SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER REVIEWS

 What I've Been Reading

Novelist as a Vocation by Haruki Murakami

I really loved this books of essays on writing by Murakami. I love all his writing, but I particularly love his essays and most especially when he writes about writing. The first half are a series he wrote for a Japanese serial when he was younger, and the rest were specifically written for this book. I see it as a companion piece to What I Talk About When I Talk About Running. There is so much fabulous advice and information within, and great insight into his own process it made me want to quit my job and write...

Dickens and Prince by Nick Hornby

This is a fab idea by my main man Nick Hornby. It is a long essay about two of his great loves, Charles Dickens and Prince and their similarities, mostly their genius and prolific output. I loved this hugely, it is fascinating, and funny and very Nick. If you love his writing or Dickens or Prince you are in for a treat, but if, like me you love all three, woah!!

Why Patti Smith Matters by Caryn Rose

This was more a potted biography than anything meaningful into why Patti matters, but was still a great read. For fans, it doesn't give you much new stuff, but it pops all her main stuff into one run, which is always nice. I enjoyed the read, but it wasn't terribly enlightening. 

The Fran Lebowitz Reader by Fran Lebowitz

I adore Fran, and this was great, but I think I would have benefited more listening to her read it, which we know will never happen. It is a few books in one, you can see her evolution over the years, and she does love a list, which sometimes works and sometimes does not. The later essays were the best, I love her NY stories the best, you can see her languishing in her apartment, calling friends, and smoking. So good!

Behind the Voice by Anthony Callea

This was a pretty good book, I cannot say I am a huge fan of his music, but I love his online presence with his hubby, Tim Campbell, they are hilarious. I got a lot of that and more, some deep and serious stuff, a real life well lived. So quite the surprise.

The Divine Feline: a chic cat lady's guide to woman's best friend by Belinda Alexandra

I listened to this book, read by the author, a popular women's author of fiction usually. It was a homage to all thing feline. She told the history of cats, her history with her own cats, and some very strange cat stories in between. I bloody loved this eccentric piece, something for everyone in it, including some amazing rescue stories!

Paris by Eugene Atget

An amazing history of Atget and his beautiful black and white photos of Paris. Atget was a flaneur (my fave type of Frenchie), who wandered all the arrondissements of Paris in the late 1800s and up to the 1920s photographing regular Paris and Parisians. Mostly architecture and streets, a lot now lost to war, or progress. There are a lot of photos within, and they are something to behold.

Shell by Kristina Olsson

I really wanted to love this book. I think historical fiction is not my genre. This was set against the backdrop of the building of the Sydney Opera House, which had me very excited. It reminded me of Pip Williams' books, they offer similarly great historic moments but never really deliver. I guess I am better off reading proper historic accounts. This is more about a family, broken apart by time, and 2 sons who may be headed to Vietnam. There was some Opera House threads, but very minimal and not enough to sustain me. 

Matthew Perry book

The Art of Stopping: how to be still when you have to keep going by David Kundtz

This was a good read. I have been a fan of being still, stopping, daydreaming, thinking about nothing since I was forced to do it while I was sick some years back. It helped me through that time and helped me heal. It also gave me great clarity and I felt fresh and lovely, when I really was not fresh and lovely. COVID took me back there, which was great and I feel we really lost an opportunity to consolidate this chill into our future. This book reinforced to me that you can stop, even if for 1 minute. And whilst I am so very busy lately, when I do get free time, I really must stop. The book breaks it up into 3 types of stopping, quick 1 minute stops, short stops, and longer stops. It helps creativity, mental health, anxiety and is a good thing to do for your soul.

What I've Been Watching

The Newsreader

S2 really delivered, the characters are even more fleshed out. The attention to detail in the set design and costumes are magnificent. The entire ensemble cast are utterly brilliant. I love Nolene so much, she is perfect and her Salmon jumpsuit was spectacular. They cover a whole range of real news from the 80s including the cringey bicentential celebrations, drugs, indigenous issues, and the terrifying Hoddle Street massacre. This is Australian drama at its finest, and must-see TV.

Mother and Son

I had my doubts about this reboot! Even though I love Denise Scott, I was a little annoyed, sacrilege I shouted, sacrilege!

And, it is!

It is nowhere near as great or perfect as the original, how can it be? We are talking legendary performances here.

But, I really enjoyed it. I just tried to forget about the original and not think about this as a reboot, but a new funny show. And that worked for me. Matt Okine really did seem to channel a little Gary MacDonald, but ultimately everyone were doing their thing, especially Denise Scott. She was phenomenal and made the role her own. 

The first episode felt a little sloppy, but maybe that was me being judgey. But I persisted, unsure why, and I am glad I did. The supporting cast are good. But it was Jean Kitson in the final episode that really made things pack a punch. I hope she is back for S2. 

Forget the original (well, don't forget the original, but you know what I mean), just think of it as something new and fun.

Ahsoka

Of all the Star Wars spin offs, this is probably the best. I really loved this female driven and plot (like actual real storylines) driven series. It has action, kick arse feminism, and some old faves to tug on the heart strings. Rosario Dawson is everything as Ahsoka, strong, clever, funny.

The other great character is, Huyang, a cheeky droid who has been around for thousands of years and has seen it all. Played by none other than David Tennant, who has experience in living a long, crazy life.

The effects look great, and the scenes where Ahsoka is assisted by a whale pod is remarkable. I am very keen for S2.                                                                                                                                                                                    

The Sandman

I am a huge Neil Gaiman fan, but have never read his masterpiece, The Sandman. But I know a little about this, and wow, it lives up to expectation. Amazing story, casting, production values. The lead, Tom Sturridge, is mesmerising. And Gwendoline Christie is everything as Lucifer. And it would be remiss of me not to call out Mark Hamill, Stephen Fry, Patton Oswalt, and Sanjeev Bhaskar doing some great voice work for some integral smaller characters. Anyway, it totally has me hooked, cannot wait for more. 

The Larkins S1

This is a delightful remake of the Darling Buds of May with the wonderful Joanna Scanlan and hilarious Bradley Walsh as Ma and Pa. The town is the same, and shot so very beautifully, you want to go and live there. This is a nice, without being saccharine, show with good humour and is a great antidote to the horrid world out there. Highly recommend.

Utopia, latest season

I reluctantly watched the most recent season of this satire. Set in a government department, it highlights the ridiculous red tape and nature of such organisations.  I say reluctantly as the show gives me PTSD, I have seen all the things they showcase. Yes, it is funny, but when you have been through it personally, not as much. But yet I am drawn to the show, lol!

Bay of Fires S1

I was frustrated by this new Australian drama, and yet absolutely drawn to it, in terms of wanting to know what happens next. My frustrations were it was trying to be too many things. Drama, comedy, indie Seachange, thriller, crime, romance and so on. Marta Dusseldorp moves her young family into witness protection after the family financial business is corrupted and assassins are after her. The town she is moved to is a small town in Tasmania and everyone there are very odd. This is a fish out of water tale, and while she tries to settle into the community she realises something is very wrong there, but the alternative is death. 

No spoilers, as this is spelled out very early to the viewer, the community is full of people like her, but some are in protection for more serious crime than money laundering. The supporting cast is huge and eclectic, amazing actors and characters, some hilarious, some chilling. Kerry Fox is outstanding as the rough Frankie, she is obviously having the time of her life in the role.

There was a lot to like about the show, but it was quite frenetic. It is being picked up for another season, so hopefully it will settle a little.

What we do in the shadows S5

This is easily one of the funniest shows on television. By now, we know the main characters so well, and you would think after so many seasons, there would be nothing left to explore. But they keep kicking it out the park. This season sees Guillermo face a whole lot of big changes. The vampires venture out a little more, which leads to hilarious consequences. The three leads continue to amaze with their dark humour and great acting. 

The Player

I loved this film when it came out and it made me a huge fan of Robert Altman. I saw it many times back in the day, but had not seen it in a while. The rewatch was totally worth it, as it held up really well. It is the early 90s and the tech and excess of that time seems a little dated, but not in a way to ruin the movie. It shows that snapshot in time. The leads, especially Tim Robbins are great. But it is the cameos that make the film, after all it is a film about film-making in Hollywood. Most star as themselves, some have small parts as part of the plot. my favourites are Whoopi Goldberg and Lyle Lovett as hilarious detectives. It also has one of my often quoted lines (that no one ever understands!), Traffic was a bitch, from the movie within the movie. Soo good. It would be remiss of me not to mention the very long tracking shot at the beginning of the film. If you love film, this is the film for you!

Jury Duty

Everyone was raving about this one and I had my doubts, but it was quite funny. The premise is one non-actor, Ronald, is on a jury, but everyone else are actors, but the non-actor has no idea. They are being 'filmed' for a documentary about Jurys. The jury are all a bit odd or nuts, including James Franco playing himself, well a bastardised version of himself. This all sounds odd, but watching it was thoroughly entertaining. Mostly because Ronald is an every man, a decent, laconic and kind man. Watching his genuine reactions to the ridiculous around him was remarkable, what a find for the show. This wouldn't have worked anywhere near as well without Ronald being the person he is. The final episode is great as he is told what is going on and they go 'behind the scenes' and unravel how they did it, to Ronald and to us. His reactions are worth the trip alone!

Miriam and Alan: Lost in Scotland and Beyond

I love Miriam Margolyes and I love Alan Cumming. But together they are formidable, hilarious and lovely. This time they visit Scotland, and LA. They go to favourite places and show each other things they love. This is everything you imagine and more. Plenty of swearing and farting, but a whole lot of heart.

Rainn Wilson and the Geography of Bliss

Rainn Wilson helped create one of the best comedic characters of all time, Dwight Schrute. Rainn is nothing like Dwight and has been on a lifelong conquest to find happiness and bliss. Despite his enormous success, and lovely life, he can get quite depressed and sad. IN this series, he travels to places where people are either super happy or not so happy, so get insight into their psyche in hope of gaining ideas on how to strengthen his own take on the world. He visits Iceland, Bulgaria, Ghana, and Thailand before returning home to LA. This was wonderful full of joy and happiness, but also some melancholy and deep stories, giving it a lovely balance. Did Rainn find what he was looking for? You need to watch it, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Under the Volcano

Another great doco, this time about the recording studio in Monserrat (an island in the Carribean) built by George Martin in the late 70s. Built quite near a volcano, things were never going to end well. But in it's prime, it featured a lot of great 70s and 80s musicians, creating their music there. This is their story, the story of the crew that worked there, and the island itself. Directed by Gracie Otto (Barry's daughter) this was a great doco, and had a greater soundtrack.

Val

I have been wanting to watch this for a while, having heard great things from those that have watched it. I wouldn't call myself a fan, but watching it forgot how many amazing films Val was in. It is about his life, and his subsequent battle with throat cancer. Always taking footage around him from a young age, this is a great doco in terms on content. It is narrated by Val, using his own words, but the voice of his son, who does an exceptional job with difficult material. This will make you sob, but also make your heart sour.

Love to Love You, Donna Summer

I love Donna Summer. I feel love used to be one of my party tricks back in the day. I grew up loving her music as a 70s child, but didn't really know much about her until this documentary. It is really wonderful, with loads of music and behind the scenes of how the music was made. it also delves into her life, some abusive partners, her children, her faith, and her illness. There is a lot to take in and unpack in this one, but it is mostly sheer joy. Those tunes, her voice, her love of the music, is all just great.

What I've Been Listening To

The Specials

I love ska music, and The Specials are great. I have been listening to some of their stuff on vinyl, chill and cool.

Tubeway Army

As a big Gary Numan fan, I was thrilled to score their 2 albums on vinyl. Great electronic 70s music.

Cut Lunch - Models

Another top vinyl score was the first Models album, a rare 10 inch with their 'demo' tracks on it, 6 more punk than pop songs. It holds up really well, sounds great. What a find!!!

The Newsreader podcast

While I watched The Newsreader, I listened to The Newsreader Podcast the next day. Leigh Sales and Lisa Millar gave their insight into the show from working in the industry at the same time and they interviewed key players in front of the camera and behind the scenes in each episode. It was fab!!! if you have seen and loved the show, and not listened to the podcast...go now!

Wiser than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus podcast

I inhaled this new podcast from Julia Louis- Dreyfus. She interviews older women, because you never hear from older women. It is a wonderful listen, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.

It commences with Julia riffing on something about her life based from something from the chat we are about to hear. Then she introduces her guest and a lovely chat ensues. She chats to a lovely range of older women including Jane Fonda, Isabel Allende, Fran Lebowitz, Rhea Perman, and Carol Burnett. The Jane Fonda and the Carol Burnett ones I think were the best.

The final part of the podcast is Julia ringing her 90 something (and very sassy and with it) Mum to debrief the podcast. Her Mum is hilarious and lovely.

I want more!!!!!

Smartless 

Smartless gets better and better. For those who don't know, and boy you are really missing out, it is Sean Hayes, Jason Bateman, and Wil Arnett, who are all very very good friends. One of them finds someone interesting to interview but the other 2 have no idea, so it is a surprise and then the 4 chat away. Hilarious and insightful, and between the 3 of them, they seemingly know everyone in Hollywood, plus you get well worn and wonderful banter between 3 friends who know each other well.

Recent highlights were Paul Simon, who rarely gives interviews and it is a good one and Lars Ulrich, who I find utterly fascinating.

Just Ace: a podcast about the 90s Australian Alternative Music Scene

Just Ace is exactly what it says it is, a good detailed podcast about 90s alternative music in Australia. From the rise of JJJ radio to independent record stores, the rooArt and Half a Cow labels, bands like The Hummingbirds, Clouds, Falling Joys, Died Pretty, Tall Tales and True, Hard-Ons, and Rat Cat, Street Press, RAGE, CDs, and the big day out. This covers a lot of ground and yet barely touches the surface, S2 is coming soon!

A Podcast of One's Own - Julia Guillard with Annie Lennox

I have been listening to this great podcast for a few years now, it is not prolific but it is consistently good with interesting women as guests. The latest showcases Annie Lennox, which did surprise me. Both seemed to know each other and were funny and friendly. Annie even sings within. This is something worth checking out!