Seems like every blog’s got to have one, but this year was certainly one to remember. So many good things and bad things, possibly more bad than good, if the media has anything to do with it. We’ve had the best Olympic Games in history (in my opinion, not that I’m biased or anything), some of the worst natural disasters in decades, with alarming frequency and devastation; a phenomenal, an emotional and historic apology to the Indigenous Australians for the wrongs of the past (but no compensation in sight hrmmm), an aggressive but inspiring race between Obama and McCain to the White House and the worst economic meltdown in decades. I feel as though that 2008 still has plenty to offer me, and yet it seemed to pass by so slowly… I wonder at that, but I’m optimistic at what lies ahead in 2009.

We haven’t exactly had a great plate of good films this year, but I think the handful of excellent ones make up for all the constant churning of sluggish nonsense (I look at you, Beverley Hills Chihuahua).

Best Film
The Dark Knight (hands down)
Director, Christopher Nolan completely blows our minds away with an intelligent and action-packed sequel to the …

So… I haven’t been to an art gallery in a long time. I think the last time was NGV’s Art Deco. That’s a long time in my book. For me, it’s a good way to chillax and rejuvenate some of my creative vigour, and usually an excuse to hang about the NGV Shop (which I love).

The National Gallery of Australia in Canberra is hosting the first (and biggest) Edgar Degas exhibition in the country from this Friday! I wouldn’t have known about it if I hadn’t been watching the 7:30 Report while doing the dishes tonight. Oooh I would really love to go. I missed out on the huge Warhol and Picasso exhibitions in Queensland, but I should really love to see some more Degas. I’m a real sucker for the Realist and Impressionist movements (although Degas himself hated the term “Impressionist”). I suppose I could make it a day trip. Airfares with Tiger Airways are usually cheap (I’ll never forget my $10 trip to Hobart) and I imagine I could stay a night and get home the next day, if it came to that… But I suppose I’d want to sight-see just to take advantage of being in the …

I’ve decided after 3 listens, I love Anastacia’s new album, Heavy Rotation. A lot of people dislike her not quite “white”, yet not quite “black” voice; her not quite “manly” yet not quite “womanly” voice, but it’s so powerful and versatile. This album reveals more of her funky, soulful style, and to great effect. My favourite tracks have to be “I Call It Love”, “Heavy Rotation” and “Absolutely Positively”. Much love from me!

Also saw Australia yesterday.

I liked it overall, most likely ’cause I didn’t have great expectations, although I am partial to a sweeping, war epic (when it’s good, and this is quite good). Luhrmann’s really tried to pay tribute to the colonial Australian vernacular, perhaps to its downfall. It’s really, really long. But Hugh Jackman is hot. REALLY hot. And that should justify a viewing, at the very least!

Rating:

I’m just ticking off the ones I’ve seen.

bold denotes viewed
* denotes vaguely recall/incomplete viewing

1. The Lord of the Rings Trilogy
2. Amelie
3. Blade Runner
4. The Shawshank Redemption
5. Donnie Darko
6. Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope *
7. Pulp Fiction *
8. The Princess Bride
9. Gone With The Wind *
10. Fight Club

(I initally meant to post this on the 1st October. Go me.)

Brideshead Revisited

Up until this point I always assumed Evelyn Waugh was a woman, but this is the name, in fact, of a man. And I had no idea that the mini-series adaptation was held in such high regard. I got “free” tickets for an advanced screening at Nova, thanks to my delightful affiliation with the Monash Golden Key Society. Honestly, I paid $93 to join them; I should get the money back slowly but surely, no? In any case, I’m glad I didn’t technically pay for the film, because it was a bit of a disappointment. My appetite for visual candy was more than satisfied, however, probably to the point of gluttony. It is a sumptuous, seductive film for the senses. But for the mind? Maybe not so much. The protagonist, Charles Ryder, a modest painter is introduced to a world of decadence, wealth and opulence through his growing relationship with Sebastian Flyte at Oxford. He is swept away by the grandness of Sebastian’s home, Brideshead. What follows is a series of events that lead Charles into the closing, controlling grip of Brideshead itself, and the choices he makes …