Saturday, 31 January 2009
Arsenal v West Ham, 15:00
West Ham are on a decent run having not lost since playing Villa on December 20. Arsenal will be keen to get closer to a Champions League spot, being five points off the mark. It's the time of the season when it starts to count and Arsenal should have enough at home to beat the Hammers.
2-1
Aston Villa v Wigan, 15:00
Forth place Villa should be confident of beating most teams in the league but Wigan are no pushover. Wigan's Mido tends to do well when he joins a club and then lose interest so I'm going to say that he'll score here.
1-1
Bolton v Tottenham, 15:00
There's nothing apart from goal difference between these two sides. Bolton haven't won for a while and will be wanting to make up for that.
1-0
Fulham v Portsmouth, 15:00
Fulham have been poor recently but Portsmouth have been even worse as they continue their descent towards The Championship.
2-0
Hull v West Brom, 15:00
Hull started the season making a mockery of the people who suggested that they would be relegation fodder and West Brom have unwittingly done the opposite. Despite being thrashed by Man Utd in the week, West Brom have improved as Hull have declined. But, West Brom aren't very impressive on the road.
2-0
Man Utd v Everton, 17:30
Everton never beat Man Utd.
1-0
Middlesbrough v Blackburn, 15:00
Boro threaten their fans with the prospect of relegation every year but always finish in the middle of the table. Rovers will be tough to beat.
1-1
Stoke v Man City, 12:45
The once mighty Stoke face the team with all the money but not the talent. City are good enough to beat them and Bellamy has played his best football under Hughes in the past.
1-2
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Sunday, 1 February 2009
Liverpool v Chelsea, 16:00
Since Benitez needlessly opened his mouth in an effort to derail Man Utd's title charge he's seen his own side slip away. Liverpool desperately need a win if they are to believe that they are still in the race to bring Anfield its first Premiership crown. With so little between them it's possible that Chelsea could get something from this but I'm going to go with my heart.
2-1
Newcastle v Sunderland, 13:30
Newcastle have been falling fast since they gave Kinnear a contract until they end of the season. Sunderland are nothing to write home about but they could find themselves back on Wearside with tree points in the bag.
0-1
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Film Review: Gran Torino
Starsky and Hutch drove a 1974 Ford Gran Torino, here a 1972 model is used to symbolise greatness in the American past. Clint Eastwood plays a recently widowed grumpy old man. His character Walt Kowalski (Walt Disney by way of Stanley Kowalski?) expresses disdain at the fact that his granddaughter openly wears a belly button ring at her grandmother's funeral with a broadly comic grunt.
This early expression suggests a lighter tone but it soon appears that this an examination of racial tensions like Crash but on a smaller scale. Kowalski openly espouses racial slurs and even does so casually with his Irish and Italian friends. After interrupting a transgression between his Hmong neighbours, Walt becomes a hero to them. The family's son Thao admits that he tried to steal Walt's prized Gran Torino and in restitution reluctantly agrees to do some chores for Walt. Walt his equally reluctant to take him on but does so and we soon have the classic dynamic of reluctant teacher and apprentice which Eastwood last did in Million Dollar Baby.
The story then plays out in textbook fashion until the final act when it returns to examining the racial tensions it had alluded to earlier in the film. Walt doesn't cease to be racist but gains some respect for his neighbours before embarking on a revenge mission akin to Travis Bickle's in Taxi Driver. There follows an unexpected ending which feels like a cop out designed to aid dramatic and emotional resonance and as a result made the film seem rather pointless. I'd question the politics of the film because, in lamenting the loss of an America and suggesting a return to those old white working class values, the film. despite itself appears racist. If only there was a white avenger to fix America.
This is a confused film which wouldn't work at all without the presence of Eastwood but ultimately it turns out to be a vanity project with Eastwood ending with eulogy for himself.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Film Review: W.
Having lionised and humanised American presidents in JFK and Nixon respectively Oliver Stone turns his attention to George W. Bush. The film was clearly written before the financial crisis took hold as it focuses on the build up to the invasion of Iraq and Bush's journey from boozy hellraiser to president of the United States of America.
The story is pretty well known: the son of the head of the CIA cum Vice President finds personal salvation through belief in Jesus and leaves behind his hellraising and alcohol abuse to become president. The film is about the personal journey rather than an analysis of his political faculties. Stone is seen as a political film maker but even his most politically themed films focus on the personal story of the protagonist rather than espousing a leftist belief. Great emphasis is placed on Bush's relationship with his father and his apparent inability to please him. Whereas Nixon portrayed a capable man haunted and encumbered by his own insecurities, W. shows a rather lazy, simple man with little ability beyond charm.
Much like Anthony Hopkins playing Nixon, Josh Brolin gives an impression of the president without doing an impression but lacks Bush's trademark smirk. This makes for a more convincing character rather than one thinking, "Oh, he's just like Bush there" or "that was unconvincing". The supporting cast are convincing except English actress Thandie Newton in the role of Condi Rice who does a strangely affected voice.
Stone's direction is more restrained than in the past. The editing is more conventional than than the "vertical" style he started with on JFK and took to extremes on Natural Born Killers. In an interview a few years ago he rejected criticisms that his works lacks subtlety and claimed that the cross-cutting and juxtaposition was subtle. W. is a far more subtle film; only when Bush portrays himself as a hero and the soundtrack plays the Robin Hood theme does it become a little crass.
The film is an entertaining dramatisation of a man's rise to power but falls short as depiction of a president. The film goes no further than 2003, 9/11 features only in dialogue and mentions nothing of Hurricane Katrina and the financial crisis which has gripped the world. Perhaps when the script was written it seemed that the invasion of Iraq would be Bush's lasting legacy but that was premature. Nixon ended with a man's fall from grace but with an assertion of the positives he achieved such as opening dialogue with China but this ends with a man slightly lost. The film's release was timed to coincide with the 2008 election and timely as that may have been it's resulted in an inconclusive film.
The story is pretty well known: the son of the head of the CIA cum Vice President finds personal salvation through belief in Jesus and leaves behind his hellraising and alcohol abuse to become president. The film is about the personal journey rather than an analysis of his political faculties. Stone is seen as a political film maker but even his most politically themed films focus on the personal story of the protagonist rather than espousing a leftist belief. Great emphasis is placed on Bush's relationship with his father and his apparent inability to please him. Whereas Nixon portrayed a capable man haunted and encumbered by his own insecurities, W. shows a rather lazy, simple man with little ability beyond charm.
Much like Anthony Hopkins playing Nixon, Josh Brolin gives an impression of the president without doing an impression but lacks Bush's trademark smirk. This makes for a more convincing character rather than one thinking, "Oh, he's just like Bush there" or "that was unconvincing". The supporting cast are convincing except English actress Thandie Newton in the role of Condi Rice who does a strangely affected voice.
Stone's direction is more restrained than in the past. The editing is more conventional than than the "vertical" style he started with on JFK and took to extremes on Natural Born Killers. In an interview a few years ago he rejected criticisms that his works lacks subtlety and claimed that the cross-cutting and juxtaposition was subtle. W. is a far more subtle film; only when Bush portrays himself as a hero and the soundtrack plays the Robin Hood theme does it become a little crass.
The film is an entertaining dramatisation of a man's rise to power but falls short as depiction of a president. The film goes no further than 2003, 9/11 features only in dialogue and mentions nothing of Hurricane Katrina and the financial crisis which has gripped the world. Perhaps when the script was written it seemed that the invasion of Iraq would be Bush's lasting legacy but that was premature. Nixon ended with a man's fall from grace but with an assertion of the positives he achieved such as opening dialogue with China but this ends with a man slightly lost. The film's release was timed to coincide with the 2008 election and timely as that may have been it's resulted in an inconclusive film.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Bye bye, Bush
Obama enters the White House and I expected to have more to say. You should be reading my thoughts on future prospects for America or the world but I didn't do the research in time. Neither did I put together a planned piece on George W. Bush. There's so much to say but I want to have a structure and not just say "Bush was bad, Obama brings hope".
As George leaves The White House I can't help but think, "How did he get there in the first place?" I'm vaguely familiar with the story and followed the news closely enough to have known him when he was just a potential candidate and known simply as George Bush Junior. The focus on the news has been Obama's race but to me he's always been a credible alternative to the Bush Administration. If I have a quiet day tomorrow I'll write something a bit more substantial and something that I can (vainly) imagine being published somewhere.
As George leaves The White House I can't help but think, "How did he get there in the first place?" I'm vaguely familiar with the story and followed the news closely enough to have known him when he was just a potential candidate and known simply as George Bush Junior. The focus on the news has been Obama's race but to me he's always been a credible alternative to the Bush Administration. If I have a quiet day tomorrow I'll write something a bit more substantial and something that I can (vainly) imagine being published somewhere.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Premiership Predictions
Tuesday, 27 January 2009
Portsmouth v Aston Villa, 20:00
Pompey fans witnessed a miracle when the saw David "The Nuge" Nugent score yesterday. Equally miraculous would be if Tony Adams's side were to beat Aston Villa. O'Neill's quick side are very good on the counter attack and they should be able to use that to their advantage here.
0-2
Sunderland v Fulham, 19:45
I drastically overestimated Fulham's ability at the weekend before they were thrashed by West Ham. Sunderland are no great shakes but that's not to say they can't beat a Fulham side who have just been kicked in the proverbials.
1-1
Tottenham v Stoke, 20:00
So close is the league this year that Happy Harry's escape act sees Spurs out of the drop zone by virtue only of goal difference. The briefly might Stoke have been on a precipitous run since Rory Delap started to receive treatment on one of his shoulders. They were resolute against Chelsea on Saturday but the men from Stamford Bridge had too much in the end.
2-0
West Brom v Man Utd, 19:45
After a tawdry start to the season the Baggies have recently had successive home victories. Man Utd needed the entire game to get a winner on Saturday against a solid Bolton. West Brom will be more open in their play and it would be a fool to bet against the champions.
0-1
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Wednesday, 28 January 2009
Blackburn v Bolton, 20:00
Big Sam plays host to his former employers. After the debacle with his replacement, Sammy Lee, Bolton are once again a solid side after the controversial appointment of the self-proclaimed Ginger Morinho, Gary Megson. HAs draw written all over it.
1-1
Chelsea v Middlesbrough, 19:45
Whilst Chelsea fought back to get a win on Saturday Boro were suffering the humiliation of a thrashing and finding themselves in the relegation zone. The Teesiders will be looking to atone for that and have beaten Chelsea in recent years. Wild card prediction that Boro will upset the odds.
0-1
Everton v Arsenal, 20:00
One of Everton's few good players, Arteta, is reputedly a target for Arsenal. He tends to disappear against the better sides to he might be a good fit at the Emirates. Until that time he'll take his place in Moyes's rudimentary side. Arsenal are lacking Fabregas but have looked better recently and have not yet gone beyind the six defeats which would absolutely rule out a shot at the title. Everton will be tired after Monday's Derby.
1-2
Man City v Newcastle, 19:45
One club is trying to be all and sunder at any price whereas the other can't sell themselves. Two sides who are tricky to predict. The stories about Kaka can no doubt have unsettled City but sometimes Newcastle are just plain average.
2-1
West Ham v Hull, 20:00
The Hammers have now sold Craig Bellamy but face an uncertain financial future - who doesn't. After a promising start, Hull are now looking like the relegation fodder that everyone expected to see this year.
2-0
Wigan v Liverpool, 19:45
Like Everton, Liverpool could be fatigued following Monday's game. They'll need every watt of energy to overcome a good Wigan side.
0-0
Portsmouth v Aston Villa, 20:00
Pompey fans witnessed a miracle when the saw David "The Nuge" Nugent score yesterday. Equally miraculous would be if Tony Adams's side were to beat Aston Villa. O'Neill's quick side are very good on the counter attack and they should be able to use that to their advantage here.
0-2
Sunderland v Fulham, 19:45
I drastically overestimated Fulham's ability at the weekend before they were thrashed by West Ham. Sunderland are no great shakes but that's not to say they can't beat a Fulham side who have just been kicked in the proverbials.
1-1
Tottenham v Stoke, 20:00
So close is the league this year that Happy Harry's escape act sees Spurs out of the drop zone by virtue only of goal difference. The briefly might Stoke have been on a precipitous run since Rory Delap started to receive treatment on one of his shoulders. They were resolute against Chelsea on Saturday but the men from Stamford Bridge had too much in the end.
2-0
West Brom v Man Utd, 19:45
After a tawdry start to the season the Baggies have recently had successive home victories. Man Utd needed the entire game to get a winner on Saturday against a solid Bolton. West Brom will be more open in their play and it would be a fool to bet against the champions.
0-1
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Wednesday, 28 January 2009
Blackburn v Bolton, 20:00
Big Sam plays host to his former employers. After the debacle with his replacement, Sammy Lee, Bolton are once again a solid side after the controversial appointment of the self-proclaimed Ginger Morinho, Gary Megson. HAs draw written all over it.
1-1
Chelsea v Middlesbrough, 19:45
Whilst Chelsea fought back to get a win on Saturday Boro were suffering the humiliation of a thrashing and finding themselves in the relegation zone. The Teesiders will be looking to atone for that and have beaten Chelsea in recent years. Wild card prediction that Boro will upset the odds.
0-1
Everton v Arsenal, 20:00
One of Everton's few good players, Arteta, is reputedly a target for Arsenal. He tends to disappear against the better sides to he might be a good fit at the Emirates. Until that time he'll take his place in Moyes's rudimentary side. Arsenal are lacking Fabregas but have looked better recently and have not yet gone beyind the six defeats which would absolutely rule out a shot at the title. Everton will be tired after Monday's Derby.
1-2
Man City v Newcastle, 19:45
One club is trying to be all and sunder at any price whereas the other can't sell themselves. Two sides who are tricky to predict. The stories about Kaka can no doubt have unsettled City but sometimes Newcastle are just plain average.
2-1
West Ham v Hull, 20:00
The Hammers have now sold Craig Bellamy but face an uncertain financial future - who doesn't. After a promising start, Hull are now looking like the relegation fodder that everyone expected to see this year.
2-0
Wigan v Liverpool, 19:45
Like Everton, Liverpool could be fatigued following Monday's game. They'll need every watt of energy to overcome a good Wigan side.
0-0
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Tony Hart
It was revealed today that Tony Hart died aged 83. Hart presented arts programmes for children when I was growing up and long before that. He was largely responsible for the interest I have in art.
It's hard to say why I was interested in art and drawing itself but I enjoyed playing with crayons and felt-tip pens and my Mum always encouraged me, having studied art at school herself. She dropped out before she could complete her exams but it was always a presence when I was growing up. This lead to me studying art at school myself. I managed to get a place on an Art Foundation course which I would have done after my A Levels but I felt I'd had enough of drawing and painting at that time, and pursued an interest in film and television instead.
Although I never pursued a career in art I believe it formed strong bonds early in my life. I had a couple of friends in secondary school and I think we influenced each other. They certainly influenced me. I'd never considered the life of an artist or television director to be a realistic pursuit and though of being a lawyer - a proper occupation. Beside the fact that I didn't have the academic ability to become a lawyer and have yet to make any strides in film or television I think that grounding lead me to being who I am today an the choices I've made along the way.
None of this came directly from Tony Hart but it was his presentation of drawing and painting that was entertaining and educational. I haven't watched any of his shows for year and can only draw on the memories of childhood which may be clouded by nostalgia but I recall a dignity about the man. He presented a show for children without patronising his audience or trying to be wacky in that way some adults think kids relate to. There was a graceful austerity in his presentation.
I don't know when I would have stopped watching his shows but I remember them well, even from the times when I was very young, and I remember them fondly.
It's hard to say why I was interested in art and drawing itself but I enjoyed playing with crayons and felt-tip pens and my Mum always encouraged me, having studied art at school herself. She dropped out before she could complete her exams but it was always a presence when I was growing up. This lead to me studying art at school myself. I managed to get a place on an Art Foundation course which I would have done after my A Levels but I felt I'd had enough of drawing and painting at that time, and pursued an interest in film and television instead.
Although I never pursued a career in art I believe it formed strong bonds early in my life. I had a couple of friends in secondary school and I think we influenced each other. They certainly influenced me. I'd never considered the life of an artist or television director to be a realistic pursuit and though of being a lawyer - a proper occupation. Beside the fact that I didn't have the academic ability to become a lawyer and have yet to make any strides in film or television I think that grounding lead me to being who I am today an the choices I've made along the way.
None of this came directly from Tony Hart but it was his presentation of drawing and painting that was entertaining and educational. I haven't watched any of his shows for year and can only draw on the memories of childhood which may be clouded by nostalgia but I recall a dignity about the man. He presented a show for children without patronising his audience or trying to be wacky in that way some adults think kids relate to. There was a graceful austerity in his presentation.
I don't know when I would have stopped watching his shows but I remember them well, even from the times when I was very young, and I remember them fondly.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
I have a short attention sp... what was I saying?
Got a little side tracked yesterday. I went for a belated Xmas lunch with my (soon to be former) colleagues. Afterwards we went for what was meant to be no more than two drinks but we were out all afternoon and then two of my friends came here for beer and takeaway.
I discovered this evening that the bank have granted my request for an overdraft until the end of the month. They haven't written or phoned to confirm this. Probably just as well as I could have treated myself to something when I went shopping with a friend this afternoon. There's always tomorrow.
I watched The Wrestler this evening but I didn't concentrate enough (I kept looking at things on the internet) so I can't write a review fairly. In casual terms it was alright but not as good as I'd been lead to believe. Better than Slumdog Millionaire which seems to get more and more overrated with each passing day.
I discovered this evening that the bank have granted my request for an overdraft until the end of the month. They haven't written or phoned to confirm this. Probably just as well as I could have treated myself to something when I went shopping with a friend this afternoon. There's always tomorrow.
I watched The Wrestler this evening but I didn't concentrate enough (I kept looking at things on the internet) so I can't write a review fairly. In casual terms it was alright but not as good as I'd been lead to believe. Better than Slumdog Millionaire which seems to get more and more overrated with each passing day.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Premiership Predictions
Saturday, 17 January 2009
Blackburn v Newcastle, 15:00
Newcastle are away and have started to look a bit shaky recently.
2-0
Bolton v Man Utd, 15:00
Man U will no doubt continue their charge towards the title.
0-1
Chelsea v Stoke, 15:00
Doubts are being cast on Big Phil's ability to bring the title back to Stamford Bridge. Abromovic has suffered losses due to the worldwide recession and won't sanction any expensive transfers. Lucky they're just playing Stoke and can redeem themselves for the thrashing they received from Man Utd.
2-0
Hull v Arsenal, 17:30
One of the shocks of the season was Hull's victory at the Emirates. They haven't looked that strong for a while. Arsenal can still turn it on with a good starting eleven. Gunners' revenge.
1-2
Man City v Wigan, 15:00
City could be close to paying over £100M for Kaka but can't be sure of winning this fixture. Steve Bruce's attackers are more than capable of breaching City's slipshod defence.
1-1
Sunderland v Aston Villa, 15:00
Villa are the Kings of Counter-attack. Sunderland have returned to type since Spragia's permanent appointment.
0-2
West Brom v Middlesbrough, 15:00
Mowbray played the best part of his career at Boro and no doubt keeps an eye on them. This is the type of fixture Boro lose.
2-0
Sunday, 18 January 2009
Tottenham v Portsmouth, 16:00
Appy Arry takes on his former protege. Both managers started well when Redknapp made the switch to Spurs but have since gone off the rails slightly.
1-1
West Ham v Fulham, 13:30
West Ham have no idea who will be on their playing staff come the close of the transfer window. Fulham have an astute manager in Roy Hodgson who should have enough nous to come away with a victory on the other side of London.
1-2
Monday, 19 January 2009
Liverpool v Everton, 20:00
Everton haven't won at Anfield for a number of years. Xabi Alonso has been a notable absence in midfield for Liverpool. Everton are a resilient side who will be dying to beat their more successful rivals but LIverpool should have enough with Torres, Gerrard, Alonso and Mascherano to beat the Toffeemen.
2-1
Blackburn v Newcastle, 15:00
Newcastle are away and have started to look a bit shaky recently.
2-0
Bolton v Man Utd, 15:00
Man U will no doubt continue their charge towards the title.
0-1
Chelsea v Stoke, 15:00
Doubts are being cast on Big Phil's ability to bring the title back to Stamford Bridge. Abromovic has suffered losses due to the worldwide recession and won't sanction any expensive transfers. Lucky they're just playing Stoke and can redeem themselves for the thrashing they received from Man Utd.
2-0
Hull v Arsenal, 17:30
One of the shocks of the season was Hull's victory at the Emirates. They haven't looked that strong for a while. Arsenal can still turn it on with a good starting eleven. Gunners' revenge.
1-2
Man City v Wigan, 15:00
City could be close to paying over £100M for Kaka but can't be sure of winning this fixture. Steve Bruce's attackers are more than capable of breaching City's slipshod defence.
1-1
Sunderland v Aston Villa, 15:00
Villa are the Kings of Counter-attack. Sunderland have returned to type since Spragia's permanent appointment.
0-2
West Brom v Middlesbrough, 15:00
Mowbray played the best part of his career at Boro and no doubt keeps an eye on them. This is the type of fixture Boro lose.
2-0
Sunday, 18 January 2009
Tottenham v Portsmouth, 16:00
Appy Arry takes on his former protege. Both managers started well when Redknapp made the switch to Spurs but have since gone off the rails slightly.
1-1
West Ham v Fulham, 13:30
West Ham have no idea who will be on their playing staff come the close of the transfer window. Fulham have an astute manager in Roy Hodgson who should have enough nous to come away with a victory on the other side of London.
1-2
Monday, 19 January 2009
Liverpool v Everton, 20:00
Everton haven't won at Anfield for a number of years. Xabi Alonso has been a notable absence in midfield for Liverpool. Everton are a resilient side who will be dying to beat their more successful rivals but LIverpool should have enough with Torres, Gerrard, Alonso and Mascherano to beat the Toffeemen.
2-1
Georgia On My Mind
Had a pretty busy day today - by my standards. I have yet another inspection tomorrow because they've been unable to make it here before. Luckily, my flat has been in a reasonable state but I still had to do some cleaning and tidying because I'm naturally messy. As well as grocery shopping I had to get some packaging for something I've sold on eBay.
In between all that I got a call from a recruiter about a job opportunity so I spent much of the evening updating my CV. The company I'm hoping to work for is originally for Columbus, Georgia.
In between all that I got a call from a recruiter about a job opportunity so I spent much of the evening updating my CV. The company I'm hoping to work for is originally for Columbus, Georgia.
Absent mind
I've forgotten to write something today/yesterday. I cycled and played
football last night, and didn't feel exhausted from it today so went
for another run tonight. Eating a packetvof biscuits in 24 hours was
also a factor. And I had a lot of peanut M&Ms on Monday. Hopefully
this additional run will reduce any aches that one can experience the
day after the day after. Or it will make them worse.
football last night, and didn't feel exhausted from it today so went
for another run tonight. Eating a packetvof biscuits in 24 hours was
also a factor. And I had a lot of peanut M&Ms on Monday. Hopefully
this additional run will reduce any aches that one can experience the
day after the day after. Or it will make them worse.
Sent from my iPhone
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
The price of laziness
A new super market opened down the road from me three months ago. It's a little further than the one I normally go to so I hadn't bothered until this afternoon. It's so much cheaper. I shall be going there in future and wonder how much money I could have saved had I been going for the past few months.
Money is extremely tight until the end of the month. I'm selling a few things on eBay which I hope will keep me going til the end of the month. I'll be fine at the end of the months because I receive my redundancy package. I don't want to fritter any of it away but, for the immediate future I won't have to think, "how am I going to eat between now and the end of the month".
If the newest supermarket takes cheques it won't be as much of a problem.
Money is extremely tight until the end of the month. I'm selling a few things on eBay which I hope will keep me going til the end of the month. I'll be fine at the end of the months because I receive my redundancy package. I don't want to fritter any of it away but, for the immediate future I won't have to think, "how am I going to eat between now and the end of the month".
If the newest supermarket takes cheques it won't be as much of a problem.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Film Review: Slumdog Millionaire
On the day that it was successful at the Golden Globes I went to see the much heralded Slumdog Millionaire. Its premise is not one that really appealed to me but such was the acclaim that I went to see it, expecting to see something amazing.
Jamal (Dev Patel, best known as Anwar from Skins) is a twenty year old from the slums of Mumbai (that's Bombay to those who don't follow world events that closely) who is on the cusp of winning India's version of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire. Due to the fact that Jamal is from the slums, questions are asked as to how such a boy could know the answers and we first meet him being interrogated and tortured by the police. The film then reveals through flashback instances from Jamal's youth which allowed him to answer each question. He has an eventful childhood as he and his more outgoing brother escape a Fagin like child abductor and end up scamming tourists at the Taj Mahal. Escape is a continuing theme in the film as well as long lost and unrequited love - Jamal pursues Latika whom he'd loved and lost as a small boy.
The film can be praised for its direction, editing, and performances of the child actors playing the young Jamal and his brother Kamil. However, I have a number of reservations about the film.
Firstly, the structure of the film is laid out very early on in that each question relates to an incident in Jamal's life. Most viewers will be familiar with Who Wants To Be Millionaire and will be aware that the ultimate goal is to get to the last question and win a million pounds (or 20M rupees as it is in the film). This I found to be an artificial narrative device to propel the drama.
Secondly, and this may come down to personal taste, but the film is essentially a grim (not Grimm) fairytale in that despite its ugly depictions of poverty in India, the film is a fantasy. I prefer the more constant misery found in Tsotsi and City Of God. I felt that, as grim as some of the scenes are, this is something of a postcard representation of poverty. There's a scene in the film where American tourists are conned when looking for the "real" India and I can't help but this that those American tourists are much like the critics and audiences who have fallen for this film. The film, based on the novel Q&A by Vikas Swarup, is scripted Simon Beaufoy who wrote The Full Monty. That was a film that was much loved and was praised for it's depiction of the gritty North but I found it to be little more than a well made TV movie which had none of the grit of a Ken Loach film. This is a far better film than The Full Monty but shares its essentially light tone.
Knowing that Jamal would have to answer the final question I found myself hoping that he would get there quicker and that the film was about twenty minutes longer than it needed to be. Phil French of The Observer rightly describes it as Dickensian. This is right because it shared Dickens light and slightly romantic touch. This is not a bad film but it's nowhere near as good as some people will have you believe.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Absentia
I've neglected to write much this week. I've forgotten a few times but it's also been pretty uneventful. It was my first week back to job hunting but it was also the first week after Xmas and New Years where I wasn't eating copious amounts of sweets and biscuits every day. I really suffered from lower sugar levels and didn't feel at all happy.
I had headaches and a general feeling of unease with the job hunting process. It wasn't until Friday afternoon that my head seemed to clear. I hope I continue in this vein. I knew that by eating all my Xmas sweets in a short space of time that I'd suffer like I did but at the time it's hard to think that, "It's only the lack of sugar".
I'm selling a few things on eBay in an attempt to feed myself for the rest of the month. Fingers crossed that I raise enough money and get it quickly enough.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Premiership Predictions
Saturday, 10 January 2009
Arsenal v Bolton, 15:00
When Big Sam was in charge at Bolton they were feared by Arsenal because his physical side ofter gave Arsenal problems. Bolton are not so intimidating these days but neither are Arsenal. Arsenal might be vying for fourth spot with Villa but they lack the quality of players they once did. Lacking their only consistently good player, Cesc Fabregas, Arsenal are not a team to fear.
1-1
Aston Villa v West Brom, 12:45
High-flying villa take on their lowly MIdlands rivals in an early kick off. West Brom might attempt to play attractive football but Villa's speed and urgency will pass them by.
2-0
Everton v Hull, 15:00
Strikerless Everton take on a slowly dwindling Hull. Phil Brown's players will surely not wish to face the ignominy of being dressed down on the pitch at half time and it's hard to see Everton scoring enough goals to force such an occasion.
1-0
Fulham v Blackburn, 15:00
Fulham have quietly been going about their business and are deservedly in ninth place. Blackburn are under new management and Big Sam should re-instill the toughness that made them so difficult to play against under Mark Hughes.
1-1
Middlesbrough v Sunderland, 15:00
The Tees-Wear derby doesn't really interest anyone outside those two cities. Sunderland did well when Spragia was the caretaker manager but lost their first game 3-0 when he took full charge. Boro can turn it on when they need to.
2-0
Newcastle v West Ham, 15:00
The latest rumour has Newcastle interested in Barry Ferguson. A Scotsman who couldn't even cut the mustard at Blackburn. Can things get any worse for the Magpies? Well, they can't expect to have Michael Owen for longer than the end of the season or possibly the end of the month if a gullible buyer can be found for the diminutive crock. There has to be some unrest at West Ham as the club approach possible administration and the prospect of their best players being sold off.
1-1
Portsmouth v Man City, 15:00
Tony Adams is rumoured to be interested in resurrecting the career of Joey Barton but it's time he focused on restoring his club's fortunes. Pompey have sold Diarra to Real Madrid and Jermaine Defoe is now lacing up his boots in North London. These are key loses to Portsmouth. Man City are either brilliant or abysmal so it's nigh on impossible to know which team will turn up. City can score here but have a poor defence.
2-2
Stoke v Liverpool, 17:30
Stoke have lost some of the resilience that garnered them a scoreless draw at Anfield earlier in the season. Liverpool, flying high at the top of table will be expecting carry the momentum forward from their recent games and make up for the points dropped at Anfield.
0-2
Sunday, 11 January 2009
Man Utd v Chelsea, 16:00
One would normally expect this to be a top of the table clash but with Chelsea's apparent reluctance to win games and move ahead of Liverpool, and United's ventures to the Far East this doesn't appear to be such an attractive fixture. However, Chelsea will be desperate to stay in the race for the title and United will want to catch up with the leaders. I'm torn between 1-1 and a United victory but I'm going to go with United because it's Scolari's first game at Old Trafford.
2-1
Wigan v Tottenham, 13:30
Few would have predicted that Spurs would be trailing Wigan by 7 points at this stage of the season but that's in large part due to Juande Ramos's tenure at the start of the season. Harry Redknapp has the players playing for him now. Wigan are reasonable at home and Emile Heskey might be parading himself in the shop window as he looks for a transfer elsewhere.
1-0
Wednesday, 14 January 2009
Man Utd v Wigan, 20:00
One of United's two games in hand that they will consider a failure if they lose. As one of Ferguson's former players Steve Bruce won't want to lose either so expect a close contest.
1-0
Arsenal v Bolton, 15:00
When Big Sam was in charge at Bolton they were feared by Arsenal because his physical side ofter gave Arsenal problems. Bolton are not so intimidating these days but neither are Arsenal. Arsenal might be vying for fourth spot with Villa but they lack the quality of players they once did. Lacking their only consistently good player, Cesc Fabregas, Arsenal are not a team to fear.
1-1
Aston Villa v West Brom, 12:45
High-flying villa take on their lowly MIdlands rivals in an early kick off. West Brom might attempt to play attractive football but Villa's speed and urgency will pass them by.
2-0
Everton v Hull, 15:00
Strikerless Everton take on a slowly dwindling Hull. Phil Brown's players will surely not wish to face the ignominy of being dressed down on the pitch at half time and it's hard to see Everton scoring enough goals to force such an occasion.
1-0
Fulham v Blackburn, 15:00
Fulham have quietly been going about their business and are deservedly in ninth place. Blackburn are under new management and Big Sam should re-instill the toughness that made them so difficult to play against under Mark Hughes.
1-1
Middlesbrough v Sunderland, 15:00
The Tees-Wear derby doesn't really interest anyone outside those two cities. Sunderland did well when Spragia was the caretaker manager but lost their first game 3-0 when he took full charge. Boro can turn it on when they need to.
2-0
Newcastle v West Ham, 15:00
The latest rumour has Newcastle interested in Barry Ferguson. A Scotsman who couldn't even cut the mustard at Blackburn. Can things get any worse for the Magpies? Well, they can't expect to have Michael Owen for longer than the end of the season or possibly the end of the month if a gullible buyer can be found for the diminutive crock. There has to be some unrest at West Ham as the club approach possible administration and the prospect of their best players being sold off.
1-1
Portsmouth v Man City, 15:00
Tony Adams is rumoured to be interested in resurrecting the career of Joey Barton but it's time he focused on restoring his club's fortunes. Pompey have sold Diarra to Real Madrid and Jermaine Defoe is now lacing up his boots in North London. These are key loses to Portsmouth. Man City are either brilliant or abysmal so it's nigh on impossible to know which team will turn up. City can score here but have a poor defence.
2-2
Stoke v Liverpool, 17:30
Stoke have lost some of the resilience that garnered them a scoreless draw at Anfield earlier in the season. Liverpool, flying high at the top of table will be expecting carry the momentum forward from their recent games and make up for the points dropped at Anfield.
0-2
Sunday, 11 January 2009
Man Utd v Chelsea, 16:00
One would normally expect this to be a top of the table clash but with Chelsea's apparent reluctance to win games and move ahead of Liverpool, and United's ventures to the Far East this doesn't appear to be such an attractive fixture. However, Chelsea will be desperate to stay in the race for the title and United will want to catch up with the leaders. I'm torn between 1-1 and a United victory but I'm going to go with United because it's Scolari's first game at Old Trafford.
2-1
Wigan v Tottenham, 13:30
Few would have predicted that Spurs would be trailing Wigan by 7 points at this stage of the season but that's in large part due to Juande Ramos's tenure at the start of the season. Harry Redknapp has the players playing for him now. Wigan are reasonable at home and Emile Heskey might be parading himself in the shop window as he looks for a transfer elsewhere.
1-0
Wednesday, 14 January 2009
Man Utd v Wigan, 20:00
One of United's two games in hand that they will consider a failure if they lose. As one of Ferguson's former players Steve Bruce won't want to lose either so expect a close contest.
1-0
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Film Review: The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button
Director David Fincher first made his name with his second film, Se7en in 1994. He all but disowned his debut picture, Alien 3. The epoch defining Fight Club lead to the departure of Fox Pictures head of production due to the film's perceived commercial failure but increased Fincher's stock as a director. It appears that he has balanced studio money-making thrillers in The Game and Panic Room with more personal projects such as his latest, The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button.
Based on F. Scott's Fitzgerald's story the film sees Fincher reunited with Brad Pitt in telling the story of a baby born will the characteristics of an octogenarian who ages in reverse, becoming physically younger as his life progresses. Beginning as an old man Button gradually starts a relation with Daisy (Cate Blanchett) which grows stronger as the two become approximately the same age.
The film shifts the story to the recent past by starting the flashbacks in the build-up to Hurricane Katrina. This might have been intended to embed some dramatic tension but it seems forced as the real story is that of Benjamin Button. A fine makeup and CGI job is done to make Pitt look older, it's only when he's meant to be much younger than his actual self does it look fake.
The problem I have with the film is that although the concept is interesting and explores the notion of ageing backwards, it's a little slow and unengaging at times, as if its weighed down by its own importance. At two and a half hours, it's far too long. It's scripted by Eric Roth, who also wrote Forest Gump, but it lacks the wit and humour which made that so entertaining. It's a change of pace ad style for Fincher which he doesn't quite pull off.
Based on F. Scott's Fitzgerald's story the film sees Fincher reunited with Brad Pitt in telling the story of a baby born will the characteristics of an octogenarian who ages in reverse, becoming physically younger as his life progresses. Beginning as an old man Button gradually starts a relation with Daisy (Cate Blanchett) which grows stronger as the two become approximately the same age.
The film shifts the story to the recent past by starting the flashbacks in the build-up to Hurricane Katrina. This might have been intended to embed some dramatic tension but it seems forced as the real story is that of Benjamin Button. A fine makeup and CGI job is done to make Pitt look older, it's only when he's meant to be much younger than his actual self does it look fake.
The problem I have with the film is that although the concept is interesting and explores the notion of ageing backwards, it's a little slow and unengaging at times, as if its weighed down by its own importance. At two and a half hours, it's far too long. It's scripted by Eric Roth, who also wrote Forest Gump, but it lacks the wit and humour which made that so entertaining. It's a change of pace ad style for Fincher which he doesn't quite pull off.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Migraine and Chocolate
I finished the last of my Xmas sweets yesterday. I try and live a healthy and balanced life (not reflected in my blood pressure) but ate all the sweets I was given for Xmas. I often attribute the headaches I get to sugar intake. I try not to eat too much ordinarily but last night and this morning I had an almost debilitating headache. It's not just a pain in the head that is cured by a couple of paracetamols, it's something more overriding. There's a numbness of thought and dislocation of being.
I sat on my sofa suffering as though it was my lot in life to bear the brunt of sugar withdrawal. Then I saw sense and realised it might simply be dehydration - possibly induced by the diuretic qualities of chocolate. Therefore I drank several glasses of water. Lo and behold I felt better after about half an hour.
I met a friend for coffee and we then had a couple of pints of lager afterwards. After initially feeling sleepy when I got in I then started to feel a headache and a feeling of being washed out. I think it's a mild form of migraine and I don't experience the paralysis that besets other people but it is frustrating. I've been drinking water and have taken a few Ibuprofen to stem the feeling. I was playing guitar and I felt totally detached from the person making the music. I hope my head feel clearer by the time I go to bed because there's little worse than being kept awake by it and then being in a daze the following day.
Maybe I shouldn't have eaten all my Xmas sweets in such a short space of time.
I sat on my sofa suffering as though it was my lot in life to bear the brunt of sugar withdrawal. Then I saw sense and realised it might simply be dehydration - possibly induced by the diuretic qualities of chocolate. Therefore I drank several glasses of water. Lo and behold I felt better after about half an hour.
I met a friend for coffee and we then had a couple of pints of lager afterwards. After initially feeling sleepy when I got in I then started to feel a headache and a feeling of being washed out. I think it's a mild form of migraine and I don't experience the paralysis that besets other people but it is frustrating. I've been drinking water and have taken a few Ibuprofen to stem the feeling. I was playing guitar and I felt totally detached from the person making the music. I hope my head feel clearer by the time I go to bed because there's little worse than being kept awake by it and then being in a daze the following day.
Maybe I shouldn't have eaten all my Xmas sweets in such a short space of time.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Film Review: Ghost Town
Ricky Gervais takes his first lead in a film as an irascible English dentist in New York who, following a botched anaesthetic can hear and speak to dead people. His character is recruited by the ghost of Frank Herlihy (Greg Kinnear) to sabotage Frank's widow's relationship with another man. Dr Bertram Pincus (Gervais) soon finds himself attracted to Frank's widow (Hilary Clinton lookalike Tea Leoni) and in the most bizarre of love triangles.
The plot unfolds with no great surprises for a romantic comedy and the misanthropic Pincus is eventually redeemed. The film does reveal Gervais's shortcomings as an actor who doesn't seem quite as home on the silver screen as he does on TV or performing his standup.
The script is adequate. Gervais has referred to Woody Allen films when interviewed about the film but it lacks the bite of Allen's finest work. Allen's most celebrated work, Annie Hall, ends bittersweetly whereas this is just sweet.
The plot unfolds with no great surprises for a romantic comedy and the misanthropic Pincus is eventually redeemed. The film does reveal Gervais's shortcomings as an actor who doesn't seem quite as home on the silver screen as he does on TV or performing his standup.
The script is adequate. Gervais has referred to Woody Allen films when interviewed about the film but it lacks the bite of Allen's finest work. Allen's most celebrated work, Annie Hall, ends bittersweetly whereas this is just sweet.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Are you ready for the country?
I've spent most of today at my friend's new house out in the country. Had a good day.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Bringing in the New Year... I shouldn't have left it outside
I was up til 6.30 this morning seeing in the New Year. I didn't leave my friend's house til late this afternoon. I wasn't exactly filled with energy but it's possible that my cold has gone but I can't tell.
Tonight I watched The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button. I'm a bit too tired now two write a review. It might come tomorrow.
Tonight I watched The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button. I'm a bit too tired now two write a review. It might come tomorrow.
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