mairhi Reviews

Divorcing Jack (1998)

Give it a go, you might just have a bit of a laugh!

[8/10 · 10 July 2004]

I have to say that I totally disagree with the other comments on this film. Apart from the excess of swearing (am a bit of a prude), I found this film to be funny and a refreshing change from all the doom/gloom and disaster that seems to be normally associated with productions centering around Northern Ireland/Ulster/The Province (see movie for reference and explanation). There is a lot in the movie that I can relate to for some reason, even though I am Scottish, not Irish and have never lived amongst "The Troubles". The story (and screen play adapted by the author - an Irishman - so not quite sure where the comment about poor representation by the British comes in) is a simple one, and shows the humour and sense of openness and idea of ridiculousness displayed and recognised by the Irish. It doesn't hide the fact that there no go areas in Belfast and its surrounds, it doesn't hide the fact that there is violence going on, but neither does it hide the fact that the Irish are warm, funny, intelligent human beings. I enjoyed David Thewlis' performance, but feel that he is a very under-rated actor, being used for mostly "baddies" or yokel character parts on both sides of the Atlantic.

The DVD I have had interviews with all the cast and gives an insight in to the making of the film, the most telling part of that being that the film crew were denied access to areas of the city, until the locals found out what they were filming and then welcomed them with open arms, because this book/film did not depict them in a depressing manner. No the story isn't Ulysses, but it is fun and anyone (with celtic roots especially) can find something to relate to in it, be it the apparent obsession on the radio stations with country and western (same in Scotland), Starkey pretending to be a gravel inspector when he falls over drunk (shades of the late Chick Murrey - a Scots comedian - who when he fell over drunk in the street was asked by a passing woman "are you alright Chick". He replied - yes I'm just trying to break a bar of chocolate in my back pocket!) or people supplementing their poor income with another job - in this case as a strippergram nun. The spiel on the box likens it to Trainspotting - but I would say maybe more along the lines of Bill Forsythe's Gregory's Girl - with kalishikovs! Give it a go and you might just have a bit of a laugh.

Don Giovanni (2003 TV Movie)

Takes the worry out of opera

[9/10 · 14 June 2004]

This production takes the worry out of opera, not by dumbing down, or making it too simplistic. Brooks' staging is uncluttered and intimate. The performances are physically dynamic and there is very little pomp and circumstance in this modern costumed production.

I have always enjoyed classical music, but (to my shame) not speaking enough French and no German/Italian [insert operatic singing language of your choice here], I have always felt intimidated about attending a full blown opera at say Covent Garden, that coupled with a bad experience of Benjamin Brittin's Albert Herring at the age of 14 always put me off. HOWEVER! This production shown on BBC 2 was superb. Peter Brooks' brief introduction as to the thinking behind his staging was very informative, especially when he explained that he did not intend to approach it in as (melo)dramatic manner as previous productions. He succeeded. The set was simple and open with painted hurdles and benches to be used (and moved) by the principle characters to denote various locations. He had the orchestra on the stage at one point. The principles all turned in excellent performances, especially Don Giovanni and Leperello his man servant. Their relationship was on a par with any of those found in Shakespeare. Peter Mattei was dynamic as Don Giovanni and has a beautiful baritone voice. His Leperello - Gilles Cachemaille a perfect foil, and they both brought out the humour in the play and the Don's arrogance.

The upshot is that Peter Brooks' production has given me a hankering to go and see a live performance, and surely that is what it is all about.

PS: My only criticism - get the cameraman sorted! We sometimes want to see the whole stage.

Nightingales (1990– )

and absolute gem, hidden by Channel 4's usual c**p timetabling

[22 May 2004]

I can only agree with the other contribution. THis was a surreal programme.

THe characters were superbly performed, especially Threfell - where did he get that outfit (too small) and that wig! I have always liked James Ellis - even in Z Cars and Robert Lindsay was his usual excellent self. Perhaps it appealed to me because I too have done my share of night shifts and remember the deranged conversations that we would have to remain awake and sane when there was absolutely nothing going on. If there is anyone anywhere reading this who has the power to put this back on or release it on DVD/Video then please do so. You will be doing the world a favour and making a deranged mind addled by years of nights very happy!

Underworld (2003)

good idea BUT....

[4 October 2003]

Liked the idea, and visually this looks really cool, BUT, the film relied on lots of voice over to set the scene, or long set pieces of characters giving history lessons to provide the audience with information, and I found it all rather clumsy. Also everyone was very serious, I mean they took themselves WAYYYY too serious in this. Having read the comments made, previously, I find it rather worrying that someone who has seen this film feels a need to explain it,this is not an attack on the contributor of the said comments, but on the general lack of ingenuity of the story line itself and the set up of the movie. I found the whole thing disjointed and at times found myself thinking "oh for goodness sake get on with it." Ms Beckinsale looks cool, and very Carrie Anne Moss (should have copyrighted all those moves NEO and co). The effects are good, though I couldn't take Kraven seriously, too much of a fop, why leave him in charge? Anyway stars out of 10, 4 and I am being generous. It is ok for a Saturday afternoon when it is p***ing down with rain and there is nothing else to do, and the Ben and Jerry's is good at the local flicks (as it was in this case). Sequel, possibly, but only if you tighten up the writing folk and find some direction.

The Count of Monte Cristo (1998)

excellent

[7 September 2003]

I first saw this at christmas about 3 years ago. I was ill in bed with flu and just wanted to die. I got up for a change of scenery and put the tv on. This was on. I spent the next three days setting the alarm for 3pm and getting up out of my death bed to watch this compelling series. I then found it on DVD, and bought it (the book was included and I have been reading that too). THe story is compelling and the characterisations by all of the actors are amazing. THe detail is fantastic and even though I don't normally "do subtitles" I have watched the entire series several times, finding something new and even more entertaining each time. I would recommend it to anyone - this would make kids WANT to learn french in school so they could watch it without the subtitles.