I Am Alive (Sono Viva)

What’s it about?
I wondered what on earth I was letting myself in for when I read the synopsis which said this was a film about a man who agrees to guard a dead woman (Silvia) for one night in an isolated Villa. I was completely unprepared for such an emotionally intense film, where a man (Rocco) completely out of control of his life, finally finds purpose. There is immense chaos and resentment simmering below the surface of the Resti family which comes to a head immediately after Silvia’s death; Rocco takes control of the lives of three generations of the family and does his best to resolve their emotional scars. And in doing so you feel he finds the strength to fight back against all the misfortune life has been dealing him.

Highs n lows
Massimo De Santis gives a very strong performance as Rocco, carrying the entire film almost on his own, you immediately engage with his put upon character. He often manages to convey a multitude of thoughts and feelings in silence, gesture and body language alone sufficing to tell you this is a man at the end of his rope. Dark and moody cinematography mirrors the tone set by De Santis, which is lifted by an engaging script, always with the underlying threat of violence and a surprise at every turn. Very enjoyable.

Is it any good?
3 out of 5 (Italian with English subtitles)

BFI’s Back

BFIs 52nd London Film Festival hits cinema screens across London from 15 – 30 October. With a cracking range of movies from the controversial W to the much awaited Quantum of Solace. View the programme at www.bfi.org.uk/lff and check back here for sneak previews of some of the films to come over the next couple of weeks.

Suite Francaise - irene nemirovsky

What’s it about?
A two-part story of the Nazi occupation of France during WWII. Storm charts the mass panic and fear that swamps Paris during the threat of invasion, and Dolce the relative peace of Nazi occupation in rural France. Published 64 years after her death, this is a beautifully written book. Had Nemirovsky been able to finish the three remaining parts she had planned, I’m certain it would have been deemed a masterpiece.

Highs n lows
The subject matter may not at first seem appealing but this is less about war and more about the people affected by it and their emotional reactions to it. From the privileged upper classes to the poor and destitute, it succeeds in describing brilliantly how daily life went on along with the conflicting emotions caused by events during the occupation. Every page evocatively describes a way of life that has practically been swept away by time; portraying the rigidity of social class and providing an incisive understanding of social mores that is outstanding.

Is it any good?
4 out of 5

Book club discussion primer
* Do people really judge another according to their own feelings as Mme Angellier is stated as doing in Dolce?
* What does the book tell you about the French upper classes of the time?
* If you had to leave your home quickly, which one possession would you take with you?
* Was the lack lustre attitude ascribed to those heading off to war for the second time, really partly to blame for France’s defeat?

The Blind Assassin – margaret atwood

What’s it about?
A sci-fi tale that mirrors the highs and lows of a true life romance as it spirals downhill, intersposed between an autobiographic tale of Iris’ (the main protagonist’s) life.

Highs n lows
Three books in one you either get this clever juxtaposition of fiction and fact or you don’t. You are taken on an interesting journey through the economic development of Canada and the very different mores of the time (1930’s), as you follow the Chase family fortunes as well as that of the fictional population of Sakiel-Norn.

Weaving through a lifetime of decisions contrasting the lot of duty vs freedom of will, and exposing class taboos, The Blind Assassin is an intriguing mix of history and fiction. Told in a fictional mix of flashback, current day narrative and news clippings, it is an interesting tale but one that could have effectively been shortened without spoiling the plot.

Is it any good?
3 out of 5

Bookclub discussion primer
* Bearing in mind Iris’ relationship with her sister-in-law, who do you think was stronger in the end, Laura or Iris?
* Do you think that the story of the Blind Assassin is based on an actual relationship, or a complete work of fiction?
* The rebel and the conformist – how accurate is this as a description of Laura and Iris?
* Iris often describes Laura as ‘special’ and one who didn’t realise the consequences of her actions. Who is the more naïve about the real world of the two?

A Million Little Pieces – james frey

What’s it about?
A self penned autobiography in the loosest sense of the word about Frey’s recovery from alcoholism and drug addiction.

Highs n lows
A refreshingly simple read. Gutsy, straight to the point, evocative, not for the easily offended. Time and again I was amazed at how the author managed to conjure up a scene so realistically – particularly the toenail section, using such very simple language and sentence structures.

Is it any good?
4 out of 5

Bookclub discussion primer
- Does it matter to you that parts of the book are actually fiction?
- The stylised use of capitals for some everyday nouns – what does this mean? Did it add or takeaway from the narrative for you?
- Throughout the book James is against any form of religion yet swears by the Tao – isn’t this just another type of spirituality?

Author insight

A good novel tells us the truth about its hero; but a bad novel tells us the truth about its author.

G K Chesterton (1874 - 1936)

Bloggers 1 Rambo Nil

In a sudden about turn the fourth (why?!!) in the Rambo franchise to hit our screens soon has been renamed John Rambo after Stallone caved in to feedback from disgruntled web fans who basically thought the title Rambo: to Hell and Back, announced last week, was quite frankly 'naff'.

If web communities can influence Hollywood stars and film executives to change a film title how long before they start to influnence the concepts or script writing stages? I for one would like to see someone with the guts to give it a try.