‘Creating is my drug of choice’: Mark Harris’ directorial debut in The Broken

First time director and screen writer, Mark Harris describes his new film ‘The Broken’ as a “Nil by Mouth” for the decade. It is evident whilst talking to him, that this film, as well as other types of British grit films are a clear influence to Harris. Interestingly, Nil By Mouth was also Gary Oldman’s directorial and writing debut. Harris, like Oldman, is known mostly for his acting roles and has starred in several British films including Anuvahood, Outside Bet and Offender.

Harris plays Matt Hollis, just released from prison, he attempts to rebuild his marriage after the death of his son. He decides to take his wife Allison (Anna Nightingale) and daughter to Los Angeles in an attempt to make things right between them all. However, not long after they arrive things go horribly beaten as Allison is viciously beaten and his daughter, Lara, is taken from her bed. Enlisting the help of an old friend, can Matt save his daughter in time before she becomes caught up in a dangerous world of child trafficking that she will be unable to get out of.

Putting other projects aside for the moment, he is focused on delivering the work.
Harris describes the film as ‘psychological and dark’. Most viewers will find the film intense, shocking and emotional but as the story is based on true stories from the Saving Innocence charity, it is important to get the horrific truth of child-trafficking out there. In some sequences, Harris refrains from explicitness, preferring to allow the viewer to dwell on the horrific possibilities themselves. The imagination is a powerful tool.

In seeing some of the footage of the upcoming film, it is clear that Harris likes to take his characters to the edge of insanity and back, pushing them, and himself, to the extreme. After the kidnapping of his daughter, the ex-alcoholic returns to booze and shouts to God in an almost monologue type sequence. Through acting, Harris is able to take himself to places he hasn’t been before. This is evidently freeing for him. He stated that he loves taking himself ‘to the edge of insanity’. This is a very emotional scene and is truly the image of a broken man. Can he come back from this? Harris notes how he wanted to keep this scene as long as possible and not break away from the emotion.

Whether acting, directing or writing, Harris praises creation and says ‘to create is the most gifted thing’ and says its ‘like being on a high.’ Although, his primary focus is acting, he thoroughly enjoyed the creative experience of writing and directing. Unsure if he even wants a premiere for his film and shying away from his title as director, Harris has to be one of the least egotistical filmmakers of the moment.

Watching the film, even though its set in L.A. it is evident that this is not a Hollywood film. What Harris has done, and what others have failed to do, is bring the Britishness and “grittiness” to Hollywood. Through combining national identities and conventions, Harris manages to do something truly unique. He took his film and his ideas to Hollywood and has managed to do British filmmaking justice. As he describes it, he was ‘flying the flag’. The Broken looks set to be another example of why we should all support British film. Although, I only saw some footage and not the entirety of the film, I can already say that the narrative is compelling and the experience is intense. When chatting with Harris, he was charming, funny and very passionate about his work which certainly comes through in the film. Harris is unsure of whether or not he will direct again. Acting is his main passion and is what he wants to really succeed in. After The Broken, I highly doubt that this will be a problem.

The Carrie Diaries

So, as a big fan of Sex And The City, it is safe to say that I am nervous about approaching its prequel The Carrie Diaries. With the mediocre success of the movies, it has been proven that Sex And The City isn’t just simply a successful format. Will I be able to accept someone other than Sarah Jessica Parker as Carrie Bradshaw, a fashion icon for anyone who even so much as glimpses the show. Maybe this is an opportunity to take a new twist on the beloved sitcom.

The Carrie Diaries, based on the novel by Candace Bushnell, is set in 1984, a time where fashion and music icons such as Cyndi Lauper and Madonna ruled the tabloids and inspired teenage girls everywhere. Life isn’t normal for sixteen year old Carrie Bradshaw (AnnaSophia Robb) after the death of her mother so when her Dad gives her the opportunity to go to Manhattan once a week Carrie jumps at the chance. However, when she gets there she realises the internship isn’t all it’s cracked up to be and her co-workers are dull. On a lunch break, she meets Larissa Loughlin (Doctor Who’s Freema Agyeman), a style editor for Interview magazine, who opens Carrie’s eyes to the fashion, glamour and gloriousness of New York City.

With a relatively unknown cast, The Carrie Diaries provides an opportunity to catapult new faces onto our television screens. AnnaSophia Robb is a perfect choice for the role, she does not simply copy Sarah Jessica Parker’s role, she adapts it for a sixteen year old girl. Robb has Bradshaw’s wide eyed naivety nailed perfectly. The only thing that Robb and Parker have in common is the hair but this is definitely a good thing, Robb provides us with a fresh take on Carrie. She reminded me more of Alicia Silverstone’s Cher Horowitz in Clueless than Sex And The City’s Carrie Bradshaw. Of course, as in Sex And The City, both Manhattan and Fashion become characters of their own. None of Carrie’s friends are going to match Samantha, Miranda or Charlotte but I look forward to seeing how the dynamics of the friendship are continued throughout the series.

Many people are describing The Carrie Diaries as a replacement for The CW’s Gossip Girl. This is not the case. The Carrie Diaries is much more light hearted and nothing like Gossip Girl. If you’re expecting this to replace your Gossip Girl fix of sex, lies and manipulation then think again. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the pilot. I think if you look at it in relation to Sex And The City, then it’s going to fail your expectations but if you see it as a completely separate entity, it can be surprisingly enjoyable. It has everything you want from a primetime teen show; love interests, comedy and a dazzling city. I am excited to see how the series continues but judging by the first series, it looks like this is going to be a worthwhile watch.

A Focus on Chosen: The Final Episode of Buffy The Vampire Slayer – A Dedication.

 Originally broadcast in May 2003, this was a sad day for Buffy fans around the world. For seven years we have watched the characters develop, the narratives become more complex and the monsters become scarier but every show has to end at some point and I think Joss Whedon chose to end the show on a poignantly perfect point. In this article, I give a few reasons how Whedon did the show justice in the highly anticipated series seven finale.

Every season finale of Buffy The Vampire Slayer has always been epic but this time Whedon used the final episode to both commemorate and reflect on the history of the show, its characters and narratives that have been crucial to fan interaction. The final battle takes place in Sunnydale High School, a place where the show began and a place that several demons destroyed throughout the first three seasons. Most notably, the return of Angel is the most significant reflection on shows first few series. Fans had followed the romance of Buffy and Angel throughout the first few seasons, he made appearances in both series four and five but was absent in the sixth series. By bringing Angel back in the last episode, Whedon shows an acknowledgment to the significance of the Buffy and Angel relationship for both the fans but also for Buffy herself. His appearance is a way of reflecting of how there will always be a love between the two characters. This kind of love is everlasting. Whether he is in Los Angeles and she is in Sunnydale or whether he is involved with Cordelia or she is involved with Spike, there will always be an unsaid but a known love between them. He disappears into the shadows as he does in the first episode, ‘Welcome To The Hellmouth’. Her rejection of Angel’s help to fight the battle with her is significant to Buffy and Spike’s relationship, with Angel gone, she is able to accept Spike as the hero he really is and accept him as a love. Whedon also points to the ending of the first episode of the show as he says ‘The earth is definitely doomed’, he said ‘The Earth is doomed’ at the end of “Welcome To The Hellmouth”. This is significant of the entire premise of the first series, going back to the beginning.

There are several character resolutions in the final episode. Faith’s relationship with Buffy has been complex throughout the series but during the battle, their relationship finally seems to reach a conclusion. They will never be close friends, too much has happened, but they will always be there for each other, looking out for each other and protecting each other in battle. The connection between Faith and Buffy has always been vague however the connection between Faith and Buffy as slayers is undeniable. It is also interesting to see Faith’s interaction with Wood. Her relationships with men have been complicated throughout the series; Faith and Angel, Faith and Mayor Richard Wilkins. Neither of the relationships have facilitated her needs, Wood seems interested in “surprising” her and there seems promise of a relationship post-Chosen.

One theme that stays concurrent throughout the show and that is given a huge place in the series finale is female empowerment. This is shown both through the new found slayer powers within girls all over the world and through Willow’s final spell of the series. This is summed up by Willow’s declaration of “Oh My Goddess”. Female empowerment is celebrated through magic and the slayers. The show also focuses on the complicated but importance of female relationships; Willow and Tara, Buffy and Faith, Willow and Kennedy, Buffy and Willow and Buffy and Dawn. The final message of the episode and thus of the series is that every woman can be powerful and every woman has the potential to be strong.

In an epic battle such as between Buffy and The First, deaths are inevitable. Two principal characters of the show are killed. These are Anya and Spike. Anya’s death is unbelievably quick, too quick to comprehend what has happened. It is Andrew’s declaration of why he has survived over Anya that is potentially the saddest moment of her death. There was little Anya in the last episode which was disappointing but necessary for the bigger story to be told. The bigger story here was Spike and his sacrifice. Spike finally becomes the champion he had tried so hard to be. His past sins disappear as he does as he finally finds his purpose. Spike and Buffy’s final moments are enormously touching. As she tells him she loves him, he replies with “No you don’t, but thanks for saying it”. Whether Buffy does truly love Spike has always been debatable, to me the declaration as Spike was dying was very convincing however in Spike’s reply, I think Whedon wanted to leave it uncertain, leaving it up to the fans to decide.

The last moments of the episode have been controversial. On first viewing, I was disappointed. For a show that invites the bold and the epic, the last shots seemed undeveloped. However, when re-viewing the episode again, I realised that this was a perfect ending for Buffy. Her smile is not just a recognition that good triumphed evil once again but that some of the weight has been lifted off her shoulders. She is no longer the only slayer for this generation. She no longer has sole responsibility, it is now shared with many other females throughout the world. This is the beginning of a new type of world; a world where females lead.

The Girl Review

 

“Blondes make the best victims” according to Hitchcock. However, this blonde didn’t scare so easy.

A television drama film shown on Boxing Day by BBC 2, The Girl, tells the story of Alfred Hitchcock’s obsession with his leading lady in both The Birds and Marnie, Tippi Hedren. The film follows their meeting and watches their relationship develop as it takes a very disturbing turn. We watch Hedren grow from an unknown actress to a star, however she is caught in Hitchcock’s grasp. There is a disturbing tone over their relationship from the offset and the use of tight framing throughout the film is effective in reinforcing the uncomfortable and claustrophobic nature of their relationship.

The casting for the film is great. Toby Jones provides an intelligent display of Hitchcock’s obsession with Hedren, Sienna Miller is charming as Tippi Hedren exemplifying the glamour of the Hedren herself and other movie stars of the time whilst offering a nervous and sympathetic portrayal of the actress. Perhaps an underrated actress, more famous for her appearances in the tabloids than the movies, I surprisingly found her to be a joy to watch and identified heavily with Miller’s character. Imelda Staunton gives an honest and complex performance of Alma, Hitchcock’s smart and dutiful wife that works alongside him in picking the actresses. It is when she notices Hedren for the first time that the story begins. Both Jones and Miller have been nominated for Golden Globe awards for their performances in The Girl.

One of the most interesting relationships in the film is perhaps not of Hitchcock and Hedren, but of Hitchcock and his wife, Alma. Every scene that Staunton is in is engaging both because of the characterisation and performance. However, the character does feel slightly undeveloped as if there is still so much more to be said about her and her relationship with Hitchcock.. This can be seen in relation to Jones’ portrayal of Hitchcock. Although the brilliance of the performance cannot be denied, it appears he plays him simply as a sexual predator and chooses to ignore everything else about the director. There is no possibility of warming to the character. The horrific scenes of the film, such as when The Birds attack Hedren, are juxtaposed with the stillness of Jones’ performance. The strength of the characters are displayed by the undeniably memorable performances of Miller, Staunton and Jones.

The drama uses the opportunity to recreate recognisable scenes and settings from both The Birds and Marnie as well as a few enjoyable less than subtle shower references to Psycho. Pleasant iconography is used in terms of cars, music and costumes. There are several beautiful high angle shots used to explore the glamour of the settings.

For fans of the “master of suspense”, the film may be perceived as a demeaning and undermining representation of the acclaimed director. Obviously, it is important to remember that the film is not true but is simply based on different accounts of the director such as Tippi Hedren’s. Many of his work colleagues including Kim Novak, have disputed the claims of Hitchcock as a sexual predator The film offers an interesting take on the much discussed filming of The Birds, offering a negative portrayal of Hitchcock. However, it’s glossy visual style and compelling narrative cannot be argued with. This is a television film that is simply very well done.

Ruby Slippers

Ruby Slippers on my feet
These shoes do not belong to me
Ruby Slippers I now own
Somewhere far away from home

Ruby Slippers filled with light
Have since become the subject of spite
Ruby Slippers causing pain
They precede to give me fame

Ruby Slippers, this world is cruel
Ruby Slippers, take me home
Back over the rainbow
Where simplicity lies

Him & Her Series 3 Review

BBC 3 first gave us Him & Her two years ago, it is now on its third run.

What has been mostly noted about Him & Her is not only the terrific and individual performances but the often grotesque nature of the brilliant BBC3 comedy. It can be awfully disgusting and hard to watch at times but this makes it even more appealing. The show does not try to be a glossy sitcom, it doesn’t try to be middle class; it simply does what it does, representing the banal reality of an ordinary and VERY comfortable relationship without hiding any of the gross bits. The show sends naturalistic to the extreme. Although none of us may wish to admit it, there is a familiarity that comes with the show.

One of the most impressive aspects of the show is how it is all filmed in Steve’s apartment so characters simply move in and out of one setting. It is the intelligent dialogue and the performances from the entire cast that ensure the audience do not
become bored of one simple setting. With the toilet door often left open, the audience is invited into every aspect of Becky (Sarah Solemani) and Steve’s (Russell Tovey) life.

Since series two, Kerry Howard as Becky’s cruel sister Laura shines throughout the show. Once again in this series, her rudeness and seemingly obliviousness to how people see her is terribly funny and shocking at times. The moment that everyone was waiting for, Laura’s comeuppance, eventually happened in the last episode of the series as Shelley finally stands up for herself and Laura’s reaction is even better than anticipated. However, Laura’s maliciousness is balanced by the sweet and genuine nature of Becky and Steve’s relationship. As I said earlier, the entire cast is terrific. Russell Tovey is adorably funny while Sarah Solemani is undeniably charming. Joe Wilkinson as creepy yet lonely neighbour Dan plays his role fantastically.

The episode that centered on Becky and Steve’s first date was somewhat of a disappointment. For fans, it is an interesting look to the couple but for one off viewers, the episode could have been interpreted as dull. It is obvious what they tried to do but it didn’t translate as well as expected. Perhaps it is because it lacked the comfortable nature of the relationship that we have become so heavily accustomed to.

The final episode of the series, ‘The Proposal’, was simply beautifully made. The proposal has been building up throughout the series and it could not have concluded in a better way. The trying nature of Steve’s proposal was endearing and terribly romantic while Becky’s eventual realisation of what Steve was trying to do was touching.

The first two series were truly brilliant but this series is equally as good. There is much more room for the show to grow and I hope to see another series.

The Women Of Mad Men

The show may be entitled Mad MEN, but the women are equally as dynamic and interesting as the male protagonists. I will discuss three of the leading female protagonists of AMC’s Mad Men, Betty Draper (January Jones), Joan Holloway (Christina Hendricks) and Peggy Olsen (Elizabeth Moss). I shall be focusing on the first season.

 

 

Betty Draper is the heart of the show. I found myself drawn to Mrs. Draper. She appears to have a naivety or an ignorance to what is going on around her and focuses simply on the home. The second episode in which she crashes her car because of the numbness of her hands is where we see a development to her character. It is obvious that she fears the inability to be perfect. At the moment she is viewed as the perfect wife, perfect mother, perfect friend but if the numbness continues she will not be perfect. Because of her modelling career, appearance is evidently important to her, never to be seen with a hair out of place.  The most shocking aspect of Betty’s narrative role is the fact that the psychiatrist tells Don what happens in the sessions. Doctor-Patent confidentiality is such a known rule to us now, it is almost alien to see husbands finding out what their wives have said in therapy. Betty is often represented as childlike. She is dismissive and immature. Her and Don’s relationship lacks communication and honesty which partially relates to her childlike qualities. I am excited to see more of her relationship . Many may see Betty as passive due to her ignorance of her husband’s infidelities, however there are many occasions in which she holds her own. She doesn’t allow her neighbour’s husband into the house as she doesn’t allow strangers in, she shoots another neighbour’s pigeons after he threatens their dog upsetting her daughter. I think Betty is a strong and capable woman but sometimes this is lapsed due to Don’s dominance in the relationship. 

 

 

I found Peggy to be really dislikeable. I’m not sure if this is just me but I found her manipulative and very self aware. I got the impression that she presented herself as naïve when I think in fact she is very wise about her physical and intellectual strengths and uses them both to the best of her ability. At the end of the first episode, when Pete (Vincent Kartheiser ) turned up on her doorstep, her inability to turn him away and let him call the shots contrasts to the Peggy that we see develop throughout the first season.

 

 

There is something about Joan. Joan is one of my favourite characters on the show yet it is difficult for me to pinpoint why. Not only does both Joan and Christina Hendricks have a lure that draws the men, but it also draws the audience in. She has worked at Sterling Cooper for a while and knows what goes on. She knows how to play the men, getting them to buy her and Peggy lunch but it is not in a dislikeable men. She simply takes advantage of the men and their stupidity and inability to not see past her physical attributes. However, she does not do this in a menacing way. The two moments that really stand out in the development of Joan’s characterisation are when her flatmate tells her that she is in love with her. Her response was calm and reflective of the attitudes of the 1960s, she simply ignored that the conversation ever happened. The other moment, or moments, is the relationship between her and Roger. She is completely aware of what it is and does not try to make it anything more. When Roger has a heart attack, it is evident that she does care strongly for him. I think moments like these are what makes Joan such an endearing character. We are not given much, but these little moments suggest that there is still so much more to her and I look forward to seeing the character develop.