Paycheck

In desperation to write another review I am resorting to a movie we saw on TV over the weekend.

Alas, I have little time to review novels etc with all the business of packing and preparing to move to Tasmania (in 39 days!).

This film, starring Ben Affleck and Uma Thurman (great onscreen chemistry) is a futuristic film, delving into the idea of what happens if we could see our future. Ben's character says something along the idea that when we see our future, we make it happen. If we see a war, we fight to avoid it. Thought provoking eh?

Ben's character, whose name presently escapes my foggy mind, works for three years to engineer a machine that sees the future. After this, his memory is erased by some sci-fi invention. The film is unusual in that as viewers we do not see what he makes; we have to work that out.

I love a mystery. Whilst working, Ben's character sends himself a package, so he would receive it in the future. He decided not to accept his paycheque, in return for these items. He eventually works out that he must have sent these items to himself for a good reason. The mystery evolves as he has to decide what each item means, as he has to use it in a certain way so he can find out what he invented, and what he must do to it.

The film ends well and I love the fluent structure of this one. I enjoyed and believed each character's performance. The film tackles themes such as love, jilted friendships, betrayal, money, corruption and lust for power. It also makes us question the values we may hold in the future.

A very enjoyable viewing. ****

The Pact - Jodi Picoult

Wow

This book is enchantingly addictive. It is about a gripping yet debilitating suicidal depression, experienced by a wealthy, educated, creative, successful, beautiful and loved teenager. I think this is an important topic, especially in a time where depression, especially in teenagers, is just reaching the surface of things to talk about.

Written ten years ago, this book explores the issues why Emily is depressed - nobody noticed. How could she want to die when her life is blossoming before her? She is a talented painter. She has a wonderful boyfriend and wealthy parents. Maybe that is not the secret to true happiness...

Yet as we read through this chilling tale devoted to the goings-on of a teenager's mind, we discover the reasons why Emily wanted to die.

"The Pact" is about Emily, a suicidal girl, who talks her loving boyfriend, Chris, into being there as she ends her life. Chris is then accused of murdering Emily. A rivetting court case ensues. I sat, clenching my book and my teeth, waiting to read the final verdict - I got so desperate, I skipped to the end of the page!

If you want to read a page-turner that is about love, lust, sex (so much sex is in this book!), suicide, teenagers, depression, legal mumbo-jumbo - this book is for you. I highly recommend it. Better than "Nineteen Minutes."

****1/2

PS Now that I know Picoult's formula, maybe I should try my hand at some teen-inspired topical thrillers.

Nineteen Minutes - Jodi Picoult

I thought this novel tackled an important issue, but I didn't like the narrative style -the way the point of view shifted so often. I like the twist at the end, but I thought it was predictable. I felt Josie's pain when she mourned Matt, and I sypathised for Peter's mother. I was torn between wanting to support Peter, and wanting to punish him. It depended on whose POV I was privvy to. I guess Picoult is showing us that there are always two sides to each story.

The topic itself is scary. I am a teacher, so this opened my eyes to a few things about schools and individual students, and I appreciate this from the novel.

I always like reading court scenes, and Picoult is great with that, as we know. I think she must be commended on her raw, realistic portrayal of character, and the way she peels the layers of a story and in so doing, she helps us recognise our own shortcomings.

Where do your values lie?

***

Questions for Babel

Here are some questions for the film 'Babel:'

1. What is your favourite 'story' and why?


2. How are the characters' lives/stories related in the plot?


3. What evidence do we find that Susan has experienced a miscarriage or similar tragedy?


4. Are children capable of evil, or are they just unaware of consequences? If they behave evil, what has made them that way? (eg would the young lad still be evil if a gun was not placed in his care? [that is, IF he is actually evil])


5. Several different cultures are explored in this film. How do they differ? How are they similar? Can you find one thing that is similar to all cultures? (hint: children)


6. How far are the settings integral to the plot (think of the setting as a character)?


7. How is love represented in different forms in this film?


8. Is Brad Pitt more or less of a hunk in this film? ;) Seriously though, what makes Richard a good husband?

In the Woods - Tana French

I finished the novel and actually said, "what the?" as I shut it. I actually looked through the back of the book to see if I was missing the last page! I'm struggling to add to my previous review, and I am struggling to think of discussion questions for this book. But I'll give it a go:

1. In what ways do you admire Adam/Rob? What are the strengths of his character? (eg I thought him a hunk at first [until I learned more about his personality!]
2. How far is the setting of the woods integral to the plot? (eg could it have been as effective a story if it were set at the beach?)
3. What does the rain represent in the novel? We see it a lot - what purpose does it serve? Foreshadowing, tragedy, that something is about to be solved, that Rob is in trouble etc?
4. Does Rob treat Cassie poorly, or does she take advantage of him?
5. Do you think that a male and female can ever be 'just good friends?'
6. What is it that really drives Rob mad? The woods, lack of sleep, unsolved mysteries, memories, lust for Cassie, his past etc?
7. What is the pendant/charm that is found at the end, and what purpose does its placement/existence serve?
8. Are you satisfied with the ending? Why? Why not?

Wolf Creek (R)

Amanda recommended this film to me (as well as Perfume). She painted a picture for me: the backpaker murders. She warned me that this film was so scary my back would probably ache with the sheer suspense of it all. The bloke at my local video store warned me that it would scare the pants off me. The image of a bloodstained brunette on the front cover worried me, so I was quite nervous as I got ready to watch it.

In my opinion, it is not that scary. It is really sad though, what happened to the girls. The graffic scenes are disturbing but the level of violence is not too terrible ... in my opinion. I find it harder to fathom that anybody could be so cruel. It scares me that this dude is still out there. We have so much faith that our national protection will actually protect us. That somebody could hunt down a person is really quite awful.

I will watch this film again, because there are hints throughout that can help us understand the story better. Krissy's laughter really annoyed me. I liked Liz. I thought that Ben was ok - cute but annoying in some ways. That he survives (this is based on true events) is a miracle.

Recommended viewing for those who are not easily freaked ***

Perfume

I really like this film. I love the raw setting. The opening scenes were vile and raw and my eyes were glued to the screen in the manner of looking at roadkill ("Oh gross, I can't look" [but look anyway]). I liked the plot and the making of perfume: I thought this interesting and well researched. I thought it sad that the young women were killed and dumped in their vulnerability, but as far as murder stories go, I though this was a good one.

Until the really strange final scenes filled the screen. My mouth agape, I couldn't quite work out what the heck was happening. How bizarre. That the scent of the women could render an evil man an angel; unfathomable.

The protagonist is weird and I thought him unlikeable. He has no soul and no scent, and he appears in the dark in many scenes, slowly appearing as if he were a ghost. His sillhouette enters our vision before his face does - eerie!

And the wonderfully rich colours: opulent emerald, ravishing red - the girls' hair flying in the wind, wonderful rich colours and tumbling curls. The pukey greys and sloshing sounds in the opening scenes is foul but brilliant: slashes on the screen of gutting animals and the raw brutality that is the fishmarket.

Overall I rate this film average (see it because it's different) **

In the Woods - Tana French

Giving up on Picoult's "Nineteen Minutes" (too annoyingly multi-POV [point-of-view]), I have begun my FIRST EVER crime novel, "In the Woods." This is an intriguing story. Unfortumately, however, I am finding the same problem with any crime novel I've tried to read: it's written badly. There are far too many broken, interrupted clauses that I forget what the sentence is about. Please, write simple sentences; use punctuation properly!

Anyway, I will persevere, because this is a book we're doing for our mum's group reading circle (I like the term 'circle' because it sounds much more D&M).

I reckon the protagonist and narrator, Adam/Robert is a hunk! I don't know why. He just is. A bit annoying, but sexy. And I am hopeful of a romance between him and Cassie, his force partner. I really like the story; I really like the setting; and I like the characters. The whole murdered child thing is completely off, but I like the mystery of the children who go missing in the woods etc.

So, I'm, like*, up to page 100, so don't give anything away. It's quite depressing that I'm only 1/5 the way through. I'll write a better review when I'm finished...

* Sorry, I've caught this terrible bug from my students, where, like, you write how you speak? Except I don't even speak like that? I've just, like, caught the way they write?

UGH!

De Ja Vu

I watched "de Ja Vu" last night and thoroughly enjoyed it! Denzel Washington played Doug, a very gentle and caring fonrensic investigator. Val Kilmer was in it too, as was a very beautiful woman - I think her name is Erika something.

The story goes that there is an attack on a ferry and lots of people are killed. Doug is sent to investigate. Through some interesting technology he and his team learn that they can change the past. I can't go into any more detail than that.

The film features lots of neutral tones except for Claire, who wears pretty colours. The scenes are fluid and blend to tell the story in an understandable way. The dialogue is clear and Denzel's silky voice is just a pleasure to hear.

I enjoyed the plot and the film was gripping and intriguing. Some of the sci fi parts were over the top - or so I thought until I realised that there are no limits with fantasy and sci fi. Don't get the wrong idea about this film though - it is actually reasonably realistic, not way-out like a lot of films from that genre are.

I really enjoyed this film. *****

Babel

I would not say that this film is terribly enjoyable, but I will say that this film is gripping, well structured and harrowing.

It is the story of a gun, and its impact on the lives of several people from different countries. Its impace left people raw; viewers see the characters at their most vulnerable. Pain and suffering in its many forms is a major theme of this text - portrayed through simple camera techniques. The stories of the different characters are tied in so well, despite the differing time frames.

The settings are vivid and complement the overal atmosphere of the scene. The bright lights in Tokyo contrast with Chieko's grief. The arid desolateness of Morocco contrast with the blood that stains Susan and Richard's clothing. The red dress that Amelia wears to the wedding stands out in all its absurdity in the desert. The tourist bus contrasts to the mud brick houses of Morocco.

Speech is fast paced and at times furious. The different languages contrast and thus the label Babel is suitable to this film; how people of different cultures are related through one incident.

The moral questions are paramount in this film. Firstly, the issue of guns and who should use them and be allowed to have them. The issue of incest is one that I find awkward and terrifying. Other questions, such as how could a busload of tourists leave one of their company to die - are people so terrified and selfish in times of fear, that they would let others suffer instead? What does that say of the human race?

Do I recommend this film? Most certainly. Be prepared for a contrast of colours, languages, cultures and values.

*****

Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli

It is so cold; my hands are barely able to move!

I am teaching this book to my year 8s. I have just finished reading it and I love it!

Stargirl is about a girl, Stargirl, who is different to the mainstream (annoying) teenager. She sings happy birthday to people; she wears long skirts and no makeup. I think she is lovely. However, she is not admired by the schoolkids. Until she becomes a cheerleader, and she becomes popular. When SG is popular it is like the kids' eyes have opened and they are born again (and other cliches). They become nice to eachother! But then they think she does something wrong - she barracks for the other basketball team too, and the entire school shuns her!

Leo, the narrator, has a thing with Stargirl. They seem to have a very beautiful, natural, innocent love affair. But he gets shunned too, so he asks her to be normal. And she loves him so much she becomes normal.

This novel covers many themes. The publication my school has has a reading guide at the end. I have been devising some thought-provoking journal entries too. Throughout the book, there are several activities that SG does that I might get my students to do.

How to be a starperson:

• Get a jar (literal or metaphoric). Write down things that make you happy and put them in the jar. Write down things that make you unhappy and put them outside the jar. Try altering it each day.


• Observe somebody for a day. Write them a card that you think will mean a lot to them. Or get to know someone and write them a letter.


• Take photos of a friend or relative. Give them a little scrapbook to remind them of what they did (could be a long-term project for loved ones).

Reflections

1. Who are the 'star people' in your life (the people who are truly happy, "a little more in touch with our beginnings, a little more in touch with the stuff we're made of")?


2. How important is it to be liked by other people? To fit in? To belong? How would you feel if you weren't/didn't?


3. Are you a star person or a normal person? How do you know? Would you like to be a star person?


4. Archie says (41): "You'll learn more by your questions than her answers." What does he mean?


5. Stargirl seems in tune with nature. She even has an 'enchanted place.' Do you believe in enchanted places? Do you have one? Is it more a state of mind? How can it be created and what would you expect from it?


6. Would you change who you are for the person you love?


7. If you were Leo, how would you respond to Stargirl?


8. Search: find as many similes and metaphors as you can (the book is riddled with them!)

I recommend this book. Although it is written for teens, it is a quick, enjoyable read for all. 180+p. ****

I finished "Notes on a Scandal" by Zoe Heller

I finished the book. It was such a quick read. It only took me a few days. I enjoyed it. I think it is more about the character Barbara than the affair between Sheba and her student. How gross - an affair with a child. I can't fathom why or how. Maybe that is why I chose to concentrate on Barbara instead.

Barbara is insecure yet self righteous. She is old, staid and quite weird. She is obsessive, possessive and emotionally attached to her cat. She is lonely because she is not such a good friend. She is intriguing. I am not sure if she is a good person or not. I don't really like her. I sort of liked her...she's odd.

I recommend this read. It is different and enjoyable yet irksome. ***1/2

Some questions:

1. Do you admire Barbara? What are her good qualities?
2. Sheba is beautiful and lovely. Why does she choose to have an affair with Connolly?
3. Can we justify and forgive Sheba for her love for Connolly?
4. Is Barbara's cat, Portia, a metaphor for her relationship with Sheba?
5. What do you think happens to Sheba at the end of the novel?

Notes on a Scandal - novel

I picked this novel because I want to see the film and novels are always better. I have not read very much but I am already so engrossed in the text! It is written from the point of view of Barbara, a staid old maid who teaches at St George, where Sheba, a beautiful woman comes to work. Barbara has an unhealthy obsession with Sheba. Sheba has an inappropriate relationship with a young student. The 'notes' in this book are actually Barbara's account. I love the story. I feel that I can relate to the school setting and the relationships between staff members. It is not uncommon for teachers to marry their ex-students. I know a few who have. The relationships don't last though. Not often anyway. I can relate to the descriptions of students and classes and the school as a whole.

This novel is fascinating and I hate to put it down. It is not a very easy read because Barbara uses pretentious huge long words that I don't understand. I can't be bothered reading with my dictionary on hand, although Monte (DH) says I should. I might go back and highlight the big words to get a better understanding - but the point of the big words is to show how self-important Barbara is, I reckon.

Anyway, I recommend this novel. It is great (so far). ****

Anonymous Lawyer

Well good on me for actually finishing one of our set texts! I must admit that by halfway through this novel I was bored and very tired of the protagonist and his obsession with hierarchy and self importance. However, as the character started to face certain obstacles, I admired him a bit more (only a little bit).

My question is: Does Anonymous Lawyer deserve the final outcome? My answer is yes, most certainly. But I believe there is a twist in the final pages and the end might not be as it seems...

Writing style: Being a blogger, I liked this entertaining mode of delivery for a novel. What I liked most were the date stamps and related emails, which told the real parts of the story; for example, the true ending of the volleyball tournament vs the published version. I thought this was a different and refreshing way to write a book and I enjoyed it. I liked the technical references to things like Blackberries. I could relate to the comments about how technology means we are never really away from the office!

Plot: AL, a hiring partner, seeks to become chairman of his firm and plots ways to get there. Some subplots are: bring down The Jerk, make life a misery for The Suck Up, talk his neice into joining his firm and build a better relationship with his son. Oh, and write a blog without being found out.

Character: Every good jerk deserves to be brought down by his own impudence. I half liked AL because he shows some love towards his son (not his wife and daughter though) and he admires and supports his neice. I thought his treatment of subordinates was ludicrous yet rather hilarious at the same time. I couldn't understand how he could possibly think he was actually better than anybody, but I am not in the field of law and i don't know if that is really the case. I'd hate to work in that kind of office environment with that kind of politicking going on! Sometimes I felt sorry for AL because he has to put on a show every time he talks to anybody. He has to give off the impression that he is rich, successful and professional. He probably is all of these things to an extent, however, his bedside manner is atrocious!

Themes: power corrupts but absolute power corrupts absolutely. AL deserves his downfall. He has enough money to make it through the rest of his life.

Some questions about the novel:

• What are some examples of AL's attitude to women?
• Is working life really this difficult for women who are wives and mothers? Is there such thing as not being able to work part time? I'm thinking of Ellis Grey in 'Grey's Anatomy.' Look how she turned out.
• For what is his office/home/wife a metaphor?
• How would you feel if you were a) talking to Al, b) working for Al? c) hiring Al (ie a client)?
• Does this type of office hierarchy exist in real life? Give examples. How can we work around it/deal with it/embrace it?
• Is such office politics healthy?

Do I recommend this novel? Yes, because it is written in a different form. It is an eye-opener and my sister wants to be a lawyer so I thought she should read it. The book is based on an actual blog (see link to the left) but I think the book is better. Still, very entertaining. ***

Idea

I was wondering if you girls are interested in sharing recipes on this blog? The discussion today about vegetarian meals for Michele's mum got me thinking. We've mentioned this before. So let's come up with some dairy-free vegetarian meals for Mrs Michele.

If I move to Tassie, we can still keep this blog going.

Children of Men (film)

Err... as I said today, I am emotionally ambivalent towards this one! It was spooky seeing a possible outcome for the human race in 2027. It was interesting to contemplate a fertility famine (God's ultimate punishment, taking from us what we love most?). Imagine a world without children! For me, when I want so many of my own, this would be disastrous. So it was scary.

Anyway, the main character, Theo (Clive Owen), comes across this pregnant chick (Ki) and he has to save her from some Fujis (fugatives) who are after her baby or something, and help her get to a ship to the human project, or something (i'm foggy on the details). The ship was called "Tomorrow," which I thought was significant.

The film's lighting was dark and the soundtrack was filled with shooting. It is a violent film. The acting was acceptable; I like Julianne Moore and Michael Caine (his character, Jasper, is very entertaining).

I didn't like the ending. **

A Company of Fools

You may not believe this but I read this novel, by Deborah Ellis, in three nights (including one night during which I did not actually read because I was talking on the phone to Amanda for an hour).

This novel is set in the 1300s, just before the PLague. It is set in a monastery, St Luc's. The novel is written from the point of view of Henri, a young choirboy.

One day, Micah, an urchin and a pain-in-the-neck-kind-of-kid, is brought to the monastery by the adventurous and kindhearted Brother Bart. Micah has a wonderful voice, and turns out to be a gift for the Monastery (as do all of Bart's findings).

As the Plague hits Paris, the monks and choirboys form a 'compay of fools' that goes into the city to entertain the sick people. The laughter and happiness they bring to these people makes them feel so much better.

I cannot say what happens next, but this is a story about being a human being. It is about what is good and what is bad. The Prior is an ungodly man; ironic for his position, and in some ways I think he represents the negative aspects of the christian church. I think this is quite relevant to the current novel we are reading: "The Anonymous Lawyer," which highlights the futilty of society through satire.

This is a lovely book; an easy and beautiful read. ****

Eragon (film)

I watched 'Eragon' last night. I really enjoyed it.

'Eragon' is the story of a handsome farmboy (Ed Speleers) who becomes a dragon rider. Jeremy Irons does some narration as well as playing a part in the film, and I find his voice rough and silky like choc chip icecream. Melting in my mouth yet gritty enough to need chewing.

The special effects were fabulous - the dragon seemed real, and I want one. I thought her voice (Rachel Weisz) was a bit wishy-washy though. I thought the names of the tribes and wotnot were a bit corny, like a try-hard Tolkein (although all fantasies seem that way to me).

Overall I thought this was an enjoyable and mostly gripping film. ***1/2

Secret River

No, this does not mean that I've finished the book (I know, how pathetic) but I am a few pages from the end.

I read the massacre passage last night. I didn't want to keep reading, but I felt I couldn't stop. I was compelled to see how it all fit together in that sick way it does. The final section of the book seems a mockery to me - a mockery of the so-called gentlemen who made it big down under. How weak Thornhill really is, to do what he did and then literally sit on the metaphoric Aboriginal Tribe. I know now what the "secret" is in that River too. How sick I feel, knowing that this is what our society comes from. At least Adelaide began with people who chose to come here, but yay. That just shows where their talents lie (smirk).

I love the way Will thinks of his wife, Sal. I love it that he thinks about her intimately, even when she is going about her daily chores. I love it that he loves her grey hair, and how she is becoming more beautiful as she ages. I secretly (now publicly, since I am bloggin it) hope that Monte thinks that way about me. I don't actually here it when he speaks of me as beautiful. Perhaps I am immune to the words after so long; perhaps they are not being spoken...

And Sal had 5 children! How impressive. I related to the whole pregnancy and birth thing, obviously, and I felt I could relate to Sal. I have a similar personality I think: stubborn! I love my husband and kids the same way. I couldn't relate to Will at all, and I think that as the novel cntinued I began to admire him less and less - to the extent that I find him somewhat deplorable at the end, how sinister and corrupt he became.

I wonder what message that is giving us - the harsh Australian landscape corrupts us as we corrupt it. One of my favourite essay questions to give my kids is: "power currupts but absolute power corrupts absolutely." How far is this true in "The Secret River?"

I liked the portrayal of the Aboriginal people. Grenville shows how they defended their land and culture vigourously. In contrast, the settlers appear inexperienced against the harsh land. Whereas the Aboriginal people eat fresh meat and vegetables, the settlers eat salt pork and damper!

Overall I think this is a brilliant novel. Grenville writes so beautifully and descriptively. There are lots of passages in the text that I would use in my teaching, to show examples of different descriptive styles. I love Historic Fiction, especially Australian stuff, so this was really to my liking!

I'm just editing my post at 5am the next morning. I woke up with a pretty sick baby and have not been back to sleep yet. I finished the novel. At the end, I really do not like or admire Will. I am annoyed that he became rich and succussful, flaunting his money about frivilously. I admire Sal less too, not for having a sixth baby, but for suspecting foul play and never mentioning it. I admire Dick for leaving, and I feel desperately sorry for Blackwood. He lost everything.

So this is what our country is built on. Lies, deceit, corruption and murder. The settlers who tried to make this a mini England yet failed with dead poplars and roses that never took root. Covering up precious landmarks that belong to the Indigenous. How ashamed I feel to be part of that, and yet proud to be Australian! These things I knew before, but Grenville puts them to us in a way that is different to that wich was portrayed to us when we were in primary school. This is confronting; this is adult.

I recommend this novel. Even if it took me months and months to finish (hey, I'm a busy woman!!).

Welcome

Chances are, if you are looking at this page, you have received my email. I am thinking we can do a blog for our reading group. We can add posts, reviews, questions and general comments about the books we are reading. We can suggest new titles, discuss films and even reviews we have seen. We can also post links and upload pictures. It'd be great if you could join up so you can write posts too!

The blog is easy to use. Once you have signed in, you go to 'Dashboard' and click on 'New Post' and write away. When you have finished, you can 'Publish' and then we can all see your post. I can explain it at parent group next week if you want.

Why a blog? I guess it's an official yet fun way to share ideas. We can't all be at parent group together each week, so this way people won't miss big discussions and things like that. Also, we can write posts at any time, so if we have a brainwave we can get online and write about it.

Maybe I am nuts! (said in tone of Deb in "nemo," in regards to her sister Flo!) But I hope you can joing anyway. Also, Michele is a legend about blogging now, so she can show you what to do!