Hello again
Do you remember that in the early days of this blog we used to run a film society in Newhaven, a small town on the coast of Sussex between Brighton and Eastbourne. Every month I wrote about the film we showed and the outfit I wore. We ran it for five years but we actually got quite ‘burnt out’ with all that needed to be done to run a monthly public event throughout the year, so in 2017 we left the society to be run by another group of people. Five years on I guess that group felt the same way as we did and they’ve moved on, and a couple of people are running it and keeping it going. But you’ll never guess, we’re back helping them. It’s early days but Mr F is back as projectionist and I have several ideas about things that can be tweaked and refined.
I’m ever so excited to be back helping the Hillcrest Cinema (as it’s called now) to show films every month, it is such a creative and fulfilling thing to do. And what’s more in the past I always dressed up for those monthly film shows. I’m no different now, and for the November film I wore a wonderful almost steampunk black lace skirt. Here it is in close-up.
Look at the interesting straps.
As it was a trifle cool that day I also wore the skirt with a long sleeved top I’ve had for years and an outsize black zipped hoodie, both charity shopped of course! Here I am in the Hillcrest cafe waiting for the audience to start arriving for their evening meal which is served before the film starts.
I was given this skirt by Gail of Is This Mutton, who had bought it years ago for a post and never worn it since. Thank you so much Gail for this gift. I really appreciate the fact that you thought, ‘now who could possibly like and wear this slightly over-the-top skirt’, and I came to mind! I shall wear the skirt many times!
We showed Ammonite, which starred two wonderful actors, Kate Winslet and Saoirse Ronan. It’s a quality film and I gave it the highest mark I could. We have an audience approval slip which you tear on either A, B, C,D, and E (so people don’t need a pen) and I gave the film A which is the highest approval you can give a film. However, on reflection I thought, hang on a minute, this film is somewhat flawed, for reasons I’ll give in a ‘mo, and I wondered whether it deserved that high mark?
Who’s watched Ammonite? I would rather like to start a debate about it. I expect you all know that Ammonite is set in the 1840s and is the story of Mary Anning who was a renowned fossil collector and paleontologist living in Lyme Regis, Dorset who didn’t really get the recognition she deserved. So you’d think that the film might focus on the story of how as a woman, in the time when women could not vote, hold any public office or go to university, Anning lacked the recognition from the established scientific societies, museums and paleontologists that she so richly deserved. But no, instead the film focuses on the relationship between Mary Anning and another character played by Saoirse Ronan and their deepening feelings for each other culminating is some very in-your-face sex scenes, the last making me think, ‘the things actors do to earn a crust!’
Btw, I have absolutely no objections to same sex love scenes and really adored Brokeback Mountain, and also God’s Own Country, the latter of which I thought was an excellent film. Anyone seen that film? But here’s the thing, there’s absolutely no evidence whatsoever of any relationships that Mary Anning had and whether she had any lovers of either sex. This film and its particular emphasis was written and directed by Francis Lee, and is, therefore, without any evidence of any lovers, entirely a creation from his mind. So, is it ethical to put about this made up story of Mary Anning’s life?
I expect the reply to my query could be, it’s a film, dearie, it is made up, what’s the problem. Well, Mary Anning certainly can’t answer back. And my second thought, especially after the sex scenes was is this a ‘male gaze’ film? As in, is this a film that presents and represents women as sexual objects for the pleasure of the male heterosexual viewer, the male writer and director and the male cameraman? Well, without a doubt the film does centre around the sexual relationship between the two women instead of Mary Anning’s expertise, so, as far as I am concerned it is a male gaze film.
But that is my opinion, what do you think? I would be so interested to know your views on this film.
Still, it was a quality film and very beautiful to look at too, but I think because of its flawed nature I should have given it a B, or for this blog out of 5* I give it 4****.
Other films watched in November were Thor, Love and Thunder (Amazon). Don’t bother, it was very weak. What was once a positively Shakespearean set of films from Marvel with Anthony Hopkins as Odin and Tom Hiddleston as Loki acting their socks off, is now a travesty of its former self. Think it’s about time to end this series of films so 2** from me.
Another streamed film we watched was Enola Holmes 2 (Netflix) starring Millie Bobby Brown. I’m a great fan of this actor and it’s been interesting seeing her grow up through watching Stranger Things. In this series of films she plays the sister of Sherlock Holmes and I think it is what it is, an enjoyable. well-written straightforward whodunnit. 3*** from me.
We went the Depot to see a film on the big screen and wow, was it good! This wasn’t a ‘big landscape, don’t you love the scenery type of film’, instead it was a very bitter sweet, quiet, British rendition of what it is to be alive, and living life to the full and consequently called Living starring the wonderful Bill Nighy. I only have the highest praise for it as it’s very, very good. Do see it if you can. It totally can have 5***** and more if I could give it!
Television
We’ve finished watching quite a few series, The Peripheral (Amazon). No, didn’t understand it At All. Anyone else watching it? Baffling. Also finished Wisting (BBCiPlayer) which is a typical Nordic dysfunctional detective series and very good too. For our sins we watched SAS Rogue Heroes (BBC iPlayer) which is a boy’s own nearly true adventure story of how the SAS began. It was OK, but not sure why I watched it as it’s not really my kind of thing.
What is my kind thing is The English starring Emily Blunt, which is simultaneously out on BBC iPlayer and Amazon. My word, this is good television and I see it is described in some reviews as a revisionist western and it certainly appears to be be that as it also stars Chaske Spencer as native Pawnee Sgt. Eli Whipp. But. It is far more than that. The reviews also say that Lady Cornelia Locke has come to America to take revenge on the man she sees as responsible for the death of her son. This really could be shown on the big screen as it is glorious to look at but when you realise the true nature of the death of Locke’s son I defy you not to take a deep breath, and be stunned by the revelation. Overall, it was magnificent television and the best thing I’ve seen for some time.
Currently watching White Lotus2 (Nowtv). Hilarious in an icky sort of way. And Slow Horses (Apple) which is excellent. This series is the televising of the books written by Mick Herron of the supposed MI5 failures based in the decrepit Slough House and led by the even more decrepit Jackson Lamb, played in the tv series by Gary Oldman. Very good.
Books
I haven’t had much luck with my reading in November. None of the books read this month have lit up the sky. My biggest disappointment was Still Life by Sarah Winman. It was recommended to me by two friends and I see that most reviews rave about the book. The Independent for starters calls the book an exquisite testament to life, love and art and that it is a masterpiece. I must have a screw loose somewhere as I hated it! Especially the way it was written, but don’t listen to me read the review in this link and it might be your book of the year!!
Bonfire night in Lewes
That’s nearly all for now, but I realise that if this is any kind of review of November I failed to tell you about November 5th and the way it is celebrated in Lewes. For those of you living outside the UK Halloween was never a thing with us until quite recently as we have Guy Fawkes night on November 5th when we burn a ‘guy’ on a bonfire and have a firework display. These used to be in people’s back gardens but have developed over the years into larger more communal firework displays.
But Lewes is very different. While November 5th Bonfire in Lewes is still about Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot of 1605 it is also very much focused on the burning at the stake of 13 Protestant martyrs in Lewes during the Marian Persecutions. Rather than giving you two more pages of its history read this link and suffice for me to say November 5th is when this very right-on quite privileged little town goes feral. There are processions with burning crosses through the streets, chants of Never Forgotten, and huge displays of fireworks from the many different bonfire societies that have thrived in Lewes since the 1800s. Plus ginormous bonfires where replicas of politicians are burnt. Here’s just one pic taken by Mr F to give you flavour of the extraordinary sights and sounds (my ears are still ringing) you get during that evening.
Of course it was pouring with rain that evening but November 5th never gets cancelled. I wore my bright yellow Helly Hansen mac.
That really is all for now, but if you have any recommendations for books I’d be very grateful and do tell me what you think of Ammonite – would love to know.
With love, Penny, the Frugalfashionshopper
I’m not a big TV/film fan so cannot contribute anything there.
But definitely putting Lewis November 5th 2023 on my calendar now. It looks amazing.
Lewes Bonfire is amazing and my description of it is very poor. It is a huge and very long-lived tradition in Lewes and unlike other traditions that seem long gone this will never die out. There are families who have been in the societies for generations and in the exceedingly noisy processions are small children and even babes in prams. Children are introduced to it at a very early stage and one society, Neville, is for children only. The bonfires that are lit always burn a notable or notorious political and most of them burnt effigies of Liz Truss. It is all based on Bloody Mary’s reign of terror against Protestants and it is not advisable to be a Catholic in Lewes on the 5th!
When the kids were young we used to travel to it by train but the crowds got so big that Lewes positively discourages people living outside Lewes from participating. From 4.0pm until 2.0am then next day the streets in and out of Lewes are closed, no buses run and nor do the trains. Hotel beds and beds in other premises are probably all sold out for November 2023!
It is amazing and an experience and a half if you manage to get into Lewes on the 5th!
How on earth could you hate ‘Still Life’ ?????! I’ve read it three times this year, and will no doubt read it again! The way it is written has the effect of drawing one actually into the conversation, as though one were actually there looking from speaker to speaker. This ultimately allows one to feel a part of the Florence ‘family’. It would be perfect as the script for a film. I learn more and more from the book with each reading. A more vibrant and joyous book I have yet to read! Sorry Penny, I can’t agree with you on this one!
I know, I know, I’m beyond the pale. It’s said to be an exquisite book, but I found it just not what I like. As for the dialogue – no! It was the way it was written that got to me more than anything else. We’ll just have to disagree about it.
Books I have really really liked are: Amor Towles The Lincoln Highway which I liked better than A Gentleman in Moscow, The Testaments by Margaret Attwood – anything by Margaret Attwood and usually anything by Helen Dunmore, The Siege and her follow-up (name escapes me) in particular. Rather similar and just as good The Ice Road by Gillian Slovo. Also Suite Francaise Irerne Nemurovsky and The End of Days Jenny Erpenbeck
There are more I could list, but you can see where my taste goes. But there you are and I do hope other people read Still Life and make up their mind about it 🙂
Hi Penny, I have just finished reading The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak. I enjoyed it so much, it is set in London and Cyprus and focuses on the troubles in 1970’s and the resulting partition. What intrigued me was I read a review that mentioned in passing that one of the narrator’s was .. a fig tree! I had to read it and am so glad I did.
Also, just finished A Heart that Works by the comedian Rob Delaney about the death of his toddler son from a brain tumour. Gosh it was so moving, but so beautifully written and his love and ongoing grief for his son touched me deeply.
Loved your skirt btw.
Thank you so much Carole I have ordered those books from the library.
It’s so very sad about Rob Delaney’s son. Have heard him speak about it. Awful but lovely to hear his praise about the NHS. Looking forward to reading both – thank you again 🙂
I haven’t seen the Ammonite film but if you would like a bit more information on Mary Anning, Tracey Chevalier wrote a novel about her called Beautiful Creatures, though I do have to stress it is a novel. No sex but interesting male politics and, presumably, well researched and very readable.
Lyme Regis have recently put up a statue to Mary A, well deserved, and as you know, there are not enough statues of important women around.
Thank you so much for this book recommendation. After the film, which missed out hugely on Anning’s contribution to palaeontology, I really want to know more. So I bought the book!!!
Thanks again and pleased to be reading it!
Hi Penny,
Thank goodness I am not the only one who did not like Still Life. So many good reviews – why? The only good thing I can say about it is the cover was lovely.
The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak recently read that but would I recommend it? Possibly yes but I did not love it. After reading the book I did watch the Ben Fogle programme Lost Worlds (Chanel 5) about Cyprus and the land division between Greek and Turkish Cyprus. That I do recommend and the Detroit program.
Sadly I am still searching for a good read this year.
Oh what a hoot, to meet someone else who wasn’t over smitten with Still Life! Thanks for the recommendations for the Ben Fogle programme – will watch.
I’ve copied from one of my replies a list of my favourite books.
Books I have really really liked are: Amor Towles The Lincoln Highway which I liked better than A Gentleman in Moscow, The Testaments by Margaret Attwood – anything by Margaret Attwood and usually anything by Helen Dunmore, The Siege and her follow-up (name escapes me) in particular. Rather similar and just as good The Ice Road by Gillian Slovo. Also Suite Francaise Irerne Nemurovsky and The End of Days Jenny Erpenbeck
Cheers and hope you find something good to read.
Thanks Penny I’ve made a note of the books.
It is so good to know of books that real people like or dislike. Reviews in the papers can be very misleading.
The black lace skirt looks so much better on you so I’m glad it’s found an appreciative owner! Great that you are back at the film society. I liked the sound of Ammonite when I read the reviews, but it sounds a wee bit gratuitous for my liking. I understand that things have to be made up in films but a sweeping statement about Mary Anning that she can’t defend seems like a bit too much creative license.
We loved Living – my birthday treat, a rare trip to the cinema- and also The English, Wisting and Slow Horses 2. Currently watching Tokyo Vice and Three Pines (Prime). I have one book recommendation but unfortunately it doesn’t come out until March so I’ll keep my powder dry!
How lovely to be back with the film group. Isn’t it lovely to do such things for your community. We went a week later to Rye and saw there the procession and bonfire! Fabulous skirt!
Oh it is good to be back to helping with the film club – it’s a great thing to do.
And yes, Rye’s celebrations sound really good too!
Hi Penny. I think I mentioned that I saw a video of the goings on in Lewes a little while back. Very interesting! Glad you are back to your film group. The senior group I belong to which is sponsored by a local university also does a film series for their Fall session. Each semester they pick a topic, which is usually a country and we delve into it. this year the subject was Brazil. There would be a lecture on some aspect of that country, politics, history, culture, art, literature, music, economy, environment, each by a different professor. then we would see a film. This Fall I saw The Edge of Democracy, a fairly recent documentary in the Politics of Brazil, The Mission, Black Orpheus, Central Station, City of God, and The year My Parents Went On Vacation. a lot of classics and winners of various international prizes. We have a woman who leads the discussion and we get a handout on each of the films. It is probably more informal than your group, although, Cheryl, our discussant often wears elaborate costumes based on the particular movie we are seeing. I did miss one of the showings but look forward to doing it again in the Spring session. I am hoping to attend a choral concert this weekend with a friend. She had a seemingly mild case of covid and hopes to be recovered by then so fingers crossed. This is a quieter holiday for our family this year. Son and his family will be away so will miss them and the grands but will get together for New Years. I did read a book which I liked very much called “Horse” by Geraldine Brooks. It moves between pre Civil War America and modern Washington DC, the fictionalized biography of a famous race horse and his black groom. It is about a number of things, race of course but about art, romance, science. I do recommend it. I have not made any new purchases recently, trying to “shop my closet” . Well that is it, Love, Darby
Yes, the November 5th celebrations in Lewes are the biggest in the country and something to behold. It really is a town with a great deal of history.
That film series sounds so interesting and exactly the sort of thing I would like. I have seen The Mission and City of God and I believe there is a follow-up film to City of God which I haven’t seen and might be worth watching.
Hope your friend gets better soon and enjoy the quiet Christmas – we’ve got the busiest Christmas since a long time. And I’m looking forward to it very much although I know I’ll be shattered as we are doing the cooking! This is the time when we Brits are all supposed to have a large turkey. But actually not a lot of people like turkey, also it’s become very expensive so it’s a roast pork with everything else and that’ll be fine.
Thanks and very best to you Darby from the ancient town of Lewes 🙂
I haven’t seen the film, Ammonite, yet. I do hate when there are sex scenes just for the draw. That’s one of the reasons I quite watching Outlander. I’m like you…I don’t mind sex scenes when they are relevant to the story, but when they’re just for the draw…nope, I’m done. We have just finished Dead to Me which stars Christina Applegate as well as Derry Girls. It took me a couple of episodes to realize it was set back a few years! I remember watching her on Married…with Children and feel so badly for her now. We are currently watching Wednesday which is directed by Tim Burton, but it’s not as weird or as picturesque as his films are. As for books, I’ve just finished The Thursday Murder Club which was quite good though it’s rare for me to sit and just read anymore (I used to read four or five books at the same time).
I adore that skirt and definitely get the steampunk vibe from it. I think it’s hilarious that Gail knew exactly who should receive and wear it with such panache! Did you wear it to the Guy Fawkes celebration?
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
Yes, we are in agreement as I was absolutely fine with Breakback Mountain and God’s Own Country. But the life of Mary Anning is so very interesting and her amazing skills and contribution to palaeontology ought to be celebrated and it just wasn’t in this film.
We’re watching Wednesday too!
Thanks re: the skirt. I do love it so! But it wasn’t worn on November 5th as it was pouring with rain and we had to wrap up well!
Hello Penny , glad to see you back with the film group . A good excuse to dress up your way and have some fun. The lace skirt from Gail is definately a you , loved how you styled it.
I always enjoy your film reviews as it gives me a heads up on films to come down here – they always are a few months later. I will look out for Ammonite and the Bill Nighy one , always enjoy his work.
That lace skirt is definitely me and puts my idea of how to dress back on track big time!
I think that Ammonite is quite a niche film as no-one reading the blog seems to have watched it. It is a quality film albeit flawed.
There are no flaws in the Bill Nighy one. Living is a quiet, sweet and very British film! You would enjoy it I’m sure.