stephen-1050 Reviews

Trainspotting (1996)

Mixed feelings

[4/10 · 28 December 2012]

I've just watched this film again for the first time in a long time and though i found it 'watchable' that's about as far as I can go. I've never found that the film does the book any justice. With its flat and ridiculous characters and romanticising of narcotics, the film to me is just mildly entertaining - if unpleasant at times - crap.

The book is another story altogether. I've never read anything quite like it, and was always surprised that Irvine Welsh seemed to like the film so much. The characterisation and impetus of plot and narrative are exceptional in the book, you literally can't put it down. Whilst the book cleverly deals with an underbelly of Scottish life, the film makes me cringe to be Scottish. The book lives and breathes reality, the film seems like a David Bowie video.

Mad Men (2007–2015)

This show rocks

[10/10 · 24 July 2009]

I also am utterly bemused to see so many negative comments on this show. I haven't taken to a TV drama so much since 'Our Friends in the North' (UK only I think) For those who seem to think the show is about pointing out the improved morals of the 21st century, or don't catch the story lines as being evolved enough, or think the characters shallow - I'm afraid you're missing the (beautifully painted) picture completely.

Mad Men oozes. It oozes class, style, sophistication, cinematic production, dreaminess and the wow factor. It seeps into your mind. It doesn't leave you alone, lingering around the corners of your mind for hours afterwards.

As a bonus (as if all this wasn't enough) you've got Don Draper (Jon Hamm). If there's a better cast character, being better acted elsewhere on television in the 21st century then I missed it. The fact that Don is also, or used to be Dick, just adds to the dreaminess.

It's gorgeous, just enjoy.

Withnail & I (1987)

Awful in ways, but you'll see a lot worse

[4/10 · 24 July 2009]

Up until now I've only ever viewed the IMDb website, though I must say it's excellent. However, reading the reviews on this film (Withnail and I) finally prompted me to join.

When I first saw this film I was a student. My hair at the time was moderately long. After viewing the film I went straight and got it cut. If you want to see a film to point out how not to live your life this is it. If you want to see a film that makes you realise how boring some seemingly 'interesting' people are - again this is it.

For all that, you'll see much worse films - much, much worse. I think if you're British it maybe helps as the characters are all kind of familiar, the scenery is familiar, the weather is familiar, the social class settings are familiar. It flows along, making you cringe, but in the end is watchable enough. That alone is an achievement many films will never match.