I woke up in the middle of the night with crippling stomach cramps, so today has been a bit of a write-off. But on the plus side, I've been able to lie in bed and watch this:
The film isn't quite as absurd as the trailer suggests and gives a fascinating glimpse of a rarely-seen side of Britain during the 1950s. But the main attraction is a cast that includes Sean Connery, Patrick McGoohan, Stanley Baker, Sid James, David McCallum and the unbiquitous Alfie Bass.
If you like seeing goods vehicle drivers flagrantly disregarding the Highway Code, I can thoroughly recommend Hell Drivers.
I also watched a film that I loved as a child. Sadly, on second viewing, it turned out to be even more ridiculous than I'd anticipated:
If you haven't seen it, I'll save you the effort. The film begins with the revelation that the world is going to end. In spite of this rather depressing news, everyone continues going to work and behaving quite normally, apart from a small group of people who decide to build a 'rocketship' that will act as a modern Noah's Ark, taking a selection of animals (probably not wasps) and 40 young white people (probably WASPS) to an approaching planet that might be able to support life.
The world blows up, consumed by a star. Fortunately, the spaceship has escaped in the nick of time and managed to make a successful landing on the new planet. When the hatch is opened for the first time, the crew are greeted by a well-manicured lawn and a poorly-executed watercolour landscape. In the distance, there is a strange alien monolith, but nobody sees remotely surprised or interested. The end.
However, I don't waste all of my time watching films like When Worlds Collide. This 2011 film, which I have also seen recently, is excellent:
Beautifully filmed and acted, with a surprisingly effective score by Philip Glass, Elena deservedly won the Special Jury Prize at last year's Cannes Film Festival. I can't remember the last time I enjoyed a new film as much.
I hope that my stomach behaves itself in time for Saturday, as we're going to what my wife ominously described as a 'killing party'. I was very relieved when I realised that she meant a 'Killing' party, where all of the guests had to bugger off before BBC 4 screens the final two episodes of the Danish thriller series.
How very Lewes.
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6 comments:
Hope you're feeling better soon, and that you enjoy your "Killer" party!
Take care, xoxo
The number in the box of the comment moderation is 12005 -- believe it or not, that's the number of the house next door! Small world...
I love 'Hell Drivers', particularly the driving sequences where someone appears to have a finger on fast-forward.
'When Worlds Colide' is one of my favourite films of all time - inferior only to 'When The Earth caught Fire' - one of my biggest fascinations is mid-century end of the world type cinema - there are plenty to choose from - 'Crack in the World' is very similar - and if you are feeling a bit down, try 'On the Beach' for added depression and hopelessness.
I can assure you it's very Harrogate, Boroughbridge, Leeds ...
Thanks Carol. Unfortunately, I think I'll be giving the party a miss.
12005?! How long is your street?
Martin - It's absurd isn't it. The film itself makes today's lorry drivers look like angels, apart from the Polish chap who was caught the other day watching a DVD whilst driving.
Richard - Yes, 'On the Beach' is an incredibly depressing film, but very good (apart from the accents). Even though I know what's going to happen, I still find myself clinging on to the futile hope for redemption.
Nilly - Harrogate I've no doubt. I'd never heard of Boroughbridge, but a quick search on Google has revealed a very attractive-looking town.
I will never forgive Leeds for 'Junior Showtime'.
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