Cup of Coffee and a Sketchbook

Woody Allen, Sleeper (1973)

It has been some time since I last opened my sketchbook and let the doodles get the better of me. As a point of fact it has been some three months since I have updated the blog. I therefore thought it necessary to grace 2017's first post with a few sketches I've attempted whilst in a caffeine induced stupor. 

This is Danny Zuko if he never met Sandy and turned his back on what appeared to be a very promising jive-dancing career.

This reminds me, I haven't been to the dentist in a while.

This may look arty but I actually just dropped the sharpener.

'I'm going to draw Harry Potter' I thought.

Oh, hello John Lennon.

Film review: Seven (1995)

Directed by: David Fincher

Written by: Andrew Kevin Walker

Starring: Morgan Freeman, Brad Pitt, Kevin Spacey & Gwyneth Paltrow

Detective Somerset (Morgan Freeman) is partnered with Detective Mills (Brad Pitt) to investigate a number of grotesque murders, some grisly scenes I assure you.  John Doe (Kevin Spacey) is the warped suspect, killing remorselessly with graphic symbolism those he feels break the seven deadly sins.

It’s hard to tell where to start when a movie is this good. So here goes, Seven is one of the most visually interesting films I have seen in a long time, the gritty and sinister tone of this film is largely achieved through the cinematography, in post-production the film was developed using a technique called bleach bypass creating moody visuals which compliment the narrative fantastically whilst at the same time reflecting the characters’ emotions. It’s worth noting that Saving Private Ryan went through a similar film development process.

A detective thriller wouldn’t be a detective thriller without a pessimistic long-in-the-tooth cop partnered with a younger cocksure maverick, and the Morgan Freeman/Brad Pitt coupling works a treat. Whilst Gwyneth Paltrow beautifully represents the single glimmer of light amongst the criminality, which in a lesser film would appear inconsequential, but it’s Gwyneth Paltrow and she delivers a far from trivial performance. Then throw chilling Kevin Spacey into the mix, playing his role with seemingly effortless depravity it makes you feel like the film just doesn’t have enough Spacey.

Although the detective partnership is a marvel, I think the most intriguing correlation is between Freeman and Spacey. As the narrative develops you begin to notice the similarities between Somerset and John Doe, despite being on opposite sides of the law. Detective Somerset’s cynical viewpoint is shaped by his many years of investigating heinous crimes, leaving him disillusioned by human nature, this perception is shared by Spacey’s John Doe who goes about executing his own warped sense of justice. I feel all of this is summed up in Morgan Freeman’s line “Ernest Hemingway once wrote ‘the world is a fine place and worth fighting for’, I agree with the second part.”

As a self-proclaimed film geek I find it troubling that this is the first time I’ve seen Seven, especially when I’ve heard ‘what’s in the box?’ referenced so many times. So, if you’ve already seen this mid 90’s classic thriller then I hope this short review prompts you to revisit it. If like me you haven’t seen Seven then I would advise you to take heed, this is a film well worth your time.  

Alternative Christmas Movie - On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969)

Directed by: Peter R. Hunt

Written by: Richard Maibaum (screenplay), Simon Raven & Ian Fleming (novel)

Starring: George Lazenby, Diana Rigg & Telly Savalas

Tis the season to stock the snack drawer, curl up on the sofa and watch some festive films, and that’s exactly what I’ve done. There has been much thought and consideration from movie connoisseurs as to what are the top alternative Christmas flicks, and Die Hard is a film that has fully established its position at the top of the alternative Christmas tree. I thought I may throw another film into the ring and fight the corner for On Her Majesty’s Secret Service this Christmas.

OHMSS is the sixth in the Bond franchise, and sees James Bond (George Lazenby) meeting Teresa ‘Tracy’ Di Vicenzo (Diana Rigg) and assumes a cover to investigate Blowfeld’s Piz Gloria base in the Swiss Alps. This is Lazenby’s first and only appearance as the vodka martini drinking, trilby sporting, lady killing, baddy beating double-o; and my god doesn’t he do it with humility with a slight peppering of brutality. For the seven years prior to OHMSS with 5 films in between (completely overlooking 1967’s Casino Royale) Sean Connery was undeniably Bond, and so should that be the case. That said, I feel poor old George was set up to fail right from the outset, after all how dare this commercial actor step into Connery’s shoes. I can’t really put my finger on exactly why OHMSS is widely considered one of the weaker Bond films, it’s almost as if critics haven’t seen Moonraker. Lazenby’s Bond may have lacked the overall menace that Connery’s portrayal oozed, however his compassion, vulnerability and awkward brutality makes for a far more complex and realistic character, Lazenby brought fans an exposed human Bond which had later completely been lost during the Roger Moore reign and then was later revisited by Timothy Dalton.  Diana Rigg is an essential and compelling component to this film, her troubled character is perfectly matched with Lazenby’s Bond, and you get a complete sense of them being each other’s salvation.

The cinematography is also a huge credit to OHMSS, especially during fight scenes, chases, and other action sequences. So many elements make me consider the recent Jason Bourne franchise, the action is well paced, and makes you feel like you’re on a pair of skis being pursued through the alps by gunmen yourself.  

Everything about this Bond entry screams ‘way ahead of its time’, this may attribute to why it has been reconsidered in recent years.

Pros include: George Lazenby’s James Bond, Diana Rigg, Louis Armstrong, unforgettable storytelling and immersive action sequences.

Cons: Telly Savalas’ Blofeld – just not for me.

Die Hard can wait until next year, with much of the action taking place in the Swiss Alps and plenty of references to the festive season, OHMSS is a must see alternative Christmas film.

Film review: I, Daniel Blake (2016)

Directed by: Ken Loach

Written by: Paul Laverty

Starring: Dave Johns & Hayley Squires

You shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, similarly you shouldn’t judge a film by its trailer, and that’s exactly what I did. I saw a trailer for I, Daniel Blake the last time I was at the pictures and I thought ‘yes, that’s going to be a goodun’.’ I, Daniel Blake seemed to have an allure, maybe not in the same way that Star Wars: The Force Awakens made its convincing argument but in an understated hidden gem sort of way. Sometimes I can overlook the latest British films, the giant that is Hollywood delights the masses with some absolute greats which dominate cinema listings, some movies get lost on the crowded radar, the last brit-flick I caught on its release was the nostalgic reboot of Dad’s Army, so I thought I would give I, Daniel Blake a look.

Set in the backdrop of Newcastle, Ken Loach’s film tells the story of Daniel Blake (Dave Johns), a skilled carpenter who is put out of work due to ill health and finds himself experiencing the frustrations and tribulations of state welfare.

Unpolished and flawed characters, living on the breadline with an underlying feeling of abandonment from the government, it all sounds very British doesn’t it? Just like a brisk slap around the face or a particularly potent cup of coffee, I, Daniel Blake carries a very sobering and solemn message. The film is careful not to be stayed, ensuring that the narrative is well paced and develops in a way that keeps you entertained. Katie (Hayley Squires) is a single mother who, much like Daniel Blake, faces a daily struggle to pay rent and even provide food on the table. It’s absolutely clear to me that when writing the screenplay, Paul Laverty really considered the characters individually and how their relationships with one another should develop. It could be said that this movie does have an air of predictability, however it’s not necessary about the destination, more the journey the characters go on.

This film’s thought-provoking premise and wonderful script is combined with a very talented cast, making I, Daniel Blake a film which resonates with many people, especially in this time of global austerity, and I am sure will go down in British cinema history as a truly remarkable film.  

I can certainly recommend seeing this one. 

Seen it? Let me know your thoughts below.