Posted by Peter in RAW: Film
Angry Mia (Katie Jarvis) lives in a nasty, soul destroying British housing estate. She has dysfunctional relationships with everybody from her family to girls her own age. At 15, she faces dilemmas over whether to pursue her dancing or go to a special school desired by her mother but for the moment rage is mostly all that consumes her. All that changes however when her mother (Kierston Wareing) brings home Connor (Michael Fassbender) who promises to inject some love into the home.
This is a highly confronting film where the boundaries of property and person disappear in ways that becoming ever more problematic as the movie progresses. The language is coarse and the cinematography often contributes to the sense of dissonance. Jarvis gives a magnificent performance, mixing both anger and determination to get what she wants. Fassbender’s Prince Charming is totally convincing even though there are persistent worries as to the appropriateness of his relationship with Mia.
The last 15 minutes is deeply unsettling and is as uncomfortable to view at times as say scenes from last year’s Samson & Delilah. The juxtaposition of homely desires – the family picnic, tidy rooms, generosity to all – against the moral vacuity that all the players embrace keeps one engrossed.
Rated as the best British film of the year, Fish Tank is a must see (if you can stomach it.)
Kryztoff Rating 4K
Posted by Peter in Cabaret
A musical exploration of love and all its pleasures and pains is common fodder for the Cabaret Fringe. But Lisette and Her Faux Manouches promise some less expected songs portrayed in less expected ways (Roy Orbison in Spanish anyone?) and delivers a beautiful and at times tragic review of love in all its forms.
Lisette battled on through a thin audience and an ill-fitting and sterile venue with a voice that drips with experience, aided by her excellent backing band: her faux manouches, or, for the steadfastly mono-lingual, ‘fake gypsies’ . Her voice is unpretentious, she leaves all the vocal acrobatics to the amateurs on reality television shows, and what is left is pure, unguarded and evocative.
Likewise, her musicians are all skilled and understated, and they let the finely crafted songs do the talking, blending the traditional with gypsy, jazz and Cabaret. Lisette served to remind us of the beauty of Jaques Brel, Django Reinhardt, Roy Orbison, and even the James Bond theme; their songs interwoven with her far flung stories of love.
Though one might suspect Lisette’s patter between songs was slightly over-rehearsed and at times was somewhat deflated by the venue and reticent audience (her jokes worked best when off the cuff) Lisette and Her Faux Manouches was close to captivating if for nothing but the music itself – a worthy look for anybody appreciative of music with a European twist.
Kryztoff Rating – 3.5K
Posted by Peter in Cabaret
The concept of “vaudeville noir” is delightfully promising; take the wonderfully varied and entertaining performance styles of vaudeville and add a dash of mystery and intrigue to create the ultimate cabaret experience. Unfortunately The Dry Martinis and the Cigarettes of Doom did not live up to this potential.
The show consisted of multiple short scenes of an assortment of art-forms; from the usual song and dance, to slapstick interludes, lamentable magic tricks and a somewhat more enjoyable fire-twirling routine. The stage set-up was simple, appropriate and functional, with backdrop banners differentiating scenes effectively. Two major flaws of the show were the slow pace and the stilted transition from one act to another.
The two lead “characters” primarily interacted through tango and, though technically accurate, the lack of emotion and engagement of the performers was disappointing. In contrast, the dance routines performed by ‘The Doomettes’ were undoubtedly the highlights of the show, particularly the cheeky number Senora which lifted the energy in the room and got the audience clapping along. Unfortunately, this momentum was then lost due to the imposition of an unnecessary interval.
Though there appeared to be some effort made to include an overarching plot-line to tie the various aspects of the show together, this was not clear and became even more confused and unfathomable as the performance went on. Overall, the production felt disjointed and, while there were some commendable features, it did not work as a complete package.
Kryztoff Rating 2.5K
Posted by Peter in Cabaret
Bygone Error are promoted as “purveyors of fine entertainment” and this is a very apt summary. In the function room of the newly refurbished Whitmore Hotel, this father and son team (Paul and Christian Reynolds) take their audience on a whimsical and wholesome journey through the world of the Victorian Music Halls, complete with sing-a-longs and double entendres to spare.
This engaging duo interspersed songs of the era (you’ll be shocked by how many you recognise) with a dash of history – including interesting anecdotes about the composers of said songs and information about the environment they were first performed in – as well as various jokes; some hilarious, some satisfyingly groan-worthy. The music was spot on; both men have pleasing voices that blend well together and lend themselves admirably to the style, while the simple accompaniment was appropriate and well executed.
Despite the drawbacks of low numbers at the late night session and the fact that it was their second show of the evening, the performers kept up an impressive level of energy and engaged the audience throughout. This is a unique, locally produced show, which is highly entertaining, creates joy and will leave you with a smile on your face.
Kryztoff Rating 4.5K
Posted by Jenna in RAW: Film
Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda and Samantha. Those four girls. Their individual style. Yes, the second Sex and the City film is here!
The movie, which premiered in Adelaide last Friday, will see women of all ages unite for a feast of fun, fashion and friendship. It doesn’t matter about the story line, gee, all most women care about is the outfits the girls wear. It’s really just about escapism, and two hours worth of it.
But as for the storyline? Well, it’s nothing groundbreaking. In fact, you could take a snooze and upon waking still get the gist of what’s going on. The film picks up two years on from the first Sex and the City film. Carrie and Big are falling into a rut, Charlotte’s daughter is experiencing the ‘terrible twos’, Miranda is struggling with her job and Samantha is beginning to experience the effects of menopause. The four girls need to get away and, by way of coincidence, Samantha snares the girls an all expenses trip to Abu Dhabi. It is in Abu Dhabi that the majority of the film is based.
Of course costume designer and stylist Patricia Field brings the goods with the fashion. Outfits are changed in seemingly every scene reminding us just how fun fashion should be. And truthfully, it really is the fashion that is the highlight of the film.
Let’s be honest, most girls are going to see the film regardless of the reviews. I just hope they don’t make a Sex and the City 3.
2.5/5