ESSIE AND THE AMERICAN HORROR STORY...

I know... In the first place, why on earth am I updating the blog on New Year's Eve and secondly, could I not have at least found something a tad more festive to update it with.

Well... I mean first of all, for me films, movies, thinking about movies and talking about movies never  stops. Like, ever. I'm heading out about town tonight, I'll end up talking movies at some point. I mean heck, I spent one party having a 3 hour discussion on the cinema of Terrance Malik. We were swigging Jaegermeister from the bottle if memory serves (or was that a different party). It's one of those people I haven't looked up in an age and really should - who knows they may beat me to it! :)

But enough about me. For some of us, New Years Eve is not about joining a milling crowd - my flatmate much refers being on his own (although that's not happening if his 9 year old has anything to do with it). And honestly, if I were staying in, I can't think of a better series to sit down and marathon. I mean, it'll definitely keep you u all night. You know... For the New Year...

happy viewing folks - and ha y New Year!
Essue

HUDDLE UNDER THE BLANKET AND LISTEN TO A GOOD OLD FASHIONED "AMERICAN HORROR STORY"

I have been away from the “TV series” scene for a while now. I watch a lot of moves and go to the cinema quite a bit but haven’t “got into” the whole series thing for a while now. I mean, I’m quite picky with these things anyway, and I have been craving something original for a while now. This was recommended to me by a friend, I decided to check out one episode on the insistence of friends. What started out as me just checking out one episode quickly turned into a seven episode marathon that I had to literally force myself away from. I am fully aware that I am waay behind in proceedings – season 4 for this baby being broadcast and all. But have no fear, I am two seasons in and ploughing on as fast as I can to catch up! In the meanwhile though, I think I have a good enough grasp on the whole thing – and you DEFINITELY need to hear all about this one!

So, American Horror story is an anthology of horror stories. The stories are linked principally bt their themes – these are all “classic” American horror stories we all somehow know and love; the first season tells the story of a haunted house, second, a mental asylum where more than one kind of monster lurks beneath the surface of normality, third a selective boarding school that is actually coven of witches and the fourth current one an old fashioned freak show.

The second element that links the anthology is the cast. Not the whole cast – that would be slightly impractical and not a little weird, but quite a few actors from the first season also turn up in the second season playing completely unrelated characters (unrelated to their previous role that is). And other actors that were in the first series but side-stepped the second series turn up in the third. You get the picture. It is such a brilliant showcase for the versatility and talent of the actors – and just the right shade of spooky, perfectly suitable to the eerie series – body snatchers anyone. One constant that needs a mention is, without a doubt, Jessica Lange. The talented actress makes any role she takes on her own and our emotions soar and plummet even through the series as the plotline twists and turns – much less as we cross through different stories of the anthology together.

Speaking of the storyline I really need to say, I think anthologies may well be the future of TV series. I mean, I have always felt that the major virtue of a good series is to know when to stop. I mean sure, we moan and cry when our favourite TV series finishes, we may empathise with this character or have a crush on this actor – actress… But admit it, there is a sense of disappointment there when you realise that the writers are literally scraping the bottom of the barrel just to keep the series going, because hey, the ratings aren’t that bad so you know, let’s keep milking it. I’ve walked away from a number of TV series for this self-same reason, it doesn’t “hook” me if they’re doing stuff just for the sake of doing stuff (I’m thinking particularly of True Blood here – I was told the series did improve but once I lose interest I rarely go back). I mean, the series I reviewed last week, Black Mirror, is basically united by theme alone – but Charlie Brooker’s very original personal mark in each and every story helps one make a very clear link.

But of course one thing is absolutely certain. As fascinating cinematically the casting and the whole “anthology” type storylines are; you will not enjoy this one unless if you are a big fan of the horror genre. But conversely, if you are a fan of the horror genre you’d be a fool to miss it. Series one played host to simply one of the most terrifying haunted houses I have ever come across (and believe you me I have come across some GOOD haunted houses in my day) – to the point that a few episodes in I was jumping at creaks and squeaks in the house (I live with three other adults and two cats so there were plenty of creaks to jump at, I’ll tell you that for nothing). The second series, looking back, seems very improbably when you describe it on paper. I mean, there seems to be waaaay too much going on. An asylum is a fertile ground for potentially all manner of horror story weirdness ranging from alien abductions to possession – it seems a bit risky to stick ‘em all into the same story and then throw in a few more curveballs besides… And yet, they do, and somehow it works. They even throw in a few actual old fashioned medical practices for good measure and it STILL works.

So if you want a chill or three down your spines you guys – definitely take a gander at American Horror Story you guys! As a horror fan my only regret was not having started before – check it out! J  

ESSIE SPEAKS OF AN ALTERNATIVE CHRISTMAS

Oh don't get me wrong, Christmas in my family (all the branches, all around the world) is pretty much as traditional as they come. Family get-togethers, food , drink and leftovers on Boxing day...  
But with a proliferation of "Christmas Movie" lists around the net, I reckoned you could do with an alternative Christmas tale or two.

And it really doesn't get more alternative than Charlie Brooker. Scroll down, you'll see what I mean.

In the meanwhile, have a very merry little Christmas you guys!
Sedef

HAVE YOURSELF AN EERIE LITTLE CHRISTMAS...BLACK MIRROR – BLACK MIRROR WHITE CHRISTMAS

I know. It’s kinda unfair going on and on about something mainly shown on British TV. But you know, the internet is a wonderful thing these days, as is Amazon, Ebay etc – you can easily find the DVDs for this and order it – and oh my darlings, you should!! I mean, yes it’s really not to everyone’s taste – not really. But you guys have been around for a while now. I assume you know and like my taste. So let’s just dive in, shall we

Now, I’m thinking “anthology” type TV series are becoming a thing – think American Horror Story (I definitely will be in the coming weeks, I am officially obsessed with the series – you know, series where every episode (in this case) or every series (like American Horror Story) is a standalone story. There are various ways of tying the series together, in American Horror Story it’s the cast – it’s the same cast, they just play different parts every series. In Black Mirror it goes even further. There are a few actors who move around from part to part (though not “consistently” in every episode), and there are songs and details tying them together for the wise, but basically every episode is its own story. What unites them is the theme.

The creator of these unholy little darlings is British Tv personality Charlie Brooker. Those who are in the know may already be a fan of his dark humour and his pessimistic outlook as to the future of the media generation for which he is, rather ironically, such an icon. If you are a Charlie Brooker fan I’m assuming you’re already a fan (either that or living under a stone). If you’ve never heard of him, ask yourself this, do you need a series full of dystopias about an overly technological world, dark humour and not overly fond of “happy” endings in your life. You know you do. Step right over and take a look in the Black Mirror.

Every episode basically takes a look at some form of technology “gone too far”. Be it an Aldous Huxley type world where people have to pay to not watch commercials, electronic “eyes” that allow you to rewind the future and review it or using the internet to topple presidents… Every episode serves up a goodly portion of “what could happen if it all went too far”. The series is not, however, completely devoid of Christmas spirit – a special feature length Christmas episode – “Black Mirror White Christmas” – has been aired and is not available on 4OD. I have to say, I loved it. I really did.

This episode stars John Hamm of Mad Men fame alongside a British cast in a haunting Christmas tale. In a barren looking snow scape, two men seem to be ensconced in a cabin with no other company for miles around. With nothing else to do, the two men begin swapping stories about their lives before the cabin. Now, those who know the series know better than to try and find out more. And unfortunately, as the series functions mainly around “shock value”, I will be giving you little more than that there blurb as far as the story goes. Like good movies (QT for example) and good horror stories, the whole thing hinges on gut-wrenching plot twists and I wouldn’t spoil it for you for the world!
Here, however, is a spoiler-free taster:

 I will tell you this much, this is definitely a Christmas special. The way the series operates allows a sort of “two stories in one” type of dealio. John Hamm is absolutely brilliant (but he’s one of those actors who I personally think always is brilliant hehe) and the premises of the stories are both imaginative and spine-chilling as always… Ok here’s one for those who watched the episode though. Did you think John Hamm’s characters punishment ended up being a little too harsh… I mean ok maybe that’s the point but…  I mean those last scenes really, really hit me. Not to mention Potter basically being punished for something he didn’t do. Not really. Think about it – or just hit me up on Twitter if you don’t get what I mean by that.

So my darlings, have a spooky Christmas and a haunted New Year! I’m off to Cambridge to visit my family for a few days but I will soon be back with musings on movies!

ESSIE SPEAKS OF A DIFFERENT TAKE ON CHRISTMAS

Hi there everybody!

Christmas is fast approaching and the events industry is going slowly but surely mad. I mean it. If you had stepped behind the scenes at a articular high-brow  pop up dining venue in London this week, you would have found the staff jousting with mop handles at one point. Yes, we're all over 20.

That makes the movies even more important for me. I have millions of things to write to you about once I've gathered my scattered wits - and have had a decent nights slee which is VERY rare these days - I'll be coming at you with multiple newbies, including my current obsessions Black Mirror and American Horror Story.

But let's talk about this week. Well it's not entirely a non-Christmas movie. There's whiskey - a lot of it - angels, road to Damascus experiences and redemption. So the themes are there, even though the Christmas decorations aren't. Check it out.

ha y viewing ee s!
Essie

BUT DON'T FORGET "THE ANGEL’S SHARE"

Well folks, as some of you know I spent a good few weeks ın Turkey catching up with some much missed sunshine and my somewhat neglected family. Of course this does not mean I stop watching films, oh no. It just means that, partly thanks to my Mom, it becomes just a bit more eclectic. It`s almost like a return to the blogs slightly untidy origins. It feels homely and natural. Which is, coincidentally, what our next film is all about as far as style is concerned.

There may come a day when each and every one of us needs a fresh start in life – you know the old adage; every saint has a past, every sinner has a future. Robbie is just such a sinner, in dire need of a new start in life. He has a lot of what he would need for that new start in place: His loving partner, Leonie and a little one on the way. He also has a criminal record a couple of yards long, a scar on his face that puts off those rare potential employers that get past his criminal record and a father in law who would not stop at physically injuring him to ehm ``convince`` him to stay away from his daughter. In short, Robbie is full of genuine good intentions but his entire universe seems intent on preventing him from going on the straight and narrow. But allies come in many strange shapes and forms in this life and for Robbie no one is surprised as he is when the little group he is doing his community service with after his latest fight and the long-suffering social worker Harry who is in charge of their merry band. Harry does not realize this himself but has actually put the entire band, but especially Robbie well and truly in line for a road to Damascus experience. Salvation can truly come in the strangest guises…

This film also marks my Mom`s introduction to a more realistic brand of filmmaking. “What I loved about it” she said, “ıs that it is almost like watching a documentary. Like watching something happening on the street.” Which is of course completely true of Ken Loach`s realistic style of filmmaking. The film takes place ``up north`` as do so many others of his films; the accents are pronounced and Scottish (so much so that my 91 year old grandmother just gave up on being able to understand them and went to bed early) and the characters are raw, day to day folk that you might well come across in a group doing social work. Even the visuals are unpolished, oh expertly done , of course, but it really does give the impression that Loach literally picked up a camera and followed a band of mates throughout the streets of Scotland – the exact and feel he is so good at capturing. It really goes to show that if you have a really good story and some strong actors to bring it to life, you don`t really need technical bells and whistles to make a really great film. I mean, I say that but there is a risk of underplaying the whole visual aspect when you go down that route. It is much like women`s fashion and getting the ``smart casual`` look just right. The whole ``studied`` casual look is so hard to achieve – it is almost easier to dress up completely formally and get it right because there at least we are all 100% of the rules. It is when you start dropping rules here and there when you actually have to sit up and take heed, because you actually have to know all the rules very well to be able to make a good film by using less.  There lies the real territory of directors who try to play around and ``bend`` the rules without having a clear idea of what they are bending. It comes from being overly ambitious, overly confident, dreaming too big… It comes from wanting to run before one can crawl. But it actually takes a master like Loach to get simplicity completely right.

It is also incredibly refreshing to see such completely real characters in film as opposed to Hollywood cut-outs. I do lean more and more towards indies and non-Hollywood productions for my personal entertainment these days but of course one cannot completely avoid ``mainstream`` cinema and I despair sometimes at the sameness of it all. Robbie is, of course a type in himself. He is the criminal fresh out of jail who wants to make a fresh start. This is a character played and re-played by so many of the grates and not so grates – but in this specific case I am thinking names like Al Pacino, Robert De Niro… Robbie is not a grand character of cinema. He is a lad off the streets, a small time thug who just wants to live a quiet life with his partner and his son. The mastery of Loach and the cast is that they make him come so alive that we get completely enthralled with what will happen to him next during the two hours of The Angel`s Share. 

Curious about this little number - then just scroll down! The trailer is at the end of the page!

ESSIE SPEAKS OF THE TOUCH AND BOOKS

Hi there folks!

As a lot of you know, this is a very, very busy period in the events industry - where I work during the day.

This leaves limited time for films (sadly) but oddly, it does leave a lot of time for books. The London commutes would not be bareably without them and yes I STILL don't have a smarthone so what else is there to do!

Besides, as you guys already know, I love getting stuck in a good book. If nothing else, a good book like this is tantamount to a trip through time and space to Chine before the Cultural Revolution.

dive right in my dears!
Essie

THE TOUCH FROM THE PAST THAT COMES BACK TO HAUNT

I was a little dubious when I saw this looked like a  typical “women’s book” about an acupuncturist. I was a little worried it might turn out a little too “Jilly Cooper” – and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that, it just isn’t really my cup of tea. But Lin Hong has an intriguing style and oh boy does she know how to set up a mystery… I love a good mystery… I dove right in.

This is the story of Lin Jung. She is an acupuncturist trying to make a new life for herself in a small clinic in rural England. She is a foreigner in this land and acupuncture is definitely a foreign concept in the little town. Dr Lin tries her best to settle in but caught between her traditional beliefs and her pushy boss, she is not sure she is going to settle in very well. Her clients aren’t really any better ; some are there just out of loneliness, some out of desperation, but some, like Lucy, seem to venerate her and her science like a new religion. Dr Lin doesn’t know what she makes of it all, especially Lucy. But there is something about Lucy that makes her different from the rest. Is it that they are close in age? Is it Lucy’s unwavering and slightly naïve belief in herbal remedies? Or is it something altogether different that reminds Lin of her past… A past that Lin would much, much rather forget…

I think this little book is a real bargain; it’s one of those books that actually present you with two stories for the price of one. The story of Lin’s present day life is intercut with reminiscences of her childhood in rural China and her impressions of a very important part of China’s history – the Cultural Revolution. Chairman Mao is now well and truly settled at the helm of the country and the effects of the Cultural Revolution have begun to seep out into the provinces, into the day to day lives of the regular people. Little Lin is sent to live with her grandfather, a renowned acupuncturist and herbalist of the region. Lin learns his arts and the traditional cures he uses, but is also able to observe, sometimes without understanding, the clash of this old way of life with the new. Lin captures the outlook of a child so perfectly in her writing it is very hard to believe it is not, at least in part, autobiographical. The little girl is faced with a lot of adult dilemmas, family secrets that she doesn’t quite understand and clashes between people she thinks should be natural allies. The books spells out very little for us in an “adult” way. We are left to puzzle out what is going on for ourselves for the most part of the book – and this, for me, is the true charm of the book. We feel as if we have stepped back in time and are walking though rural China, quietly observing the goings on.

I have become very partial to this kind of book recently. It reminds me of another bestseller I have recently read, Child 44 byRob Smıth . The book is a murder mystery loosely based on the antics of prolific Russian serial killer Andrei Chikatilo but the main conflict of the book is not between the hero (a policeman, obviously) and the serial killer but between the policeman and Stalinist Russia. The writer beautifully captures the oppressive atmosphere of Stalinist Russia, the eyes everywhere, the fact that you can trust no one… The atmosphere in China is similar – but different in some ways; here we feel there is less subterfuge, less of people sneaking behind bushes out to get us. No, the people aren’t behind bushes they are there, out in the open, with big sticks, ready to really hurt you at the least slip up. Little Lin describes the red flags everywhere, the big black crosses over the “shamed” houses and establishments. The public “self-criticism” sentences where people are forced to admit their “crimes” publicly and shame themselves. It must have felt like being hemmed in on every side, unable to breathe or move, even in one’s own private life. It must have been even more confusing in places like rural China, where things like traditional medicine, and various other traditional practices and beliefs had been alive and well for centuries. The villagers are abruptly told that the way they had been doing things for generations is now prohibited.  They have a completely new, “modern”, “scientific” way of doing things, that is “in keeping with the principles of Chairman Mao” that they must adopt. The pace at which modern life changes is a bit scary at the best of times, having it forced down one’s throat at gun point must be a hundred times worse.

Then there is Lin’s modern life, the trials and tribulations of settling in a new country and adapting to a new culture. All this may well make you think that The Touch is a rather sad book. It actually is not. It is a wonderful, tender, emotional book about family secrets, a painful past and coming to terms with it all. The book teaches one a lot, about acupuncture and also about the Cultural Revolution and does it beautifully and subtly, mixed up in a rather extraordinary mystery story, resulting in a rather extraordinary book. Definitely one not to be missed. 

ESSIE SPEAKS OF MAYHEM AND TRAILERS

Hey there ladies and gents! I trust you all head a wonderful week!

The real world is hot on my heels but I continue my forays into various worlds of fantasy - and continue to reoprt back! I am making a concentrated effort to keep up with the reading - although my reading list may seem a little odd to some - and I continue to share the highlights with you!

Feel like checking out my cinematic endeavours - then head to...

http://critics-associated.com/author/sedefhekimgil/

This week I'm chatting about Latin American Cinema! And don't stay limited to my stuff will you - the site is bursting with interesting news and reviews!

Speaking of film chat, what do you guys make over that ungodly fuss made over the new Star Wars trailer? More specifically, I mean the reactions to John Boyega, the first black stormtrooper. Come on guys, it's the 21st century for God's sake - the fact that he's black hadn't occured to me as a "thing" until I head the fuss made about it! All those haters need to get with the programme!

Another trailer out is, of course the Jurassic World trailer. I must say I'm slightly... Thingied... I mean I don't know, you know how you revisit a childhood haunt after you're an adult and realise it's a lot smaller than you remember it... Yeah, that's kinda how I feel. I think the younger generation will love it, but for those of us who remember the thrill of seing the first film in the cinema... Not the same...

have a great week you guys!
Essie

MAYHEM, MAGIC AND JACK THE RIPPER

I am a strong believer in bargain basements, as you probably already know. I am the same with books; you will often find me scanning the bookshelves marked ``two for the price of one`` with an intent expression trying to work out if there is a bargain to be found in there somewhere. I often do this at airports. It passes the time, there are often special ``airport editions`` to books otherwise only available in hardcover and well… Everyone loves a bargain. This is how I came to pick up Mayhem by Sarah Pinborough and came to discover a new writer and series that will no doubt afford me hours of enjoyment. You see I love fantasy and magic in my books. I also love crime. But if I come across a successful combination of the two… Well that is by far the best… J

Dr Thomas Bond is a normal police surgeon living in abnormal times. It is London, the year is 1888 and that mysterious killer called Jack the Ripper is prowling the streets of Whitechapel. Dr Bond is known for his success and ability in such cases and thus starts working on the case when another series of murders starts taking place in Whitechapel. Bodies, brutally mutilated, missing limbs and internal organs, more brutal than the Ripper has ever been… But why are there suddenly so many predators prowling the streets of London? And more importantly are they the real problem or the symptoms of something, much, much worse to come…  

I really loved the way this story wove the strands of the story together. Of course, thanks to television and DVDs, we are no strangers to the concept of merging crime as a genre with fantasy. Neither are we unfamiliar with the concept of an everyman brought face to face with a gang of supernatural crime fighters and villains who turn out to be bona fide monsters. So in a sense, Pinborough has taken on a rather daunting task – not only must she write an example of a genre tried and tested multiple times, thus creating very fixed expectations in the fans, she must also somehow achieve the same effect without the aid of special effects and on screen ``magic`` that makes it that much easier to suspend disbelief and dive straight in.

This has largely been achieved by structuring the novel pretty much in the same way one might structure a TV series. Every chapter is narrated by a different character, you know, in the same way the camera follows first one character and then another in those series where we have multiple heroes and heroines. Of course, here (as in most such narratives), we have one main protagonist, but we have a quite a few secondary characters knocking about who get a good dose of ``page time`` too. The flip of perspective is most refreshing and gives, in my opinion, a much more all-rounded sense of where the story is going. The other thing is that of course the setting is 19^th century London. Opium dens are ``all the rage`` and suffice to say that said dens play quite large parts in our story. Not only does the way the story flits from character to character at some point begin to resemble those rambling dreams brought on by the drug and so aptly described in the book, it also adds a completely new dimension to the character of Dr Bond, who is the ``hero`` of the book and at the same time, a bona fide opium addict. This makes him a bit of an anti-hero in a way, as Pinborough makes a very, very good job of describing his mental process as the addiction takes a firmer and firmer hold – and that in itself is an interesting portrait. But on the other hand, it also adds a dreamlike quality to everything Bond experiences, adding another dimension to his disbelief. I mean, I need to add that a lot of the other, secondary characters are not exactly painted in black or white either. There are a lot of greys, a lot of unusual traits and questionable attributes… But then again, that`s a bit like real life I suppose. The ``good guys`` often have their own scars and crosses to bear, and may not seem as ``snow white`` as prime time TV would have us believe.  

Another thing I admired in the book was the mastery with which the true stories of the epoch were mixed with fiction. Jack the Ripper enthusiasts will find it interesting reading in parts, possibly not because they will discover a lot of new information, but because Jack prowls the pages of the book along with our own killer, as large as life, and if the information about him is not new (because in truth, unless some historical artefact is unearthed, I don`t see how there could be any new info on him at the moment,)it is very well redacted and very well melded with the fantasy world of Dr Bond and Mayhem.

In short Mayhem is a sensitively written book where reality and fantasy collide to form some truly breath-taking results. It`s the kind of book that would make you miss your stop on the tube. Just sayin`. J