NOVEMBER/DECEMBER REVIEWS

 What I've Been Reading

All the Beauty in the World by Patrick Bringley

I loved this wonderful book about behind the scenes at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in NY. I have always loved art and art galleries and museums, but my experience at The Met, as it is called, was one of the most amazing of my life. I had never seen so much beauty in one day, I was incredibly moved by so much within that magnificent building that I kept bursting into tears.

So this book was just perfection. Patrick worked at The New Yorker, and lived a busy New York Life, but when his older brother got cancer, he dropped it all to help care for him. After his death he wanted space and simplicity, time to think, so he applied for a job as a 'guard' at The Met. The book describes his time there, the tasks he did as part of the job, the people he met, and the art. Oh the art, this book just immerses you in the art and his love of all that beauty. If you love beauty and art, this is the book for you. I will re-read this often.

A Book of Days by Patti Smith

I have been reading this book all year. It is based on Patti's Instagram account. It has a photo and some words about the photo (often black and white and taken on her Polaroid Camera) for each day of the year. There are photos of her family, from her travels, her favourite things, her cat, photos of authors she loves, important people to her. It was lovely to start each day with her vision and thoughts. It is a book I will return to often, it is hard to describe the beauty from Patti's point of view, but she has a unique vision and soul. It is stunning, this book is like a piece of Patti's heart and soul. 

The White Album by Joan Didion

I return to Joan often, especially this title. Her writing is so spare and yet sublime. The White Album is a selection of her journalistic pieces from the late 60s and 70s. Mostly based in California, she writes about architecture, politics, pop culture and everything in between. I particularly love her piece on The Doors, fascinating insight without any fan girling, she is effortlessly cool. She also wrote about the Sharon Tate murders, and you can feel the tension in the air as she writes. I also love her takedown of the then new Getty Museum. Sharp and witty, without ever being mean, utterly brilliant stuff.

Ballet Confidential by David McAllister

I loved David's first book, Soar, which was his autobiography about his life in Ballet. This is more a general behind the scenes at the Ballet and it's also great. He commences with a potted history of Ballet, including key figures throughout the history. He goes through the various positions one can hold in the ballet including the important non-dancing roles, the music, the key ballets, injuries, costumes, romance between players and on and on. This is a great book for those interested in Ballet, but want to know the basics.

The Sitter by Angela O'Keeffe

Angela's debut novel, Night Blue, which was told from the perspective of the painting Blue Poles. And she really nailed it, clever, historical, and funny. This is her follow up, and her 'twist' this time is it is told from the perspective of Cezanne's wife as she watches over an author in 2020 writing about her. Again, it is clever, and historical, but she doesn't pull it off as well as the other. It is still a great read, and set at the beginning of the pandemic, and in Australia and France. It tells part of her story and of the author. 

The Woman in the Library by Sulari Gentill

I listened to this on talking book and really enjoyed it. I am not really into murder mysteries but this was good. I also enjoy Sulari's other books. This was a book within a book kind of book. About an author writing a murder mystery and youg et to hear/read the whole book within the reality. It worked really well. Meanwhile in the real world, the author has been conversing with someone via email and something feels off. Both storylines will have you on the edge of your seat. 

Boldly Go: reflections on a life of awe and wonder by William Shatner with Joshua Brandon

Some stories of meaning from Shatner's life. He writes about his family, animals, charity work, helping others, Star Trek, and going to space. He has lived a large life with a lot of amazing things happening to him. This was an easy fun read.

Seafaring: canoeing ancient songlines by Victor Briggs

I listened to this amazing book on talking book. Read by the author, the inimitable Briggs. I didn't realise he had written it when I decided to listen to it, so was surprised when I heard his voice. It is about First Nations peoples and their connection to country, specifically water. Based on a story told to his uncle it also explore the thought that they sailed the trade winds to Hawaii. He tells wonderful stories about his people and how they traversed the sea, the canoes their built, how they used the stars, sun and moon to navigate. Listening to this history of our indigenous people and their culture was so very important and also so very calming. I highly recommend a read or a listen.

What I've Been Watching

Maestro

Bradley Cooper's film about Leonard Bernstein is a masterpiece. I could tell it would be from what I read and saw prior and as a huge Bernstein fan, I had high expectations. What I loved the most about this film, is he didn't attempt to throw everything Bernstein in it, he picked a theme - his relationship with his wife - and stuck to it. Of course music is featured, heard, seen, and it is tremendous. Bradley himself spent the best part of a decade preparing for this, and it shows. He embodies Lenny perfectly, at first you do still know it is Cooper, but as the movie progresses you forget and that is something else!

Carey Mulligan is superb as his wife, the wonderful Felicia Montealegre. She lights up every scene she is in, and gets some great heavy duty scenes to show her skills as well. The supporting cast as also wonderful, especially Sarah Silverman, Maya Hawke, and Matt Bomer.

The film is beautifully shot, every shot feels like a retro postcard, the use of black and white really solidifies the story. The set design specifically of their homes is impeccable. And then there is the music, handpicked by Cooper to showcase Bernstein's genius. It is sublime and dreamy, much like Bernstein himself. I cannot rave enough about this movie, I guess it is niche, but it is remarkably beautiful and most definitely a masterpiece.

Asteroid City

The latest Wes Anderson film is his most stylised. It is a 'documentary' about the creation of a play called Asteroid City including the play itself. Asteroid City is set in the 1950s and is about a Youth Convention about Astronomy. A group of families turn up in this fictional desert city where nuclear testing is happening in the background. There is a range of characters, children, teens, adults played by an amazing array of actors. When an alien appears and steals a key piece of a Meteorite, everyone is quarantined until authorities can figure out what to do.

There are a lot of characters in this film with a lot happening, but it is easy to follow. It is dry and funny, as Anderson's films always are. The sets are magnificent, with highly stylised watered down colours when you are watching the play. The more famous actors anchor the film but it is the younger lesser known ones that carry it. Utter Perfection!

Pee-Wee's Big Adventure

I cannot believe I have never seen this film until recently. I love Pee-Wee and Tim Burton. And this was glorious, it dragged a little at times, but was mostly wonderful and you can see the origin of Burton's work in this. Pee-Wee is a sheer delight. It is basically a road movie with Pee-Wee in search of his stolen bike. he culmination at the Warner Brothers studio is fabulous. Also very funny, it goes without saying!

The Chase 

The Chase is a blown out melodramatic film - in the best possible way - by Arthur Penn and written by the great Lillian Hellman. When two men break out of jail, a small town is on edge as one - Robert Redford - is from there. WIll he return, what will happen. The sheriff (Marlon Brando) is ready for anything, but the townsfolk form a vigilante group. There are subplots of love, affairs, alcohol. Also starring Jane Fonda, Angie Dickinson, James Fox, and Robert Duvall. They are all great and you are hanging on to their every move. But it is in Brando who steals every scene, he is simply mesmerising. 

Armageddon Time

I enjoyed this coming of age story. Based on writer/director James Gray's own life, it is about a young precocious boy living with his Jewish family in NY in the 1980s. HIs parents (Anna Hathaway and Jeremy Strong) have high expectations and he feels squashed, but his grandfather (a beautiful role for Anthony Hopkins) is his constant. He also befriends an African-American boy at his new school, and they have a great creative friendship, but in this time of racial prejudice that proves problematic. This is one of those lovely quiet films where it appears nothing is happening, when in fact, everything is happening.

Wonka

We had the pleasure of seeing this in the cinema, a rarity these days. I love the original and of course the books, but did not care for the remake. This is a prequal, and it works as such. But I felt the story needed more. It was definitely more style over substance, and that isn't such a bad thing with a film like this. The acting is superb, especially Timothee Chalamet (as expected) who is magnificent. Hugh Grant was the perfect comedic foil as an Oompa Loompa, and his appearance was clever and great, I wanted more. The supporting cast were great, but again, needed more . The visuals were bright and amazing, especially the food...it made me so hungry. Definitely one for the family.

Brad's Status

A film from Mike White (White Lotus) about Brad (Ben Stiller) who runs a Not-For-Profit company, and is about to take his son to look at Colleges. He thinks back to his friends from College, most of whom are incredibly rich from high profile jobs. He feels he has wasted his life because he is not rich. He runs into some of them along the way, and realises they are not what he thought they were. You can see the catalyst of White Lotus in this film. It is not great, but interesting.

Babylon

I really wanted to love this, but it was a bit of a mess. It follows a range of movie players from the 20s to the 50s. Their lives are messy, there are affairs, debauched parties, elephants, cocaine, overdoses and so on. It features way too many montages (I find most montages sloppy storytelling), but the acting is fine. It pretty much needed a solid edit, I have no idea what I feel about this film, I didn't hate it but I sure didn't love it.

Serendipity

This turned up on tele serendipitously before Christmas and it was a great re-watch. A rom-com with John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale as Jon and Sara. The pair meet over a pair of gloves in Bloomingdales at Christmas and spend a fun evening doing stuff in NY, they fall in love but their lives are already sorted.  Sara believes in destiny and after a range of crazy scenarios, they split with the thought if they were meant to be together one of the scenarios would come true. Fate would have to intervene, and 5 years later it does...or does it. This is such a sweet film without being too sugary, I think Cusack in the male role makes it work. New York looks beautiful, and the supporting cast are great. Always a joy, holds up well.

Bowfinger

This is one of my all-time favourite comedies, and I hadn't seen it in a while. It holds up and then some. The premise is crazy but easy enough to follow. Bowfinger - Steve Martin - is a film-maker on the edge of bankruptcy, but a mate has written this crazy sci-fi film about Aliens called Chubby Rain. He calls on his usual people to make the film and wants a big name to star in it. He tries to get a big name producer - Robert Downey Jnr in a small role - who is interested if he gets Kit Ramsey - Eddie Murphy. 

Kit has 'issues' and is quite paranoid about a number of things including aliens! When Kit doesn't come to the party with Bowfinger, Bowfinger has a great idea. They film Kit without his knowledge and juts insert him into the film. He tells the other actors that Kit is very method and doesn't like to mingle with the cast. Hilarity ensues, this never fails to make me laugh out loud. When they cast a look-a-like for close ups, it gets even funnier. Eddie plays the lookalike too.

This is funny, Martin at his crazy best, Eddie on fire playing 2 very different but hilarious characters showcasing how brilliant he is. The supporting cast are great, including Heather Graham playing a country hick, wannabe actress called Daisy. 

If you want a good laugh, go and find Bowfinger.

Short Cuts

This was another re-watch, a classic Robert Altman from the mid 90s. Based on some Raymond Carver short stories, it is a Pistache of short stories, interwoven slightly. Set in LA, a lot is going on, a phenomenal cast, great acting, clever direction. But at 3 hours, it didn't feel as great as it did when I original watched it. I still enjoyed it, but it needed an edit.

Clifford the big red dog

Look this was just fun, an escape if you will. I always loved this book and I love Jack Whitehall, so I thought why not. Some great cameos from John Cleese, Tony Hale, and Rosie Perez. And dogs!!

The Chaperone

This was based on a true story about Louise Brooks on the verge of being a star. She is headed for NY and needs a Chaperone, and Norma (Elizabeth McGovern) puts her hand up for the job. We later find out Norma's life was in a right mess, hence her keenness to escape. Louise is played beautifully by Haley Lu Richardson (you may know her as Portia, Tanya's assistant in White Lotus 2). This is a great 20s period piece, and shows Louise's wild side but also focuses on the fictional Norma and her breaking away from her life. I enjoyed this one.

The Kid

The classic short with a very young Jackie Coogan as an orphan who ends up with Chaplin's The Tramp by mistake. Chaplin raises the kid as his own. They don't have much but they have love. Meanwhile the mother who left her child changes her mind and tries to find him. Some years later their paths cross but she has no idea. A doctor works it out and gets the kid back to his mother much to The Tramp's upset. This was shot in 1921 and it just wonderful, holds up beautifully, and includes a fabulous dream sequence. Chaplin is such a genius.

Chaplin doco

This was a good short doco about the life of Charlies Chaplin and his films. Very basic but a good introduction to anyone who doesn't know much about the genius.

Bright lights

This was a rewatch of the documentary that came out about Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds just after they died. It is a lovely doco about love, and family. And Hollywood and it's craziness. Still hurts to see Carrie and know she is no longer with us. Totally worth watching.

David Lynch: the art life

This was a doco mostly about David's creativity, not so much his films, although they are certainly included. It is as wild as you would imagine, there is some background but there are so many holes, but I am sure that is exactly as David wanted it. Surreal, but good.

The Lost City of Melbourne

This was a fascinating doco about Melbourne architecture over the years including a whole lot of amazing old buildings that were bulldozed over the years. So many amazing buildings were retained, but so many more were lost, totally heartbreaking to watch. Beautifully shot.

This is Kate

This was a very basic doco about the great Katharine Hepburn. It was certainly a cookie-cutter doco, but featured some interesting people who knew her. It didn't tell me anything I didn't already know, but it was good to watch.

On Broadway 

This was a potted history of Broadway and theatre in NY, starting at the beginning and following through the lost years of the 70s through to more recent theatre. It talks to a lot of players, from the classical to modern periods. It was very uplifting, fun, and great - much like theatre itself. Well worth checking out.

Ren and Stimpy 

Oh boy, this was quite depressing. The main players were not the nicest of people, and there is a lot of negativity surrounding the show. The first half is great, joyous and crazy, much like the show, but as things move on and delve deeper, the darkness appears. This was a great doco, but it will leave you with a foul taste, so be warned.

The Last Year of Television 2023 

Mitch McTaggert takes us through the year in television in his own satirical way. If you love television, you will know McTaggert's The Back Side of Television, where he brutally exposes television for what it is. He is hilarious and dry and this one of yearly piece is always amazing. His research is meticulous, and spot on. Brilliant viewing.

The Sparks Brothers 

This was a rewatch, and I loved it even more the second time round. When I saw it the first time I wasn't sure what I was in for, but the second time, I knew and it was even better.  Following the brothers who make up the band Sparks. It starts at the beginning until now and interviews loads of people about their love for the band. The brothers are interviewed throughout, they are very dry and funny. ANd just the loveliest men. I am still smarting I could not see them live, maybe next time. They are pure genius and do not care who follows them, they are purely interested in making music for themselves. And the music is great!

Secret Impressionists

This was an interesting documentary about Impressionist art being pulled together for an exhibition in Rome. What makes it interesting is that they are from private collectors, key impressionist works that are usually not on display for the public. We get the meet some of the collectors and see the art and watch how the exhibition is curated. Just wonderful!

Kusama Infinity: the life and art of Yayoi Kusama

I have always been a fan of Kusama, but didn't know much about her. What a story, what a life. Growing up in Japan during WWII helped shape her, she worked as a young labourer in factories. Her family were also incredibly tough on her, very dysfunctional, and didn't appreciate her creativity. She also faced a lot of sexism and racism within the art world. She suffered from mental illness, and placed herself into a 'home' later in life. 

And yet, her art continues to shine. Working mostly in sculpture and installations and featuring a lot of dots, her art was way ahead of her time. You could even say she was at the forefront of this style way back in the 50s and early 60s. Men were always stealing her ideas and getting ahead, when she was finally included in a large exhibition of new wave artists, her art was displayed to her wishes and she pulled out of the exhibition, which gave her a difficult moniker. 

The documentary follows her life and her art and its ups and downs. I really loved knowing more about his amazing woman. 

I am Heath Ledger

This was a solid but not great doco about Heath. There was a lot of his story missing, especially his early Australian movies. Also his drug use and issues whilst mentioned, were glossed over. His family, close friends and some actors were involved and I guess they wanted a nice legacy for him and I get that. Michelle Williams was not involved and to me that was telling. It was lovely to see his story, as such, and it showed was a gaping hole his loss was.

Defending My Life with Albert Brooks 

This was a really excellent doco about Albert Brooks, the great comic and actor. It was detailed and he really came to the party with getting the doco out. I loved finding out more about him, and seeing the early stand up clips from Letterman etc. He was phenomenal. This is really worth looking out for.

Subject 

This was a fascinating doco about people who had been the subjects of documentaries and how it changed their life - for better or for worse. It interviews participants of these docos: Capturing the Friedmans, The Square, The Wolfpack, Hoop Dreams and The Staircase. It investigates the impact of being in the film about them or people they know and the positives and negatives. It looks at who benefits from such a film, those making it, those 'directing' it, those being in it. Quite remarkable, it looks at the good, the bad and the ugly of documentary film making. It also looks at many other docos. I am a huge fan of documentaries, it is probably my favourite genre. But this one left me a little unsettled, I guess I never thought about some of the issues raised in this one. Payment, how people are shown/perceived, the trauma of being in the film later in life. Not all documentaries treat their subject poorly, but it would appear a lot do. This was quite an eye opening and fascinating film.

Richard Linklater: dream of destiny

Utterly brilliant film about Richard Linklater and his films. Loads of players who have worked with him interviewed, loads of behind the scenes footage. I am such a fan of his varied works, this was a great insight. BUt some areas were washed over, so I wanted more. But nonetheless, it was a great doco.

Michael Palin into Iraq

This was Palin's latest travel adventure and while our favourite python gives us plenty of laughs, he also makes us a little worried. In his 80s, and mourning the death of his wife, he chooses to visit Iraq, oh boy! The place is stunning, the people are beautiful, the loss is huge. He is confronted by some rough scenarios but also so much beauty. He looks old and fragile, so at times it was tough watching, but I think that is what he wanted it to be. Keeping it real. Not for everyone, but boy it was good.

Old People's Home for Teenagers

This show is everything, based on a remarkable experiment of pairing up teenagers and elderly people in a retirement home. They spend some weeks do activities and jobs together and we watch them all shine and come out of their shells. The teens range from fairly confident to incredibly shy, as do the elderly. The changes you see in personalities is so very lovely and heart warming, it is a beautiful show to watch. If you haven't watched it, give it a go, it is the best of humanity.

The Whiteley Art Scandal

This was a 2-part series about some "Whiteley' paintings that went to auction that seemed to be fakes. Much has been written and reported about it, and this follows the court case with a back story of what is known. It is quite a compelling story and case, and features key people in the art world and of Brett's world, like Wendy.

Doctor Who

Tenant's second ride in the blue box, what a gift to the fans. Russell T Davies back writing and he is in flying form. Each episode is essentially a stand alone, and yet it flows, with Donna back at The Doctor's best friend and companion. The first episode was a lot of set up but also a great story about a very bad alien. Miriam Margolyes as The Meep was inspired casting, she was utterly brilliant. But what struck me about this episode was its heart. It dealing with the character Rose was so bloody stunning, I was beside myself. It was also intensely clever, and layered and structured. The following episodes were also great. It was wonderful to see Tennant running around again, albeit looking a little older, but seeming even more wiser. These three episodes were such a gift, compelling, scary, funny, joyous.

Andor

Another Star Wars spin off, Andor (Diego Luna) is helping out as a rebel spy and gets himself into hot water. This is a slow burn, but once things get moving, you are in for the ride. Great cast, and set design, this was fun.

Fleabag S2

I re-watched this gem recently and it was Andrew's first viewing (we did the same with S1 a few months ago). I love this show, both seasons, and I believe the first season was the set up, and the second was the pay off. SO fabulously written and acted out. Andrew Scott at the Hot Priest is perfection, the perfect leading man, the perfect foil to Fleabag. It led to so many hilarious and also heartbreaking exchanges. Every character, every word, every side look, not a second wasted. If you have never seen Fleabag...where on earth have you been??? Just go now!

This Is Us S4

I have not watched this for ages, so am catching up on this long gone series. It is one of those shows that just kills me emotionally. About a family with triplets, and you delve into multiple levels a timelines of the family. It is easy to follow and there is a lot of drama. The cast is huge and varied and interesting and wonderful. Milo Ventimiglia is everything as the Dad, he is absolutely magnificent. There is too much to describe about this show. It is probably not for everyone, I always need a box of tissues at hand, but don't let that put you off. It is a stunning slice of life.

The Bear S1/2

Everyone has been raving about The Bear and once you start to watch it, you can see why. Set in a small sandwich shop in Chicago, Carmen returns from cheffing in a Michelin star restaurant to take over the shop afgter his older brother commits suicide. The crew working there are sloppy but like a family, he slowly makes changes and it is painful and funny and everything, much like life. You get to know each character and watch them develop over the course of the season. We binged both seasons back to back, it is an easy watch and you get hooked into the characters and Carmen's desire to turn the shop into a restaurant. 

Whilst this is about the food industry, and boy it will make you hungry, this is a character driven show. Every character is amazing, with a mix of known and new actors. I have always loved Oliver Platt, so to see him pop up as their 'uncle' and investor was superb. Ayo Edebiri as Sydney, the talented Sous chef is a star in the making, a great actress and you follow her every move with hope and excitement. Ebon Moss-Bachrach is a super star, watching his evolution throughout both seasons is a gift. One of my faves is Matty Matheson as Neil Fak, the handyman, who is actually a chef and restauranteur in real life and acts as an advisor to the show. He is bloody hilarious.

I could go on, I will not, just go and watch this, you will thank me for it!

What I've Been Listening to

Broken Record with Rick Rubin - Mark Mothersbaugh

I was thrilled to listen to this episode, being such a great fan of Devo. Mark is so astute and clever, so everything he has to say is always fascinating and interesting. He talks about being wooed by Branson and the Sex Pistols which is a great story, a must listen for fans. But he talks about much more. Loved this, works beautifully alongside the Devo doco.

Smartless - Taiki Watiti 

This was a great episode, but Taiki is such a chill and fun dude, how can it not be great. They talk about his work, his endless hand in so many pots, his acting, his family, his wife and much much more. It was a sheer delight.

WTF with Marc Maron - Taiki Watiti

If I thought the Smartless podcast was fun and interesting, the WTF one took it up a few levels. Taiki and Marc really bonded and Taiki revealed a lot of personal stuff that you can now match to his screenplays. Marc's interviews are almost always the gold standard, you will always see another side to people you think you know.

Unspooled - Ferris Bueller's Day Off

This was a great episode where they discussed this modern classic. Amy and Paul delve into Ferris and his day off, loads of behind the scenes info, and a very detailed review of the movie.

McCartney : a life in lyrics Podcast

Paul McCartney sits down with Paul Muldoon who helped him write the 2 tome Life in Lyrics books and they pick a song - usually not a big one - to unpick and dissect. Great stories behind the lyrics, and an interesting listen for anyone interested.

Joanna and the Maestro Podcast

This is my new favourite podcast. Joanna Lumley and her husband, composer and conductor, Stephen Barlow chatting about classical music. Each episode is roughly 30 mins, and they chat beautifully about a classical music topic. Sometimes they chat with another guest. They chat about opera, specific composers, musical instruments and so forth. It is the perfect podcast if you want to know more about classical music or if you love classical music. Stephen has a lovely hypnotic voice similar to Joanna, and I just want to move in with them when I listen. After a few weeks they have started inserting shorter 10 min episodes where they answer questions from avid listeners. They are lovely and funny and so very intelligent. This I cannot recommend highly enough                               

DEVO

I was listening to all things Devo in the lead up to seeing them live. Their music really holds up, their ideas and the whole de-evolution thing even more so. They were a band ahead of their time.

Australian Carnage by Nick Cave and Warren Ellis

This is a live recording of part of the concert we saw late last year. It sounds great, as it did on the night, and has a nice selection of songs from the evening, including the rarely played and my personal favourite, Breathless.

Red and Blue Albums - The Beatles

These are the 3 disc revised best of albums that have been recently re-released. Always a great listen, the expanded albums sound great, have some excellent tracks added. I prefer the Blue period, but the Red is still very good too.

The Best of R.E.M.

A double album mix of hits, this is a fun listen. R.E.M.'s pop is perfect and very much missed. Not all my faves, but still a great listen.

The Best of The Sparks

This is a triple album, and barely tips the surface of their output. It is just wonderful and a very welcome birthday gift from my love. I have been playing it constantly and it makes me smile.