15/05/15 Strangers On A Train (1951)

Pretty sure everyone who has even a casual interest in films knows the rough plotline of this. Two strangers meet on a train (funnily enough, the title's something of a spoiler so far) They both have problems, a domineering father and an unfaithful wife, and so one of them suggests that they should murder the person that troubles the other, therefore blah, blah, blah.

64 years was a long time ago, from my experience, on a modern train journey you'd only have to approach the nearest person with a neck tattoo and say "Oh mate, stab that cunt" and it'd be job done. Or at least a good shoeing on a rail replacement bus service. Still, back in the early '50s, people used to wear a tuxedo to take a shit. Things were far more formal back then.

Anyway, as part of the 'What's the deal with Hitchcock' pledge, I watched this today. Definitely too dated to be thrilling by modern standards, the main bad guy is a laughably effeminate, dandyish fop, but it's still entertaining and very watchable.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1823672/
7/10

Courtship was very stiff back then. Even facing each other pre-marriage was considered an unforgivable sex act.

"Gosh darn it, Gary! Are you being wanked off by a midget again?!"

"Yes, Miriam. Forgive me. It's their tiny hands, I can't resist 'em!"

"Good day, Sir. Welcome to my humble crib. I'm Papa G-Money, these are my bitches, Kanesha and Barbara."

IF this blog was to ever run caption competitions, this screen cap would prob be the first.

"Darling, would you like me to prune your hat?"

"Yes please, it's very upsetting."

Perkin.

05/02/13 What Richard Did (2012)

*Spoilers*

A mostly excellent Irish film about a double murderer (one gerbil, one human) and the effect that seemingly small acts can have in the immediate and long term.

The Richard of the title is an 18yr old lad from a good family living in an idyllic portrait of youth: beach parties, disposable income, good looks, popularity, mobility and a bright looking future.

One night, he attends a party where alcohol blurs perception and emotions run high, leading to an (unintentionally) fatal confrontation. The remainder of the film is an exploration of how Richard deals with the repercussions of his actions and highlights the burden of guilt he carries.

The acting, by the whole cast, is superb, and elevates what could be a mundane film into the realms of a highly recommended one.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2092011/
7.5/10

Right, that's enough serious wank. Here's some pictures:

Ireland. A nation separated by history, religion and cheese counters. Fuck those White-Hats!

"You just don't understand me! I'm not like the other petrol stations!"

The Irish. Drinking heavily. Just in case you wasn't sure.

Perkin.