for a 50s b-grade. Price is fabulous
Chalet Girl - Kim (Felicity Jones) is a poor ex skateboarding champion who heads to the Austria as help for rich families. She meets Jonny (Ed Westwick - yeah, ok, this is why I am watching this film!) son of Bill Nighy and Brooke Shields (yeah, I know, I know!) and falls in love. He is engaged to someone else and Kim ends up turning her mad skateboarding skills into snowboarding. It is an odd little film, pretty much a teen romance. I didn't mind it.
Girafada - this is a foreign film about a Palestinian Zoo, when a male giraffe is killed during an attack the female giraffe goes into mourning and refuses to eat. The owner of the zoo and his son go to great and dangerous lengths to find another male giraffe to help their situation. This was a great film, and really held me in, with a fair bit tension and drama but small amounts of comedy and relief added in just the right moments.
Gauguin: a voyage to Tahiti - this follows Gauguin when he leaves his family to go to Tahiti to create art. He is very unwell, and contracts a disease not long after he arrives. The art he creates is fabulous, as we all know, but his personal health and family suffer for it. This was well done and ok, but nothing special.
Pop Aye - This is a great little Thai film about a big subject matter - an elephant! Tan is an architect who is getting bored with his life. Wandering in the city he comes across an elephant being used for entertainment and not treated well. He believes the elephant is his childhood pet, Pop Aye, so he gets it free and takes off with it. Arriving at home with a huge elephant does not go well with his long suffering wife. So Tan and Pop Aye go on a 'road' trip back to his home town. Ultimately it is a buddy road trip movie with a difference. It is beautifully filmed, and has a huge heart and loads of humour. I loved this film, and I loved Pop Aye.
Heartbreaker - this is a French comedy about a brother and sister who run a break-up business. That is, they get paid by family and/or friends to break up couples. They are asked to break up a wealthy couple by the rich father of Juliette (Vanessa Paradis) who is engaged to the uptight Brit (Andrew Lincoln). Alex (Romain Duris) pretends to be her bodyguard and falls in love with her for reals. This was fairly perfunctory but still a lot of fun.
What I've Been Listening To
Countdown Podcast - Gavin Wood has his own podcast and it is all about behind the scenes at Countdown. Each episode he interviews a Countdown regular, Glenn Shorack, JPY, Brian Mannix, Kate Ceberano, Leo Sayer etc. It is a fabulous walk down memory lane, Gavin isn't the best interviewer, but that doesn't really matter. Molly has a small segment in each episode. I am loving it!
Dee Gees - Just when you think you cannot love Dave Grohl anymore, he turns The Foo Fighters into a Bee Gees tribute band and oh my, they bloody kill it! 6 covers of Bee Gees (and Andy Gibb) on one side of the album, they are genuinely trying to do their best and they do and then some. This is pure joy, you WILL want to dance.
Rufus Wainwright - Rufus' new album, Unfollow the Rules is a mismatch of ballads, pop, and jazz but all in Rufus' smooth, sublime voice. Brilliant!
Bjork, Post - I got a lovely reissue of this on vinyl and spun it non-stop So many great hits, It's oh so quiet, Miss You, Possibly Maybe, Army of me and on and on. Every track is a classic, Bjork always makes me feel better!
Melanie - the best of Melanie is sheer joy, except for one thing. Brand New Key (her best song) is not on it!!!
Tracy Chapman - I was lucky to find a second hand copy of her classic debut album. Fast Car, Talkin' bout a revolution, Baby can I hold you, if not now, for my lover...every track an instant classic. Her voice is warm and smooth and you can't help singing along.
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