mr turner

not sure about timothy spall - his englishness is off-putting to me
but mike leigh more than compensates - another year (2010) - classic
almost universal positive reviews for this film tips it into the viewing list
besides - boxing day and hence energy levels barely registering - off we go
surprising - full house in the (small) theatre on a sunny summer afternoon
a good sign - there has to be a buzz about this film already on opening day
the film begins with a panoramic of a rural canal and 2 ambling women
they converse in a foreign language - huh - confusing - expecting england
but then panning to our man turner (spall) thumb-nailing the pastoral scenery
credits roll and done with such class the anticipation starts simmering nicely
then it's back in london as turner returns from his trip abroad to the continent
striking scenes of cobblestone streets and the attention to detail very obvious
a grunting, detached turner barely acknowledging his father and housemaid
turner senior then seen at the local art supply store buying paint for his son
a mention that some of the colours coming from as far away as afghanistan
this is england in the mid 19th century and daily life looking quite civilised
a visit from turner's ex-wife and daughter confirming his boorish nature
barely making conversation and completely impervious to her many insults
he's not good with women - seen also having a grope with his hapless maid
she clearly besotted with the man but grunting disdain the best he offers her
though a moment of humanity when he watches his father take his last breath
any doubts about timothy spall in this role now obliterated - he fully owns it
and thinking - the advantage of a bio-pic of a character from that long ago
no multi-media record to reference so the actor has free licence to explore
and spall seems to be loving the opportunity to play a total prig of a man
though there does seem to be peer respect as he shows up at art galleries
one preparing for a major exhibition of works of many painters of his era
the names are dropped as he moves around - john constable in particular
and surely most of the art seen fleetingly now famous and valuable pieces
there are great scenes also of turner in various rural settings being inspired
steam from a train, clouds, a ship under tow, escarpments all then painted
and with it a growing reputation and like/dislike of his maritime interests
frequent and long trips to the country to find the required tranquility
travelling under an assumed name (mallard) to remain anonymous
even to a landlady he seduces and then sets up in a house in chelsea
it is here that he then spends most of his remaining days as mr brook
the loyal and lovesick maid accidently discovering his alter-life - sad
it's a very long film - 150 minutes of it - but it's style is very engaging
the outdoor scenes are consistently meticulous and authentic looking
a great art history lesson also particularly for the likes of this neophyte
and what incredible acting - timothy spall - splendid - take a bow
or at least a palm d'or prize for best actor at cannes this year
totally deserved too - methinks oscars will be following
if not for timothy spall then certainly for mike leigh
exquisite film - would happily see it again too...

the hobbit

the seed has been sown and now the abundant crop is being reaped
and so it is with the producers of the lotr / hobbit mega-hit trilogies
we know and they know we are not going to stay away for this one
a sort of - well we've come this far we may as well go the distance
and with that no grand expectation of anything new or revelatory
a very clever mini-documentary pre-film showing a bit of history
starting with the 1998 announcement of the commitment to lotr
and a lot of the actors in all the films talking fondly of the trip
we're feeling all warm and fuzzy as the film proper comes on
and picking up where things ended in the desolation of smaug
smaug the dragon has been aroused by the dwarves in it's lair
and is on a mission to destroy the nearby village of laketown
the residents desperately evacuating in boats as smaug swoops
stunning scenes of the winged beast letting rip with firey breath
incinerating all in it's path and a few passes to wipe out the town
ok - it's fantasy but so well done and best summarised as - fantastic
there's also a hero - bard the bowman clambers to the top of a spire
smaug taunts him (in english) - and voiced by benedict cumberbatch
but bard has the legendary black arrow with him and takes smaug out
good/bad - the beast is dead but fears of a rush to take over the mountain
smaug's lair is there within a fortress and a fortune in gold and treasures
the small band of dwarves lead by the wealth-infected thorin digging in
and so the scene is set - this film is all about the fight for the mountain
a 5 way struggle between humans, dwarves, elves, orcs and more orcs
hence the sub-title of the film - the battle of the five armies - ok got it
but then it all starts to get quite random and at times quite confusing
the lack of prior book-consumption on my part may not be helping
though criticism of earlier installments centred around inconsistency
mainly characters with drawcard actors in the film but not the book
and here again cate blanchett and hugo weaving have cameo roles
their scenes do seem a distraction from the main story of the seige
galadriel (blanchett) seen in a strange fight with a team of ghosts
probably stunning in 3d and so now thinking it's all about effects
which of course is essential for these films - to enhance the story
back at the mountain the armies are converging for the big battle
and it begins - and it goes on - and on - and on - relentless stuff
so many ugly orcs, so many fight scenes, so many decapitations
and - so little blood - none in fact - after all this is a family show
and a reminder that it is all about the fantastic spectacle of it too
a set of scenes showing thorin and the orc leader slogging it out
the ultimate good vs bad - dwarf vs giant - or - david vs goliath?
(books will be written about the biblical overtones of these films)
they end up on a kind of skating rink with a prolongued fight scene
both of them dead at the end after some likely impressive 3d effects
the 2 main men - gandolf the wizard and bilbo the dwarf come and go
again looking more like necessary character drawcards than core players
but of course in the end the forces of good prevail over the nasty orcs
the gang of dwarves stay in their new mountain home but not bilbo
he is escorted by gandolf back to the shire and his previous life
then a final scene as an old man and a loud knock on the door
gandolf - the opening scene from lord of the rings - clever
brilliant ending - full circle - but phew - it's relief for me
done me dash on the whole hobbit thing - moving on
...and the same for everyone involved too i suspect...

the water diviner

the thing is you know russell crowe can save a film
so even a pretty average flick can be given a bit of spark
but - this one seemed interesting even without the crowe factor
set 100 years ago shortly after world war one and mostly in turkey
the opening scenes showing the turks in a final assault on the anzacs
saving private ryan or fury it is not - the action is a bit short of conviction
ditto the cgi scenes of the anzac forces withdrawing from gallipoli via ship
but let's go with it - the first main character introduced - turkish major hasan
then we cut back to rural australia and main man connor (crowe) at work
using his divining skills to find water and then dig himself a deep well
cynicism suppression required as we see him complete it in one session
returning home to the little lady and an insistence he reads to 'the boys'
bedtime stories completed - but no boys - a ritual for their lost sons
killed 5 years earlier at anzac cove - flashbacks of them leaving seen
connor carrying some guilt for letting them go - she even more troubled
she drowns herself - from him a graveside promise to 'bring the boys home'
a 3 month journey by horseback and boat to turkey filled up with flashbacks
showing the 3 boys fighting side by side against some serious machine-gun fire
at least one dead and the other 2 seemingly seriously wounded - did they die?
first stop for connor is constantinople (istanbul) and a chase through the city
he in pursuit of a small boy who cleverly grabs his suitcase to get his business
they arrive at an exotic looking hotel managed by the boys now widowed mother
she is quite beautiful and the likely ending of the film rung out loud and clear
then some argy-bargy at the british consulate to secure access to anzac cove
and a side-trip to the stunning blue mosque with connor (crowe) seen inside
yep ok - accepted - some filming done in turkey so we've got some authenticity
connor arrives at anzac cove at the same time major hasan is there as an advisor
he brought in to provide expert advice to locate the burial sites of killed soldiers
we're all friends now the war is over though there is still some benign hostility
stereotyping of british officers (stuffy) and aussie diggers (manly) maximised
hasan and connor buddy up when it is discovered elder son arthur survived
greek nationalists are on the march and they and other turks escape via train
director russell crowe would want us to believe we are in turkey - na - aussie
them's there eucalyptus trees in the background of the desert-traversing train
an ambush by the greeks and hasan and connor in turn save each others life
and ride off zorro and tin-tin style on horseback as the guns blaze at them
they want to locate arthur and stumble on a likely town of his residence
connor knows this as he spots a windmill that mirrors one he has built
sure enough arthur is found at work painting frescos in the local church
father and son embrace and then more flashbacks as arthur comes clean
one brother killed by enemy fire - the other shot in the head by arthur
he mortally wounded and begging for death at the hands of his brother
the tears flowing on screen and off (i suspect) with this revelation
but the greeks are closing in so they escape together - miraculously
high up a in a village they leap into a well and then seen in a river
soon after rocking up at the hotel seen prior in the opening scenes
and yep - the beauty is a-waiting and a-vailable - and has a friend
father and son set up with the women folk of their prior enemies
saw it coming but still just a little bit too cosy/happy ending-ish
the credits roll leading with a few sobering facts of world war one
not the least being the millions of lives lost and families torn apart
a reminder also of russell crowe director and james packer producer
explaining the australia-centric and tugging of nationalistic heartstrings
but the overriding thinking - it should have been an abc tv mini-series
awards for this one unlikely but there will be lots of bums on seats
all the right buttons pressed to provide appeal across the board
for me - appreciate the context and sincerity but...average flick

kane strang

part 4 in the series of portil presents...at the havana lounge
live music winning over film as the popular choice it seems
so tonight back to solo-singer-songwriter mode with kane strang
seen several times around the traps (pubs) and certain of his appeal
i.e. get him in theatre mode in front of a bunch of discerning listeners
good for him and surely an appealing performer in our series of shows
you would think - but despite email and text drops a very low/slow takeup
3 days out and only 5 tickets sold - cancellation/postponement is considered
but the promise of a handful more sales convinced us to hang in and stick with it
everyone also advising - typical dunedin - no-one wants to commit too far out
yep - a late flurry in the last 2 days sees us sell out the exact number of seats
phew - relief - but playing a bit of havoc with the catering arrangements
no issue with the punters though - plenty of plates delivered and devoured
most people well fed and well imbibed when kane kicks off spot on time
he seated with guitar and amps left and right - small lamp, large backdrop
that a psychedelic brightly coloured movement of large bubble shapes
house lights down, every seat and more occupied - looking very good
an attentive audience as our performer launches into his set of tunes
a few feedback issues in the first number given some quick attention
loud applause at the end of that suggesting the crowd is very happy
a significant easing of the nervousness detected on our man's face
and an announcement of a few new tunes being presented tonight
with it a quite aggressive guitar style - his acoustic is being pushed
string - snap - fortunately towards the end of the tune - but - problems
no spare guitar here and a performer looking like the proverbial rabbit
expletives are flowing - some advice from this observer - relax - it's ok
a casual air is wanted anyway - the audience takes up polite conversation
giving kane the time needed to re-string, re-tune and relax before resuming
a favourable result too - we are all in it together and we now carry him on
a pervasive sense of let it be good - and so it is - kane then goes to work
favourite (old) tune up early in the set with the totally memorable line -
yes she was the best i ever had - i told it to her face and i told it to her dad
a few other tunes also recognised from previous outings but mostly new
mesmerising too - he has a very skilled and quite unique guitar style
very comfortably and confidently adding in random riffs and sounds
making each song different to every other - there's a major talent in there
tonight a little subdued vocally at least with the guitar sound dominating
the memory of his vocals loud and clear making it easier for me at least
and thinking - this is where a live sound engineer makes the difference
a minor quibble in what is a totally impressive hour long set tonight
an encore called for and provided - that also receiving long applause
but he's done enough and un-plugs to indicate show-time is over
a quick exchange of words with an excited kane -  he is buzzing
conversations over lemon-curd madaleines and positive feedback
the guitar/vocal mix the only issue else there is general agreement
we have witnessed a very special performance here on this night
and me thinking my earlier promotion should prove to be accurate
one day we will talk of the night we saw kane strang with 30 others
but for tonight they seem to be content to linger, talk, eat and drink
eventually the crowd disperses - we load up the car and head off
in daylight - love it - home - unload - collapse - another big tick
not sure where to from here but this is getting to be addictive
hopefully that is the case with the punters also...we shall see

nightcrawler

a film straight out of hollywood - literally - set in los angeles
normally avoided or attended begrudgingly or occasionally willingly
the later in this case - big reviews, positive feedback and even oscar talk
a film about tv viewers and hence channels obsession for violent stories
opening scenes of l a at night - full moon - a city twinkling in the desert
lou bloom (jake gyllenhaal) introduced as a man desperate for cash
seen cutting wire from a fence and trying to sell on to a scrapyard
no questions asked as lou and the owner quick-fire negotiate a price
then lou cranks out a very impressive spiel to try to score some work
thinking - is lou on drugs, super-intelligent or just a well-drilled actor
whatever it is gyllenhaal has nailed the character and set things up well
his job request rejected - 'i don't employ thieves' - lou with a wry smile
on his way home he is amongst the first on the scene at a freeway accident
stands back dispassionately observing a film crew capturing close-up footage
a few words exchanged with the crew to learn that freelance film is saleable
lou then seen stealing a valuable cycle and pawning that for video equipment
included in the deal is a police radio scanner so he is set up for his new career
the final requirement - a driver - the hapless rick interviewed and appointed
lou once again demonstrating his verbal dexterity to offer an internship
i.e. no pay but the opportunity of a job offer - common place practice?
another reminder that though fictional this film is based on some truth
their first outing gets them to an accident scene and some close-ups
lou's inexperience and determination delivering up some gory footage
gladly taken on by a local tv channel and news director nina (rene russo)
she then demanding first option on all future footage and thus setting lou up
better cameras, editting equipment and a bright red ford mustang purchased
in his spare time he has soaked up motivational and business advice videos
so every spoken word in every situation seems instilled with some quote
lou robotic-like in his rote delivery and with his wide-eyed piercing eyes
no soul at all in this character - he is driven by a want/need to succeed
not much to like about this character or the world (city) he operates in
mission accomplished then - the director wants us to look on with distaste
and into the final act - 3 murders in a botched houseraid in rich white suburbia
lou and rick there first well in advance of the police - they film the hoods escape
then lou enters the house and does close-up filming of the 3 bloodied victims
my first thought - na - that wouldn't happen - second thought - yep - tv rules
nina of course laps it up and milks it on her news shows for all its worth
adhering to the often repeated tv news mantra - 'if it bleeds - it leads'
lou basks in the glory of his audaciousness but he has another angle
he follows the murderers to a restaurant, calls the police and waits
then films the shootout and gives chase to one of them escaping
being hotly pursued by police vehicles with multiple pileups
not usually a fan of car chases but this one seems...ah...real
more bloodshed as it ends - his sidekick rick gets in the way
lou dispassionately films him being shot and dying - creepy
more so as the murderer is gunned down by a volley of shots
the footage makes prime-time viewing so more plaudits for lou
seen then with a couple of vehicles and employees primed for action
me thinking - surely not a setup for a sequel or series - no thank-you
but it is hollywood after all - anything goes - as proven in this film
very clever film - brilliant acting - oscar should be knocking,,,

the drop

american crime drama set in a large city would not normally appeal
that format relentlessly hammered on way too many trash tv shows
which usually sees me tuning out and looking for other distractions
but the opposite here - drawn to this film based on reviews and actors
namely james gandolfini in his last role and swedish star noomi rapace
it is modern day brooklyn and the film centered around cousin marv's bar
marv (gandolfini) used to own the joint but lost it to the chechnyan mafia
his cousin bob (tom hardy) is the barman while marv plays owner/manager
opening scenes set in the bar and explaining the significance of 'the drop'
this where a random bar is selected for nightly deliveries of dirty money
all part and parcel of the real underground activities in seedy brooklyn
on one night a armed holdup by two masked men means $5k is stolen
the mob come visiting with a gruesome demonstration of their intent
their money needs to be recovered or the consequences are very ugly
we see scenes of bob as the lonely, single and reserved person he is
regular church-goer though he has no contact with other parishioners
one day when walking home he recovers an injured puppy from a bin
a conversation with the bin's owner unaware the dog had been dumped
nadia (rapace) admitting her jealous psychotic ex-boyfriend eric to blame
bob agrees to take on the dog - pit bull - and brings it back to good health
despite the ex-boyfriend and confessed murderer menacing bob and nadia
animal rescue - the film's book title - and the suggested dog/man parallels
i'm hooked - every character offers something interesting and engaging
there's a palpable feeling of something very gently being brought to boil
the first major twist is when marv is shown organising the next robbery
having plotted the last one on his own bar as part of a grander scheme
essentially to set the chechnyans up to select his bar on superbowl night
marv has got money issues - and cashing in on the drop is too tempting
eric is in with marv and has forced nadia to accompany him at the bar
this on drop night and marv has taken a sickie - too close to the action
the tension is now cranked up with a sense of dread now quite pervasive
very clever script, dialogue, acting and directing getting us to this point
and then the total unexpected happens - our gentle bob has a dark side
he confronts eric the robber (and woman harrasser) and blows him away
very disturbing scenes of a man shot in the neck and bleeding to death
this in front of nadia who is seen very convincingly going into shock
bob providing some consolation saying eric will never trouble her again
meanwhile james gandolfini (marv) is seen in his last ever film scene
blown away by the chechnyan hoods he was plotting to double-cross
they then show up at the bar and set about cleaning up the bloody mess
bob now seen as an ally and appointed as the new manager of the joint
but there's some more personal issues that he needs to also take care of
bob seen attaching the leash to the dog and 'we gotta do something rocco'
this some days later and a daytime walk to nadia's house who meets him
she seems in shock still and bob offers 'tell me to go and i will walk away'
a few seconds of film magic and then 'hold on - i'll go and get my coat'
brilliant - a happy ending it seems to a significantly intense film
hard to fault really - casting superb as much as the directing
dane michael roskan adding some european sentimentality
noomi rapace also helping out there amongst the yanks
vale james gandolfini - you went out with a bang...

kakanui

summer is with us for at least a day on this warm, sunny sunday morning
make the most of it so let's hit the road for a day and do some exploring
u2 / october on high volume and setting the celebratory mood of the day
first stop - shag point - some recent advice from a maf man re abalone
a rope assisted descent from the road to a large rock ledge at low tide
we are in the company of a relative expert in wet suit and snorkelling
good luck to him - we wander the pristine area and gape at the sights
a large sea slug being harassed by an equally large orange starfish
both being stalked by a hideous looking and slinky black octopus
the rock formations also stunning - large and round as per moeraki
in one large stone cracked open an elevated pool like an ancient spa
and clinging to the side of that just above water - woo-hoo - a live paua
who needs to snorkel - well us next time is the plan - but we leave happy
back in the car and push north towards oamaru and a right turn before then
drive a lazy 5km or so and arrive at the hitherto unexplored area of kakanui
first impressions - surprisingly large town - possibly retirement and/or holiday
not much action - a few children on bikes, the odd dog, but otherwise deserted
possibly due to there being an all black test in wales on tv at the same time
we park the car and clamber down on to the very wide and long beach
low tide still dominating and there's a few chaps with large nets spotted
strange - isn't whitebait a river fish - ah - spot the fresh water running in
their nets placed to catch the little critters trying to get upstream it seems
though not much action - possibly explaining the frosty attitude to tourists
we head to beach's end and go into rock-scrambling mode to the end point
very picturesque too - very bright green moss covering a large area of rocks
a huge pine tree now lying prone and ghost white after decades of surf attack
we scramble up to the cliff-top and admire the views across kakanui beach
lunch is a-calling so we then drive back down the coast road via all day bay
another very flat, very large, very deserted beach - though also a bit windy
the road comes out north of herbert and a new cafe discovered in town
vanessa's cottage cafe puts on a very tasty lunch of fresh fish (n chips)
cruise further south and call in to the award-winning blueskin nursery
a huge array of plants on offer of which one is screaming to be picked
cordyline indivisa - mountain cabbage tree or bush flax - we take it
it's a native palm promising rapid growth and creamy-lilac flowers
perfect for our front-yard and upon return it is then transplanted
which inspires more work on the continuing landscape project
that in turns works up a healthy appetite - paua and crab calls
wrapping up a brilliant day on a totally fabulous weekend
film - tick - music - tick - adventure - tick - garden - tick
food - tick, tick, tick, tick, etc - stunning as always...

fury

i have a bit of an aversion to war films - it's the wimp in me
just don't want to be reminded of what mankind can do to itself
given a weapon, a free pass and primal you-or-me scenarios on tap
but brad pitt is another actor i tend to trust in the films he aligns with
inglorious basterds of course another war film with him in fine form
fury has had generally average reviews but my trust in reviews waning
some lines of text at the start of the film providing useful information
we are deep in germany at the end of ww2 - the enemy still holding on

hitler has conscripted every man, woman and child into the armed forces

his new tiger tanks far superior to the sherman tanks of which fury is one
the all-imporant opening scene - a man on a white horse on top of a hill
comes closer and then riding slowly through scattered bodies and tanks
suddenly and brutally knifed in the head and torso by sargent collier (pitt)
this as he leaps from a tank - the tank - the name fury daubed on it's turret
a tender side of our hero revealed as he pats the horse and sends it away
then inside the tank we meet the other war-weary and hardened men
running repairs underway amongst the ribbing before then heading off
at the nearest town they replenish supplies, petrol, and one man
their forward gunner killed in action and a new recruit assigned
norman is a young and naive office clerk thrust into the front line
teased relentlessly by the crew but collier cuts him a bit of slack
their column of 4 tanks then ambushed en route to the next town
gut-shuddering scenes of tank and machine gun fire at close range
one soldier killed because norman lacking the conviction to open fire
though their attackers quickly overcome and sadly seen as young girls
scenes of other germans hung by the ss for refusing to enlist and fight
this is one powerful film - not a fun ride but a totally engrossing one
in a distressing scene collier forces norman to shoot a nazi prisoner
manning up required but then collier seen breaking down in private
some relief then as the two of them spend time with 2 german women
ironically pitt seen stripped to his waist and a woman quivering with fear
they expect the worst but collier is a gentleman and treats them well
ditto norman who then experiences more about growing into a man
the rest of the crew join them and some superbly directed scenes
the naivety, fear, expectations, desires, anger, relief of all interacting
but it is short-lived - the war is calling and another town to be taken
en route the column of 4 tanks is to protect a strategic crossroads
but a tiger tank intercepts and some amazing battle scenes ensue
the shuddering blast of tank and machine-gun fire so intimidating
the 5 crew members all hard at work concurrently manoeuvring
3 of the sherman tanks destroyed but collier outwits the lone enemy
brief respite and solace for norman before the big final scenes kick in
they alone have to protect the crossroads from an approaching ss battalion
the battle is long and almost unlikely with the fury boys piling up the bodies
eventually the germans wipe them out though norman uses the escape hatch
discovered hiding by a similarly young german soldier and then ignored
thus adding another human element to the war - we are not all bad
phew - the end - 2 hours of a totally engrossing and draining film
more moving music as the credits roll - real war photos on red
brad pitt - executive producer - he the man - what a stunning film
don't understand why the mostly average reviews from the experts
too realistic maybe? not a happy ending? war films out of favour?
who cares - it's a very high recommendation from this viewer...

my old lady

there's a number of criteria used for big screen film selection
paris and kristen scott-thomas are 2 that carry heavy weightings
i totally trust her judgement in any film she determines is worthy
and any film set in paris has to be considered for that reason only
those 2 together - damn the lukewarm reviews - this is a must-see
kevin kline and maggie smith co-headliners so an interesting mix
various reviews indicating a bit of a lightweight but an ok storyline
queuing for tickets with grey-power confirming the target audience
the film opens with mathias (kline) walking up to a paris apartment
lets himself in and goes from room to room in the very large property
comes across mathilde (smith) and a conversation to get us up to date
he has come from new york to sell the property he has just inherited
she surprises him with the news she can live there legally until death
further he is obliged to pay her a healthy monthly fee as part of the deal
this part of a well-established and actual uniquely french property law
mathias then cursing his late father max for once again getting to him
chloe (scott-thomas) appears as mathilde's daughter also living there
there's angst all round with the 3 of them unhappy about the situation
more so with mathias moving in with no money and no place to go
so far - ok - nothing too compelling and not sure how it will pan out
some character-defining then starts as mathias and chloe talk more
he revealing a sad life with no money, few friends, low self-esteem
she has spent her life caring for her mother and also has few friends
though seen by mathias and confessing to an affair with a married man
things then really start to get interesting as more dialogue is exchanged
a reminder that the film is actually based on a popular theatre production
the director here - israel horovitz - at 75 is directing his first ever film
some critics suggesting his move from stage to film not all successful
not to my eyes and ears though - i am starting to really enjoy the ride
a photo spotted by mathias of himself as a boy sparks some real drama
he and chloe together at the house way back and some questions asked
her father often overseas - hunting trips - the house is full of trophies
his father a frequent visitor - and sometimes with his children with him
pressing mathilde on the subject and she confesses to a long-time affair
the possibility that mathias and chloe could have max as the same father
this as they are drawn closer to each other - things are getting messy
mathias revealing his state of mind largely due to his mother's suicide
wow - clever stuff - great acting from the 3 leads - i'm totally hooked
earlier concerns about the plot (or not) of the film now fully dispelled
it's dialogue-heavy but necessarily so - and uh-oh - a happy ending too
but there's a real case for sympathy for the characters - so happy is good
two words come up in post viewing discussion - heavy and confronting
here another case of the marketing of the film quite badly misdirected
proven with the grey power in attendance overheard to be unimpressed
it's no light comedy - but a serious theme - teach your children well
or - secretive sex can lead to far-reaching and long-lasting problems
me like this film very much - would happily see it again sometime
the reputation of kristen scott thomas remains intact...and enhanced
paris stars too - the seine, the latin quarter, notre dame all shown
that would please some looking for a lighter outing than offered
others wanting a challenge - take it on - a very satisfying film...

the toure-raichel collective - the paris session

oh what a glorious surprise seeing this one on release
a follow-up to the most wonderful tel aviv session from 2012
that particular album well loved well played well recommended
the 2 musicians well respected individually but together - so good
idan raichel is from israel - master pianist, composer, producer, performer
first exposed to him with the various albums recorded as the idan raichel project
signed to the eclectic six degrees label - i.e. - stunningly produced new music
an enticing combination of eastern vibe and western production techniques
generally electronica used sparingly but effectively for some rich sounds
mr raichel one of the most loyal and successful artists for six degrees
vieux farka toure - son of the late, great ali farka toure - so mali born
he also signed originally to six degrees hence the common ground
has put out several accomplished albums mostly in electric form
big reviews for the one from this year - mon pays - tis beautiful
inspired by and addressing the sad state of his country at this time
glowing reviews significantly now not making mention of his late dad
or in the terms of - has stepped out of his shadow and found his own sound
had the great pleasure of seeing him at womadelaide 2 years ago - highlight
a baking hot afternoon sun - us few true believers front of stage grooving away
he on electric guitar and 2 whitey boys on drums and bass - totally unforgettable
going back though - in 2011 vieux had a chance encounter at a german airport
bumped into idan raichel - both huge fans of each other they then discovered
result - into a studio in israel and the stunning tel aviv sessions album made
i thought that was going to be a one-off but now we have the paris sessions
having repeat played this album i easily rate it one of the best of this year
the melding of toure's rich african grooves and raichel's delicate piano...
is as close to perfection as one could imagine - a free-spirited exploration...
of the meditative power that can emerge from improvised music (relix)
that from the promo sticker and for me accurately describing the album
it starts and ends with their classic melodic-piano-meets-guitar sound
such a natural sound that they themselves must recognise as unique
the combination of middle east piano and african guitar at the base
then on every track fleshed out with some other compatible sound
on the first track a trumpet works it's way very easily into the mix
on other tracks there's the sound of a ngoni lute or a fender rhodes
vocals seem mainly left to vieux but some harmonies heard with idan
one track features seckouba diabate that harks to an aboriginal sound
at times it has a real jazz feel to it - the necks and even ecm referenced
some tunes pushing into a blues feel - some real melancholia vocals too
but to counter that the band also let's fly on at least one up tempo number
which all adds up to an album of many sounds, feels and combinations
yet it is so cohesive with producer idan raichel locking it all together  
it sounds so natural with an obvious empathetic collaboration at work
the tel aviv sessions is beautiful - the paris sessions at least equals that
an album that will be (should be) well loved by people of many cultures
that being the other standout feature - it is not of any ethnicity or genre
i can only imagine the love in the room when it was recorded in paris
and that carrying so easily through to the actual feel of the music
clear respect and friendship in the result of the collaboration
an accidental meeting has lead to the creation of a new sound
no wonder they went back for more - and surely more to come
rave over - but what an infectious album - absolutely love it

finding vivian maier

there's a bit of a buzz around town about this film
people talking about it - mostly in terms of want-to-see
black and white photography using film has a certain appeal
or at least seeing the results of someone with the eye and technique
the film opens with a bunch of random people with one-line comments
all connected in some manner to the subject of the film vivian maier
credits roll then we meet john maloof - chicago - needs photographs
it is not explained fully but he was on the search for archive material
a bit of background footage revealing he from a family of scavengers
he has stumbled on boxes of old undeveloped films in an auction house
at least one revealing there could be something of use for his project
footage shown then of him bidding for the boxes and winning at $380
not sure how or why that was filmed so suspicious of a recreation
no problem - a good introduction and the interest levels flickering
more so as the first full screen shots of her photos are then displayed
old people, children, street-dwellers in very natural poses and settings
the extent of john maloof's auction gains then explained in more detail
boxes of still negatives and also film, cassettes, paperwork, clothing
suggestions vivian maier a fastidious or neurotic gatherer and hoarder
maloof himself rising to the challenge and buys up more of her collection
then sets about printing selected photos and organising local exhibitions
at the same time he delves deeper to find out about the mysterious woman
google throws up no information so some detective work then kicks in
leading to connections with various people who have been in her life
and the people seen in the opening frames of the film then re-appear
searching for sugarman comes to mind - a similar construct and feel
the lady herself a loner, no family but a very well respected nanny
taking children on excursions and always with a camera with her
chosen model - a rolleiflex - held at waist height to focus/shoot
her subjects then appearing tall and with eyes engaged elsewhere
as they lock on to her eyes which are quite distant from the lens
interesting and informative so far - but mid-film it bogs down
too much time spent with old friends and children-now-adults
time looking at them seems wasted - more photographs wanted
their stories not adding to the knowledge she was a lone operator
confirmed in the sixties as she went out to see/photograph the world
impressive photos of that trip seen on the screen in a very fast sequence
the timing of each shot on the screen set to match loud and pulsating music
then it's off to france - some of the archive photos indicating time spent there
a small mountain village of 250 people with it's church in the archive photos
maloof sets up an exhibition there that has the town excited and emotional
one elderly lady crying as she views an old photo of her young husband
there is a focus in the film of pushing the success of such exhibitions
a comment that people power is more important than critical acclaim
and a realisation for me that this film is a part of a complete package
i was expecting a full film of still photos and a voiceover explanation
but no - we get to see a few photos briefly and a lot of talking heads
the drive seems to be to build the enigma and thus also curiosity
sated further i expect by buying books or attending exhibitions
mr maloof having control over all that thus setting himself up
call me a cynic - accepted - but this interesting film frustrates
at least in the aforementioned biopic it is fully self-contained
here - it's a teaser - not a complete and fulfilling piece of art
still - lots learnt and full points to john maloof - lucky him

sheen of gold

another crack at the promotions business for us tonight
the 2 previous outings with live music and very successful
the havana lounge actually set up for film showings so perfect
a small matter of woo-ing 32 people in to complete bums-on-seats
select an enticing film and offer the usual superb food - a no-brainer
wrong - a bit of a struggle to get the theatre half-full and not sure why
nobody complaining about the scaled back but still ample food offerings
fully devoured and on with the viewing as soon as all attendees present
prior worries re the equipment subdued with a r&m check earlier today
lights down, hit the play button, grab a seat at the back to take it all in
the film first seen at the 2013 nziff and then again with air nz in-flight
so well known and selected for viewing here for a number of reasons
music related - iconic band - drama element - life in nz - local interest
bob sutton appears in the film as a talking head and is also with us tonight
simon ogston - director - also with us in spirit having given us permission
the film opens in their home town of palmerston north with a blues player
he obviously well entrenched in blues and name-dropping the big stars
equally enthusiastically suggesting the skeptics made of the same stuff
the music in their souls - deep - almost in tears as he dwells on this
then it's off to school - dunedin-ite robin gauld giving us the tour
visits to rehearsal spaces intercut with photos of the young band
then the film launches into the first archival skeptics music video
and a clear reminder of the absolute unique nature of their music
pulsating electronica/guitars/drums/vocals and no holds barred
it sounds kind of dated but at the same time very contemporary
3 decades on and the thinking is how radical it must have been then
confirmed by the cult following they built up of very dedicated fans
the film spends time in the present with all remaining past members
fondly talking of their time in the band and the sadness of it's demise
john halvorsen the most enlightening with some hands-on demonstrations
he the guitarist and driving force in the second incarnation of the band
here showing his interest and skill in noise-making with guitars/amps
some fascinating footage also of the making of the affco music video
stuart page the filmmaker armed with a fully clockwork video camera
a very confronting video even today of the brutality of animal slaughter
and likewise the music itself sounding absolutely timeless and relevant
riveting stuff - me tearing my eyes from the screen to check the audience
and likewise there seems to be full engagement from all in attendance
the film itself is quite linear with a good balance of music and talking
with the final part where the human interest element comes to the fore
charismatic singer and creative energiser david d'ath contracts leukemia
at the time the band was hitting a peak in composition and performance
the illness taking him out very quickly and a week after their last show
the band members all talking reverently of the man and his dedication
most poignant though were the words from his partner and daughter
sarah still affected by her loss 24 years ago of the love of her life
her daughter also obviously missing the father she never knew
cut to the last show at the gluepot tavern in front of 700 fans
david d'ath literally days from death but giving it his all
90 minutes of a fully engaging film with so much on offer
chatting with our audience post-show confirming my feelings
first-timers and repeat viewers all agreeing on it's relevance
an offer made to drive guest bob sutton home to osborne
interesting trip - he providing more insight to the band
and that alone makes the whole night very worthwhile
a few more people would have been encouraging too
but - welcome to showbiz - lesson - assume nothing
let's see if we can pull another show together soon...

interstellar

critics are tripping over themselves talking this one up
5 star reviews, best movie of the year, cinematic epic, etc, etc
i do enjoy sci-fi occasionally and 3 hours this saturday arvo to kill
some slight reservation as it starts - the fear of being hollywood-duped
prime suspect matthew mcconaughey plays cooper - a solo father of two
set sometime in the near future with them living on a dust-infested farm
their large corn crop at risk of devastation from environmental disaster
which doesn't stop cooper pursuing an airborne drone through the crop
kids on board the truck as he hauls out the laptop and locks onto the drone
lands it, unscrews a panel, pulls out the controller and loads it into the truck
cheap props, a vehicle chase and a good-looking hero - yep - hollywood
back home a dust-storm leads to strange patterns on daughter murphy's floor
somehow cooper determines the dust lines to be digital compass bearings
and off he goes - a secret base - nasa - they want the ex-astronaut back
a secret mission planned through a new worm-hole to find a new planet
trouble is - no known timeframe and murphy in particular is devastated
placated somewhat with a promise that daddy will return to her one day
and then - liftoff - what looks like real footage of a rocket being launched
on-board it's cooper, amelia (anne hathaway) and principal (david oyelowo)
perfect - man, woman, african-american - accompanied by a speaking robot
tars - looking much like a cast-off of a bad prop from a doctor who series
they travel through the worm-hole - first stop is a water covered planet
more underwhelming scenes as they first land and then wade out on it
the craft they are in looking like a cast-off of an old thunderbirds series
i expected at least some amazing special effects not something so dated
and what about the actual physics of the effort to land on another planet
but as one reviewer suggested - just go with it - don't expect anything
ok - how about some decent/convincing acting or a believable plot
no and no - the main man - mm - southern drawls his way through it
his dialogue indecipherable at most times - and his manner - pul-lease
punching the wall behind his co-star and 'god dammit' - tantrum stuff
they take off from this planet and head to the next looking for a dr mann
he in some state of suspension in a plastic bag sliced open by our hero
lo and behold - matt damon - crikey - is his star status on the wane now?
but he's a baddie so there's an almost laughable space-suited fight scene
on and on and on it goes - loud bombastic music reminding us to be in awe
back on planet earth mm's daughter now fully grown and a famous scientist
we know this as we see her make the final mark on a formula-filled blackboard
apparantly mm can get signals but not transmit so he gets messages from home
time travel meaning he is ageing at a fraction of the time that his kids are
the tears flow as he views the messages - tick - film must have emotion
an hour left and i'm well over it - please just let it end - i ain't digging it
more so with extended scenes of some kind of parallel universe thing
mm in his spacesuit looking in on mm saying goodbye to his daughter
screaming for him not to do it - daughter senses his (future) presence
all kind of weird/strange/silly and certainly drawn out far too long
we endure more unlikely scenes/plots/twists and then the big ending
daughter realises he ain't coming back - but what about his big promise?
well she the famous scientist is transported to him now circling saturn
but the time travel thing means he is still the young and handsome hero
daughter an old woman and the final cloying scenes as she is dying
i knew i'd see you again - how - cause my daddy promised me
now dad - off you go and hook up with amelia - you deserve it
pass the bucket please - o-t-t american schmaltzy sentimentalism
i just don't get the rave reviews - maybe a repeat viewing - nope
if this goes down as the best film of the year then i will despair
the biggest con of the year i could cope with - what a crock
couldn't help thinking of the last scientific film i have seen
particle fever - so much better in just about every way
not least the clear and convincing expose of physics
interstellar - more interested in effect than cause...

hector and the search for happiness

it's quite hard work being a fan of film and a willing fiscal supporter
wanting to part with the bucks to sit in a darkened room with strangers
as opposed to downloading or streaming in the comfort of home in private
the problem is the limited number of enticing films on offer at the theatres
animated, superhero, rom-com, teen flick, martial arts, game-based, etc no go
which pretty well  rules out most listed - so anything else up for consideration
this one - good reviews, interesting concept, respected actors, and a travelogue
the film opens with a bi-plane in a cloudy sky - a dog sitting in the rear seat
it falls out in a barrel roll manoeuvre - funny - but guessing it's all a dream
yep - hector wakes and his day starts - the voice-over providing the details
his life is supremely ordered - girlfriend clara robotically runs it for him
dresses him, knots his tie, packs his lunch, finds his keys, sends him off
the feel of a very-english-do-good film and with it a sense of expectability
though rosamund pike as clara last seen in gone girl should add a bit of edge
hector (simon pegg) is a london psychiatrist with a regular cast of patients
rushed through his office and the film only to show how ineffective he is
he dishes out rote advice and the latest drugs and books each back in again
one of his patients is a faux clairvoyant who tells hector he is about to travel
which sparks the idea for him to break out of his dull routine and take a trip
clara gives him her blessing and arms him with a blank book he must fill up
page 1 already filled in - 'the search for happiness' - and off he goes - china
bumped up to business class on the plane and buddying up with a rich banker
edward (the impressive stellan skarsgard) takes pity on the bumbling hector
shows him a good (expensive) time in shanghai with some great city footage
hector almost goes the distance with a gorgeous student - actually a prostitute
and along the way learns a few lessons which get transposed into the book
thus the mode of the film is set - travel, strangers, situations, lessons, writeup
in between there are scenes of hector as a tin-tin like character with his dog
yeah we get it - he's a  boy at heart full of naivety and wide-eyed wonder
off to nepal and at the top of a mountain a monk speaking perfect english
me now border cynical because of the target audience for this feel-good flick
but we persist - it's kind of fun - next stop africa - another in-flight meeting
the neighbouring african lady be-friending him and showing him the way
one great scene follows with him letting it go with african music and dance
he then gets caught up in a kidnapping/hostage situation with guns at play
life-threatening - more lessons learnt - more one-liners to be written up
india - more/same - 'avoiding unhappiness is not the secret to happiness'
and finally he is off to los angeles where his first love agnes is living
she married, 2 kids and another on the way - he still pines for the past
clara reacts badly to his confession of the visit on their skype hookup
ditto agnes berating him about his pining - '2 words - move and on'
toni collette with a small role but demonstrating her impressive skill
being admonished by both women causes hector to lose the plot
time to go home - lots of flashbacks reminiscing on the journey
then back to london and into the arms of his waiting girlfriend
they get married, they live happily ever after - search complete
pretty lame really - and confirming who the film is made for
boring white comfortable healthy affluent straight couples
possibly not entirely happy but don't bother questioning that
it's all crazy out there anyway and past lives better left there
oh well thanks for the lesson and a few laughs along the way
but not at all convinced about the message being delivered
just too bleeding obvious and hit home like a sledgehammer
damn - the pick of the bunch pretty average at best....next...

eye

tonight sees the second installment of our havana lounge shows
we learned a few things from numero uno featuring robert scott
for one - test technical stuff well in advance - done - no problems
lucy in the food department fine-tuning also to reduce the prep time
though still a night and full day spent preparing prior to the main show
some feedback from the last show suggesting a friday night more suitable
ok - we'll do that - mistake - too many people with too many options
and most significantly those pushing for friday shows not there anyway

also the pool hall busy so a bit of argy-bargy in food preparation/delivery
them's the negatives - the positives - way more - what a brilliant night
the food - stunning - everyone well fed, well contented and well..happy
we removed the first row of seats for the slightly less than full house
giving the band a bit more breathing room and a more casual air
a few people choosing then to sit on the floor or exposed ledge
a very smooth transition from youtube clips on the large screen
moving to lights down and the beautiful colours of the backing film
title - small town loving - distorted scenes of a town at sunset
the town - ashburton - as advised by film-maker kim pieters
crikey - what a coincidence - home-town - an added dimension
eye then get underway in their usual start-by-stealth approach
jonny chapman pulling some gentle feedback-y clicks and sounds
he as usual sitting/kneeling on the floor crouched over his instrument
this a large square box with a tangle of cables, knobs, switches exposed
left of stage peter porteous at work with his guitar straddled on it's amp
barely touching the strings but still producing a strong compatible sound
peter stapleton crouched behind his drum kit and adding percussion
he then taking up position at his kit and some serious playing begins
and concerns about the sound in this room dispelled - loud and clear
eye are improvisers - before show talk confirming they play to the room
i.e. they adapt to the ambience of the occasion - tonight could be gentle
nah - they are firing - building and building the intensity of their music
me - engrossed down front - a sideways glance revealing more of that
not a word to be used loosely but - transcendence - we have liftoff
the components all clicking - the sound, the visual, the space, the audience
eye hit a peak and then drop away to near silence in a transfixed room
peter porteous then caressing his tibetan bell and the sound carries
a signal of another build imminent with him then strapping on his guitar
his bandmates then also digging in to provide their own unique sounds
in the meantime the visual treat just keeps rolling - there's lots to see
50 minutes of sensory pleasure - the second peak falls back nicely
peter stapleton finishing off the set with some chant-like vocals
the film credits flash up as they wind down - perfect coincidence
we the audience then in long and enthusiastic applause and whistles
confirming for me that we have witnessed a very special performance
and talking with the band afterwards - they too seem well satisfied
time for coconut-lemongrass cake and appropriate refreshments
people lingering and chatting - not wanting the night to end
but of course it has to - load up, drive home, collapse
...we'll put that down as another successful show...

pexidition week end

we wake early on saturday morning of this labour weekend
rustle up another delicious breakfast and bid farewell to ohiwa bay
driving out of the caravan park - beach behind - lagoon in front - lovely
then a short distance along the bay of plenty to the town of ohope bay
stumble on a farmers market and spend a very easy hour or so there
hard to resist the fresh fruit and vegetables on offer - nice crafts too
we leave with fresh asparagus, dried persimmon, smoked chilli, etc
next stop - whakatane town - a cruise up and down the main drag
looking very welcoming too - summery feel, greenery, shops, cafes
hit the hole in the wall and cruise out again with rotorua the target
feeling on a bit of a roll with a so-far-so-very-good trip thus far
mudholes and geysers need to be seen and sulphur needs inhaling
nice drive too - past the holiday-homesville of  glistening lake rotoma
a whistle-stop taster tour only on this day so a few tourist spots selected
first stop - the redwoods - whakewareware - 5600 hectares of forest
there's a visitor's centre and a number of tracks to follow and explore
we opt for the shortest - 30 minutes - the longest takes weeks - no time
huge redwood trees in every direction - sunlight filtered by the canopy
the air - pungent and slightly intoxicating - a longer walk would be great
but we enjoy our stroll and exchange greetings with walkers and joggers
it is rated as one of rotorua's main tourist attractions - then on to the next
te puia - 60 hectares of geothermal park - well set up for the throngs
price - ouch - but they know we know we just have to be part of it
a guided tour for less than an hour and only a few visual highlights
the kiwi enclosure (asleep), mud pools (simmering) and the big one
pohutu geyser - goes off every hour or so - we wait most of that
but worth it - steaming water blown 25 meters up - we are in awe
bypass the cultural show (extra bucks) and decide to strike forth
kerosene creek 25km out of town - a natural hot water spring
but they didn't warn us about the goat track in - potholes galore
our campervan not supposed to be there and not very happy either
so abandon this one and also rotorua - we will return but time to go
the nagging thought of the need to get some digs organised for tonight
target - tauranga - our gps triggered guide makes a suggestion near there
mclaren falls park - 60 hectares of park and camping ground around a lake
sounds good and when we got there - oh wow - another treat is in store
first mission to find someone to pay the camp fees - an honesty system
park the van in a higher area near facilities then we start exploring
quite hilly with lots of paths, trees, a lake and vehicle access
we park ourselves by the lake with beer in hand and admire
swans, geese and ducks in the idyllic late afternoon sunlight
the chill in the air finally sends us van-bound and for dinner
asparagus and snapper awash with the final drops of shiraz
a great night's sleep in the quiet and beautiful starlit night
in the morning a drive to matamata and a shot at hobittown
no go - takes 3 hours - we have 1 and a plane to think about
next time for sure - so drive to auckland to deliver the van
thus fulfilling our part of the contract - and to the airport
all very easily done - as with everything else in this week
two very happy travellers - 2400km, 7 days and 6 nights
definitely will be applying for that gig again some day...

the long road

day 5 of the campervan trip through the north island of nz
today's target is opitiki at the east end of the bay of plenty
choice - 2 hours direct inland or 6 hours round the coast road
both apparantly offering stunning scenery - but we in no hurry
so the long haul wins out especially with another stunning day
we also have the latest edition of the guide to the pacific highway
superbly detailing every point-of-interest and distance along the way
the biggest concern on this gift of a day is hours of sunlight (only 14)
as we creep out of the tatapouri campground at 7am and head north
first stop - tolaga bay with it's impressive 600 metre long wharf
built in the 1920's to service ships but now it's pedestrians only
the beach itself quite extraordinary - piles of driftwood abound
we pass through the maori welcome entrance and onto the wharf
a set of railway tracks in the centre leading us to the distant end
some young fisherman well set up there and looking very relaxed
tempting to take a plunge into the beautiful blue-green seawater
but no ladder provides the necessary out and then a walk back
check the guide and head off - how much better can it get?
anaura bay - our guide says it is one of the most beautiful
a few kilometers drive up the off-road to a high point
jaw-dropping views of the bay beyond the native bush
a drive down and a walk onto the wide, flat, pristine beach
me - all i can do is put my head back and utter some quiet thanks
the definition of overwhelming is experienced at this time and place
a mental bookmark made for future reference and a return visit
and a decision made to push on to the most eastern point of nz
still quite a distance away so a few hours easily spent driving
mostly in a rural setting with many farmers spotted at work
we push on to the top of the cape and then head eastwards
the plan is to get to east cape and check out the lighthouse
but a narrow, 20km gravel road gets tedious within 1 of them
stop, park, explore and then double-back and on to hicks bay
underwhelming also - tourist town it is not - for better or worse
and pretty well from that point on for the rest of the day the same
stunning scenery with the road surging high up and then down low
a very good road too so the driving very easy and most enjoyable
few towns encountered and even fewer cafes - the tummies not happy
a stop at the waihau bay pub offers no food and about the same hospitality
we are now convinced this whole part of nz is resisting the tourism boom
but we are resourceful - a tuna and avocado open sandwich is conjured
consumed in the shade by a small bay shared with some snorkellers
then push on to opitiki - 8 hours later - stock up and onwards again
spot a sign to ohiwa bay caravan park at the start of a long weekend
fearing congestion we head in, queue up and secure a parking space
another great find - beachside, great facilities though also crowded
relatively at least but the kitchen empty so our evening meal had
mussels, snapper fillets, fresh asparagus and some more shiraz
both very tired after an exhilerating day of drive and discovery
the decision to take the long road totally vindicated - tick...

north by north-east

day 4 of the expedition and well into the guts of the north island
monday - kaikoura - tuesday - castlepoint - wednesday - napier
very much enjoying the constant change of scenery and stays
early to bed, good sleeps and early waking and into the day
today - 7am sneak out of the bay view snapper holiday park
on the north side of napier so hit the (open) road running
target - gisborne-ish so a trip up and around hawkes bay
new territory for both of us so that an adds to the allure
another beautiful sunny day and only a few other vehicles
no sign of the past drought with green the dominant colour
the road a constant but gentle change in slope and direction
an easy driving rhythm easily achieved and no want to break
but a mirror roadside lake too much of a photo opportunity
we push on - few towns and damn - even fewer petrol stations
should have filled up in napier - this could be a tad embarrassing
the concern parked as we roll into the morere hot springs carpark
pay the very reasonable $10 and walk the 10 minutes into the bush
arrive at the centre just as the only other visitors are clearing out
we have a couple of exterior stainless steel pools to ourselves
so hot and so relaxing - the body knows it is being pampered
a cold plunge pool and shower jarring things back to reality
but a sense of a change walking out again - the body buzzing
what a treat - and such a low-key place - entrepreneurs barred?
resumption of the drive and with it the concerns re low petrol
the needle below empty and still 70km to the nearest town
oh well - it's an adventure - take it as it comes - no biggie
but we get there - phew - fill up and then head to gisborne
low and flat - geography as well as economy is the feeling
not very enticing at all - trip advisor is not very excited either
nothing leaping out for a lunch stop so we go back to traditional
i.e. pick something that looks ok - nope - average and overpriced
so hit the countdown and high-tail it out of down (troden) town
the decision made to go all the way around the east cape - tomorrow
today we travel another 12km north to a caravan park at tatapouri
stunningly placed between high hill and beachside - looking good
budge the proprietor so welcoming and only a few other campers
a walk along the beach and a wish for low-tide - crayfish in wait
bad timing for that so we settle for scallops and rice noodles
and as it has been lately - dusk draws curtains on the day
4 down and 3 to go - getting very used to this lifestyle
...and quietly excited about the big friday drive...

vampercan pexidition part 1

there's a lot of campervans on the road in new zealand
the largest majority paid for by tourists heading south
which presents a logistical problem for rental companies
vans left in the south by renters flying home ex christchurch
solution - offer free rental, petrol and ferry to drive 'em home
we sign up for that - only issue is getting from dunedin to ch-ch
so at 6am on this monday morning we are up and waiting for a bus
a short trip into the city with the very friendly local/regular commuters
me thinking - yep - this is going to be a nice little holiday - good signs
then onto the atomic bus for the near 6 hour journey to christchurch
done it before - tedious - this time - not so - company and a laptop
acquainted with our small-ish toy-motor campervan and northbound
weather - good - roads - clear - mood - bouyant - snacks - devoured
plan was to get close to picton but tiredess came-a-calling too soon
paying the price for the prior nights entertaining of 10 dinner guests
kaikoura is a handy stopping point so into the top 10 park we go
very impressive and clean facilities for an early dinner and night
next day is an early start for a straight-through drive to picton
roll on to the inter-islander and into queen charlotte sound
blue skies and calm seas make for an enjoyable crossing
roll off and then head directly north over the rimutakas
all the time taking in the on-board guidance system
a black-box of pre-recorded music, ads and info
triggered by gps signals to be very location precise
first stop is carterton - very cool - beer at the white swan
then push on to masterton and our guide kicks in with advice
a 64km trip east to castlepoint is recommended - camping too
that'll do so off we go - an easy drive through verdant rolling hills
check in to the deserted and slightly derelict caravan park - hmmm
dinner cooked up and a decision made to go for a beach amble
good one - heading south along the beach and sights to behold
strange - there's waves crashing into an inland looking lagoon
and before that there are huge fishing boats marooned on shore
there's a lighthouse up on a point with a path leading up to it
and behind the lagoon a huge mound shaped like a jedi helmet
this all leads then to a couple of hours of wander and amazement
we are alone in what is a very special place - so glad to have come
next morning - birthday - yummy breakfast and we head off
the mental compass set and then a back roads discovery drive
more gravel roads on hilly sections than required but all good
a stop for refreshments at the pongaroa pub - classic kiwiana
eventually we get back on the road proper through to napier
head north past town to the caravan park of trip advisor choice
very nice too - right by the (stoney) beach and quite deserted
then the serious business of selection of a restaurant for dinner
let's avoid town - and go for something special and well - classy
the mission wine estate it is - booking made for an early dinner
a very large colonial looking building over-looking napier city
the meal - stunning - the gourmet cook in our party is happy
as discussed - love went into it's preparation/presentation
mission - accomplished - and the final touch - shiraz
2008 black puma carried from maker to consumer
and stashed in the luggage on pexidition - g'night...

high mountain flowing water

otago arts festival 2014 - give some support so get in a few shows
so far - dunedin jazz orchestra in st paul's cathedral - as expected
next day same venue - balkan sounds - surprisingly well attended
that same night - kaha - maori modern dance troupe - good to see
and tonight - high mountain flowing water - or - gao shan liu shui
interesting read-up in the festival program - mostly about the guqin
a traditional chinese zither instrument - similar to the japanese koto
wu na is woman master of the instrument - and has western influences
has worked with various jazz, rock and avant-garde oriented musicians
tonight is the world premiere of this new work so another enticement
also - glenroy auditorium - never been there so a chance to investigate
a multi-purpose flat-floored room tonight with rows of chairs in place
we are stage left  5 rows back with a good view to the raised stage
that hosting a grand piano, guqin and a hanging narrow backdrop
pianist gao ping glides on, lights a candle, washes his hands, sits
what seems like random and obtuse bars of music then played
good - this is going to be musically challenging - bring it on
before long he is joined by dong fei - he a peking opera artist
very androgynous in look and attire - gentle and slow motions
his voice adding to the impression of traditional chinese opera
and then smoothly leading wu na to her seat behind the guqin
as she settles in a very subtle projection begins on the backdrop
shadowy shapes moving very slightly and some english words
introducing each part of this interpretation of a chinese fable
explained very simply in a handout program as we entered
yu boya is on a boat travelling up a river playing his guqin
2 tunes - high mountain and flowing water - a string breaks
from this he knows he is being observed from the riverbank
he goes ashore to meet zhong ziqi and there is an instant bond
and from there every year they meet to share their love of music
until one year zhong ziqi fails to show - he has fallen ill and died
yu boya then smashes his guqin as without his listener it is of no use
perfection - the program informed us and the projection assisted
the music and movements coming from the stage - just exquisite
a single hour spent fully entranced by the totality of the show
a pianist seen pushing the boundaries of a familiar instrument
augmented by the plethora of sounds coming from the guqin
at times gently plucked or strummed other times hammered
the projectons - surreal - the movement artist - mesmerising
me sitting there and thinking it just does not get any better
us lucky to be part of the world premiere - lookout world
next stop wellington (te papa) then - well - anywhere
but surely it is bound for big things in e.g. new york
that's it for me then - don't need to see anything else
very positive conversations in the foyer afterwards
snagged it - the festival highlight for me for sure
no more needed  - we shall follow with interest

a five star life

part 3 of the low-level commitment to the italian film festival
richard e grant the main inspiration to take the time for this one
he making it appealing to spend some (virtual) time in 5 star hotels
irene's job as a mystery guest hotel inspector takes her world-wide
the opening scenes of her methodically checking out a luxury room
gloves on, white clothing, a laptop being used to record observations
very sharp directing going on - many changes of angle and proximity
impression being that the sumptuousness of the film matches the hotels
oops - an errant napkin found under the bed - failure with a capital f
irene next berating the hotel manager thus proving her credentials
exits the chic hotel, into a luxury taxi and disappears into paris
next back home somewhere in italy and settling in there
a sparse apartment and only sign of life a photo of 2 nieces
dinner dug out of the freezer, cooked and eaten with a beer
so a very deliberate contrasting of professional/personal life
next an outing with her doting nieces and 'normal' sister and hubby
he an obsessive though struggling classical musician - she a busy mum
more pushing of the concept that irene leads an average life outside work
including an amicable and close friendship with her love of 15 years prior
a bit of a shock for both to find out his latest fling is pregnant with his baby
but then back into the fray - more scenes of her living up the 5-star life
an attempt at hooking up with a single man in marrakech fails badly
he unexpectedly announcing he is totally married and totally faithful
so another reminder of her envious but lonely professional lifestyle
it's all very slick - short, sharp scenes all very nicely filmed/edited
berlin of particular appeal to me - many places seen in a recent trip
and a very modern soundtrack mixed in too so that also absorbing
a spa scene in a hotel in berlin and irene conversing with a lady guest
she an english commentator on women's issues in town for a tv show
that show then part of the film with irene watching on respectfully
but irene then stood up for a pre-arranged breakfast next day
adding to irene's growing sense of loneliness and abandonment
but seems the lady had a heart attack overnight - so yet another jolt
the tipping point for irene and then an attempt for some reconnection
an ill-advised one-night stand with her ex causing all manner of drama
her sister also tired of irene's intinerant lifestyle and lack of reality
final scene - they on the phone - irene announcing a major  change
off to tanzania to teach children at a remote village - 'just kidding'
actually off to shanghai to use up some air miles and a holiday
finito - yeah not too bad - not mind-blowing but pretty good
technically excellent - filming, editing, soundtrack, etc
moral of the story - money don't buy you happiness
...or something like that...nice hotels though...

honey

big rap for this one - un certain regard nominee at cannes
and subject matter - euthanasia - not seen before in film mode
the opening scene - closeup of a 70's style amber glass sliding door
a muted discussion heard and advice given it is still possible to stop
miele (honey) then emerges, sits down, dons ipod and loud music heard
the soundtrack to the film being what is playing in her head - nice touch
she then seen boarding a flight to los angeles and a late phone call taken
irene (her real name) curtly telling the caller he must talk to her superior
so something covert going on - next scene she welcomed back to a l a hotel
5 star too it seems - money not an issue - next day she is on a bus to mexico
the tour guide advising passports needed at the border but not likely checked
our italian lady then seen repeating in english - 'i want to put my dog to sleep'
and then in a pharmacy securing a couple of packets of the required drugs
cut back to italy and she is in a small apartment talking to a man and wife
she obviously terminally ill and then the routine of assisting in her death
the drug and her requested alcohol, chocolates and music then served up
and clear instructions that only her fingerprints to remain on the glasses
poignant - tears flow and honey remaining composed but compassionate
as she leaves she is handed an envelope containing a large amount of cash
thus confirming the lucrative and commercial nature of her illegal work
then she is seen plunging into the sea as if cleansing herself of the deed
and more revealed of her private life - a lover with a wife and children
a nearby father who lost his wife and irene's mother some 10 years ago
scenes of her visiting him and reminiscing over photos of happier days
she lives in solitude by the beach near rome supposedly studying there
this obviously to account for her regular trips there and beyond as seen
her partner in crime makes an appearance to discuss upcoming cases
a repeat of the process shown with an ill man choosing to end his life
his sister handing over the cash and stating honey has 'a real shitty job'
next - an architect - the preliminary visit goes well and a connection
he talks about his profession and the wonder of large domed mosques
and a theory that a placed piece of paper in a mosque would float up
she leaves the drugs and routinely tells him to think about the process
him stating it better than jumping out the window and upsetting people
but a later phone-call reveals he is not terminal but merely depressed
this then a real problem for irene - euthanasia - ok - murder - not so
things get ugly as she tries to retrieve the drugs and extract herself
similarly on her domestic front the lover has to go - knows too much
irene is young, beautiful, alone and now compromised - we're hooked
she makes the decision to give up her vocation which is not so easy
her partner not so happy but the latest case has unsettled her big time
the architect makes a surprise visit to return the drugs and all is well
irene realises she is quite fond of him and promises to keep in touch
but after the visit a fear that suicide is still possible and a dash to rome
too late - police swarming around his apartment - he has done the jump
final scene - off to istanbul - paper on mosque floor - floats up - nice
what a richly satisfying film - a serious subject very deftly handled
sparking after-viewing discussions about the film and euthanasia
that being the likely point of it - more discussion much needed
and a change to it's current legal and social categorization
the italian film festival - come good on the second one
not sure how many more to be seen - but in the mood...