Cinéma-Fanatique

2008-01-23T08:50:00.000-08:00

RIP

Heath Ledger

April 4, 1979 – January 22, 2008

"I only do this because I'm having fun. The day I stop having fun, I'll just walk away."

BDO-08 Timetable (Revised)

2008-01-22T21:11:00.000-08:00

11:00am-11:45am - Something with Numbers

11:45am-12:30pm - Operator Please

12:30pm-1:15pm - Anti-Flag

1:15pm-2pm - Shy Child

2pm - Food/Drink/Toilet

2:15pm-3pm - Kate Nash

3pm-3:30pm - Food/Drink/Toilet

3:30pm-4:15pm - Enter Shikari

4:15pm-4:30pm - Food/Drink/Toilet

5:30pm-6:30pm - Arcade Fire

6:30pm-7:30pm - Silverchair

7:30pm-8:40pm - Bjork

8:40pm-8:50pm - 'The Lords of Lightning'

8:50pm-10pm - Rage Against The Machine

10pm-10:15pm - MERCH

10:15pm-11pm - Carl Cox

That is the timetable. We're sticking to it, dammit.

~Film-Fanatic

Yep, it's one of those nights :)

2008-01-07T02:14:00.000-08:00

Err, 2008..

2008-01-01T03:26:00.000-08:00

Let me be the first to wish you a happy new year. Wait, that's wrong, no doubt a million people have wished you a happy new year by now, and hearing it from me means absolutely nothing. But, in all honesty, I do wish you all a happy new year. I care for you all for some reason, and I want you all to have the best things in life.

2007 was fucking awful to me - with the exception of about a handful of days, I felt sick, worried, anxious, distressed, unloved, lonely, unappreciated, hated, depressed... I dont hope - I prey - that 2008 will welcome me with open arms as my saviour. I need something. Please, let this be it.

I am drunk. Yes. But, I mean every word.

Kisses to some. "Fuck you"s to many others.

~Film-Fanatic

The 11th Best Album of 2007

2007-12-30T23:28:00.000-08:00

After much debating about it, I've decided to announce that my 11th favourite album of 2007 was Britney Spears' Blackout. Yes, I know... It's Britney, bitch. This is Spears' best album of her entire career - edgy electro-pop songs, comparable to Timberlake's pop-music-changing album FutureSex/LoveSounds. Easily the hottest pop album of the year. It's a shame that the true artistry of this album has been overshadowed by all the negative media that Spears' has recieved throughout the year.

~Film-Fanatic

Top 10 Albums of 2007

2007-12-29T13:24:00.000-08:00

Artist: Daft Punk
Title: Alive 2007
Highlights: Robot Rock/Oh Yeah, Around The World/Harder Better Faster Stronger, One More Time/Aerodynamic, Da Funk/Daftendirekt

Artist: Justice
Title: †
Highlights: Genesis, Let There Be Light, D.A.N.C.E., The Party, Waters Of Nazareth

Artist: Arcade Fire
Title: Neon Bible
Highlights: Intervention, Neon Bible, Black Wave-Bad Vibrations, Keep The Car Running

Artist: Tegan and Sara
Title: The Con
Highlights: The Con, Knife Going In, Are You Ten Years Ago, Back In My Head, Nineteen

Artist: M.I.A.
Title: Kala
Highlights: Boyz, Jimmy, Paper Planes, Come Around

Artist: Silverchair
Title: Young Modern
Highlights: Young Modern Station, Straight Lines, If You Keep Losing Sleep, All Around The World

Artist: Kate Miller-Heidke
Title: Little Eve
Highlights: Words, Little Adam, Shoebox, Mama, Dont Let Go

Artist: Anberlin
Title: Cities
Highlights: Adelaide, Godspeed, A Whisper & a Clamor, The Unwinding Cable Car

Artist: Of Montreal
Title: Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer?
Highlights: Cato As a Pun, Heimdalsgate Like A Promethean Curse, Suffer For Fashion

Artist: Motion City Soundtrack
Title: Even If It Kills Me
Highlights: Fell In Love Without You, This Is For Real, Broken Heart, Hello Helicopter, Where I Belong, Point of Extinction,

2007-12-25T13:15:00.000-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Top 10 Gigs of 2007

2007-12-21T21:43:00.000-08:00

1) Daft Punk (with Sebastian & Kavinsky, The Presets, Bang Gang Deejays, Cut Copy, Modular DJs and Muscles) @ Sidney Myer Music Bowl, VIC; December 14
What can I say that I haven't already written in my epic review just under this post? It was the best night of my life. Nuff said.

2) John Butler Trio @ The Gov; April 2
Who would have thought that one of the best gigs I've ever been to would be a Myspace Secret Show? Well, it was. Crazy, huh. After lining up for about 6 hours, we got to witness a solid 2.5 set from arguably one of the best bands in Australia. The first time they ever played any material of their, at the time, newly released album Grand National, they played the ENTIRE new album, as well as many old favourites. The intimate venue of the Governor Hindmarsh Hotel really made this gig something special and to remember - totally packed and just a room full of so much joy. They specifically chose Adelaide to play their fist gig for the new album, and it was amazing. Highlights from the set included Daniella, Peaches and Cream, Something's Gotta Give, Good Excuse, Funky Tonight, and, without a doubt, the epic 10+ minute acoustic guitar solo song that John performed called Ocean. It had us all in awe, just staring. Was beautiful.

3) Peter Combe (with with Thom and Emily from The Finishing School and The Beards) @ The Gov; November 11
As with the Daft Punk review, there is a big post on this gig just a bit further down this page. But, let me say that it was glorious, every 18+ person in the venue that night reverted back to a little kid, and it was joyous.

4) Dave Matthews Band (with Xavier Rudd) @ Festival Theatre; May 2
This was quite a special show, indeed. The amazing Xavier Rudd opening the show, and recieving a standing ovation (crazy for an opening act!), and then only to be followed by the amazing Dave Matthews Band.. They haven't played a show in such a small and intimate venue in quite some time. I had never been to a real concert at the Festival Theatre, and the acoustics were great. Their setlist wasn't as good as what I'd hoped, but I still had the time of my life, none the less. And, to think, I went solo! Such a great night. Highlights from the set included the opening track Dont Drink The Water, Crash Into Me, Sister, Crush and Ants Marching.

5) Beyonce (with Chris Brown) @ Adelaide Entertainment Centre; April 24
Okay, while I usually do stick to a kind of "alternative" music theme for my gigs... there comes times when an artist comes along that I just have to see, regardless of all hype and popularity surrounding them. One of them was Beyonce. This woman really knows how to please a crowd, a really full set that spanned material from both her solo albums, as well as an awesome medley of Destiny's Child song, she was great. She really worked the stage, her dance moves are flawless. Her all-female band is amazing, such a tight group. And her voice.. my god, her voice is unbelievable. Highlights from her set included opening number Crazy in Love, Deja Vu, Ring The Alarm, Listen, and the amazing Irreplaceable. Really glad that this big superstar actually came to lil' old Adelaide. Was quite the show.

6) Bass in the Grass (with Mammal, Hilltop Hoods, Young Divas, Shannon Noll, Enth Degree, TZU, Little Birdy, Behind Crimson Eyes, Eskimo Joe) @ Darwin Ampitheatre, NT; May 26
Not only was this my first trip to the Northern Territory, but on top of that I got to attend an annual music festival that takes place in Darwin called Bass in The Grass... and it was great. All Australian bands, some more famous than others, but all having a great time performing for this musically deprived audience. The crowd was great, the Northern Territory is left of tour schedules so much that when a band finally does make it up there way, they really show their appreciation. As I'm sure some of you read in my review in May, the highlight was (much to my suprise) the Young Divas! Crazy! I'm going back to Darwin next May for this festival, again. It was great fun. I urge everyone to make it up there at least once for this event. It really is such a fun day.

7) Dappled Cities Fly and Red Riders (with Fire! Santa Rosa, Fire!) @ The Gov; June 24
The Dappled/Riders co-headline tour finished up in Adelaide on June 24.. after both bands came on stage to flip a coin as to who would "officially" headline (Dappled winning), the show opened with local band Fire! Santa Rosa, Fire! unleashing a whole heap of awesome new tracks onto the crowd. Red Riders were different to what I expected, but still great. But, wow, the highlight was Dappled Cities Fly. I had never seen these guys before, or really known too much about them... but, jeez, they were great. So much energy on stage, they were really having such a fun time. And so were we. I had the biggest smile on my face for the entire show. Was great.

8) Justin Timberlake (with Paris Wells) @ Adelaide Entertainment Centre;
November 3
Yes! That's right! THE Justin Timberlake came and played a show in our fair city of Adelaide... and it was great. His show was so well polished, and usually that hurts the flow and the enjoyment factor... but, it just added to it. Highlights from the show included FutureSex/LoveSound, Cry Me A River, What Goes Around and SexyBack.

9) Parklife (saw: Greenskeepers, Kid Kenobi and MC Shureshock, The Sounds, MSTRKRFT, Digitalism, Busy P, Justice, and M.I.A.) @ Botanic Park; September 23
This was just an all-round great day. Checking out acts I'd never really heard of before, and also checking out acts I've been wanting to see for quite some time. That day I saw one of the best live acts I've ever encountered... The Sounds. This Swedish group is amazing, and I had such a fun time jumping around to them at the barrier. MSTRKRFT and Digitalism played killer sets... and while I was a little dissapointed by Justice not doing a live set as advertised, and instead doing a DJ set with Busy P, I couldn't complain. Checking out M.I.A. was great, though. Despite her sound problems, she puts on a great show.. and, y'know, her crowd surfing and me touching her ass didn't hurt my enjoyment of her set one bit :)

10) Toni Collette & The Finish (with Brendan Welch) @ Fowlers; March 9
Earlier in the year, when I found out that Toni Collette had released and album, I listened to it.. and discovered that it was actually brilliant. Great songs, with an exception band and beautiful vocals. So, when I found out she was taking it on tour, and playing Adelaide for only $21, I had to go. She puts so much energy into her performance. While the show did bring out a very strange "arty" crowd that probably had never heard her album... it was still great. Being front row was good fun, and she looked at me several times. Muriel looked at me! hahaha.

~Film-Fanatic

Daft Punk @ Sidney Myer Music Bowl, VIC; December 14

2007-12-18T22:37:00.000-08:00

How can I? How can I write an entire blog entry about the night that will forever be placed on a mantel in my mind as the night that I.. shit, for lack of a better word.. had as close to a religious experience that I will probably ever know? How can I formulate the right words to rightfully express the emotions that I felt, and still feel now? I cant. That's the simple truth. But, I'll be darned if I dont give it my best shot, people.

After a few false starts trying to find the right tram to take us past the King's Domain parklands where the Sidney Myer Music Bowl is located (seeing people all walking in a certain direction and asking ourselves "do they look like people who would go to Daft Punk?"), we finally made it to the parklands, and found a hoard of people making their way up the hilly walking trails into the heart of the Domain, to where the Music Bowl was situated in the middle. The gates were all well managed, and we went in easily without a long wait.

The venue was already very full, the big roaming grassy knoll full of thousands of individuals all excited as hell with the knowledge that in a matter of hours they would be witnessing the biggest show of the year. We walked around a bit, I bought an ALIVE t-shirt, with the awesome pyramid image on the front, and the world tour dates on the back. Bought a couple of drinks, and while they did have inflated prices, weren't as bad as what I imaged (same as the t-shirt, which was only $40), and the lines were quite good. We (and by 'we', of course I mean Ana-Maria) familiarised ourselves with the location of the restrooms and then headed down to our awesome 2nd row position in the stalls section.

The stalls were great. The stage was, fuck, it was RIGHT THERE. The excitement was high as we suddenly realised how close we were going to be. The Robots, their pyramid... it was going to be directly there in front of us. It was all getting real.
Muscles was the act to start off the proceedings. And while he was alright, he really didn't play a lot of the songs I wanted him to play, and the crowd didn't really get to into him. Although, when he played his "hit" 'Ice Cream', the crowd did participate a little bit, with quite a few "WOOO"s and "AHHHH"s coming from the audience. Playing songs like Chocolate, Raspberry, Lemon & Lime, and One Inch Badge Pin, he really could have done a lot better, missing out awesome songs like Jerk and Lauren from Glebe. His voice seemed a bit flat, too. Maybe he was under the weather (as I think he's dropped out of the tour).

After a short 15 minute set from some random Modular DJs, Aussie indie-dance outfit Cut Copy took to the stage and didn't fail to impress. Opening with their new single So Haunted, they thoughtful lyrics and pumping basslines kept the crowd happy. A nice moment was had when the lead singer simply said "I can't believe we're opening for Daft Punk". Their energy was high, and kept the tunes coming. Highlights from their set were That Was Just a Dream and, of course, one of the best dance-anthems of the year, Hearts on Fire, which the crowd lapped up.

It was at this time that we realised what we were in for. The crowd that we were in - the people in the stalls - were going to walk away with a totally different concert experience to those up on the grassy knoll behind the stalls section. We were right into it because we were forced to - the acts were right in front of us. Those up on the hill nearly had no choice but to do the complete opposite. While the roadies set up for The Presets, the Bang Gang Deejays played a set that we didn't really pay too much attention to, and either did the rest of the crowd. We went and got some more drinks, just in time to see The Presets grace the stage.

The Presets were great. So much energy - they know how to hype up a crowd, and that's exactly what they did. Opening with Down Down Down, the stalls section lapped up everything they gave us. The GA area was a bit hard to get moving, but there were many patches in the crowd that were enjoying it as much as us. It has been a long time since The Presets have played shows on Aussie soil, and a nice little "Melbourne, it's been so long since we've danced" was mentioned. Are You The One was played suprisingly early in the set, and the crowd went wild. The highlight of their set was, without a doubt, their new single, and easily the hottest summer anthem of the year, My People. That went off harder than Are You The One, in my opinion. They closed with I Go Hard, I Go Home. That didn't really sound as good live as it does on the album, but it was awesome, none the less.

The wait between The Presets and Daft Punk was awesome. Brilliant French DJ duo Sebastian & Kavinsky, who have been opening for Daft Punk on this entire world tour, played an absolutely flawless set that the crowd loved. These two DJs were the highlight of the openers. Playing great remixes of songs such as The Gossip's Standing in the Way of Control, Jay-Z's 99 Problems, and, of course, Sebastian's awesome remixes of Kavinsky's Testarossa Overdrive and.. the best remix of the year, without a doubt.. Rage Against The Machine's Killing in The Name of. That remix is just so fucking epic, the distortion and the all-round electro vibe that song now has is great. I love it even more than the original track.

By this time it was already after 9pm, and it was pretty dark, especially due to the overcast sky that hung above the Music Bowl. People started chanting "DAFT PUNK! DAFT PUNK!"... but, none of it seemed to be working. The crowd was so excited, the vibe was amazing. The stalls had become very crowded - no doubt many people from the general admission area had somehow made their way into our section. It was packed. Looking up the grassy knoll to see a sold-out 30,000-strong crowd was amazing. We stood there, unable to speak, somehow communicating in squeels... and then... it happened..

The classic tune from Close Encounters of the Third Kind sounded through the speakers, and the crowd just knew. Everyone who was close enough just jumped up on a chair, and then everyone who didn't have a chair either lined the isles or tried to squeeze their way to the small pit that had formed in front of the seating directly in front of the stage. The black curtain were pulled back to reveal, through all the smoke and the haze, the pyramid.. and, on top of it, the two greatest individuals in the history of dance music... Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo... better known as "The Robots"... or, as mother fucking DAFT PUNK. I couldn't believe what was in front of me - the image that I had for months been watching countless amounts of time on youtube... it was right there in front of me. And I couldn't believe it. The youtube videos... there are some things they just dont capture. They dont capture the haziness of the smoke, they dont capture the shine off their helmets.. they just dont capture the awe-filled vibe of 30,000 people who couldn't believe their eyes.. and who were about to lose their shit.

Suddenly the speakers burst to life, with a robotic voice - "ROOOOOOOBOOOOOOOOOT". A light shining from behind the robots. And then, BAM, the lights switch and their on us. The crowd. "HUUUUUUUMAAAAAAAAAN". This repeats, building up pace, sometimes Daft Punk dropping the robot vocals for the crowd to scream out "Robot".. they pace got faster and faster, until... Robot Rock exploded in all it's Daft Punk glory. The simple, yet effective, white lighting that was used during this song was great. And the crowd went nuts for it. Everyone orgasmed at the same time as the electronic guitars exploded through the speakers and into our ears. And the bass.. my god, the bass. You could feel it all the way down to your arsehole. And it was amazing.

Going straight into Technologic, with the lighting changing to reveal a screen behind the pyramid that had all the lines to the song on it. People tried to sing along, but, of course, it was a bit hopeless. The set was exactly the same as all the others on the tour.. but, the pitch and distortions were very different to what I have heard from several bootlegs. The robot on our side, who I do believe is Bangalter, was working overtime on the controls - and he was really getting into it. A lot of dancing and head-banging.

Highlights from their set were... well, it's hard to pick a certain favourite. Television Rules The Nation was great when it just burst to life, with the static screen behind them.. but, the Around The World/Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger remix was great, too... so was One More Time/Aerodynamic... as was Da Funk, and Human After All. Ohhh, choices, choices. I'd probably say One More Time/Aerodynamic and Da Funk were the best of the night, One More Time being just for the great sing-a-long aspect and the way it just fitted in so well on the night, and Da Funk for being a song that I found could be a great dance/slow-mosh song. Who knew?
When Human After All finished they stood there for a solid 3 minutes, just acknowledging the crowd. They looked at all of us, they scanned the knoll, the stalls, everywhere.. and they applauded. They applauded us. I know they were in robot costumes and you couldn't really be sure.. but, I tell you, they were really blown away by the crowd and the response they got in Melbourne on that Friday night. It was special - not just for us, but for them, too. They dissapeared, and then the chanting started again.

"DAFT PUNK! DAFT PUNK!" "ONE MORE! ONE MORE!", etc, etc. The screams were constant, and the excitement was massive. Everyone wanted to know what they would encore with, with everyone believing that all their big hits had already been played. They finally imerged and played the most badass electro remix of Stardust's Music Sounds Better With You (pretty much a Bangalter song, anyway). Their suits during the encroe were amazing. Red LED lighting was around the rimming of their suits to create a kind of outline effect. Couldn't believe what I was seeing. When their set finished, they turned their backs to the audience to reveal, in the red lighting, their Daft Punk logos. And then.. they were gone.. but, not forgotten. They left us with one more treat. Through the loud speakers suddenly started a familiar tune, and everyone looked at each other and we all just had it written on our face. Elvis Presley's Can't Help Falling in Love playing, and all of us singing along, people embracing everywhere. Everyone just shared this religious experience with each other. We realised that night that there isn't one god, there's two.. and they're robots.

And there it was, the best night of my entire life had just happened. It was over. But, the memory shall remain forever. Sure, it will one day be replaced with person memories of a marriage or a birth or something.. but, until then, this is my life. This is what I live for. Everything that night.. that's what my life is all about. I am serious - I can honestly say, without a shred of exaduration at all, all fanboy-ism aside... it really was the best night of my life.

To think I may have never have gone makes me shudder with disgust. And I owe going to Ana-Maria.. here's an excerpt from the email I sent her on August 30 when the tour was announced..

"I want you to come with me. Please. This isn't one of those things that I say and doesn't happen. I honestly want you to come to Melbourne with me to see the best show we will both ever see... You're my favorite person ever.. I want you to be there when I go insane because of Daft Punk."

.. and there she was, right next to me on Friday night, miles from home, a few hundred dollars poorer.. and sharing the experience of a lifetime that I promised her. In all seriousness, big concerts will come and go, so will money.. but, friendship and love and loyalty and everything that I feel for that girl will stay the same. The biggest event in your life is nothing if you have no one to share it with.

ROCK. ROBOT ROCK.

* * * * * out of * * * * *

~Film-Fanatic

2007-11-30T03:32:00.000-08:00

Les Anges Exterminateurs

(Jean-Claude Brisseau, 2006)

*** out of *****

2007-11-24T21:48:00.000-08:00

I voted for John Howard. I'm not ashamed to say it.

I wish he won. Rudd is a cunt.

Goodbye, Johnny. We had a blast, hey?

McHappy Day

2007-11-17T23:41:00.000-08:00

I worked today, and my god, let me tell you, I haven't worked that hard for nearly a year. We were so damn busy over lunch, but it was good fun because everyone was dressed up and we have so much staff on that we didn't feel the pressure one bit. But, over dinner, there were only four in the kitchen, and we all got slaughtered. Extremely busy. We did a $1500 hour with just four in the kitchen - that is something rarely done. Was very exciting. But, damn, so tiring. All day I had a thurst that I just couldn't quench, drinking so much water, and soft drink, and frozen drinks... just couldn't stop the feeling of being thursty (although, no doubt the immense heat in the kitchen didn't help that either). But, I just cracked open a beer then, and wow, the thurst is gone (well, maybe after one more..). Beer is the best thurst quencher, without a doubt.

Also, my store earned over $1000 today for the Ronald McDonald House Charity, just through donations alone.. Hooray for us!

~Film-Fanatic

Sneaky Sound System @ Thebarton Theatre; Nov. 16

2007-11-17T03:43:00.000-08:00

Arriving at the old Thebarton Town Hall just after 4:30pm in the afternoon today, my companion and I were suprised to discover that we were the first ones there. Yet, as time slowly passed, a que (two, actually) formed and excitement was rampant throughout the cluster of youngsters that seemed to form the mass of the audience attending the show. With doors opening somewhere around 7:20pm, we then found ourselves at the front of a different que, one which was in a small corridor, with closed doors at the end that we all knew led to the floor section of the theatre. Sound check for the opening act was still taking place, and we all grooved to the funky beats and breakdowns, and stared at the closed door with anticipation as stage lighting filtered through the gap between the door and the floor. Finally, doors were opened, and naturally, we were front-row centre.

Local Adelaide group Former Child Stars opened with what was quite an impressive set. This much talked about local group is full of indie-dance awesomeness, yet have a kind of brit-pop/rock sensibility to them that makes them appealing to more than just the average indie kid. I was very happily suprised by the lighting used for these guys during their set, with the lighting crew actually working to make their set looks impressive - unlike most opening acts, who have lousy lighting during their set due to tech guys simply worrying about the main act and main support.

In-between sets Adelaide DJ, and bass player in the Sneaky Sound System band, Donnie Sloan played a DJ set, and while a lot of the stuff played wasn't too much chop, considering how mainstream the crowd was, I did really appreciate hearing Daft Punk's Television Rules the Nation and Aerodyamic, both of which got the crowd excited more than any other song, as well as Music Sounds Better with You, Back in Black and a great remix of Timberlake's LoveStoned.

Main opening act, Modular artist Robyn, from Sweden, was trying her hardest to impress this small town crowd who obviously had no idea who she was. She popped and locked her dance moves across the Thebby stage, belting out song after song, yet the crowd never really seemed to respond. Her European beats, which we mostly all slowish, weren't what this crowd was hoping for, and her vocals were too low, lost the majority of the time under the sound of the two dual-drummers she has accompanying her.

Finally, at around 10:30pm, Sneaky Sound System graced the Thebby stage, in their biggest Adelaide show to date. Opening with the sans-Connie song Tease Me, the crowd was very excited. It had become apparant that SSS have come to town with quite the laser light show in tow. Awesome lasers darted out towards us, and around us. Sometimes coming in the form of beams, other times overlapping to create a "grid" type effect. The always beautiful, and easily the hottest chick in Australian music ever, Miss Connie joined her band on stage during the second song, a new tune that I'm not too sure on the name of. Blasting through hit after hit, the immense heat that was locked into the theatre had reached the stage, and sweat poured off all the performers. New songs were roadtested, with the highlight being the first song from the encore titled Kansas City, a song with their same stylings that they had for their debut album, but with more mature lyrics. Highlights from their set were all the usual fodder, I Love It, UFO, Pictures and Goodbye - but, with tunes as fun as these, who can complain. It has become very apparant to me that this really is Connie Mitchell's band - she commands the stage with her deep stares and theatrical posing. Her vocals are so strong and the rest of the band, just like their audience, melts under her presence. MC Double D is a great hype man, but his stage presence doesn't stretch much further from there, and Black Angus, who is the creative mastermind behind the group, has a continuous look of being drunk or on some very heavy drugs. He pulls the look off, but, only just.

I'm sure all of you know by now that a Sneaky Sound System show means a frickin' party, and I honestly do urge everyone to see them when the visit your town. They have a few festival gigs coming up in the new year, and I for one will definitely see them when they play Adelaide again on February 21. Also, keep an eye out for their sophomore album. It shall be huge, just like their debut.

* * * * out of * * * * *

~Film-Fanatic

'City of Men' trailer:

2007-11-14T22:40:00.000-08:00

Peter Combe @ The Gov; November 11

2007-11-12T03:11:00.000-08:00

Tonight I attended a gig that was about 19 years overdue for me. Tonight I attended a gig where a capacity crowd of over 700 adults sang along to their favourite songs from when they were a child. Tonight I transformed from a boring old fuddy-duddy into everything that I was when I was 6, I was a child for one night. Tonight I saw the legendary Australian children's performer Peter Combe, and it was one of the best nights of my life.

Opening act Thom & Emily, Combe's son and daughter from the band The Finishing School proved to be a nice acoustic act to start the night off. Their ballads were well-written, although the excited crowd was a little too psyched to be listening to anything that slow or serious.

The main opening act was Adelaide band The Beards, and they were definitely one of the funniest local bands that I'd never heard of. Each member sports a beard, and, funnily enough, every song was about beards. Some corker lines from their songs include "If your dad doesn't have a beard, then you have 2 moms" and "Derin Hinch shaved off his beard, and now he's shit".

The sold out crowd waited with much anticipation for their childhood hero to grace the stage, and when he did, he was greeted with a tremendous roar from the crowd that almost did sound like a room full of little children. Each song hit the crowd like some kind of time machine, I found myself saying "Oh my god! THIS song!" with each forgotten gem played. The repetition in the childrens songs made it easy to sing along, even if you didn't know the words. I had totally forgotten about songs like Chopsticks and Parcel in the Mail, both of which we would all sing along to during 'music time' in primary school, along with many other Combe favourites. The song Rain proved to the audience that Combe's lyrics, while simple, are effective and quite moving. And, much to my suprise and joy, it was seen fit to have Happy Christmas to You played, with the christmas pageant on yesterday. Just like when he used to perform to children, Combe used the crowd as his own personal backing choir, and everyone harmonized beautifully - going up notes as the singer himself did so.

It became obvious tonight that Peter Combe wasn't just a regular children's performer, unlike The Wiggles and Hi5, Combe doesn't talk down to his young audience, he sings to them as he would to anyone. His lyrics are educational, from teaching children to brush their teeth, to helping them learn how to tell the time. His lyrics are timeless.

The big hits of the night were Spaghetti Bolognaise, Mr. Clickity Kane, Newspaper Mama, Toffee Apple, and the absolutely epic in it's awesomeness, Juicy Juicy Green Grass. Toffee Apple came out of nowhere, like an explosion of joy that suddenly took place within the audience - up until that song, while every song was brilliant, none were the definitive Combe songs. From there onwards it was hit after hit, and the crowd lapped it up. The call and answer style of Newspaper Mama and Mr. Clickity Kane worked brilliantly - the infamous "Bellyflop in a pizza" part of Mr. Clickity Kane was amazing live. The big song of the night, though, was without a doubt Juicy Juicy Green Grass, it being amazing in the first encore of the night, with everyone in The Gov singing along at the top of their lungs... but, after being conned back on stage for another encore, and having nothing else to sing, and performing Juicy Juicy Green Grass for the 2nd time in a row... wow. It was EVEN BETTER! "I've never been sooo huuuungry beeeeeeeeeefooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooreeeeeeeeeeeee". Amazing. And his backing band, my god, these blokes are all veterans of the industry, no doubt - all very professional and talented. Haven't seen such a good band in a long time, to be honest.

Combe was obviously humbled by this hometown crowd, he loved performing to us tonight just as much as he enjoyed performing to us all 15 years ago. He said in a moment of seriousness that he felt like we were all family, only to bring a giant "awwww" from the crowd, myself included. I have so much admiration for the man, realising that the generation that grew up on his music needs him again - as if he saw us heading in the wrong direction, and knew we needed him to steer us in the right direction again. I haven't danced and sang along like that in such a long time, I was overtaken by a feeling of just pure joy. Everyone was 6 again, we all liked Peter Combe, and therefore we were all best friends. Honestly, I was fighting back tears during Juicy Juicy Green Grass, the entire nostolgia aspect pared with the perfectness of the entire thing made me well-up inside.

This was an amazing show, one of the best shows I've ever been to, without a doubt. If you ever get the chance to see Peter Combe, whether you're a fan or not, go see him. Your inner-child deserves to have fun once and a while.

* * * * * out of * * * * *

~Film-Fanatic

Adelaide Festival of Arts Program Announced

2007-10-25T21:42:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's that time of the year, where all the festivals that shall be hitting town in the first few months of 2008 are announcing their programs and line-ups. Today the 2008 Adelaide Bank Festival of Arts had it's official program launch, and it is just as impressive as 2006's, without a doubt.

Opening with a pyrotechnic display that will see North Terrace closed from 6pm onwards, the "City of Light" shall live up to it's name, with the sky igniting, all to the beats and rhythms performed by DBR & The Mission. This festival is unlike any other in Australia - outdoing Sydney and Melbourne, once again. Incorporating music, theatre, dance, opera, film, literature and visual arts... this festival is without a doubt the best festival South Australia has had, and will probably ever have. This is the Fringe Festival for the more refined art lover.

I hope to check out Tim Supple's critically acclaimed production of A Midsummer Night's Dream, a theatre production from The Netherlands titled Kommer, highly anticipated Australian theatre-dance fusion piece The Angel and The Red Priest, and a documentary film that I have been anticipating for nearly 3 years now titled 4.

Yes, the 2008 Adelaide Bank Festival of Arts shall be quite the spectacular array of arts in Adelaide next year.

The festival runs from February 29 to March 16.

The full program can be accessed on the festival's website.

www.adelaidefestival.com.au

~Film-Fanatic

15 Random Songs:

2007-10-25T12:24:00.000-07:00

1) Teenage Millionaire ~ Repeat Offender - ***
2) Chia-Like, I Shall Grow ~ Say Anything - ***1/2
3) Another Day in Paradise ~ Reel Big Fish - ***1/2
4) Me and Bobby McGee ~ Janis Joplin - ***1/2
5) The Wrong Company ~ Flogging Molly - ***
6) After The Garden ~ Neil Young - ****
7) Your Guts (I Hate 'em) ~ Reel Big Fish - ***
8) Evil ~ Interpol - ****
9) Harder Better Faster Stronger (Alive Radio Edit 2007) ~ Daft Punk - ****1/2
10) Queen Of Apology ~ The Sounds - ****
11) Full Metal ~ Vents Ft Mortar, Trials - ***1/2
12) Reach ~ The Butterfly Effect - ****
13) Vökuró ~ Björk - ****
14) Unfold (Live) ~ Jason Mraz - ****1/2
15) Your Algebra ~ The Shins - ***1/2

~Film-Fanatic

HAIRSPRAY

2007-10-25T00:23:00.000-07:00

Tonight I saw Hairspray at the cinema for the 2nd time, after craving to re-watch it for a few days now. The good news is it most certainly stands up on multiple viewings - this movie is pure gold, from start to finish.

Focusing on Tracy, a chubby girl living in 1960s Baltimore who dreams of dancing on local television program 'The Corny Collins Show', the film tells the story of a this program and it's closed-minded views in regard to integration of races on 1960s small town television. With a colourful array of characters, ranging from Tracy's mother, played by John Travolta, to Tracy's on-screen crush Link, played by Zach Efron.

The acting is superb, not in a long time has the screen seen such a strong ensemble. John Travolta, as stated by pretty much every review, is a revelation - playing a woman, Travolta immerses himself in the role. If Travolta doesn't get an Oscar nomination for his performance, then there is certainly something wrong with the Academy. Michelle Pfeiffer hams up her role as the evil station manager, and hasn't been this good since White Oleander. Zach Efron proves that he is big screen material, and Christopher Walken is more than solid with his role as Tracy's father. Queen Latifa as the host of the "negro day" edition of 'The Corny Collins Show' is warm and lovable. But, the role that stands out more than any other, and rightfully so, is Nikki Blonsky's Tracy - one of the greatest film debuts of the last decade, without a doubt. Her naive, yet oh-so-brave performance is the glue that holds the film together, holding her own alongside actings giants.

The film's production is lush and necessarily so. Capturing the groovy feel of the 1960s, yet also keeping with the themes of opression that was rampant at that time, the costumes and sets are great. Colourful and eye-catching. Director Adam Shankman's choreography is brilliant, his double-roll helping him properly capture his vision. The make-up department does a magnificent job, John Travolta's transformation is a testiment to that. The music and lyrics of the songs by Scott Wittman & Marc Shaiman are spot-on and fantastic - if Oscar nomination aren't heading their way, then I will be very dissapointed. The quirkiness of opening number Good Morning Baltimore, to the near-tear endusing I Know Where I've Been, each song creates mood and tells the plot so well.

So, as if you need any other kind of urgings to go see the film. Seriously, check it out, you wont regret it. I've seen it twice now... what's your excuse?

* * * * out of * * * * *

~Film-Fanatic

2007-10-18T20:21:00.000-07:00

Returning soon.

~Film-Fanatic

2007-06-28T15:42:00.000-07:00

Knocked Up

(Judd Apatow, 2007)

**** out of *****

Just got back from the library:

2007-06-26T18:06:00.000-07:00

I borrowed:

McLibel (Franny Armstrong and Ken Loach, 2005)
Love Serenade (Shirley Barrett, 1996)
Let's Get Skase (Matthew George, 2001)
Keep The River On Your Right: A Modern Cannibal Tale (David Shapiro and Laurie Gwen Shapiro, 2000)
Mystery Men (Kinka Usher, 1999)
The Paper (Ron Howard, 1994)
The Dish (Rob Sitch, 2000)

~Film-Fanatic

Just got back from the video store:

2007-06-16T18:35:00.000-07:00

Little Children (Todd Field, 2006)
Bound (Larry and Andy Wachowski, 1996)
Confessions of an American Girl (Jordan Brady, 2002)
The Fast and The Furious: Tokyo Drift (Justin Lin, 2006)
The Matador (Richard Shepard, 2005)

~Film-Fanatic

Setlists:

2007-06-16T02:13:00.000-07:00

I'm tired, and figured I'd post the setlists I've collected over the last year and a bit from some gigs I've been to. Some are actually really awesome.

The Cloud Room (supporting End of Fashion) @ The Gov; May 20, 2006

The Sunlight Song
Blackout!
Devoured in Peace
Lord, I’m Tryin’
Waterfall
Beautiful Mess
We Sleep in The Ocean
Always
Hey Now Now
Follow Me

Motion City Soundtrack @ Fowlers; May 21, 2006

Intro
Attractive Today
Better Open The Door
Capital H
Boombox Generation
Don't Call It A Comeback
Makeout Kids
Time Turned Fragile
Autographs and Apologies
My Favorite Accident
Perfect Teeth
Feel Like Rain
Modern Chemistry
L.G. FUAD
Everything is Alright
Hold Me Down

Encore:

The Future Freaks Me Out

Bic Runga @ The Gov; July 30, 2006

Something Good
No Crying No More
Bursting Through
Blue Blue Heart
Birds
Say After Me
Winning Arrow
Get Some Sleep
Honest Goodbyes
Election Night
Be All and End All

Encore:

Sway
Drive

Encore 'Spares':

Last Kind Word
A Day Like Today
She Left on a Monday
Beautiful Collision
Suddenly Strange
When I C U Smile

Kashmir (supporting Something For Kate) @ HQ; September 24, 2006

Kalifornia
Jewel Drop
Surfing The Warm
Ophelia
The Curse of Being a Girl
Rocket Brothers
The Cynic
She's Made of Rubies

Kate Miller-Heidke @ Jive; October 6, 2006

Monster
I Got The Way
Out & In
Blah Blah
Apartment
Dreams/I Love You
Little Adam
The Day After Christmas
Where Have I Been All Your Life (Keir Nutall on vocals)
Space They Cannot Touch
Mama
Ducks Don't Need Satellites
Little Water Song
Words

Encore:

Australian Idol
Don't Let Go
Psycho Killer

Kate Miller-Heidke @ The Gov; May 11, 2007

Out & In
Make It Last
Little Adam
Ducks Don't Need Satellites
Mama
Dreams/I Love You
Space They Cannot Touch
I Got The Way
Shoebox
Don't Let Go
Toxic
Words

Encore:

Apartment
Australian Idol

One of the Best Albums of 2007:

2007-06-16T01:29:00.000-07:00

Little Eve

Kate Miller-Heidke

***** out of *****

Don't Let Go

2007-06-16T01:23:00.000-07:00

It's nearly 1am on Saturday morning - I dont have work in the morning (or at all tomorrow, for that matter), and I'll be able to just lay in bed for hours and sleeeeep! Yup. Awesome. I've had quite a few late nights this week, working on essays for uni. I finished them both on time, which is quite a stretch for me. I'm on Uni break now until late July - I'm excited about next semester; I have classes that I will really enjoy (a creative writing strand of English, especially), and with my joining of a gym, I feel really motivated and just all round enthusiastic.

Anyway, yer, I'm currently watching The Good, The Bad and The Ugly on Channel 7 - figured I'd watch it, simply because it's on tv and I've only ever seen it once before. The direction is sooo masterful - Sergio Leone was a genius. And the score!!! Ohhh man, ORGASMIC soundtrack.

I'm currently uploading videos to youtube, still from last Thursday's Rock The Vote concert at The Gov - check 'em out on the right hand side bar.

I shall soon be posting the recipe to my awesome homemade pizza that I made for dinner tonight. It was one of the best thing I've ever tasted, and easily the best thing I've ever made.

~Film-Fanatic

2007-06-15T01:36:00.000-07:00

"Afraid of the neighbours out in the hall
I'm worried they'll hear us come through the wall
Down in the car park, out in the street
Out in the real world people are mean

I live in a shoebox, I live in a cell
And hearing my small talk
It's easy to tell that I don't belong here

Just 'cause it works for you doesn't mean it works for me
I can't fall in love with every single idiot I see

I saw you with Harry out on the town
Did you ignore me, or the other way round?
Yell over the music
Can't find a seat
Pushing past me
Step on my feet

And this is a shoebox
This is a cell
Feels like my skin belongs to somebody else
But I smile and suck it in

Just 'cause it works for you doesn't mean it works for me
I can't fall in love with every single idiot I see

When I see I've had enough
And the seas are getting rough
I just need time
Til everything is back to normal
And everything is as it should be
If everything is less than you hoped for
Everything's okay by me"

Shoebox ~ Kate Miller-Heidke

Just got back from the video store:

2007-05-30T20:45:00.000-07:00

I hired:

The Descent (Neil Marshall, 2005)
Ging Chaat Goo Si Juk Jaap (Jackie Chan, 1988)
Moolaadé (Ousmane Sembene, 2004)
Good Will Hunting (Gus Van Sant, 1997)
Just Like Heaven (Mark Waters, 2005)

Plus, I borrowed from the library:

Ed Wood (Tim Burton, 1994)
The Dancer Upstairs (John Malkovich, 2002)
The Untouchables (Brian De Palma, 1987)
Donnie Darko: The Director's Cut (Richard Kelly, 2001)
Barry Lyndon (Stanley Kubrick, 1975)

~Film-Fanatic

Bass in The Grass 2007

2007-05-27T01:26:00.000-07:00

Well, I got back a little over an hour ago from the awesome Darwin music festival known as Bass in The Grass - and, wowie, let me tell you something; it.. went... OFF!

Gates opened at 11am, but I didn't get there until a little after 1pm - Melbourne group Mammal were tearing up the stage with the Rage Against The Machine-esque music, getting the crowd going something brilliant. The dual-stage system was in place, like with the main stage at the Big Day Out - one band on this stage, then a band on the next stage (so the roadies can set up for the next act while another act is performing), so while Mammal were playing, I headed to the other side to await a live performance experience that was looooong overdue. The crowd started cramming in, all keen to see the next act, and when they came on stage, the place went nuts... yup, my hometown heroes - the Hilltop Hoods. They're no strangers to the festival circuit, and no strangers to the NT heat, either - and they did such a solid set. Playing mostly tracks from The Hard Road, highlights were Recapturing The Vibe, Nosebleed Section, Clown Prince, City of Light and Dumb Enough. They brought a 4-piece string section from Sydney with them, also - which really brought to life some tracks, I think. Everyone was jumping around and having an awesome time. It was hot as fuck, as it was 2pm, and the sun was right above us, but it just added to the intensity and awesomeness of the whole thing.

During all the performances, the security guards were continuously hosing down the moshpit. It was done for two reasons, obviously; to make sure people dont pass out from heat exhaustion, and it's also a form of crowd control. But, the crowd was very well behaved, for the whole day, really. There was a little bit of a break of bands after the Hilltop Hoods, so I went and got a bottle of water and a yiros to eat.

Okay, let me describe the venue to you; it's the Darwin Ampitheatre - which is a natural hillside that causes awesome acoustics for bands playing at the bottom of it. Also, because it's a hillside, it ensures that no matter where you stand, you'll pretty much always have an awesome view. So, I sat higher up on the hill and ate my yiros. While I was eating, female cover band Young Divas came on stage - and their songs were enjoyable. I had finished eating, and decides I might as well go back down to the stage and get amongst it all. Also, I figured it'd be cool to be at the barrier for Shannon Noll, just for the hell of it. While I was down at the stage, I really got into the Young Divas. Their set was so much fun, and everyone was dancing. The Darwin crowd is so starved for music, that they'll dance/mosh/crowd-surf to anything. Yup, people were crowd-surfing to Young Divas. You could tell these girls were hot, too - especially that Kate (can't spell her last night... tuck-shop arms?), she had a dress on with a big neckline and a push-up bra... huge sweaty tits... added to the enjoyment of the set, really. They took off their shoes and came down to the crowd and got amongst it during their set. They were loving it, really. It's obvious that they never have and never will again have a crowd like that to perform to.

Shannon Noll was next, and while I think he is a laughable excuse for a singer, I figured his set would be enjoyable, anyway. But... nup. Opening with Lift and singing all his bogan-ballads like Learn To Fly and What About Me?, his set was boring-as-hell, and crap because he is obviously a wanker. During the set he took off his vest, and performed the rest of the set topless. Anyone who takes their shirt off when they know heaps of people are watching them are wanker, in my opinion. Some things were thrown at him, to be honest.

Next was a local Darwin band called Enth Degree, and I was keen to see what they were like. But, despite getting the crowd going even before Shannon Noll's set (people were actually chanting "ENTH DEGREE!" during his degree), and the strange into to their set where the lead singer wore a balaclava and typed on a keyboard, before smashing it on the stage... they failed to impress me. Strange metal music that never really went anywhere (y'see, I need music to go places). So, I grabbed a bottle of water during their set. I was going to get a couple of beers (the bars opened up at 5pm - which was a smart move, I think), but the line was MASSIVE. So, I opted not to.

TZU were on after Enth Degree, and they were great fun, just like the first time I saw them (opening for Butterfingers in '06). The Melbourne hip-hop/funk group put on a great set, with them throwing in little freestyles about the weather, etc. The crowd didn't know what to think of them originally, I think. I heard a lot of people asking "Who are they?", and it was very interesting that they got billed to be on at that time, while one of the biggest groups in the country, the Hilltop Hoods, played 3 hours earlier. But, the crowd slowly warmed to them, and by their closing number, the infectious She Gets Up, everyone was jumping around like they'd been fans for years.

Little Birdy was next, and I worked my way into a good spot slightly between the two stages, so I wouldn't really have to move for the rest of the night. Keep in mind that the security guards were still continuously hosing up down, even thought it wasn't really hot anymore - so, everyone is wet and the pit smells like an old unwashed sock. Little Birdy put on a good show - the lead singer, a female, has a good stage presence. While she may take her performance a little too seriously, she is still great. A lot of "Show us your tits!" from the audience, but I guess that goes with the territory of being a female singer in a rock band. Opening with the awesome Come On, Come On and going through all the hits, even a Gyroscope cover, the highlight would have to be their closing track Dead Bodies - great rock song, and the crowd loved it.

On next was Behind Crimson Eyes - and I wasn't really looking forward to them. Y'see, I'm not really a fan of "screamo" music.. and that's exactly what these guys are. Screamers. The lead singer would try to scream over the top of the heavy guitars and drums, and the whole thing just sounded a mess. Even the Darwin crowd didn't know how to react properly to them, I found. Why this band was 3rd highest billed, I have no idea.

On after them was my favorite Aussie band of all time.. the band that I've seen 3 times previously... the awesome Eskimo Joe. I knew they wouldn't dissapoint me. They're currently on their Beating Like a Drum tour, and that's the track that they opened with - and it was sooo good. I've become a big fan of that song lately, and I'd been craving to hear it live for months! They then went into Sarah, and that was great, too. Then Comfort You, which I'd also grown very fond of in the last few months. They pumped out all the hits - except nothing from their first album Girl, which is a shame. But, their newer material is first-class stuff, also. Other highlights from their set would have to be Older Than You and From The Sea. Those songs never get old.

While Jet were the closing act... I decided it was time to go. My cousin that had taken me there was feeling a bit sick, and with Jet being shit last time I saw them in February at the Big Day Out, I figured I might as well leave. But, the entire day was awesome. The Northern Territory has much different concert crowds than back home. I guess, like I said earlier, they're just so starved for concerts up here that they're gonna try to make the most out of what they've been given. I, for one, had a great and very memorable time. The weather, while hot, was a "fun" kind of hot - and I'm glad I got sunburnt, because who the hell goes to Darwin and doesn't get sunburnt!?

Anyway, I've vowed that I shall come back to Darwin next year to attend the Bass in The Grass festival again. It's just so much fun, and Adelaide only ever has the Big Day Out - so now I'll be able to go to two music festivals in a year!

So, yup, thanks to the Northern Territory Government for putting on this awesome festival. I know they're trying to prove to promoters, etc that the top end is a good place to play a show, and that it should be placed on the regular touring schedules. Keep putting on festivals like this every year, and no doubt bands will start flocking here!

**** out of *****

~Film-Fanatic

You'll never, never know - if you never, never go.

2007-05-26T01:14:00.000-07:00

Does anybody else remember those old tourism commercials for the Northern Territory that used to be on during the mid-1990s, and they had Darryl Sommers in them? Yes? Awesome, cause I definitely do. And, if you remember the ads, then you most definitely remember the catchphrase that Darryl said, which no doubt brought thousands of people flocking to the top end to see what the big fuss was about... You'll never, never know - if you never, never go. A bit corny and dated when looking back on the phrase, but really, it's so true. I would've never known and experienced so many things if I never came to the Northern Territory...

Oh, didn't I tell you? Yer, I'm in Darwin at the moment. I'm here for my uncles 70th birthday party thats on Sunday, and the Bass in The Grass festival, which is tomorrow. Yup, my first trip to the Northern Territory. This place is totally different to what I imagined, honestly. And, honestly, I can't recall how I originally imagined it to be. We got in yesterday morning at 2am, and when we got to my aunt's house the first thing I noticed was a gecko running along the wall. Yup, there are thousands of geckos here - just in my aunt's garden alone. Everyone up here has a continuous 24/7 sweat glaze on them, and I think it suits people up here.

The day started off slowly, got up around 9:30am-ish, after a very restless sleep and I had a shower, etc. Then hung around my aunt's house for a bit, filled up a piñata for the kids at the party on Sunday (man, we filled that thing soooo full. like, you can't put anything else in there!). Then a cousin of mine took my aunt and I for a little drive around Darwin - through the city, around the wharf area, took us to see some gun turrents from WWII when Australia was afraid the Japanese would invade via Darwin, and then we went and had lunch at Cullen Bay. The restaurant was a nice spot on a marina, and I felt adventurous and ordered a baramundi burger. I'm not much of a fish person, but, ohhhh man, it was sooo nice. I also had some cold beers (there's nothing else to drink up here, honestly!). I went to the toilet in the restaurant, to do a number 1... and I found out that the urinal is actually a one way mirror that allows the people at the urinal to look at people in the restaurant. I figured I'd get stagefright, but fuck no, I let rip like a trooper.

We had a family bbq tonight, and it was good to catch up with the family, especially my older cousin Candice. I hadn't seen her since 2002 or 2003, I think. She's changed so much since I last saw her - she's 21 now. We got along straight away, even more so than on our last meeting. And she introduced me to her boyfriend, and he's a really top bloke. Good upstanding guy, honestly. They were nice enough to ask me if I wanted to drive around town a bit, go cruising along the beach, etc. I was having such a good time talking to them that I agreed, naturally. I loved it, really connecting independently with my cousin and having real conversations with them. They're two years older than me, and usually that makes a big difference to me and my interraction with people, but I loved spending time with them. They're coming to the Bass in The Grass tomorrow, too - a big music festival at the Darwin Ampitheatre featuring Jet, Eskimo Joe, Hilltop Hoods, Little Birdy, TZU, etc. My cousin asked me tonight, and I thought this was really cute, if she could introduce me to her friends tomorrow as her "cousin" (she's actually my 2nd cousin - her mother is my 1st cousin). The answer was yes, naturally. A cousin is a cousin. I just thought it was so sweet of her to ask. She really is a genuinely nice person.

Anyway, I'm tired as hell and I need my sleep for tomorrow (GONNA GO OFF!!). So, yer, have a good one, people. I'll probably update you sometime soon.

~Film-Fanatic

2007-05-23T08:49:00.000-07:00

BOB DYLAN

AUSTRALIAN TOUR

Tuesday, August 21

Adelaide Entertainment Centre

Yes, that's right! The greatest musical mastermind of the last century, the greatest influence on everything that we call music today - the LEGEND that is Bob Dylan is coming to Adelaide! Come one, come all to this show that is sure to be a lifechanging and amazing show!

This may be your last chance to see the musical genius live.

A pop culture icon live in our own backyard.

GO!

Tickets on sale Thursday, June 7

via Ticketek

Just got back from the video store:

2007-05-16T18:26:00.000-07:00

I hired:

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Mike Newell, 2005)
Road To Perdition (Sam Mendes, 2002)
American Psycho (Mary Harron, 2000)

~Film-Fanatic

15 Random Songs:

2007-05-14T23:29:00.000-07:00

1) The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carrol ~ Michael Rose - ****
2) My Friends ~ Red Hot Chili Peppers - ***1/2
3) Autumn Flow ~ Lior - ****
4) Dont Let Him Waste Your Time ~ Jarvis Cocker - ****
5) Close I've Come ~ Ben Lee - ***1/2
6) Accidentally In Love ~ Counting Crows - ****
7) Rhyme 4 Ya Life ~ Greek - ***
8) I Don't Trust Myself (With Loving You) ~ John Mayer - ****
9) Sweat ~ Tool - ***
10) The Secret Ocean ~ Of Montreal - ***
11) Broken Bones ~ Howling Bells - ***1/2
12) Luno ~ Bloc Party - ***
13) Voices in My Head ~ MGF - ***
14) Blackbird ~ Sarah McLachlan - ****
15) Please Dont Die ~ Robbie Williams - ***

~Film-Fanatic

2007-05-06T03:14:00.000-07:00

Y Tu Mamá También

(Alfonso Cuarón, 2001)

**** out of *****

Just got back from the video store:

2007-05-04T19:40:00.000-07:00

I hired:

The Queen (Stephen Frears, 2006)
Jackass Number Two (Jeff Tremaine, 2006)
Child's Play 3 (Jack Bender, 1991)
Y Tu Mama Tambien (Alfonso Cuaron, 2001)
Assault on Precinct 13 (Jean-Francois Richet, 2005)
Inside Deep Throat (Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato, 2005)

~Film-Fanatic

Just got back from the library:

2007-04-30T15:49:00.000-07:00

I borrowed:

Radiance (Rachel Perkins, 1998)
New York Stories (Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola and Woody Allen, 1989)
Krantiveer (Mehul Kumar, 1994)
Ghulam-E-Musthafa (Parto Ghosh, 1997)
Looking For Alibrandi (Kate Woods, 2000)
Highlander (Russell Mulcahy, 1986)
Daylight (Rob Cohen, 1996)

~Film-Fanatic

Just got back from the video store:

2007-04-18T18:30:00.000-07:00

I hired:

Gaau Ji (Fruit Chan, 2004)
Princesas (Fernando Leon de Aranoa, 2005)
Cache (Michael Haneke, 2005)

~Film-Fanatic

Fox, what is your gameplan?

2007-04-18T02:19:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning to find out about the Virginia Tech University shooting in the news - I was shocked, like everyone who heard it. Such a huge number of people killed; a really sickening and confusing incident - the type of cold-blooded stuff that really makes me physically sick to think about. Anyway, to find out more on the incident, I turned to Fox News (because Sky News didn't have anything on it when I turned to that channel, strangely enough)... Man, I know Fox News has always been the laughing-stock of news networks.. but, I never saw proof until today.

Sensationalizing the entire thing - they've dubbed the incident as the 'Campus Massacre'. They have non-stop coverage of this 'Campus Massacre'. Now, while it honestly is a massacre - I really think 'shooting' is a bit more respectful to the parents and everyones else involved.

Their interviewing skills really are appaulling; I saw a reporter interview a student who was in one of the room where 9 people were killed - asking him about what he thought he should have done. If he asked himself "what's my gameplan?". Where is the professionalism in using layman's terms like this. This isn't a coach of a football team - this is a young man who had witnessed 9 people brutally killed right in front of him. I doubt this man had a "gameplan".. and, if he did, I'm sure it would much better be described as a 'strategy'.

Fox had a segment in their coverage (which is still going on right now, might I add) where they gave little profiles of some of the victims. Telling us how close they were to their graduations - the graduations they'll never have. Trying to put a face on these victims in these little mini-profile type segments is terribly offensive to the families, without a doubt. These are peoples loved ones, and they are being described to us in such minimal and vage detail simply to pull at our heartstrings and make the viewers saw "Awww". This is another form of sensationalism that Fox really overuses.

During the coverage I also heard a sad piano instrumental played as background music for scenes of the campus. A score to news footage to, once again, pull at our heartstrings? This is the kind of tool used by Michael Moore and other sensationalist documentarians - but, seriously, it should have no place in the news.

Where did Fox news go so wrong? What happened to this network that would make them want to turn something so real and tragic into nothing more than a soap opera? I saw the documentary Outfoxed: Rupert Murdoch's War on Journalism a couple of years back - but, even that didnt convince me. I have only just now been fully awakened to the sickening news empire that is Fox News, and their ruthless and blatent disrespect to the people connected to those they're reporting on.

Shame on you Fox News. You have no morals and your news is laughable in the most sad way.

~Film-Fanatic

2007-04-16T23:29:00.000-07:00

2007-04-12T07:49:00.000-07:00

Beerfest

(Jay Chandrasekhar, 2006)

***1/2 out of *****

"He once farted an entire plumb. I was plumb suprised."

William Zanzinger killed poor Hattie Carroll

2007-04-09T21:27:00.000-07:00

I'm going through an awesome Bob Dylan phase, again. I cant wait for his Australian tour dates to be announced for later in the year.

And you who philosophise disgrace, and criticize all fears. Take the rag away from your face - now's not the time for your tears.

~Film-Fanatic

Baby, Do You Like My Clothes?

2007-04-07T00:07:00.000-07:00

Ohhh man, the week is about to hit its peak tomorrow night! Tomorrow night Cameron and I are seeing the Red Hot (FUCKING) Chili Peppers live in concert! Seriously, I'm sooo excited - the concert is going to be crazy-good. And with strange opener Har Mar Superstar, this night will prove to be one of the best in quite some time.

Although, this week has been full of great nights, to be honest. On Monday night Ana-Maria and I went to the John Butler Trio MySpace Secret Show at The Gov, and it was one of the best shows I've ever been to! Soo much energy, and serious love for Adelaide at The Gov that night. Videos are up on youtube - links can be found on the 'GIG_VIDS' sidebar.

Wednesday night was awesome, yo! Went to the Best of V at the Entertainment Centre, and it was a night full of suprises. Cameron and I got there at 3:30pm-ish (doors were to open at 5pm), expecting to see a whole line of people in front of us... but, there were only 4 people there!! So, needless to say, and to our suprise, we were at the barrier for the entire night! The Rapture were on first on stage, and they were a shitload of fun - I think the front row got into them the most. The lead singer kept looking at us, and then came down to where we were and high-fived us. Good times. Gnarls Barkley were fucking awesome - opened with 'Go Go Gadget Gospel' and totally ripped the stage up from there. 'Crazy' was one of the best sing-a-longs ever, even though no one in the crowd could hit the high-notes. Oh, and the female cello player was farking HAWT! She treated the front row to great views of her sweaty panty-clad cameltoe - much to the glee of some (ME). Groove Armada were the best act of the night - so much more than a DJ-act; they had a full band and were crazy-tight (dude, I'm sayin "crazy" heaps lately). Honestly, they blew me away - and they had the best lighting for the night. AWESOME lighting. The Pet Shop Boys were really, really boring, though. Shitty stage set-up, and no enthusiasm whatsoever. Really dissapointed by them. But, not even they could kill an awesome night. Was sweet. Videos from all acts are slowly making their way onto youtube. Check the 'GIG_VIDS' sidebar for links.

So yer, I'm currently watching a Rolf de Heer film that I've never seen called Epsilon, and its suprisingly good. When this has finished I'll be off to bed, cause I've gotta get up early in the morning to head into the city for the line-up. Have a good easter, people! I know I will.

~Film-Fanatic

P.S. - At Best of V I bought a shirt from The Rapture. A purple tee with shiny silver text on it saying 'People Dont Dance No More'. Fucking love it.

Today I Borrowed from the Library:

2007-04-05T23:54:00.000-07:00

Le Fantôme de la Liberté (Luis Buñuel, 1974)
Tristana (Luis Buñuel, 1970)
El Ángel Exterminador (Luis Buñuel, 1962)
Nazarín (Luis Buñuel, 1959)
Money Movers (Bruce Beresford, 1978)
Huutajat - Screaming Men (Mika Ronkainen, 2003)
Macbeth (Orson Welles, 1948)
Epsilon (Rolf de Heer, 1997)

~Film-Fanatic

One of the Best Albums of 2007:

2007-03-31T15:13:00.000-07:00

Young Modern

Silverchair

***** out of *****

Just got back from the video store:

2007-03-29T20:27:00.000-07:00

I hired:

She-Devil (Susan Seidelman, 1989)
North Country (Niki Caro, 2005)
Lolita (Adrian Lyne, 1997)
Ging Chaat Goo Si (Jackie Chan, 1985)
Ging Chaat Goo Si Juk Jaap (Jackie Chan, 1988)

~Film-Fanatic

2007-03-29T14:34:00.000-07:00

Hilltop Hoods

with the

Adelaide Symphony Orchestra

Adelaide Entertainment Centre

Saturday, May 12

Tickets $49.95

via Ticketek

2007-03-28T21:47:00.000-07:00

go weeeeessssssssst!

I see you, baby, shakin' that aaaaasss

I think you're crrraaaaaaaazzzzyyyyyyy

gonna get myself into it

2007-03-27T02:09:00.000-07:00

The Nativity Story

(Catherine Hardwicke, 2006)

**** out of *****

15 Random Songs:

2007-03-26T20:37:00.000-07:00

1) Queen Bitch ~ Seu Jorge - ***1/2
2) On My Own Time (Write On!) ~ Gym Class Heroes - ****
3) Reggin Hanging On In There As Best As They Can ~ Melvin Van Peebles - *
4) This Old Love ~ Lior - ****
5) Wont Bleed Me ~ Melvin Van Peebles - ****
6) Hearts on Parade ~ American Hi-Fi - ***1/2
7) Oh My God ~ Lily Allen - ***1/2
8) Where Have You Been (Live) ~ Reel Big Fish - ***
9) Be Free ~ Black Eyed Peas - ****
10) Burn ~ Fruit - ***
11) Come Pick Me Up ~ Ryan Adams - ****
12) The Cancer Song ~ The Red Paintings - ***1/2
13) Bad Habits ~ My Favorite Highway - ***1/2
14) My Heart ~ Paramore - ***1/2
15) Building Ships ~ Lior - ****

~Film-Fanatic

2007-03-26T20:06:00.000-07:00

"I think I'm drowning
Asphyxiated
I wanna break this spell
That you've created

You're something beautiful
A contradiction
I wanna play the game
I want the friction

You will be the death of me
You will be the death of me

Bury it
I won't let you bury it
I won't let you smother it
I won't let you murder it

Our time is running out
Our time is running out
You can't push it underground
You can't stop it screaming out

I wanted freedom
Bound and restricted
I tried to give you up
But I'm addicted

Now that you know I'm trapped since ovulation
You'd never dream of
Breaking this fixation

You will squeeze the life out of me

Bury it
I won't let you bury it
I won't let you smother it
I won't let you murder it

Our time is running out
Our time is running out
You can't push it underground
You can't stop it screaming out
How did it come to this?
Ooooohh

You will suck the life out of me

Bury it
I won't let you bury it
I won't let you smother it
I won't let you murder it

Our time is running out
Our time is running out
You can't push it underground
You can't stop it screaming out
How did it come to this?
Ooooohh"

Time Is Running Out ~ Muse

Morals of a Pez Dispencer

2007-03-26T10:49:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was quite a splendid day - full of spurr of the moment decisions and free stuff! Good times, people. Good times. I met up with Ana-Maria in the city (after having only 4 hours sleep - getting home from work at 7am), and we went to the Multicultural Youth Music Festival in Light Square... and.. umm.. yeh.. it was.. okay? Nar, it was very so-so - but, Ana-Maria had no idea of how shit it'd be, so I dont blame her for the raping my senses had from the crap festival.

But, luckily for us, I remembered that there was a free show on at Fowlers from 4pm-7pm - so we went to check that out. It was hosted by Nova 91.9 - and the bands were fair good; City Riots opened and Moral of a Minor headlined. Good fun. And Nova were awesome, too - gave us free candy - kinder-suprises and PEZ (I haven't had Pez in almost a decade, I reckon!! candy is sooo addictive)!!! Oh, and free drinks, including beer! So, needless to say, beer was drank by yours truly (what can I say? I did it for my country..).

So, yer, was a good day. I even took some videos, and they're slowly making their way onto YouTube, as we speak. Signs by City Riots is already on there - check out the link on the sidebar to check it out.

~Film-Fanatic

Jackie, Dressed in Cobras

2007-03-24T17:52:00.000-07:00

Okay, I took a shift for tonight - I'm working from 11:pm-6:30am, so I could get rid of tomorrow nights shift, making it possible to meet up with Ana-Maria tomorrow in the city. But, I just realised something... daylight savings finishes at 2am tomorrow morning.. during my shift... meaning that my shift is now an hour longer?? Do I get payed for this extra hour?? Will the extra hour affect my performance and make me more tired? Is time only a figment of our imaginations supported by what a clock tells us?

... who is Eric Cartmen's father? Jimbo? Chef? Ned?..

All this shall be answered... soon-ish.

~Film-Fanatic

2007-03-24T17:17:00.000-07:00

"This is the way you left me
I'm not pretending
No hope, no love, no glory
No happy ending
This is the way that we love
Like its forever
Then live the rest of our life
But not together"

Happy Ending ~ Mika

One of the Best Albums of 2007:

2007-03-23T17:34:00.000-07:00

Life In Cartoon Motion

Mika

**** out of *****

Just got back from the video store:

2007-03-21T20:21:00.000-07:00

I hired:

The Prestige (Christopher Nolan, 2006)
The Oh In Ohio (Billy Kent, 2006)
San Ging Chaat Goo Si (Benny Chan, 2004)

~Film-Fanatic

2007-03-15T23:23:00.000-07:00

The Last Kiss

(Tony Goldwyn, 2006)

**** out of *****

Reel Big Fish > Dave Matthews Band

2007-03-15T21:52:00.000-07:00

I went to the Coppel website today, as I do everyday, to see if the Red Hot Chili Peppers support had been announced yet (and it hasn't, still)... and I was greeted with a bit of a sad message... Dave Matthews Band's tour has been rescheduled for a month later than planned - so, I'm now seeing them at the Festival Theatre on May 2 - not April 2, anymore.

But, there are two upsides: Xavier Rudd shall now be supporting in Adelaide, which suits me fine because I haven't seen him live and I really wanna. And, now I can go see Reel Big Fish on April 2 at Fowlers!

When god closes a door, he opens a window.

~Film-Fanatic

EDIT: Actually, nar, I'm not gonna go see Reel Big Fish. I really dont have the money for the ticket - gotta buy my mom a b'day present, etc. Meh, not too fussed, really.

2007-03-15T09:00:00.000-07:00

"Your class, your caste, your country, sect, your name or your tribe
There's people always dying trying to keep them alive
There's bodies decomposing in containers tonight
In an abandoned building where
Squatters made a mural of a Mexican girl
With fifteen cans of spray paint and a chemical swirl
She's standing in the ashes at the end of the world
Four winds blowing through her hair

But when great Satan's gone... the Whore of Babylon...
She just can't sustain the pressure where it's placed
She caves

The Bible's blind, the Torah's deaf, the Qur'ans mute
If you burn them all together you get close to the truth still
They're pouring over Sanskrit on the Ivy League moons
While shadows lengthen in the sun
Cast all the school and meditation built to soften the times
And hold us at the center while the spiral unwinds
It's knocking over fences crossing property lines
Four winds, cry until it comes

And it's the sum of man
Slouching towards Bethlehem
A heart just can't contain all of that empty space
It breaks. It breaks. It breaks

Well I went back, I rented Cadillac, a company jet
Like a newly orphaned refugee retracing my steps
All the way to Cassadaga to commune with the dead
They said, "You'd better look alive"
And I was off to old Dakota where a genocide sleeps
In the Black Hills, the Badlands, the calloused east
I buried my ballast, I made my peace
The four winds, leveling the pines

But when great Satan's gone... the Whore of Babylon...
She just can't remain with all that outer space
She breaks. She breaks. She caves. She caves."

Four Winds ~ Bright Eyes

2007-03-13T19:22:00.000-07:00

KATE MILLER-HEIDKE

with

The Hampdens

Friday, May 11

The Governor Hindmarsh Hotel

$18.80+bf

via

VenueTix

15 Random Songs:

2007-03-13T14:25:00.000-07:00

1) Shoulda Known Better ~ Unwritten Law - ***1/2
2) Naughty Girl ~ Beyonce - ***1/2
3) Might Tell You Tonight ~ Scissor Sisters - **1/2
4) Landing Field ~ Calexico - ***
5) When I'm Sixty-Four ~ The Beatles - ***1/2
6) She Don't Care ~ Julie Delpy - ***
7) Bottle Rocket ~ The Go! Team - ***1/2
8) Not A Criminal ~ Chamillionaire ft. Kelis - ***1/2
9) 7 Weeks ~ Gym Class Heroes - ***1/2
10) Ring The Alarm ~ Beyonce - ****
11) Animal City ~ Shakira - ***1/2
12) Teenage Suicide ~ Unwritten Law - **1/2
13) Timothy ~ Jet - ****
14) Dimension ~ Wolfmother - ****
15) A Sentence Of Sorts In Kongsvinger ~ Of Montreal - ****1/2

~Film-Fanatic

2007-03-12T01:44:00.000-07:00

honestly, while some of you may have your suspisions, you'll never guess what I'm working on. this script shall launch my career. shooting: november.

~Film-Fanatic

Girl on the Train

2007-03-10T01:44:00.000-08:00

Tonight I had the worst train trip home from the city. I was on such a high from seeing Toni Collette & The Finish, and I was just in a really good mood - feeling cocky, I guess. Two English birds stopped me whilst walking to the train station and asked if I wanted to go to some club with them - I said no, cause I had to catch the train. I felt bad about leaving these two lovely ladies to fend for themselves in the mean streets of Adelaide, but, what could I do? Still, the fact that they randomly asked me was awesome - a real ego boost, maybe?

So, I got on the train and, seriously, every hot girl that I saw, I'd stare 'em down. I felt like I was king of all creation for some reason; and, somehow, it seemed like the girls were loving it. Second glances, sly smiles, flirtacious eye contact. It was all happening. I was loving it.

This girl got on the train just before it left; sat halfway down the carriage from me. She was stunning; I dont go this far very often, but I will this time: she was beautiful. Let me describe her: around 18-19 years old, my height, olive-skin, dark hair. Was wearing this casual, yet seriously hot black summer dress, and thongs. I couldn't stop looking at her! She was so beautiful, and eventually I got her attention and I got the great smile and eye flirtation! I was stoked! Then I'd look away, and when I'd look back, she was looking. You know when you can tell that someone has been looking at you for a while? It was like this. The eye contact and smiles continued; I could tell that she was really enjoying the attention. I was really suprised by my boldness; I'm usually a coward with women.

Eventually the people sitting around her got off the train, leaving her alone, but I was too shy to go over to her. Shit, I dunno what to say! ... THEN, she starts to walk down to my part of the carriage - I figured she was getting off the train. But, she just stood right next to me - I looked up, and got one of hottest smiles I've ever been given. I'm pretty sure I even blushed! Marcus, the same bloke who, only 20 minutes before, was king of all creation. I composed myself, and really wanted to say something... She kept looking at me, as if waiting for me to say something - I mean, she made the first move coming all the way down to stand next to me, the least I could do would be to say the first word. But, I was just a piece of chicken shit, and I couldn't bring myself to do it. THREE stops later she gets off the train, looking hurt and upset. So, it's not like she stood there when she did to get off the train - nobody gets up in a semi-empty carriage and stands near a door 4 stops before their station.

I couldnt believe my stupidity. And I still can't. I shall be haunted by images of this beautiful women for weeks to come. I should've said something - I'm certain I would've got her digits.

I'm so pissed at myself. I really am devistated. I have really let myself down. Honestly, I am seriously cut-up and upset over this incident. It has put a damper on my long weekend.

~Film-Fanatic

OH! MY! GOD!

2007-03-09T12:35:00.000-08:00

Y'know how some people say "Oh my god! This is the best news EVER!"... well, today I am one of those people. I know it's really not the best news EVER - but, it's definitely the best news I've had so far in '07. Yesterday Gwen Stefani's Australian tour was announced - and that was awesome news, I'm seriously psyched to see her. Can't wait to dance like a wanker and yell out "THIS SHIT IS BANANAS!!"... seriously.

Anyway, I thought that was awesome news... then I got a myspace bulletin today... Guess who will be opening for Stefani on her entire Australian tour - most importantly, who will be rocking the Adelaide Entertainment Centre before Stefani takes the stage...? I shall tell you... *drum roll*... GYM CLASS HEROES

I always thought I'd have to travel to Melbourne to see them if they ever come to Australia, but now I get to see them play in my home town, and in one of our biggest venues, too! I know it would have been better to see them perform in a smaller, more intimate venue.. headlining would've been good, too... but, this really is just a cherry on top of the icecream sundae that is Gwen Stefani!

Ahh, good day :)

~Film-Fanatic

And then Bobby said..

2007-03-08T09:56:00.000-08:00

I saw Emilio Estivez's Bobby today, and while the entire movie was great - the speech by Robert F. Kennedy that is played at the end of the film really is something that I have to share with everyone. It doesn't only apply to Americans, it's universal. Everything can be mirrored today, sadly. This comes from a man who, while very idealistic, really could've made a difference; this comes from a time when it was quite possible for a single man to change the world. In modern times, it seems impossible to change the world no matter how many men we can fit into a room to discuss such matters. Honestly, you cant read this without being moved. They dont write speeches, or more importantly, have politicians like Bobby anymore.

This is a time of shame and sorrow. It is not a day for politics. I have saved this one opportunity to speak briefly to you about this mindless menace of violence in America which again stains our land and every one of our lives.

It is not the concern of any one race. The victims of the violence are black and white, rich and poor, young and old, famous and unknown. They are, most important of all, human beings whom other human beings loved and needed. No one – no matter where he lives or what he does – can be certain who will suffer from some senseless act of bloodshed. And yet it goes on and on.

Why? What has violence ever accomplished? What has it ever created? No martyr’s cause has ever been stilled by his assassin’s bullet.

No wrongs have ever been righted by riots and civil disorders. A sniper is only a coward, not a hero; and an uncontrolled, uncontrollable mob is only the voice of madness, not the voice of the people.

Whenever any American’s life is taken by another American unnecessarily – whether it is done in the name of the law or in the defiance of law, by one man or a gang, in cold blood or in passion, in an attack of violence or in response to violence – whenever we tear at the fabric of life which another man has painfully and clumsily woven for himself and his children, the whole nation is degraded.

"Among free men,” said Abraham Lincoln, “there can be no successful appeal from the ballot to the bullet; and those who take such appeal are sure to lose their cause and pay the costs.”

Yet we seemingly tolerate a rising level of violence that ignores our common humanity and our claims to civilization alike. We calmly accept newspaper reports of civilian slaughter in far off lands. We glorify killing on movie and television screens and call it entertainment. We make it easy for men of all shades of sanity to acquire weapons and ammunition they desire.

Too often we honor swagger and bluster and the wielders of force; too often we excuse those who are willing to build their own lives on the shattered dreams of others. Some Americans who preach nonviolence abroad fail to practice it here at home. Some who accuse others of inciting riots have by their own conduct invited them.

Some looks for scapegoats, others look for conspiracies, but this much is clear; violence breeds violence, repression brings retaliation, and only a cleaning of our whole society can remove this sickness from our soul.

For there is another kind of violence, slower but just as deadly, destructive as the shot or the bomb in the night. This is the violence of institutions; indifference and inaction and slow decay. This is the violence that afflicts the poor, that poisons relations between men because their skin has different colors. This is a slow destruction of a child by hunger, and schools without books and homes without heat in the winter.

This is the breaking of a man’s spirit by denying him the chance to stand as a father and as a man among other men. And this too afflicts us all. I have not come here to propose a set of specific remedies nor is there a single set. For a broad and adequate outline we known what must be done. “When you teach a man to hate and fear his brother, when you teach that he is a lesser man because of his color or his beliefs or the policies he pursues, when you teach that those who differ from you threaten your freedom or your job or your family, then you also learn to confront others not as fellow citizens but as enemies – to be met not with cooperation but with conquest, to be subjugated and mastered.

We learn, at the last, to look at our bothers as aliens, men with whom we share a city, but not a community, men bound to us in common dwelling, but not in common effort. We learn to share only a common fear – only a common desire to retreat from each other – only a common impulse to meet disagreement with force. For all this there are no final answers.

Yet we know what we must do. It is to achieve true justice among our fellow citizens. The question is now what programs we should seek to enact. The question is whether we can find in our own midst and in our own hearts that leadership of human purpose that will recognize the terrible truths of our existence.

We must admit the vanity of our false distinctions among men and learn to find our own advancement in the search for the advancement of all. We must admit in ourselves that our own children’s future cannot be built on the misfortunes of others. We must recognize that this short life can neither be ennobled or enriched by hatred or revenge.

Our lives on this planet are too short and the work to be done too great to let this spirit flourish any longer in our land. Of course we cannot vanish it with a program, nor with a resolution.

But we can perhaps remember – even if only for a time – that those who live with us are our brothers, that they share with us the same short movement of life, that they seek – as we do – nothing but the chance to live out their lives in purpose and happiness, winning what satisfaction and fulfillment they can.

Surely this bond of common faith, this bond of common goal, can begin to teach us something. Surely we can learn, at least, to look at those around us as fellow men and surely we can begin to work a little harder to bind up the wounds among us and to become in our hearts brothers and countrymen once again.

~ Remarks of Senator Robert F. Kennedy to the Cleveland City Club, Cleveland, Ohio, April 5, 1968

My Mrazical Romance?!?!?!

2007-03-07T12:16:00.000-08:00

Seriously, when the the fark did Mraz turn EMO?!?!

MANUFACTURED LANDSCAPES

2007-02-28T02:21:00.000-08:00

Day 7 of the Adelaide Film Festival and it finally happened - and it always was bound to happen - I finally saw a bad... no, wait - terrible film. I usually have a knack to know when a film will be good or not, and the program for the AFF truly is written so well that every film really does sound like it'll be a great viewing experience; I thought a film I saw today was going to be informative and simply an enriching experience... I was wrong.

Manufactured Landscapes is a documentary by Jennfer Baichwal, following and documenting world-reknown photographer Edward Burtynsky on his quest to photograph landscapes that have changed due to manufacturing from factories and big companies and other industrial types of business. The majority of the film is about Burtynsky's photographic expedition in Asian countries - China, especially - taking pictures of big businesses that manufacture everyday household products that we use in our own home - or how companies recycle motherboards from computers, yet leave everything else from it to sit at a dumping site as a vast pile of waste.

While this does sound very interesting - and I must admit, this outline is what got me into the cinema in the first place - the film is terrible. The films focus, apparantly, is the art of the landscapes Burtynsky photographs; but, if this was the only focus, why would they insist on showing up everything else in between the art? Combining footage of factory workers, construction sights, rambling interviews with employees, still-photography from Burtynsky's work, and him lecturing about how what he has photographed affects the world that we live in. All of these elements are vastly different from one another - although, obviously connected by the art in this film - and, no matter how hard director Baichwal tries, she just cant make it all gel together.

A film about an artist who wants to be an environmentalist of sorts - yet, nowhere in Burtynsky's ramblings do we ever hear sollutions. Pointing out a problem is only half of the work. Footage of him setting up for his shoots is boring - but, at least they're about him making art. But, very random interviews with employees from factories and construction sites are uneeded and very much so simply fillers in this 90 minute shamble.

"Fifty percent of the world's computers end up in China to be recycled..." Burtynsky rattles off in one part of the film, as we cut to see workers sifting through a gigantic pile of "e-waste". Yet, he doesn't explain why this is done, or what alternatives could be used. He simply shows it how it is - not how it could be. And that is the downfall of this film - while the photographic works are quite fine pieces, the film surrounding their creation and what follows is pretentious advertisement for an artist who, although talented, isn't worth having a film about. We are enlightened by this film. We dont learn how to change the world. We aren't even shown how to simply 'live with it'. We are just given this and we are expected to accept it - like mindless drones who appear in the film. Well, I say f*ck you Baichwal and Burtynsky - your film sucked.

*1/2 out of *****

~Film-Fanatic

2007-02-27T00:22:00.000-08:00

2007-02-23T23:48:00.000-08:00

Pardonnez-Moi

(Maïwenn Le Besco, 2006)

**** out of *****

Tomorrow!

2007-02-22T23:22:00.000-08:00

The opening night of the Adelaide Film Festival is tonight - but, I wasn't too keen on going to that, the film didn't really overly interest me, and the whole formal thing was "eh". But, tomorrow my AFF experience starts! I'm only seeing 3 movies tomorrow, though, cause, for some reason, screenings dont start till 1pm. Weird.

Anyway, I'm going to see Pardonnez-Moi, The Island and I Want To Sleep Alone. I'm really keen on seeing the last one, because I really loved Tsai Ming-liang's The Wayward Cloud. Shall be good.

~Film-Fanatic

One of the Best Albums of 2007:

2007-02-22T23:16:00.000-08:00

Cities

Anberlin

****1/2 out of *****

"You make your call, and then you go somewhere else!"

2007-02-22T00:23:00.000-08:00

I'm currently watching a film called Edmond, starring William H. Macy. I hired it on Monday; I've seen it sitting on the shelves at the video store for a few months, and I'd never really picked it up to check it out until Monday. I figured it sounded good, so I grabbed it. And, truth be told, so far, it is really, really good. William H. Macy is one of my favorite actors.

So, yeh, I'm home alone. I had two phone calls earlier from some telemarketer or something. I answer and it's some woman with an American accent: "An operator will be with you shortly".. and then it hangs up on itself. What the fuck? But yer, I figured they'd ring back every hour - cause the first two calls were roughly an hour apart. But, no more calls. Exciting story, that.

Umm.. I'm getting a haircut tomorrow at 11:30am. I haven't had a haircut in moooonths, so it shall be a welcome one, honestly. Then I might stop by work to try to do the ol' switch-a-roo with some shifts, and then later I'll go see Rocky Balboa (AAAAADRRRRIIIIAAAAAANNNNN! ... I know she's not in this one, but fuck, I can't help myself..). Speaking of work, I had a dawn shift last night/this morning, and it truly was a masterpiece - I did everything you could want done and more. Was great - I've been on a high for the entire day, simply because I did so well on this shift (my last few dawns have been masterpieces, actually).

Anyway, the movie is nearly finished. After this I shall watch Coming Home - I've been wanting to see it for weeks.

~Film-Fanatic

2007-02-20T18:19:00.000-08:00

The Science of Sleep

(Michel Gondry, 2006)

**** out of *****

Big Yellow Taxi

2007-02-19T23:22:00.000-08:00

Dont it always seem to go, that you dont know what you got till its gone? You paved paradise to put up a parking lot.

Right now there seems to be construction for a parking lot taking place in the vacant lot that is my paradise. My life. Things are changing - I'm changing. I'm eating so much healthier than I used to - and I feel great, especially after that virus I had over the past week or so. I'm actually looking forward to going back to Uni next week - a bit of stability and structre never hurt anyone. I'm feeling creative again, and the Adelaide Film Festival (starting this Thursday!) will only help that blossom once again.

Some things are tough all over, but you have to have highs to appreciate the lows, without a doubt. Truth is, although today did suck more than any day has in a long time, it wont phase me one single bit.

A parking lot. Maybe we should all really stop and think. Maybe a parking lot is beautiful, and wonderful. Maybe a parking lot is paradise.

~Film-Fanatic

Pieces of the People We Love

2007-02-14T19:28:00.000-08:00

I'm working on a script. I have such a good feeling about this one. I'm not going to sabotage this one by telling everyone about it. The best part about this one is that I'm going to take my time with it. I mean, it doesn't matter that I haven't made a film in nearly a year; I could take 10 years off and I'd still be able to come back and make a quality piece of art. I will tell you this, though - the film will be about 30-40 minutes in length, and it shall be filmed in November '07. So far it is close to the best material I have ever written, and I totally love the youthfullness of the words, but, even more, I love the maturity of which they're written with.

This shall be special. This shall be the one.

~Film-Fanatic

P.S. - It has come to my attention that a short film that I was 2nd Assistant Director on last year, Laveredere, will be screening as part of some kind of 'Best of the Fest' collection at the Mercury on Friday night. Starts at 7:30pm. Come down if you can.

@ The Gov

2007-02-13T02:38:00.000-08:00

Found some pics on The Gov's website, of gig I've been to. I'm only in one pic, but hey, it's better than nothing. Artists include End of Fashion, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Death Cab For Cutie, Bic Runga and The New Pornographers.

... I'm struggling for material, I know.

~Film-Fanatic

15 Random Songs:

2007-02-08T02:37:00.000-08:00

1) Legends ~ R2DJ - **
2) Dark Shines ~ Muse - ****
3) Sin Documentos ~ Julieta Venegas - ***1/2
4) Desde la Tierra (El Tercer Planteta) ~ Control Machete - ****
5) A Day At The Races (feat. Big Daddy Kane & Percee P) ~ Jurassic 5 - ****
6) Slips and Tangles ~ The Weakerthans - ***
7) Cruel Oceanography ~ The Revolutionary Hydra - **1/2
8) Gong ~ Sigur Ros - ****
9) Pig Latin ~ Gym Class Heroes - ***
10) Your Tears Are Warning Signs ~ The Red Paintings - ***1/2
11) Another Again ~ John Legend - ***1/2
12) Gift From Virgo ~ Beyonce - **1/2
13) Next Lifetime ~ Erykah Badu - ****
14) Everybody's Gone To War ~ Nerina Pallot - ***1/2
15) Daniel (Live) ~ Lior - *****

~Film-Fanatic

RUSHMORE

2007-02-07T15:12:00.000-08:00

A few years ago I was going through a period where I would watch hoards of films that I had read about on the internet, purely because I figured they were the type of films that I should be watching as a young cinema enthusiast. "Rushmore" is one such film.

With a great cast & brilliant writer/director Wes Anderson, 'Rushmore' tells the Story of Max Fisher (Played by Jason Schwartman), an over-achieving under-achiever at prestigous high school 'Rushmore'; a misfit who is befriended by Mr. Blume (played by Bill Murray). The relationship Max and Mr. Blume share is one of necessity - both are missing people in their lives; Max's Mother is dead, and Mr. Blume is estranged from his wife. Both characters are lonely, both are missing women in their lives. The object of both of their affections is Miss Cross (played by Olivia Williams), a slightly shy teacher at Rushmore who is bewildered by Max's brilliance, and taken by the potential of Blume. All three characters are connected in an undeniable way and their lives will never be the same because Of it.

Anderson's direction is strong and distinct; it seems that 'Rushmore' is the film where the director really developed his own style - breaking away from what he established in 'Bottle Rocket', and creating a style of direction that he has used in his films since, 'The Royal Tenenbaums' especially. The writing is first-class work, as with all films by Anderson. One liners are stand-outs, and not just humerous ones, but serious and heart felt ones equally.

The most interesting thing about Wes Anderson's direction is the very apparant structure; dialogue is rich yet minimalistic, cinematography is very static yet there is so much detail in every shot. The wonder and amazement of an Anderson film is in the chaos within that structure; strange and random sub-plots like Mr. Blume's tour of duty in Vietnam somehow work in a strange way and amazingly help the film.

All the actors give superb performances; young Schwartman gives the performance of his career, and Murray has rarely been better. Williams as Miss Cross holds the audiences attention and never falls flat between her two co-stars as one would expect. Even small supporting roles are played very well; Brian Cox as the principal of Rushmore is delightful, and co-writer Luke Wilson as a friend of Miss Cross is a lot of fun.

Although a brilliant film, 'Rushmore' does somewhat pale in comparison to Anderson's later works, notably 'The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou'. But to get an understanding of this really talented filmmaker, you must go to the beginning, and my, what a beginning it is.

**** out of *****

~Film-Fanatic

2007-02-07T15:01:00.000-08:00

"Look up look up
The sky is falling
Colours changing
People laughing
In the face of danger

Look out look out
The bruise is swelling
Streets are bleeding
Angels calling
In a time of rescue
The rivers flooding
Boats are sinking
Lights are fading
an attempt to get through
To the ocean of you
All naked & blue
How do you do

Watch out watch out
The fools are fighting
There’s love that’s dying
An earth that’s crying
For the life it once knew
Trace the day
Across all space
To find a smile
Upon your face

I could never replace
The hue of these days
It’s just a phase
That we can’t sleep
We can only weep
For all we can’t keep
We live in dream

Hear this hear this
The record’s playing
There’s lovers swaying
A town that’s praying
For a laugh to see them through
The rocket’s lifting
The air is thinning
Shapes are shifting
Oh god but what a view

One for your time
Two for your words
Three for a picture of a
four dimentional world
five to live with each other
six to sing the same song
seven not to eat them
eight to feel that you belong
nine to let go of fear
ten to hold your vision dear

Look up look up
The sky is falling
Colours changing
People laughing
In the face of danger
The bruise is swelling
Streets are bleeding
Angels calling
In a time of rescue
The rivers flooding
Boats are sinking
Lights are fading
An attempt to get through
The fools are fighting
There’s love that’s dying
An earth that’s crying
For the life it once knew
For the life it once knew
For the life it once knew
For the life it once knew"

Look Up ~ Toni Collette & The Finish

2007-01-30T01:14:00.000-08:00

Beyonce

Australian Tour

Tuesday, April 24

Adelaide Entertainment Centre

Tickets on sale Friday, February 16

Prices TBA

via

Ticketek

2007-01-21T15:03:00.000-08:00

Love & Basketball

(Gina Prince-Bythewood, 2000)

*** out of *****

Imago

2007-01-17T01:55:00.000-08:00

Well, I did it.. again. I got accepted to Flinders University... this time for Bachelor of Secondary Teaching/Bachelor of Arts. A double degree, people! Ooh, fancy. I didn't actually realise how worried I was about the whole Uni offers stuff until midday today. All of a sudden this massive panic attack seemed to hit me, and I just couldn't seem to relax. My breathing had become shallow, and I had to actually force myself to calm down. Was very strange. But, it's all good now - I got my first preference and that's all that matters. Once again, dont think I wont be making films - I'll just make them as a hobby. If something stems from it, then so be it. But, I dont want to push it to overkill.

I got up at 5:30am today, as I started work at 6:30am. It was actually a really good, productive shift - got a lot of things done, and I was really suprised by how quick it flew by. I've got a dawn shift tomorrow night - 10:30pm-6:30am. Not a fan.

But, I certainly am a fan of Tenacious D, who Cameron and I will be seeing on Thursday night! Ahh, awesome. Honestly, this week is shaping up to be great:

*I get accepted to Uni.. again
*Sacha Baron Cohen, Eddie Murphy, Martin Scorsese and 'Babel' win Golden Globes
*I am now a member of Oink
*The Butterfly Effect announce an Adelaide show for February 25
*Tenacious D on Thursday
*Adelaide Film Festival program announcement on Friday
*Dinner/movie with family on Friday night
*Pirates Of Penzance on Saturday

Ahh, awesome week! I hope yours is somewhere in the same ballpark, because if it is, you're one lucky mo'fo.

~Film-Fanatic

Quote Of The Week:

2007-01-13T04:33:00.000-08:00

"It is impossible to travel faster than the speed of light, and certainly not desirable, as one's hat keeps blowing off."

~Woody Allen (1935 - )

Marcus On Marcus..?

2007-01-13T04:08:00.000-08:00

After watching season one of the hilarious and brilliant Curb Your Enthusiasm today, I'm thinking about making a short film about myself. Like, re-enactments of events in my life, spliced with confessional style interviews with myself about small idiosyncratic tendencies of mine, etc. I like the idea of playing myself - because obviously it's acting, but it's also not acting. But, who knows, I'm probably just rambling. I get like that at 4am in the morning (ooh, one thing to confess in my film..)

~Film-Fanatic

Free Hugs

2007-01-07T03:04:00.000-08:00

Now, I've always been against posting youtube videos on my blog - purely because it's such a stupid teeny "oh look at da HAwT new vid 4 MYCHemicalROManCE!!1" type thing. But, this youtube video has won a special place in my heart and I am compelled to post this for you all to see. No doubt, quite a lot of you will have already seen it. It is, of course, Juan Mann's Free Hugs Campaign video, with music by Sick Puppies.

I dont know why this whole concept is moving to me - or to the majority of people who know about, to be honest. The subtle and minor idea that sometimes a hug is all we need is so true and simplistic that it makes me wonder why something like this hadn't started years ago. Promoting global brotherhood and peace on earth through the simple and humble act of giving a person a hug, this campaign is one I firmly support and I plan on hugging people a lot more because of it. Everyone needs a hug every now and then.

For more information on the worldwide Free Hugs Campaign, visit the website.

Hugs to all.

~Film-Fanatic

Jesus Was A Crossmaker

2007-01-07T02:33:00.000-08:00

What did I do today? Hell, no much at all. I slept in till close to 2pm, and I got up to find an empty house. Now, I knew that my mom probably told me where she was going... but, I was like 3/4 asleep and couldnt remember it, so I just waited around till she came back - which wasn't that long. We then went to my aunts house and I helped with some garden landscaping. I swear, that was the hardest I've worked in quite some time. But, I liked it and I should probably do more of it.

I was going to go to the movies afterwards to see Blood Diamond, but I didn't feel like it afterwards and just went home. But, I'm going to the movies tomorrow to see Volver. A Almodovar movie starring the lovely Penelope Cruz? Ahh, shall be great.

~Film-Fanatic

2007-01-05T22:34:00.000-08:00

The Roots

WORLD TOUR

Last stop:
Adelaide, Australia

Thursday, April 12

Thebarton Theatre

Prices TBA

on sale January 30
via VenueTix

2007-01-05T13:29:00.000-08:00

Fionn Regan

Adelaide Headlining Show!

Wednesday, February 28

The Grace Emily Hotel

Prices TBA

via VenueTix

15 Random Songs:

2007-01-05T13:25:00.000-08:00

1) Be Good or Be Gone ~ Fionn Regan - ****
2) Life Is Wonderful (Demo - with Gregory Page) ~ Jason Mraz - ****
3) A Comet Appears ~ The Shins - ****
4) Butterflies & Hurricanes ~ Muse - ***1/2
5) Storm Coming ~ Gnarls Barkley - ***1/2
6) So It Seems ~ The Beautiful Girls - ***
7) Stop Sign ~ Last Conservative - ***
8) Fade In Me ~ Imaad Wassif - ***
9) The Blower's Daughter ~ Damien Rice - ****1/2
10) Work It Out (feat. Dave Matthews Band) ~ Jurassic 5 - ***1/2
11) Country Death Song (Live) ~ Violent Femmes - ****
12) I'll Keep It With Mine ~ Rainer Maria - ***
13) Courage, Robert ~ Meg & Dia - ***1/2
14) When You Were Young (Live) ~ The Killers - ****
15) Black Water Child ~ Fionn Regan - ***1/2

~Film-Fanatic

The First Great Album Of 2007:

2007-01-05T03:00:00.000-08:00

... well, besides The Shin's Wincing The Night Away, that is. Of Montreal's Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer? is such an interesting listen. Sounded like a strange hybrid of the classic era of The Flaming Lips and Prince, you will find yourself lost in Of Montreal's songs. Seriously, I love this album. I listened to it all the way through, on the first listen. I never listen to an album all the way through on a first listen.

~Film-Fanatic

My BDO Timetable:

2007-01-04T17:50:00.000-08:00

11:00am-11:15am: Afra & The Incredible Beatbox Band
11:15pm-12pm: Sick Puppies
12:00pm-12:45pm: The Spazzy's
12:45pm-1:30pm: The Butterfly Effect
1:30pm-2:15pm: Evermore
3:00pm-3:50pm: My Chemical Romance
4:00pm-4:45pm: Little Birdy
5:30pm-6:30pm: The Killers
6:30pm-7:30pm: Jet
7:30pm-8:30pm: Muse
8:30pm-9:30pm: Tool
9:30pm-10:30pm: Violent Femmes
10:30pm-11:00pm: Crystal Method DJs

~Film-Fanatic

2006 Film Viewing Tally:

2007-01-04T03:41:00.000-08:00

FOUR HUNDRED AND FIFTY-FIVE.

~Film-Fanatic

Quote Of The Week:

2007-01-03T02:39:00.000-08:00

"We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars."

~Oscar Wilde (1854 - 1900)

In The Morning Of The Magicians

2007-01-02T22:05:00.000-08:00

I went to bed last night sometime after 3:30am, and that was my choice, I guess. But, I really should've gone to bed earlier cause my mom woke me up at around 7am, telling me that I have to come to some brick and paving place to pick up some bricks for our garden renovations. So, half asleep and pissed-off as all hell, I went to this place, expecting that I'd have to load all these stupid bricks into the car, while I was still half-asleep. Then, we get there, and they loaded 'em into there all at once with a bobcat. Aggghhh, I could've slept that entire time!! So, when I got back home, I went directly back into bed and didn't wake up till after 2:30pm.

So yeh.

~Film-Fanatic

2007-01-01T22:41:00.000-08:00

"Oh, Play along.
She wills it.
Oh, Sunday came.
Promised you'd tell her.
She sat up in bed.
Answered your call dear.
Smeared purple and red.

You're gonna leave her tonight.
She sat up with her eyes wide.
You fell in love with a girl you knew.
You've come to say goodbye.
You're gonna leave her tonight.
Under a cheap July sky.
Tell her.
Tell Mary.

After the first touch.
Her skirt boring.
Her voice deep and charming at first.

You could make her come back once in a while.
If you painted a fresco.
There she'd be with her powder half falling off.
So perfect from far.

You're gonna leave her tonight.
She sat up with her eyes wide.
You fell in love with a girl you knew.
And you've come to say goodbye.
You're gonna leave her tonight.

Meet me at the pictures Mary.
Adam said that he was leaving.
Meet me.
Meet Me.

You're gonna leave her tonight.
She sat up with her eye's wide.
You fell in love with a girl you knew.
With a girl you knew.

You're gonna leave her tonight.
She sat up with her eyes wide.
You fell in love with a girl you knew.
And you've come to say goodbye.
You're gonna leave her tonight.
Under a cheap July sky.
Tell her.
Tell Mary."

Tell Mary ~ Meg & Dia

2007-01-01T22:13:00.000-08:00

Colour Me Kubrick

(Brian W. Cook, 2005)

***1/2 out of *****

Politik

2007-01-01T18:24:00.000-08:00

I woke up this morning at around 11:30am-ish. I set my alarm for that time, but I just listened to it for a while before getting up properly. I would've actually stayed in bed for a little bit longer if it wasn't for the fact that the radio station on my clock-radio had somehow been switched to some crappy station that only plays doof-doof music. Who the hell wants to listen to that in the morning, people? Not me, I know that much. So, I changed the radio station back to Nova91.9, cause I'm cool like that, and then I got outta bed.

I watched part of some Beyonce concert on Max, but I wasn't really too interested in it. It was filmed in Tokyo, and seriously, even though there must have been 8,000+ people there, the crowd was just so crap. I was only watching it because afterwards they screened Coldplay's Twisted Logic Tour, and that was frickin' sweet. Filmed in Toronto in March, it was from the same tour that I same them on in July. Oh, it brought back so many memories. Little instances that I had totally forgot about, and I am so glad that I recorded the concert on DVD. Ahh, technology.

I'm currently listening to Eskimo Joe's Black Fingernails, Red Wine. When I pulled the CD out I was wondering what the hell all the squiggles were on the cover - then I realised they signed it when we were at the album launch in June.

Oh, how time passes and things are forgotten. In retrospect, while a sad and depressing year 2006 was in many ways, with the passing of my grandmother and the realisation that University wasn't at all like I had imagined it. It was also a year of great little things. Littles conquests. Little adventures. Little friendships. And, those little things are important - but, only in retrospect. They're the in-between things that join up the big events in our lives. The big events can be remembered with photos and greeting cards and video footage, etc - but, the little things, the in-between things, those beautiful intimate moments that you share with those around you, they're special because they're only remembered and survived through your memory. So, here's to the in-between things - they are, truly, the things that make life worth living.

~Film-Fanatic

Just got back from the video store:

2007-01-01T14:52:00.000-08:00

I hired:

American Pie: The Naked Mile (Joe Nussbaum, 2006)
Colour Me Kubrick (Brian W. Cook, 2005)
Very Annie Mary (Sara Sugarman, 2001)
Good Night, and Good Luck. (George Clooney, 2005)
12 Angry Men (William Friedkin, 1997)
Chinatown (Roman Polanski, 1974)

~Film-Fanatic

New Year's Resolutions:

2007-01-01T01:19:00.000-08:00

* Take things seriously. Sarcasm and half-assed jokes are no way to express yourself for a whole year.
* Be more honest and sincere. If you piss me off, I'm gonna tell you. If I want sexual relations with you, you best believe you're gonna hear about it.
* Dont idealise people. Seeing one special quality in a certain person doesn't mean I should propose tomorrow.
* Film two short films. And script Carpe Diem.
* Not care if I'm ignored. Hell, I should be used to it by now.
* Be all that I can be and more.

Hell, maybe it's the booze talking. Maybe it aint. But, I love ya'll so much, and I may just have to stop that to an extent this year, because it just hurts way too much.

~Film-Fanatic

Top 10 Gigs Of 2006

2006-12-31T00:47:00.000-08:00

1) Coldplay (with Youth Group) @ Adelaide Entertainment Centre; July 5
Buying the tickets in November '05 and waiting patiently for over 6 months to see arguably the biggest band in the world today, and lining up for eight hours to be at the front barrier for the show - it was all worth it. Opening with What If, and surging through there hits, it wasn't just a show so much as it was a life-changing event. Such a great vibe in the Entertainment Centre that night, and finishing off there show with the tear-enducing Fix You, in which the crowd of 8,000, all on their feet, sang along as if they were Chris Martin themselves, it shall be a night I will never forget. Ever.

2) Robbie Williams (with Sneaky Sound System) @ AAMI Stadium; December 5
I have been an average Robbie Williams admirer for a few years now, but I knew that if he ever came back to Adelaide I'd have to see him. And see him I did. Not only did it prove to be one of the best concert I've been to, it also made me realise how talented he really is. From high-octaine hits like Let Me Entertain You (which I'll never forget the entire GA section of the stadium jumping up and down to) and Sin Sin Sin, to slower and more meaningful songs like Advertising Space, he wowed Adelaide over something incredible. Definitely one of the best acts in the world today.

3) U2 (with Kanye West) @ AAMI Stadium; November 16
I originally went just to be a part of one of the biggest shows to hit Adelaide in years. But, upon listening to U2's discography, I realised that I really loved the band. This concert has started my massive love-affair with this band, and I doubt it's just a phase. From the brilliant opening consisting of three songs; City Of Blinding Lights, Vertigo and Elevation, the entire night primed from the moment Bono came onto the stage draped in an Australian flag. Highlights included Sunday Bloody Sunday, Where The Streets Have No Name, Zoo Station and The Saints Are Coming.

4) Jason Mraz (with Tim Solly) @ Jive; August 6
What can I say? This is the show that I have been waiting for for over 4 years. After countless emails to record companies, management teams and touring promoters, the time had come for Adelaide to experience Mr. A-Z. With a crowd of merely 200 people, and with only Mraz on guitar, Toca Rivera on bongos and Ian Sheridan on bass, the intimacy was frickin' crazy and the interaction between Jason and the audience was great. Playing for well over 2 hours with songs that spanned his entire discography (including songs that have never made it to the recording studio), highlights included Gypsy MC, Dreamlife of Rand McNally, You & I Both, and The Remedy (I Wont Worry). It was great meeting them all afterwards, having actual conversations with all of them, and even sharing a few drinks - it was stunning to find out that people who I have never met and admire with all my heart are so down to earth and nice. Great evening.

5) Death Cab For Cutie (with Clue To Kalo) @ The Gov; July 17
I dont think I have ever experienced the Governor Hindmarsh so full as I have that night. Playing to a sold out crowd 0f 750, this show was brilliant. Gibbard came onto the stage and opened with the very low-key Passenger Seat, causing the crowd to be totally blown-away within minutes of the show starting. Blasting through hits from all there albums, they were great - the soaring melodies and thoughtful lyrics - all of it. Everything in the recording wasn't lost live, at all. With a discography as impressive as theirs it'll always be the case that not everyone hears all the songs they want to sing - but, with the exception of 1 song, I heard every song I could ever want them to play. With a setlist that had them play for 2+ hours, highlights included New Year, Soul Meets Body, Title & Registration, Crooked Teeth, Expo '86 and We Looked Like Giants.

6) Kate Miller-Heidke @ Banquet Room [Adelaide Cabaret Festival]; June 22
For an artist who has only released 3 EPs, this relatively unknown performer won-over her first Adelaide crowd with her heartfelt lyrics and her playful stage-presence. Opening with track 1 from her Circular Breathing EP, Out and In, this audience with a very big age mix was simply in awe of this beautiful woman who truly is the next big thing in the Australian music industry. I've seen her live twice now, and having heard new material of her forthcoming debut album, all I can say is jump on the bandwagon now people. Save yourself the bother of doing it in a few months.

7) Kanye West (with Che'nelle and Daniel Merriweather) @ Thebarton Theatre; March 30
Just coming down from the massive success of the worldwide #1 hit single Gold Digger, and rising back to the top with Touch The Sky, Kanye West hit Adelaide during a very well-earned high. The capacity crowd of 2,000 people all waited in anticipation, through very mediocre opening acts, and as the lights slowly dimmed, we all went ballistic. The extended intro to Diamonds From Sierre Lione rang out throughout the Thebby and as soon as the beat kicked in, Kanye lept up onto the stage and knocked us on our asses. Highlights of the night were All Falls Down, Drive Slow, We Don't Care and Gold Digger. The encore was, honestly, one of the most amazing things I've experienced ever - after a 5+ minute wait, in the dark, yelling out for an encore, the lights raised and the beat to Jesus Walks came on. The atmosphere was actual electric, the crowd was going crazy, and upon looking up towards the private boxes on either side of the stage, I saw that everyone - Kanye's entourage, the opening acts, hell, even techie people - were all in the boxes staring at the stage. Everyone *knew* they were in for something special. That encore nearly demolished the Thebarton Theatre. I just orgasmed typing that.

8) End Of Fashion (with Van She and The Cloud Room) @ The Gov; May 20
I actually think this was my first proper "rock concert", and rock it did. Being in the front row, we saw everything - hell, we were sweat on and nearly knocked out by band members rockin' that hard. Opening act Van She proved to be very talented and warmed up the crowd nicely. But, it was the 2nd opening act, US band The Cloud Room, that really got the crowd going; playing 10+ songs, they were amazing. Dancing around on stage like crazy and sweating bucketloads, the crowd loved 'em - and they didn't even know who they were! End Of Fashion were great - wowing the audience with the skill of a band that could have been at it for a decade, they knew exactly what the crowd wanted, and they gave it to them. With minimal dialogue and a helluva lot of songs (played their entire debut album, plus a few other unrecorded songs), I doubt The Gov has seen a show quite like that since. Too many highlights to mention, although their encore of Rough Diamonds and Seize The Day was quite brilliant.

9) Something For Kate (with Expatriate and Kashmir) @ HQ; September 24
My first gig at this brilliant new Adelaide venue (well, sort new..) and it was really something special. One of the support bands was world famous Danish rock outfit Kashmir, and, no shit, I'd say 1/3 of the crowd was there to see them alone! They were great, playing mostly stuff from their No Balance Palace album, they really showed they are a world-class act - great music, great stage presence, hell, great Danish beards, people! Something For Kate were awesome - opening with California (just like Kashmir opening with Kalifornia..!), they were great. Playing for wellll over 2+ hours, the show was great, with the setlist spanning their entire extensive back-catalogue. Great small-talk was made, and it was obvious that the band was having a great time in Adelaide. A good.. no, *great* night.

10) The Butterfly Effect (with This Collision and Repeat Offender) @ Southport RSL, QLD; September 30
My first concert in another state, and, I've gotta be honest, you could tell it was a different crowd. Not that it was a bad thing - not at all. Actually, it was great. Playing in a really big room (looked like some kind of function hall, me thinks), the crowd all seemed really nice and chilled. This Collision wasn't anything special - reminded me of 28 Days, but Repeat Offender, a local Queensland band from up there were great and prompted me to buy their EP from a HMV store the next day. The Butterfly Effect were awesome - sparked a sweet moshpit that I actually really enjoyed being a part of! It didn't matter that I didn't know all the songs, they all sounded kick-arse and the people we met there were awesome. The bus ride back into Surfer's that night is something that I'll never forget, either! Haha.

~Film-Fanatic

2006-12-30T14:54:00.000-08:00

"Saddam Hussein, who ruled Iraq with ruthless force and led his people into three devastating wars while pursuing his goal of dominating the Arab world, was executed by hanging . He was 69."

[via Los Angeles Times]

Top 10 Albums Of 2006

2006-12-30T13:59:00.000-08:00

1) Desert Lights ~ Something For Kate
Highlights: California, Cigarettes & Suitcases, Oh Kamikaze, A Fool's History Part 1

2) Show Your Bones ~ Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Highlights: Gold Lion, Way Out, Honey Bear, Cheated Hearts, Turn Into

3) Begin To Hope ~ Regina Spektor
Highlights: Fidelity, Radio, Samson, Better

4) Living With War ~ Neil Young
Highlights: Impeach The President, Living With War, Flags Of Freedom, After The Garden

5) This Is Where You Belong ~ The Summer Obsession
Highlights: 8 AM, Death Said, Never Coming Back, Do You Remember?

6) Sneaky Sound System ~ Sneaky Sound System
Highlights: I Love It, Hip Hip Hooray, Tease Me

7) Black Fingernails, Red Wine ~ Eskimo Joe
Highlights: New York, Black Fingernails Red Wine, Sara, London Bombs, This is Pressure

8) Black Holes & Revelations ~ Muse
Highlights: Black Holes & Revelations, Starlight, Map of the Problematique

9) Yes, Virginia ~ The Dresden Dolls
Highlights: Sex Changes, Backstabber, My Alcoholic Friends, Sing

10) As Cruel As School Children ~ Gym Class Heroes
Highlights: The Queen & I, Shoot Down The Stars, New Friend Request, Clothes Off, On My Own Time (Write On!)

~Film-Fanatic

Cinéma-Fanatique

BDO-08 Timetable (Revised)

Yep, it's one of those nights :)

Err, 2008..

The 11th Best Album of 2007

Top 10 Albums of 2007

Top 10 Gigs of 2007

Daft Punk @ Sidney Myer Music Bowl, VIC; December 14

McHappy Day

Sneaky Sound System @ Thebarton Theatre; Nov. 16

'City of Men' trailer:

Peter Combe @ The Gov; November 11

Adelaide Festival of Arts Program Announced

15 Random Songs:

HAIRSPRAY

Just got back from the library:

Just got back from the video store:

Setlists:

One of the Best Albums of 2007:

Don't Let Go

Just got back from the video store:

Bass in The Grass 2007

You'll never, never know - if you never, never go.

Just got back from the video store:

15 Random Songs:

Just got back from the video store:

Just got back from the library:

Just got back from the video store:

Fox, what is *your* gameplan?

William Zanzinger killed poor Hattie Carroll

Baby, Do You Like My Clothes?

Today I Borrowed from the Library:

One of the Best Albums of 2007:

Just got back from the video store:

15 Random Songs:

Morals of a Pez Dispencer

Jackie, Dressed in Cobras

One of the Best Albums of 2007:

Just got back from the video store:

Reel Big Fish > Dave Matthews Band

15 Random Songs:

Girl on the Train

OH! MY! GOD!

And then Bobby said..

My Mrazical Romance?!?!?!

MANUFACTURED LANDSCAPES

Tomorrow!

One of the Best Albums of 2007:

"You make your call, and then you go somewhere else!"

Big Yellow Taxi

Pieces of the People We Love

@ The Gov

15 Random Songs:

RUSHMORE

Imago

Quote Of The Week:

Marcus On Marcus..?

Free Hugs

Jesus Was A Crossmaker

15 Random Songs:

The First Great Album Of 2007:

My BDO Timetable:

2006 Film Viewing Tally:

Quote Of The Week:

In The Morning Of The Magicians

Politik

Just got back from the video store:

New Year's Resolutions:

Top 10 Gigs Of 2006

Top 10 Albums Of 2006

Fox, what is your gameplan?