Playing Catch Up

I just wanted to play a bit of catch up on here and share some of the books and films that I have recently seen and read and enjoyed.  Some are not new releases, but a good book or film stands the test of time.

The Films

Nowhere Boy (2009)–Directed by Sam Taylor-Wood

This is a great little film about John Lennon’s teenage years. Being raised by his aunt and reconnecting with his biological mother Julia. All while surviving high school, discovering his love, passion and talent for music; and meeting a couple of guys named Paul and George along the way.

Ever since seeing Anna Karenina at TIFF, I’ve been on a bit of an Aaron Taylor-Johnson kick, so I’ve been watching and discovering some of his films.  A 19  (now 22) Aaron takes on the task of playing John Lennon. This would be intimidating to even the most seasoned actor, but Aaron does well with capturing John’s voice while talking and singing, playing the guitar and harmonica. He did this all for real.

With Kristin Scott Thomas playing his influential aunt Mimi, and Thomas Brodie–Sangster as a teenage Paul, there is a strong supporting cast and of course an awesome soundtrack needed for a film like this.

This is a must for any Beatle lover or a lover of music/biopics in general.

Kick Ass (2010) – Directed by Mathew Vaughn

I know, I know! I’ve only watched this now! If someone told me Aaron was in this as well, I would have seen it sooner. I’m going with the better late than never theory on this one.

I haven’t read any of the Kick Ass graphic novels, but the movie stands well enough on its own to explain and set up the world of not so likely superheroes led by Dave Lizewski AKA Kick Ass (Aaron).  I was really impressed with Aaron’s versatility in this one. After seeing him play a teenage John Lennon and Russian Calvary officer, he plays your typical American teenage boy who dreams of being a superhero and tests his theory of "What if an ordinary person became a superhero?"

This isn't your typical comic book/graphic novel based film. It knows what it is and plays on the genre. Add Chloe Grace Moretz as Hit Girl and Nicolas Cage as Big Daddy and you got yourself a fun film.

Kick Ass 2 is currently being filmed in Toronto, Ont, with a June 2013 release date. 

  

Albert Nobbs (2011) – Directed by Rodrigo Garcia

I wanted to see this one during last year’s awards season, but forgot and didn't get around until recently. Yes Aaron in this one as well (last one with him, I promise).  This film is about Albert Nobbs, who is played wonderfully by Glenn Close, a woman who after being orphaned at 14 decides to live as a man in order to work.  The film takes place in a posh Dublin Hotel where Albert Nobbs is the head butler.  Albert’s life changes after meeting Mr. Page, a painter  hired  for a renovation who has more in common with Albert than meets the eye.  Albert’s story also intertwines with the story of Joe (Aaron) and Helen (Mia Wasikowska), two young lovers who also work in the hotel.

This is interesting look at late 19^th century Ireland where single woman were discouraged to work in order  to support themselves and keep their gay lives a secret as well.

I  also found it interesting that Glenn Close co-wrote the script and spent years working to get this film financed and made.

The Books

Here are some books I recently lead and overall enjoyed.  Since it’s Thanksgiving Day here in Canada and I’m being lazy, I copied and pasted the summaries from the Goodreads website.  www.goodreads.com

Savages- Written by Don Winslow

 Part-time environmentalist and philanthropist Ben and his ex-mercenary buddy Chon run a Laguna Beach–based marijuana operation, reaping significant profits from their loyal clientele. In the past when their turf was challenged, Chon took care of eliminating the threat. But now they may have come up against something that they can’t handle—the Mexican Baja Cartel wants in, and sends them the message that a "no" is unacceptable. When they refuse to back down, the cartel escalates its threat, kidnapping Ophelia, the boys’ playmate and confidante. O’s abduction sets off a dizzying array of ingenious negotiations and gripping plot twists that will captivate readers eager to learn the costs of freedom and the price of one amazing high.

The writing style in this book is very different than from what I have read in past. It is short and fast pace to match the lifestyle these characters live .  At times you feel you are reading a text message with the author’s use of slang in the dialogue. The book also has a very modern and current feel and look at the world. In particular politics, the war on (some may argue for) drugs and the tense relationship between American and Mexico.

Without giving too much away, my main issues with the book is the ending and the character of Ophelia, known as O. I didn't see what was so special about her and her supposed intelligence.  It was still a solid book and entertaining read that looks into a world I have next to little knowledge of.

Despite the so-so reviews, I didn't get to see the film adaptation by Oliver Stone when it came out during the summer, but will watch it when it is available to rent in a couple weeks.

The Red Tent- Written by Anita Diamant

Her name is Dinah. In the Bible, her life is only hinted at in a brief and violent detour within the more familiar chapters of the Book of Genesis that are about her father, Jacob, and his dozen sons. Told in Dinah's voice, this novel reveals the traditions and turmoils of ancient womanhood--the world of the red tent. It begins with the story of her mothers--Leah, Rachel, Zilpah, and Bilhah--the four wives of Jacob. They love Dinah and give her gifts that sustain her through a hard-working youth, a calling to midwifery, and a new home in a foreign land. Dinah's story reaches out from a remarkable period of early history and creates an intimate connection with the past. Deeply affecting, The Red Tent combines rich storytelling with a valuable achievement in modern fiction: a new view of biblical women's society.

Now before you say “A Bible story?” this is a work of fiction inspired by a biblical story. As said so by the author herself.  You do not need to know the book of Genesis or be Christian or Jewish to understand the story. There is no preaching of any religion.

In the end this is a story about Dinah looking back on her life, from even before her conception. It is a look into an ancient culture and way of life and the lives of women in that culture.  The themes of family, love found and lost, betrayal and survival are common themes written time and time again.

A friend of mine who read this book years ago asked me a question about the last line, in particular the last word in the book and what it could mean.  Off the top of my head I told her it was not only about Dinah looking back and taking stock of her life, but the message was for all of us to do that as well.  That no matter where and when you live, to be grateful for the blessings in our lives and make the most of the hardships as well.  I believe that anyone can benefit from that.

Sidenote- As I mentioned I’m in a lazy mood today, but I have also read (and become slightly obsessed) with George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire Series, also known as A Game of Thrones. I'm not going to get into every book. 

I have read the first three books and watched the first two seasons of HBO’s equally impressive miniseries adapted from the books.  (I'm waiting for a friend to catch up and I don't want to get too ahead of the series). The themes of family, politics, power, loyalty, betrayal, and love all come together. It is a great series that blends fantasy in a fictional medieval setting with some memorable characters. It is a brutal world where the good don’t always win and prosper and even die. As the saying goes, “Absolute power corrupts, absolutely.”  

Or as Cersei Lannister would say “When you play the game of thrones, you win or you die.”

The order of books are:

Book 1-Game of Thrones

Book 2- A Clash of Kings

Book 3- A Storm of Swords

Book 4- A Feast for Crows

Book 5- A Dance with Dragons

Book 6- The Winds of Winter (release date to be announced)

Currently Reading...

Children of Liberty- Written by Paullina Simons

At the turn of the century and the dawning of the modern world, Gina from Belpasso comes to Boston’s Freedom Docks to find a new and better life, and meets Harry Barrington, who is searching for his.

The fates of the Barringtons and Attavianos become entwined, on a collision course between the old and new, between what is expected and what is desired, what is chosen and what is bestowed, what is given and what is taken away.

As America races headlong into the future, much will be lost and much will be gained for Gina and Harry, whose ill-fated love story will break your heart.

I have six chapters left in this book, so I will probably finish it today.  Paullina Simons is one of my favourite contemporary writers. Those that know me personally will know that her Bronze Horseman series are my favourite books and series that I have ever read. I have read and will read some of her other novels, but this particular series has affected me unlike any other books.  A recommendation for anyone.

Children of Liberty can be thought of as a prequel to The Bronze Horseman series, but can also be read as a standalone book. 

Happy reading and viewing everyone!