WEIGH-IN WEDNESDAY
Unfortunately I'm back on the Plateau Shelf - no change - no loss - no gain. But before you all have a hissy fit and THE EVIL ONE demands that I be hung, drawn & quartered from a great height - let me tell you that Cindy has done a little research on Plateaus and found that if you have been dieting for some time, like myself (9 months), it's not unusual for Plateaus to last anything from three to six months. Now I don't think for one minute that will happen to me - I'm going to switch a couple of things around - so I'm expecting a loss next week. All I'm saying is these rather dry periods are to be expected. Now I've had my say - no doubt a few of you will have yours!
"IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR!"
Around this time year is when BAFTA contact their members of the Academy to invite them
to various industry Screenings in the hope that they will be persuaded to vote for the various
films being submitted for "Best British Film". This is a typical invitation to a Screening:
“Ruggedly beautiful and emotionally resonant… It’s no surprise that the versatile Vallée has elicited from Witherspoon an intensely committed turn that, in its blend of grit, vulnerability, physical bravery and emotional immediacy, represents easily her most affecting and substantial work in the nine years since Walk the Line.”
Justin Chang/Variety
FOX SEARCHLIGHT PICTURES
invites BAFTA members to see
REESE WITHERSPOON
WILD
on the big screen
WEDNESDAY 5 NOVEMBER
film at 6:30pm
Twentieth Century Fox Preview Theatre, Soho Square, London W1
or
WEDNESDAY 12 NOVEMBER
film at 7:00pm
Twentieth Century Fox Preview Theatre, Soho Square, London W1
When requesting seats please include your full name and advise if you would like to bring a guest. Please also state clearly the date of your preferred screening. We will respond to all emails in a timely fashion.
Director Jean-Marc Vallée (DALLAS BUYERS CLUB), Academy Award® winner Reese Witherspoon (WALK THE LINE) and Academy Award nominated screenwriter Nick Hornby (AN EDUCATION) bring bestselling author Cheryl Strayed’s extraordinary adventure to the screen. After years of reckless behavior, a heroin addiction and the destruction of her marriage, Strayed makes a rash decision. Haunted by memories of her mother Bobbi (Academy Award nominee Laura Dern) and with absolutely no experience, she sets out to hike more than a thousand miles on the Pacific Crest Trail all on her own. WILD powerfully reveals her terrors and pleasures --as she forges ahead on a journey that maddens, strengthens, and ultimately heals her.
Fox Searchlight Pictures presents a Pacific Standard production, WILD starring Reese Witherspoon, Laura Dern, Thomas Sadoski, Michiel Huisman, Gaby Hoffmann, Kevin Rankin, W. Earl Brown, Mo McRae, Keene McRae.
The film is directed by Jean-Marc Vallée (YOUNG VICTORIA) with a screenplay by Nick Hornby (ABOUT A BOY), based on the book by Cheryl Strayed. Producers are Reese Witherspoon, p.g.a. (GONE GIRL), Bruna Papandrea, p.g.a. (MILK) and Bill Pohlad (12 YEARS A SLAVE); executive producers are Bergen Swanson (THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT), Nathan Ross (DALLAS BUYERS CLUB) and Hornby. The filmmaking team includes director of photography Yves Bélanger, CSC (DALLAS BUYERS CLUB); production designer John Paino (WIN WIN); film editors John Mac McMurphy (DALLAS BUYERS CLUB) and Martin Pensa (DALLAS BUYERS CLUB); costume designer Melissa Bruning (DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES); casting by David Rubin (GRAVITY); visual effects supervisor Marc Côté (IMMORTALS) and music supervisor Susan Jacobs (AMERICAN HUSTLE).
Release Date 16th January 2015
Certificate 15
Running time 116
If you had the time and the energy you could attend a screening every night of the week - there are that many - so far I've seen a couple. One of them came highly recommended by my friend Christopher Monger - BIRDMAN with Michael Keaton. I had the pleasure of working with Michael in the supernatural thriller WHITE NOISE:
With Angus on Location in Vancouver and Michael on WHITE NOISE.
Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)(2014)
8.8
Ratings: 8.8/10 from 4,890 users Metascore: 89/100
Reviews: 33 user | 105 critic | 45 from Metacritic.com
Reviews: 33 user | 105 critic | 45 from Metacritic.com
"Riggan Thomas, once known quite well to movie theater goers as an iconic super hero called "The Birdman" had recently turned down a fourth installment of the franchise. Now washed up, he attempts to reinvent himself as a director by staging a new retelling of a classic Broadway dramatic play called "What We Talk About When We Talk About Love". The events leading up to the Saturday night premiere prove to be one disaster after another as the original lead actor is injured while on set and Riggan scrambles to find a replacement, but the replacement proves to be exactly who he needs - a method actor who takes the job way too seriously. But Riggan has a hard time juggling between the set, his replacement actor, his equally washed up daughter, and a host of other disasters that prevent a proper staging of the play. Meanwhile, a New York Times critic who Riggan has to woo threatens to shut down production of the play before it even starts with a scathing review of the opening night.."
Director:
Alejandro González Iñárritu
Here's part of a review I read:
"I think we've all been exceptionally good this year because Christmas came early with Alejandro González Iñárritu's masterful "Birdman (or the Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)," an experience that you won't soon forget. Debuting at Venice and Telluride Film Festivals, the film closed an already impeccable New York Film Festival on Saturday morning for press and industry colleagues. It's a film that resonates profoundly, and may just be the best film of 2014. From its pristine writing (by Iñárritu, Armando Bo, Nicolas Giacobone, and Alexander Dinelaris), to its carefully constructed direction and cinematography, to its genius casting and performances, "Birdman" is just a dream of a movie."
Well there you go - it really is a dream and one of the best films I've seen in a long long time. . It's a total joy and had me hugging myself. I very rarely laugh out loud - but I did and on numerous occasions. Don't miss this one - I highly recommend it too, like my friend Chris, you won't be disappointed!
The other cool thing about these BAFTA Screenings is they take place in these Bijou Screening Rooms in these trendy Boutique Hotels. This one was in the extremely trendy and stylish HAM YARD HOTEL:
The Screening Room.
RUPERT YOUNG
I was joined at this Screening by my plus one Rupert Young (Sir Leon in MERLIN) Rupert and I worked together in the play NEVER SO GOOD at the National Theatre and have been friends ever
since. Rupert looks on me as his mentor and I certainly feel if I can give a little back in life - well, that's a good thing...... (sic)
SOUTH ACTON
A little while ago I went to see Rupert's stylish new flat that he has bought with his girlfriend Verity.
It's a converted old Magistrates Court in South Acton and each flat has one of these the old cell doors:
The Cell Door.
As we arrived at the flat I was treated to the ultimate boy's toy's gadget:
A TURNING CIRCLE
Once the car is on top of the Turning Circle - it rotates so the car is facing the right way to exit the property - how cool & how totally extravagant is that!!
Still got quite a bit of work to do before they can move in - heating, etc, but what a lovely space to start from. It reminded me of a New York Loft - fabulous!
NOT ANOTHER CONVENTION!
I look on this Convention as A Convention Too Far. This time I had to travel to Hull - 3 hours on the train - stay over in a Premiere Inn - pretty basic hotel - no room service, darling!
The Convention was a bit of a disaster itself - only 2 guests signing - me and a Creature from one of the Star Wars Films. Not surprising that not a lot of people were interested in coming to say Hello!
The highlight of my weekend was the view I had out of the window of the Humber Bridge -
Stunning! Still I mustn't complain - I've had a really good year - Convention wise.
My View of the Humber Bridge.
I had bit of time to kill after the Convention ended before I was meant to catch my train. Phil my designated driver and minder for the event - very kindly invited me back to his flat for a cup of tea.
Little did I know I was about to enter into the world of Gaming Figures! Phil showed me his spare bedroom which had been turned into a work shop for painting his gaming figures of which there were
hundreds - nay thousands. First World War, Second World War, Napoleon, American Civil War - you name them - he had them!
I have to say these ones below sparked my interest!
He explained that the gaming figures - he so painstakingly painted - were used in games that re-enacted certain battles. Many players were involved and battles could last hours - even days - as it was all about the strategy you employed. What a bizarre hobby - but hey, what ever rocks your boat!
ANOTHER SCREENING
This time the Screening took place at the:
Screening Rooms in Soho Square.
The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
8.2
Ratings: 8.2/10 from 190,165 users Metascore: 88/100
Reviews: 433 user | 432 critic | 48 from Metacritic.com
Reviews: 433 user | 432 critic | 48 from Metacritic.com
The adventures of Gustave H, a legendary concierge at a famous hotel from the fictional Republic of Zubrowka between the first and second World Wars, and Zero Moustafa, the lobby boy who becomes his most trusted friend.
Director:
Wes Anderson
Here's another Review I read:
Wes Anderson is one of the most original film makers working today. None of his films can be categorized into any particular genre. His latest, The Grand Budapest Hotel, which opened the Berlin Film Festival, continues that trend. It is a tale within a tale within another tale. Whilst every shot has been meticulously arranged as though a work of Art hanging in a museum, story wise Anderson has let his imagination run wild. Though the tale (with Tom Wilkinson as the author of the story) and the tale within the tale (with Jude Law as the young author & F Murray Abraham as the mysterious owner of THe Grand Budapest Hotel) have straightforward narratives, the tale within the tale within the tale, which comprises the bulk of the film and is set in the years preceding the Second World War, is a wild uproarious train ride of story telling. It also boasts the cast of a life time: Ralph Fiennes, Tilda Swinton, Edward Norton, Adrien Brody, Willem Dafoe, Harvey Keitel, Jeff Goldblum, Bill Murray, Owen Wilson & countless cameos. It will delight Anderson fans but is more likely destined for Art house cinemas as it is too off center for mainstream audiences. The production design and music are outstanding and even the end credits are imaginatively done (and received another ovation from the audience).
I really loved this film - it's the second time I've seen it - it is visually sumptuous and benefits from being seen in a cinema if you can - also, Ralph Fiennes is a revelation - who would have thought he could handle comedy so well - he's very funny. Rupert came with me again (I've now altered my Facebook Status to read: Now in a relationship with Rupert Young! We have another date coming up soon. I asked my friend Monger what's hot in LA and he said there was quite a lot of buzz around:
Next week I will let you know what Rupert and I thought of FURY.
WEEKLY FITBIT STATS
It was a lovely day today - very sunny - as I worked on my Blog. By 1:00pm I was determined to get out and enjoy the good weather - so I headed for my golf course for a round of pitch & putt. Rupert said he'd like to join me sometime but sadly wasn't able to come along! By 2:00pm I was on the course. By 3:00pm the clouds had darkened the sky and by 3:15 the heavens opened and down it came - what a shame. I'd been trying out a new piece of Golf Kit I'd found on-line. Because of my arthritis in my knees - I'd been having trouble bending down to put tees in the ground to place balls on for driving. (I've already got that wonderful device that Monger gave me for picking up the golf balls) But now I found these:
Absolutely perfect - it's the little things in life that mean so much!
COMMENTS
Thanks for taking the time to read my Bog - Please leave a comment - They'd be very welcome!
No gain is always a good thing but time to lose a bit before Christmas so you don't have a festive set back! I want to stay in the Ham Yard Hotel and live in Rupert's flat. Love Ems x
ReplyDeleteHmmmmmmm. Weight Loss Plateaux..... Do I let my snarky venom fly? No, I think I'll save it up for a weight gain... (Though I will point out that after the increase this is more than a plateau...) Instead I went online and researched diet plateaux (sorry I must spell to rhyme with gateaux...) and yes they exist but even a cursory google offers dozens of ways to beat them. But actually I wouldn't do that, I wouldn't waste the time sitting at the computer. Up out of that chair, baby, get on your walking shoes... May I suggest Kew Gardens? The Natural History Museum (or any one of a thousand weird and wonderful museums that London has. The Cartoon Museum in Holborn, The Vault at the Hard Rock Cafe in Park Lane, The Crime Museum at Scotland Yard, the Toy Museum in Fitzrovia) UP AND AT THEM. Plateau my ass. Evil One
ReplyDeleteI love your weekly updates! You are one busy guy. Shame about no loss but to be honest it's always good not to gain anything! The painted toy soldiers are too much... Jenny and I met someone at a wedding the other day who has dedicated his whole retirement to painting soldiers and playing with them. It was fascinating, He goes to battle with his friends multiple times a week!
ReplyDeleteI haven't played golf in a while, but need to get some practice in before my next trip home. Have seen some horrible movies recently so please keep the recommendations coming. And here's to a big loss next week Pops! Love as always, Trav
Comment from DAVID HINCHLIFFE:
ReplyDeleteAs usual love reading your blogs...particularly getting the insider's story about the BAFTA process. I'm not wanting to influence your vote (I'm sure it's a secret ballot after all) but I too loved the Grand Budapest Hotel and I thought it was even better with w a second viewing. Wes manages to cram a lot of visual tricks into almost every frame and it's hard to take them all in at the first sitting.
Don't be discouraged by flatlining or plateauing. You looked and sounded great in Prague 3 weeks ago so I think you've reached a good place with the diet. Seems reasonable to mark time a little before you descend further down the scales.
I thought you might be interested to know that our Joe has now morphed into a country journalist -- going from Santiago Times to the tiny Moree Champion, reporting on local indigenous groups, coal seam gas mining controversies and the local rodeo results! How cool is all that. I'm heading down to Moree (a 7 hour drive) to spend some quality time (6days) with the lad...and to do a bit of open air painting. Will let you know how all that goes!
Xx
David
Comment from ANGUS:
ReplyDeleteNo loss, but glad we've nipped the gaining in the bud! Nice blog this week, the mention of White Noise brought back great memories of that week in Vancouver with you. I'll never forget going whale watching off the coast of British Colombia and floating in a boat in the middle of a super pod of 60 orcas, it was unreal. Nice to see that it only took you a matter of weeks to replace me with your adopted son Rupert once again - you motherfuckers deserve each other. Just know that I would never have turned down a golfing session with you! Love you lots, fingers crossed for a loss next week. Gus x
Comment from PENNY MISHCON:
ReplyDeleteHiya Neicy
Reading your blog in glorious sunshine in sunny Israel.
Sure your plateau will be short-lived-after all you are obviously becoming a golfing pro!
If you should at any time need an expert film buff to accompany you to all those BAFTA film screenings your Notting Hill friend is always available, particularly if it involves a visit to Ham Yard Hotel! Not so jealous of your visit to Hull though!
So impressed by your high standards of healthy eating and calorie control.
Lots of love
Prompter Pen
xxx
I'm with Emily.... Ham Yard Hotel kinda wins over Premier Inn, Hull. And go gently on yourself with the plateauing. You've done so well. We love you as you are and we all know the lengths you go to put others before yourself - to travel so far from home, in all weathers and even beyond the North-South divide for no other reason but to 'give back' - so touching, generous and inspiring. That anyone could then have stood you up over a pitch and putt in the rain is simply just mean.
ReplyDeleteAnd to add to Evil One's museum suggestions - and in light of your interest in the painted 'figurines' - there's an exhibition opening on 20 November at The Wellcome Collection, Euston Road titled: 'Undress Your Mind - a Free Exhibition that Lays Bare the Big Questions of Human Sexuality'.
http://www.wellcomecollection.org/exhibitions/institute-sexology
Please can we have your review in your late November blog?
So looking forward - with or without a plateau
Peter xx
Plateau Plateaux Platoh, I think you're just building a little suspense in the rising action of this plot line. But your timing is always designed to impress and you've come so far. I feel a breakthrough coming on.
ReplyDeleteI guess you were due for a boring convention after that previous round of superb costumes. But I get scared for you when you start talking about going into your minder's basement so he can show you his toys... Very cute little hobby though.
I'm excited to plan our next visit, what palace will you show me next? I'm thinking we need to head back to Littlehampton and tour Arundel. Think of all the fitbit credit we could rack up there.
Lots of love,
Jenny
Agreed about being nervous about stranger's basements: I've seen Pulp Fiction and Silence Of The Lambs - don't want anyone going medieval costume on my ass.
DeleteEvil 1
Or Misery... you don't want to end up in Kathy Bates' basement. "But I'm your number one fan."
Delete