Thursday, 22 June 2017

Movie Review - London Road

London Road

2015



BBC Films / Cuba Pictures

BBC Two


5.25 / 10


London Road Poster

This musical is based on the National Theatre stage production which is based on actual events that took place in London Road Ipswich.

In 2006, London Road had a problem with prostitutes who had moved into their street.  Not only were the working girls touting for business but they were having sex in view of the residents.  Then five of the women's bodies were found and one of their neighbours was charged and convicted of the offence.  This is the story of the residents' thoughts and feelings during the incident and their attempt to recover from the stigmatism which was caused.

Musicals aren't my favourite type of movie though I did like the classics.  Though the music and songs are more contemporary in this film.  Unfortunately, it's that same music and songs that injure the film.  I liked the idea of the songs encompassing and including the tenants' actual comments, however, there just isn't enough of them and the lyrics end up being repeated too much.  This repetition is very annoying and nearly had me turning it off a couple of times.  It would have been nice if Adam Cork, who composed the music, had spread his wings a little more as most of the songs are very similar and add to the monotonous feel.

Luckily the filming by director Rufus Norris is interesting and well crafted to suit the music and songs, as well as the narrative when you have the residents speaking.  It's also these acting sequences that hold the film together as the are very well skilled at their craft.  It's these elements and not the musical ones that make you relate to the characters and understand just what they were going through.

If it hadn't been a musical then I believe this would have been a much greater film.

If you like contemporary musicals this may be for you.  If you're thinking about watching this for members of the cast - Olivia Coleman or Tom Hardy, be aware that they are not in this film for long.  In fact, none of the cast is, and I like the movie more because of this.  Each actors playing the residents appear to have the same screen time.  Though, if you're a studying filmmaker or you're just interested in well-made and shot movies then I'd recommend this for you.


Monday, 19 June 2017

Free Kindle Drama Novel

The Tao Of Touring

By Rod Lawless (with illustrations by Rachel Bryant)



The Tao of Touring by [Lawless, Rod]This is not a book for the average reader. It could stretch you, offend you and may even make you ask questions. If you don't intend contemplating what's within the pages, it's probably not for you. This is more a philosophical and esoteric investigation into life than merely a fictional work. In many stories, the character gains a different perspective on life. Taken to heart, this publication has the potential to do that for the reader too. Maybe you want fiction, but are also interested in science and metaphysics and desire something to delve into. If so, step inside.

Brandon has been given 'bad' news. Instead of going to pieces he goes to France, a final motorcycle ride to ponder philosophy, Taoism and life and experience freedom.

What appears to be a chance meeting sends his plan awry. He is shown a book that makes him contemplate and question reality, and finds himself on a metaphysical quest for truth. Just how much of life can we rely on? Does what people believe make a difference? Is all existence as we know it, an illusion?

As reflective teachings open up for him, he discovers accepting 'what is' to be a more important choice than 'what could be'. If his thoughts do create the world, as Buddha said, what is he thinking to make someone want him dead?