girlsarecaterpillars-blog-blog

[girlsarecaterpillars-blog-blog]

One of Us Whitechapel

So I've been a little absent lately as I've been coordinating,curating, producing an immersive theatre festival in our Georgian townhouse in Whitechapel.

Although this was one of the most stressful months of my existence it was hugely rewarding. A sell out show, it was listed on Informed London, Qype, Timeout and my personal favourite LeCool.

Here's the event bio:

ONE OF US Whitechapel. Jack the Ripper, the Kray Twins, the Elephant Man, the Asylum are all built into the rich historical tapestry of this corner of London. Given this inspiration One of Us has united artists and performers in a Georgian townhouse in Whitechapel to creative an immersive experience. Be transported through a postmodern mish mash of eras into our macabre fantasies. Tickets You can buy tickets here. http://oneofuswhitechapel.eventbrite.com/ You can also reserve tickets from [email protected] that will require payment on the door. Tickets will be available on the door subject to availability. There will be 3 performances over Saturday the 9th of March and Sunday the 10th of March. The slots run between: 6-7pm, 7:30-8:30pm and 9-10pm. Please arrive up to 30 minutes before your chosen time slot and enjoy a beverage in our salon. Interact with us: https://twitter.com/OneofUsWchapel Performances will include: Absolution 'Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned...' It's stressful being one of the most notorious serial killers of all time, to remain shrouded in mystery for all eternity and to haunt an era's nightmares. And Jack needs to get it off his chest. Enough of Us We are consistently buffeted by recycled advice that contradicts itself and the natural inclinations of any human heart. We are the future and the court jesters, we are desired and yet derided for not enjoying this attention. Lurking above your head will be the streamers of prescribed wisdom for the mythologised generation Make It Nice Watch preparations for a timely soiree executed with a keen and critical eye. Perfection is imperative. Accuracy of utmost importance. Nothing can go wrong. applesforeve.co.uk @eveandherapple Nightmare on Sidney Square Daniel is having recurring nightmares influenced by the Gothic fearmonger Edgar Allen Poe. One day he wakes up in the nightmare realm to the mysterious Lucius who tries to get to the surreal bottom of why he is lost in these disturbing dreams. Wild Beasts Madness may change, a distorted look at mass, murder and hanging. Nekromantia Be transported by the power of scent to the deathbed of a poor soul in Victorian England and through to the other side: her second coming. Journey to the Sex Colony The citizens of Cyclone City have escaped the plague and are journeying to Sex Colony 01 (Earth). Join them aboard the USS Jambelaya for a cleansing ritual before they land. http://lukeandharry.tumblr.com/ Boundary Creatures Physically bound, what are we to each other? We share nothing but space. Tomofumi Yamasaki and Veronica Bruce Interview Come into our office. We want to ask you some questions. girlsarecaterpillars.tumblr.com/ @mayak4 Event image is a collaboration between William and Daisy Millner http://williammillner.pikibox.com/# www.daisymillner.com

http://www.facebook.com/events/317379351716512/

Follow our future projects here:

http://www.facebook.com/OneOfUsWhitechapel?ref=ts&fref=ts

Next we'll be moonlighting in a Supperclub near you as part of this: http://www.facebook.com/brknpnts

[girlsarecaterpillars-blog-blog]

Oh Soho: Let's Do Lunch

Bone Daddies, 30-31 Peter St

The concept is badass: 50s music, the new hot food tonkotsu ramen, vibey atmos BOOM!

For those not in the know 'm planning  a theatre festival i my house right now and I was getting some advice from my fabulous actor friend over lunch. Place was rammed but we managed to nab a seat next to the window and the noodles were nice but I felt the portion was a bit mean for the price.

Also where was the fifties music?

It's okay but not out of this world.

bonedaddiesramen.com/

Tonkotsu, 63 Dean St

Bone Daddies grown up version and recently rated as one of the top places to eat alone rather depressingly. The tonkotsu was much more traditional here than in bone daddies which for some reason meant it was weirdly greasy.

It ws also quite small and so busy and they won't seat you till your dining partner arrives.

Good catch up  with a director friend of mine but not an amazing lunch.

www.tonkotsu.co.uk/

Cafe Gourmand, 53 Lexington St

Fabulous little wannabe french bistro where I got moules and frites. The atmos is charming, it's delicous. There is a choice of hot dishes, tartines, sandwiches, croissants. Having lived in Paris this place tickled my tastebuds.

Fresh Cafe, 51 Lexington St

No additves, no preservatives, everything's made FRESH! it can get a litle crazy in there at lunch time for this reason but it's a good place to grab a salad or soup and GO.

http://www.freshealthyeatingcafe.com/

Yoobi Sushi

London's first temakeria with creative recipes. Allegedly this a concept from Brazil which focuses on temaki rolls.

Yoobi comes froma  Japanese word meaning four fingers. Notable also is the interesting triangle centric design of the furniture and signage. It reminds me of the Klaxons old album artwork and Alt-J.

www.loveyoobi.com/

Flat Iron, 19 Beak St

What used to be a pop up restau around the idea of affordable steak now has permanent residence. The steak is a tenner and then fries and sauces are extra. I've got to say this was a great meal and you get tiny meat cleavers.

Did I mention there was free meat dripping popcorn (it's much tastier than it sounds).

Flatplanet, 33 Marlborough St

Healthy pizza pitta a hop skip and a jump from the photographers gallery. Screw Leon this place is better.

www.flatplanet.co.uk/

Honest Burger

A burger place inspired by British produce... Honestly honest is trying to capitalise on burger trends but does not quite bring anything new to the table. I didn't finish my plate which is quite unlike me. The rosemary covered fries are the best thing, their gluten free buns are poor.

silver lining: awesome hendricks gin and cucumber from a jar.

www.honestburgers.co.uk/

Le Comptoir: Libonais Cantina

Tony Kitous restaurant owner wants to put the glamour back into Middle Eastern cuisine. So here he brings "affordable, easy, healthy,  home style, Lebanese cooking."

A lovely space and decor but sadly it cooks run of the mill Lyon style take away dishes from tabouleh to tagine.

www.lecomptoir.co.uk/

Umai Sushi Factory, 14-16 Regent St

They call themselves Japanese food specialist's who bring you healthy, handmade everyday and eco friendly dishes.

From the same guys that do the food in the Japan centre down the road. this smaller offshoot gives dumplings, curry, ramen bowls and sushi. Although a little more expensive than the cheaper Japanese quality nearby it's definitely worth a look.

Beware the miso though. It's super bland.

http://www.umaifactory.com/info/about_us

Jerk City

One of the only authentic Caribbean food places in the West End and apparently no. 1. It's walls are littered with famous faces and it has very friendly staff.

Although quite spicy if you have a hankering for Caribbean this is where you go.

I want to try braised oxtails next.

www.jerkcity.co.uk/

Pitt Cue, 1 Newburgh St

A similar vibe to falt iron in that there are only a few affordable meat dishes on this menu. Unfortunately it's always packed a as there's only 30 seats.

When my friend and I went we spotted Nicholas Holt and some of his old Skins pals so it's a fun place to people watch.

The pulled pork dish I got was yummy but not out of this world.

www.pittcue.co.uk/

Opium Cocktail and Dim Sum Parlour, 15-16 Gerrard St

Another speakeasy style affair in the heart of China Town. You are led up a rickety staircase to a sort of 50s looking Asian parlour.

Cocktails have been designed by world renowned Dre Masso and I had a flagon of dry ice. My stomach is still intact thankfully and the dim sum was good with some unusual flavours. But be careful! It's not substantial and you'll end up spending more than you bargain for.

Fernandez & Wells, 43 lexington st, 73 beak st, 16 St Anne's Court

There are 3 fernandez and Wells in soho.

Lexington does meat plates

Beak is more about coffee, cake and sandwiches

and St Anne's has stews, cake and sandwiches.

All similar but catering to different moods.

once again they cater to the crowd that like's farmer's market produce more than something from  original pret. Great for work lunches or perching with very attractive staff. I like it here.

http://www.fernandezandwells.com/

Pizzaria Malletti, 26 Noel St

Standard Soho fare with it's onus on fresh and healthy ingredients despite it being very decadent pizza slices and pasta...

This is my co-workers favourite place to go for lunch. If you hit it at 12 there's the pick of all the best combinations of food. Aparently it's rammed though and the staff are agressive.

By 3pm it's very chill but  there'll be less good choices. By 4 it's shut so hurrry!

P.S CASH ONLY

http://www.pizzeriamalletti.co.uk/html/about.html

Berwick st market: Pizza Pilgrims and Venison Burgers.

There are a whole lot of wonders in this market. My two favourite stalls fall next to each other.

Pizza Pilgrims

Napoli inspired fresh pizza (made in front of you) that's falls around the £6/7 range.

Next to it is perhaps the best burger I've ever tasted- a venison burger with cheese cherry tomatoes and salad. No burger has been the same since.

pizzapilgrims.co.uk/

#bone daddies #soho #unch #restaurants #ramen #fresh cafe #cafe gourmand #yoobi sushi #flat iron #flatplanet #pizza pilgrims #berwick st market #pizzeria malletti #fernandez and wells #opium cocktail and dim sum parlous #pitt cue #jerk city #umai sushi factory #le comptoir libonais cantina #homest burger #fresh #farmer's market

[girlsarecaterpillars-blog-blog]

Oh Soho: Essentials or Things You Never Knew Could Be Essential

Pins and Needles, 51 Lexington St

Do you rate your sewing skills? Maybe you do... Or maybe like me they end at sew by numbers in junior school. I'm always buying blouses that are just too tight or ripping my favourite vintage skirt but that's what 'Pinnas and Needles' are for ( not just the name of an intimate piercing, y'all will be glad to hear). My co-worker spotted the yellow sign poking out from lexington st and one day with a ripped garment I ventured in. They are very good. You enter a doorway up  adickensian staircase and end up in the heart of their workshop.

Unless the alteration is complicated it should be £15 are less.

AND you have the good fortune of working with two twins that loook like Leo Carax's dream (who are lovely!)

If you need a tailor this hidden away room is for you.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pinnas-and-Needles/142774142455693?sk=info

Soho Dry Cleaners, 15 Berwick St

They clean, they re-heal shoes while you wait and cut keys. It's like something from a bygone age. My heel fell off on my way to work and they fixed it right as rain.

Not to mention I once found them fixing  shoes from Shrek the musical. (Theywere big and pink!!)

Tommy Guns, Beak St

Need a trendy haircut and at a loose end? Tommy Guns is for you. One of their original stores used to be a barber shop and they have adapted this into the decor of all their branches. Apart from being super friendly they cut hair damn well AND it so happens that my office is on the same road!

www.tommyguns.com/

So High Soho, 96 Berwick St

I don't know how many times I have to rave about this tore on my blog. Just go there!

www.sohighsoho.co.uk/

Bang Bang Clothing Exchange

A clothing swap shop, they say their idea is simple:" we buy clothes from people who no longer wish to wear them and sell them to people who do."

While I didn't find anything at this juncture they do have an impressive range of cheap designer pieces. Definitely worth a look. They say it better than I ever could:

Stripped wooden floors, neutral décor and quite possibly the prettiest fitting rooms in London.

  This Bang Bang store is a favourite among the hipsters hanging out on the Soho scene. Our top sellers are fun 1980’s separates, Designer vintage gowns and cutting edge designers such as Peter Pilotto, Nicholas Kirkwood and Comme des Garcons.

bangbangclothingexchange.co.uk/

Lucy in Disguise, 48 Lexington St

Run by Lily Allen and her sister (with a little help from my sister and future TV presenter @Xanthasays) this is shop filled with vintage treasures. I sometimes find the sizes a little big for my size 8 frame... but there'll be at least one dress you lust after and a whole lot of accessories.

lucyindisguiselondon.com/

#soho #london #tailor #dry cleaners #clothes #vintage #costumes #pinnas and needles #soho dry cleaners #sohighsoho #costume #bang bang clothing exchange #lucy in disguise #tommy guns

[girlsarecaterpillars-blog-blog]

Oh Soho: Coffee, Cake and Maybe a Bowl of Soup

I have been working in and out of Soho since 2009 but this is the first time I have really got to grips with most of what this hub of media offices has to offer. As my time here draws to a close I thought I'd profile some of the great places I've found during my time here.

The Cafe with No Name (No. 19 wardour St)

Don't be scared by the pretentious looking bike outside (or maybe you like that sort of thing...) this new coffee shop has some of the friendliest staff in the land. I had a delicious bowl of soup and side salad for just over a £5 and spent the rest of my lunch doing admin in the chilled surroundings of its New York loft style interior. if you're looking for an escape from the busy media hub around you. Idyllic.

http://now-here-this.timeout.com/2012/11/02/the-coffee-shop-with-no-name-opens-another-branch-in-soho/

Flat White, 17 Berwick St

I noticed this little cafe nestled by my favourite Soho dry cleaners and thought I'd pop in for a coffee break. There idea is to bring the artisinal style coffee houses prevalent in new Zealand and Australia to London.

Although a good looking interior, its shoe box size left it a little a rammed and the loud music made it hard to have a solitary admin catch up lunch. If you can get a seat it's more the kind of place for media meetings.

My salad was a little basic and overpriced but I spotted that they do all day breakfasts so that may be worth a look.

http://www.flatwhitecafe.com/

Ginger and White, 1 Silver Place

Started by food stylist Tania George and restaurant managers Nicolas and Emma Scott this had a similar ethos to 'Flat White.' Fed up with milky tasteless coffee they decided to source their own beans from London's boutique coffee roast spot Square Mile and champion the artisan produce of British farmers.

With an impressive range of gluten free options this place works a treat for me with fabulous breakfast, lunch and cake options. I had an amazing tomato soup with a generous portion of toasted italian bread. Unfortunately although less busy, this has a similarly small interior with banging soundtrack so it's not very good for a solo lunch but a nice place for a catch up.

PS loved the neon gun by wear I was sitting.

http://gingerandwhite.com/#/home/4534559027

Foxcroft and Ginger, 3 Berwick St

Nestled next to one of my favourite comic book stores, OK Comics, is Foxcroft and Ginger. An amalgamation of the other coffee shop names it seems to have less character.

The plus side is it's larger brighter space is more uplifting but I have yet to sit here. They are similarly dedicated to local and fresh produce, and also go so far as to say they mix unusual flavours. I grabbed a mixed salad with pinenuts and sweet potatoes but I didn't find it vastly differetn from the usual soho fare.

www.foxcroftandginger.com/

Yumchaa, 45 Berwick St

Yum + Chaa = Drink + Tea (in Cantonese)

and there is a lot of tea.

From market stall to their second shop in Soho, the Yumchaa brand is doing well. I love the atmosphere in this bright tea shop on the other side of Berwick st. Well worth a look.

http://www.yumchaa.com/

The Urban Tea Rooms, 19 kingly St

With a basic website boasting 'great Britsih produce' this tiny cafe had a myriad of sandwiches but I went for a customary winter warming soup. A bit too much cheese was a factor however meaning the soup stank out my whole office despite tasting pretty foiiiiine. If you're on kingly st why not pop in?

www.urbantearooms.com/

Gail's, 128 Wardour St

So Gail's Bakeries are popping up all over London right now so they're clearly doing well. I've got to say I quite like them. Their three aims: bread purists, internatuonally inspired + local and loveable are right up my street. They don't fail to dissapoint and their home on foodie mecca Wardour st is open till 8 which gives you time for late night coffee and cake. PERFECT!

PS a beautiful neon 'Nice Buns' sign designed by artist Ron Haselden permanently installed as a cheeky nod to Soho's reputation

http://www.gailsbread.co.uk/about%20us

#ron haselden #neon #gail's #the urban tea rooms #yumchaa #foxcroft and ginger #ok comics #square mile #tania george #nicolas and emma scott #flat white #the cafe with no name #soho #artisinal coffee house #artisinal bakery #coffee cake

[girlsarecaterpillars-blog-blog]

Kubrick on the Guillotine Review of Erle C kenton's Island of Lost Souls

Cult film aficionado Maya Korn reviews one of the scariest PG-rated films there ever was, Erle C. Kenton’s Island of Lost Souls.

Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! As the 19th century ended, scientific communities wrestled with the implications of Charles Darwin’s controversial evolutionary theory; while many celebrated man’s progress, others wondered if it were possible for mankind to degenerate into primitive animalistic beings. Erle C. Kenton’s 1932 film adaptation of H.G. Wells’ science-fiction novel ‘The Island of Dr. Moreau’ was born out of this swirl of ideas. Arriving in cinemas the same year as the equally transgressive Freaks, Island of Lost Souls went on to become a cult classic.

Charles Laughton plays Dr Moreau, who conducts sadistic experiments in his ‘House of Pain’, undermining evolution in an attempt to transform animals into humans and playing – as he declares – God. The story sees Edward Parker (Richard Arlen) a shipwrecked sailor who is forced to stay on Moreau’s isolated South Sea island till a boat can take him home.  However, Parker’s plan to leave the island doesn’t sit well with Moreau; he’d rather Parker engage in a little casual bestiality and stay on the island to mate with the exotic Lota (Kathleen Burke), one of his animal-human hybrids. Help is at hand though, in the form of Parker’s fiancée Leila Hyams and the ship’s captain Stanley Fields. When one of Moreau’s henchmen kills Fields, Moreau’s delicate balance of rule by fear is disrupted, making way for the scientist’s downfall by his creations in Freaks-style revenge.

The British history of Island of Lost Souls suggests the passing of time has lessened its impact. A UK release was prevented in 1933, 1951 and 1957. The precise reasons for its rejection in 1933 were lost when British Board of Film Classificaton’s records were destroyed during World War II, explains the board’s director David Cooke. Although, he says, “there are themes to do with vivisection, animal experimentation and animal hybrids and it looks as though that was regarded as completely beyond the pale in 1933”. Other commentators have also suggested its challenge to ‘natural law’ and irreligious tone may have been the cause.  In 1958, it was passed for cinemas with an X certificate after a minute was cut. It remained classified X until 1996 when the board at the time found it difficult to see why the film was a problem for their 1950s predecessors. Now, 15 years later the film is a PG. In the modern world where computer generated monsters dominate, the dated presentation of the vivisection theme and outmoded make up of the 1930s horror classic have mostly lost their power to frighten children and worry censors. Cooke claims that “you get this with the so-called video nasties from the 80s – some of them still look pretty awful to this day, and some of them have dated a lot and it has extracted their venom”.

However, despite what the BFFC have to say about it, Island of Lost Souls still packs a highly disturbing punch 80 years after it was made. This is due largely to Laughton’s intense monomaniacal performance as Moreau, and the wonderfully hirsute Bela Lugosi as the unforgettable Beast Man ‘Sayer of the Law’. Don’t be fooled by the film’s PG rating – Kenton’s Island of Lost Souls is black and white sci-fi at its terrifying best.

http://kubrickontheguillotine.com/2012/12/28/review-island-of-lost-souls-1932/

#island of lost souls #kubrick on the guillotine #film review #eric c kenton #erle c kenton #laughton

[girlsarecaterpillars-blog-blog]

The Countdown Christmas: Pre Xmas Roasts

Family Roast

As I mentioned before I'm not a big fan or the actual xmas day. My extended family are a bit of  a 'mare and we only ever eat the same foods. This year I whined about trying something different so my dad agreed we could have our own mini christmas along with the guys who took me in for Thanksgiving.

My dad gave me a quick run through on how he prepared the bird.

1. cut out all the fat inside the bird

2.season the bird with salt and pepper, stuff with lemon zest in a baking pan.

3. leave upside down in an oven at 220 degrees so the fat drips out.

4. After 30 minutes take the bird out of the pan and put foil on its wings

5. Put back in at 180 for and hour and a half and drizzle honey over it.

Summary: For a 4.5 kilo bird cook for 2.5 hours with a 30 min fat drain and 15 min rest post.

phew! It was delicious!!

Friend's House Roast

Amazing traditional roast made by the great Jonny and Kieran. This was all mind blowingly good. I was slightly hungover so I ate the thing in 15 mins flat. Afterwards we played Murder/Revenge (can't quite remember the name) and it was awesome fun.

The best part for me were the cheesy turnips. You essentially pre boil them put them in a bag with parmesan shake and continue roasting for optimum results!

House Roast

My friend texted me saying she had two free pheasants and would I want them for my house roast? Me loving the weird was of course like hellz yeah... Unfortunately I did not get that they were all feathered up and with 2 hours to cook/pluck/de-gut this was just not going to happen.

Fot anyone interested I did find a recipe and youtube video about how to prepare them here. A butcher will also do it for you with advanced warning.

They seem to be relatively easy to cook once prepped...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1W0A2NZIEs

http://www.reallynicerecipes.com/recipe/game/roast-pheasant

In the end though my housemates and I went for 3 for £10 chickens. Unfortunately the oven broke down so everything was half cooked at our neighbours house. I was by this point wasted on *all* the mulled wine... Very yummy and festive. We were happy despite the minor catastrophe's. I'll do better next year. I swears!

#xmas roasts #goose #chicken #pheasant #family #friends #festive #season #xmas

[girlsarecaterpillars-blog-blog]

The Countdown to Christmas

It may surprise people to know I'm not actually a big fan of Christmas day. The time I thrive is the run up to it, the markets, the roasts, the parties. It's a good excuse to make time for the friends you most cherish and get shit faced on mulled wine.

HERE be some of the Christmas activities I got up to.

Christmas Markets

I went to a fair few of these.

Christmas Fair at My House

Including: Constant & True, Little Badger, Detail, Lulu & Nat, Hamilton & Hare, Marie Friel, Beth & Tracie, Hey Jo, Dandy Star, Made Sheepskin.

This was a petite affair at my old mentor's house. I look it when fair's are smaller though as it means it's easier to see what's quality. I ended up egttign a T-shirt for my mum designed by taxidermist Polly Morgan (hope she likes it...)

East London Designer Xmas Market @streetstudios, 2 dunston st

Including:

Camille Walala - Print/Accessories Eleanor Bolton - Jewellery Janine Barracough - Jewellery Rosita Bonita - Jewellery/Prints Emillie Morris - Jewellery M.Hulot - Leather Accessories Bridget Lennon - Ceramics Henriette Lofstrom - Jewellery Silken Favours - Scarves/Cushions Laura Gill - Illustration Natthakur - Leather Accessories Cecilia Hammarborg - Coats/Accessories Rosy Lee Tea - Fine Teas

I went a bit crazy here for Henriette Lofstrom. I bought my sister her present (a ring) and me some contemporary deco earrings. She was pricey but still 50% off. SWEET and worth it.

The Horniman Xmas market

Really rubbish craft tat... BUT it was in their gorgeous conservatory so it wasn't lose lose.

The RCA Xmas Market

A tiny tent outside the royal college of art filled with some okay craft pieces. I didn't by any of these but I did come away with some great cupcakes for my family's pre-xmas roast.

Wilton's Music Hall Christmas

I got here just as this market was closing and grabbed up some halloween style jewelery for myself. They were said to have pulled out costumes from the vaults... I was so upset I missed this!

 Gunpowder and Cherry Pie Presents Vintage Wonderland @the Russet Join us for - Tea, cakes, gifts, and optional vintage make overs are available on the day. We have market stalls trading so you can get your Christmas goodies in and dancing classes organised for the party people. A prize winning raffle will be held on the day

Again I got here just as the darn place was ending and a gorgeous selection of vintage furs were being put away.

The cafe space in betwixt artists studios was a find though. I may go back for brunch. they seemed to hold other interesting fairs too so check 'em owt!

http://therusset.wordpress.com/drink/

Secret Emporium @Shoreditch Factory 7

Easily the most hipster of the markets I've been too... I was stressed about my house xmas roast- needed to get to verde & co for mince pies- and it was dark in there, so I didn't find anything. Fun though, with a banging soundtrack and atmosphere.

Here's their vibe:

Announcing our roll call of exceptional independent British designers featuring at the Secret Emporium Christmas Pop Up Market this weekend........

Held in Factory 7, Saturday and Sunday, 15th & 16th December just off Shoreditch High Street in the heart of East London, we present to you our second annual Secret Emporium hand curated designer Christmas Market.

44 outstanding, unusual and select fashion, accessory and product designers from around the country - selling under one roof and accompanied by live acoustic music, hot cider and food stalls by London favourites, The Moro. 

We aim to send you off home for Christmas with your arms full of the best, most colourful presents, cheeks rosy from the fruitiest hot cider, taste buds inspired and ears tickled with beautiful music. This will be a market to remember and keep you captivated all day....we can't wait!

Joining us in this mission we introduce our designer ensemble, including our 2 scholarship stall holders - Isobel Webster and Lauren Baker, enjoy..............

http://thesecretemporiumblog.blogspot.co.uk/

The Bust Magazine Xmas Craftacular @YorkHall

A girl I used to go to Uni with makes the most awesome knitted things. I thought i'd go visit miss Amy Panda at her craft fair and came away with a plate and 2 prints... xmas markets bankrupt me.

#london christmas markets #polly morgan #east london designer xmas market #street studios #the horniman xmas market #the rca xmas market #wilton's music hall xmas market #gunpowder and cherry pir present vintage wonderland #russet #secret emporium #shoreditch factory 7 #the bust magazine xmas craftacular #york hall

[girlsarecaterpillars-blog-blog]

Good Day today Book Launch: Daniel Neofetou on David Lynch @CafeOto

There were a few appealing parts of this event.

1. an intellectual standpoint on Lynch from a newly published (phd student) author.

2. Cafe Oto- the venue by the Arcola that's supposed to be super interesting.

Given these factors I dragged my tired-from-work ass to the event. On entering a woman told me the £4 entry fee was actually £10 which really upset me. The author then agressively asked me if I'd paid and I said I was in the process (he also looked the spittign image of a nemesis of mine) before finally, I went to get  a drink and was told drinks would not be served officially for another 8 minutes but the couple behind me were served immediately.

A little disheartened, I waited for my friends forlornly. They arrived and the event began. Unfortunately the speaker, although clearly very bright, had a hard to follow delivery. He seemed slightly ocd... My academic friend said he enjoyed the erratic aspect of the talk as it was different to a normal lecture. It put me however into a trance-like state and I started napping.

He also chose clips on the basis of how cool they were not to back up his point which really irked me.

It was not a good day for me. Here's the event deets:

Good Day Today is a new book by Daniel Neofetou about the films of David Lynch and how they pose a radical challenge to conservative and absolutist ideologies. In the book, Neofetou argues that - by utilising the tropes of the Hollywood movie, but subverting their accepted meanings and combining them with techniques from experimental film praxis - Lynch's works might engender a mindset which resists prescribed meanings and blind consensus with the dominant discourse. The book launch will feature a talk by Daniel Neofetou, followed by a Q&A lead by Daniel Barnes and performances from Luke Deane & TH11d. Daniel Neofetou is a filmmaker and writer living in London. He is currently working towards a Phd with the Centre for Cultural Studies at Goldsmiths College. He is a founding member of the documentary collective Reeling the Real and runs the netlabel Nude Defending a Staircase Recordings. Daniel Barnes is a philosopher and curator. He has taught philosophy at the University of Nottingham and aesthetic theory at Chelsea College of Art and works as an art critic, writing reviews of exhibitions and features for publications such as ArtSlant and Spoonfed. He is also philosopher in residence for The Butcher's Apron on NTS Radio. Luke Deane & TH11d are members of the Birmingham-based experimental electronic music collective Ostrich Box, who since 2011 have played sets in art galleries, festivals, cathedrals, car parks and basements all in the name of pushing experimental electronic music to new places. "Neofetou on Lynch is an original on an original. This book is a learned and lucid work in which Neofetou demonstrates how Lynch’s deeply entrancing filmmaking greatly destabilises the viewer into seeing and feeling outside the norm." ~ Jose Arroyo, University of Warwick

#good day today book launch #cafe oto #london #east london #daniel neofetou #david lynch #goldsmiths

[girlsarecaterpillars-blog-blog]

I Consume: Restaurants, Bars London

Myung Ga

I was supposed to be having a meeting with a playwright friend of mine about a theatre venture. This swiftly changed to Korean Feast at Time Out favourite Myung-Ga that we were initiated into by a friend of mine.

Korean's traditional vibe is bbq which I first met in K Town LA. My friend Amy, a Korean enthusiast, ordered for us. We had bulgogi, modern kimchii, dolsot bibimbat, doejiang, jijiinge, pajeon, sojuu, keranjiin.

I'm not entirely sure what each equates too but translated we had crispy rice, meet in leaves, an egg dish and some kind of sugary cordial drink for dessert.

For drinks it was Korean sake in beer. Needless to say I was pretty drunk after.

What I found particularly funny about this place is that emblazoned about the place were the words 'been here since 1990': that's really not that old.

Beware: given it's time out popularity we waited for about 30 mins.

http://myungga.co.uk/

Beard to Tail

My sister and I went here after seeing Salome. They're renowned for their unusual cuts of meat and whisky (being an offshoot of cocktail bar Callooh Callay). The most unusual thing on the menu was ofalton- a sort of pudding made of offal but disappointingly this was off the menu. We shared beans, fries and had a steak each. With a cocktail in a  jar and delicious duck livers to start.

I've been wanting to go to this restaurant for a long time and something about it was quite disappointing. Be it the decor, the soundtrack or the quite basic menu I don't know but it definitely didn't live up to expectations. The food was yummy though.

http://www.beardtotail.co.uk/

The Last Supper Club

As many of you must have noticed, the end of the world was supposed to occur between 11-12 on Fri May 21st. It didn't WOOOP! My friend and I decided to celebrate this by going to the last supper club.

The space was the yard warehouse. For £35 my friend and I got 1 free mulled cidre, 3 courses each and a dessert. The food was pretty much street feast style which I was not expecting for the price. Although fun I'm not sure it was totally worth its fare. We did make friends with some cute fake priests running their photo booth from inside a makeshift confession box.

This was fun but I wasn't left satisfied. Below is their concept (a lot of words for something pretty basic):

The 2012 phenomenon comprises a wide range of eschatological beliefs according to which cataclysmic or transformative events will occur on the winter solstice this December 21st. Marked as the great Galactic Alignment this date is regarded as the end date of a 5,125 year long cycle in the Mayan Long Count calendar where one age comes to an end and a new age begins. Earth and its inhabitants may undergo a positive physical or spiritual transformation, a renewal,balance and harmony as foretold through ancient wisdom teachings and indigenous prophecies worldwide. Others suggest that the 2012 date marks the catastrophic end of the world with scenarios ranging from the arrival of the next solar maximum, an interaction between Earth and the black hole at the center of the galaxy, Earth's collision with an object such as an asteroid; or a planet called Nibiru, a sequence of interconnected earth disasters including super volcanoes, polar shifts and earth crust displacement or even a catastrophy brought upon ourselves as a result of global warming or World War 3. Religions across the world also warn of these end times with the Revelation of John, the Rapture, the second coming of Christ, the 4 horsemen of the Apocalypse, the prophetic dreams of Daniel, Prophet Muhammad’s description of the Day of Judgment, the Hindu’s belief of Shiva’s destruction and recreation of the Universe or Buddhist’s concerns with the relationship between bad human behaviour and deteriorating life span. With so many theories on what may or may not even happen on the 21st December 2012, it’s fair to suggest that you do need to ask yourself… What would I like to be doing? Who would I like to spend my time with? What would I eat if it was my last ever supper?! Whether you want to see in the new age with the Mayan Prophets, seek salvation on Noah’s Ark or bask in glorious indulgence for the last time, join us at THE LAST SUPPER CLUB in Shoreditch for a truly memorable feast that will prepare you for the worst and give you hope for the best.

http://lastsupperclub.co.uk/about.html

The London Cocktail Club

We went to the one on goodge st on a friday for a friend's birthday. BIG mistake! the place was rammed. We fought for seats to watch the world go by but it was full of yuppie knobs and played music that could only be described as nostalgia central (which I kind of loved). My drink was not very delicate and bright blue?

Not a place to go at peak time but it may be good mid week.

http://www.londoncocktailclub.co.uk/

Off Broadway

It was my friend's birthday. Her cousin owns Duke's Brew and Queue as well as the speakeasy (through the toilet shhhh...) at Off Broadway. Those Mezcal Margheritas are lethal beasties. If you are allowed into this exclusive land it's  well worth it.

See the pic of me with vampire hot sauce.

On Saturday 6 December 2008, a year since we first applied for planning permission, the Bar at Off Broadway opened. Modelled on a bar in the East Village, long since closed, at which we spent many happy evenings in the first few years of this millennium, the bar aims to bring some of that warm welcome and high service-ethic so typical of our American friends.

We first moved into this building, upon its completion in 1987, from 77 Broadway Market, following a demolition order; we had lived and worked there since 1972. In the intervening years the bar area here has been a print store, picture framing factory, office, fine-art gallery and most recently a photographic gallery which has now happily relocated downstairs.

Having persevered through a myriad of setbacks, from the Council to the current financial recession, this has become a family business in the old East End style: landlord Father, backer Mother and owner Son with the Grand-Daughter lending a hand occasionally. We all live in Hackney and have done so for the past 35 years or so and we hope that this bar will become in time a valued asset to the Market and surrounding area.

http://www.offbroadway.org.uk/

#myung ga #beard to tail #restaurant #bars #london #mezcal margheritas #off broadway #speakeasy #dukes brew and queue #london cocktail club #goodge st #the last supper club #the yard

[girlsarecaterpillars-blog-blog]

Lime Green Bow

Maaa gurrrrrl Clemmie wants an amazing vintage stall called Lime Green Bow. She has fabulous vintage fairs in her house where you can get one of a kind designer and not vintage pieces for reasonable prices. She's about to go live on the interwebs but for now follow her here.

http://www.limegreenbow.co.uk/

http://www.facebook.com/limegreenbow/info

Here are some pics of me in my brand new dress!

#clothes #fashion #clemmie myers #lime green bow

[girlsarecaterpillars-blog-blog]

Shoreditch House Literary Salon 4th Birthday

If you click attending on the facebook group before it reaches 250 people you get to go *for free* to Shoreditch house literary salon and claim your free cocktail while watchin' spoken word.

As it was their birthday we also got cake and pizza. I highly recommend trying this! It's super fun *if you're literature inclined that is

Here were the events deets:

Dearest Salonista, It’s been four years. FOUR BEAUTIFUL YEARS! You don’t look a day older and yet somehow you’re even smarter. Amazing. To celebrate our fourth saloniversary we have four guests. A.M. Homes will premiere ‘May We Be Forgiven’. Craig Taylor will tease us with his novel-in-progress. Taiye Selasi will launch ‘Ghana Must Go’. Thomas Keneally—yes, really—will reveal ‘The Daughters of Mars’. Just one of them would be enough, I know. Four fantastic guests for four fabulous years. And all for you! As always, you can enjoy past Salons here: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-literary-salon/id495583876 All that and a free cocktail! From 7pm, Tues Oct 23rd, Shoreditch House. Arrive EARLY to avoid disappointment—doors open 630pm. Yes, you have a plus one but just one. Your Salonierre, Damian Barr. x

TEMPTED??

#shoreditch house #literary salon #saloniversary #a m holmes #may we be forgiven #craig taylor #taiye selasi #ghana must go #thomas keneally #the daughters of mars

[girlsarecaterpillars-blog-blog]

I Consume: A Coupla Gigs

Tape Club Records in Association with Popular present The Laurel Collective @100Club, supported by Dogtanion and Peter & Kerry

It was the Laurel Collective's last gig for a year so they could focus on recording. To celebrate/ commiserate the year break this was feted to take place at the iconic 100 club on Oxford st.

I turned up a mere 10 minutes early for the gig and was not allowed in as they thought I was some kind of groupie... Cries of 'I know the band' only made it worse.

When I did eventually get in there was a fab atmosphere. The Laurels are one of those bands with a huge community of loyal fans behind them.

They were supported by Dogtanionwhose electronic-folk debut was selected by Dazed and Confused as one of their monthly top 10s and Peter & Kerry a duo with tracks that tend to upset naive preconceptions – Clash Magazine recently responded to one of their tracks as being “like your teddy bear turning around and telling you to fuck off”.

I honestly think Peter & Kerry are on the brink of making it big time. Their sound is definitely the 'in' thing right now.

A really great send off for the Laurels and a really fun night.

http://www.the100club.co.uk/gigs/laurel-collective/

www.facebook.com/laurelcollective / www.facebook.com/peterandkerry / www.facebook.com/dogtanion

www.popularcompany.co.uk   / www.tapeclubrecords.com / www.thisisfakediy.co.uk

www.facebook.com/events/360688057356447/

Money Supported By Pale seas and Great Waves at the Bella Union Christmas Gig #Union Chapel

A really christmassy venue. The church was lit by candles and the bands looked absolutely brilliant. The acoustics were equally good which I suppose you would expect from a church.

Money were a band hot on the Manchester scene (sort of the equivalent of Alt J and we know how well they've done) and have been hiding away recording the last year ready to make their great debut. The night was really moving and one should expect to see great things from this band in the next year.

ps Greatwaves were GREAT too

#money #great waves #pale seas #bella union #christmas gig #union chapek #100 club #music #gigs #bands #tape club records #popular #dogtanion #the 100 club #peter & Kerry #the laurel collective

[girlsarecaterpillars-blog-blog]

I Consume: Theatre

Puffball and All One Fabric @theYardTheatre

I went to the yard to see my friend's play the yard and was surprised by  2 plays in 1 situ.

The night began with 'Puffball' a play loosely based on a man finding an owl that had fallen from it's nest. this concept was then transformed into an anthropomorphic 1 man show. This performance was an off the wall  marmite play. I loved it!

Here's the spiel:

By Christopher Brett Bailey & Caroline Williams

Puffball is an owl. Puffball is unwell.

This piece explores the head sores of the conscious mind, the nuts and bolts of human empathy and the pixelated potential of Microsoft Paint. Puffball must fly.

With original artwork and text by Caroline Williams. Performed by Christopher Brett-Bailey. Presented by new theatre company Upsticks, in association with the BAC.

My friend's play was fabulous as well, based on an excerpt of Virginia Woolf's 'to the Lighthouse' we focused on a  group of actors in a boat. Here's their vibe

“Giving, giving, giving, I might’ve died – and left all this. I watch the procession go…”

A single boat drifts across the water towards the lighthouse. A rowing boat, overlooked by an artist painting.

ALL ONE FABRIC is a new show inspired by Virginia Woolf’s seminal novel, To the Lighthouse. Bringing actors, film makers and visual artists together, this new production will follow three characters as they ask and ignore questions of gender, grief, independence and purpose.

The Yard as a venue is one to watch in itself... A huge warehouse with a great stage. I recommend any new writers/directors to apply to this space. They're very open to new talent.

http://theyardtheatre.co.uk/show/puffball-all-one-fabric/

Shelf life @TheatreDelicatessen

A  shabby chic but thought provoking play. You enter the building and are given a helmet before being led through fallopian tubes and out of a vagina: BIRTH! Next you are given a balloon that is your avatar the rest of the play. You are lead through several stages of life, the classroom, finding a job, marriage, an old people's home... A few brutally die on the way (through having their balloons popped)and are bestowed with black balloons. Then at the end you release your balloons into the atmosphere.

I found this whole thing very eerie particularly marriage. The actors and actresses interact with you one on one and ask you questions about your fake life noting it down in a book that you keep at the end. I was acutely aware of my own mortality and sort of afraid.

Despite it's disheveled slightly disorganised nature, I found this play to be one of the most moving I've experienced in a long time.

Here's their vibe:

Life: You’re born. You learn. You grow. You die. Great, isn’t it?

  Shelf Life is a tongue-in-cheek, immersive, promenade experience that explores the meaninglessness of life in all its glory.

  The audience is catapulted through birth, life and death on a journey through the labyrinthine disused BBC London Studios at 35 Marylebone High Street, on a performance-led ascent through life in the modern world : from birth to school and the world of work, perhaps passing through university and marriage on the way until they reach that final inevitable deflation – standing on a roof above the city, waiting for the wind to carry their spirits away.

  There are many ways to go through life but there is only one ending, and that’s the same for everyone.

  Everybody’s shell has a Shelf-Life.

http://www.theatredelicatessen.co.uk/productions/shelf-life/

Sleepwalk Collective's 'As The Flames Rose We Danced to the Sirens the Sirens' @Barbican

A really interesting if shortlived piece. It felt very Lynchian, a one woman show with film excerpts in which the main protagonist changed her appearance.

Here's how the website describes the piece:

In an hour of troubling intimacy, Iara Solano Arana of Sleepwalk Collective samples and replays the iconography of B-movies and early cinema in a joyous and desperate attempt to re-work cinematic and cultural clichés into something heartfelt and profound. Sleepwalk Collective is an award-winning live art and experimental theatre group creating intimate performance experiences emerging from a fascination with pop culture junk, intoxication, and the mysteries and complexities of human relationships. Winner of Best Production and Best Female Performer for Iara Solano Arana at the 2011 BE Festival. 'An unsettlingly languid but hauntingly touching display of live art tragi-comic stand-up' The Herald

http://www.barbican.org.uk/theatre/event-detail.asp?ID=13646

All that Fall @theArtsTheatre

Weirdly in all my theatre exploration I have never been to the Arts Theatre. It's a gorgeous little thing with a nice tea room/cafe.

This was the site of Beckett's 'All That Fall' staring Michael Gambon and Eileen Atkins.

The play is a characteristically Beckettian mix of bawdiness, comedy and tragedy. There were stringent rules imposed on its performance, including that the actors carry scripts and their are no props in accordance with it looking like a sort of radio play. I've got to say the tragi-comic plot was a little hard to follow but it was acted beautifully and I haven't watched a radio play for a while so I was impressed.

Theatre Lab's Production of Oscar Wilde's 'Salome' @OldChomeley's Boys Club

A site specific piece in the amazing Old Chomeley's Boys Club. I really enjoyed this although I thought the decadence and excess it promised were slightly exagerrated compared to other pieces I've seen . The raunchy dance of the 7 veils however was amazing and I wanted all Salome's dresses.

Logline: A site-specific performance of Oscar Wilde's tale of seduction.

Notes: For a play that bills itself as decadent to Biblical proportions, featuring the raunchy dance of the seven veils by a supposedly teenage Salome this was slightly disappointing. An interesting site specific interior with candlelight and a few vintage props does not decadence make! I would have like to see more audience interaction as well.

However the lead actress’s wanton nature, the quite shocking killing of the prophet (involving her kissing the ‘dead’ body on a banquet table while chewing a rose to simulate blood), the outfits as well as the dance itself, were well realised. Potentially with some more funds this young theatre company made up of Greek creatives could realise their ambitious goals.

  Meow Meow's Little Match Girl @SouthbankCentre

Life's is a cabaret old chum... Christmas cabaret is a first for me. I've got to say I'm not very good with the vaudevillian singing shows but Meow Meow had just enough spice and sass to keep me interested.

Her outfits were great, as were the sets. AND the whole thing was played around the premise of 'the show must go on' (they feigned a power cut and made Meow and her co-star run the show without power using the audience's mobile phones for light).Also the fairytale Links with Meow Meow being the little match girl were fun.

A really fun different Xmas outing. I would recommend it if it were still on:

Meow Meow invites you to the UK premiere of this deliciously dark twist on the classic winter tale.

After her starring role Kneehigh Theatre's West End hit 'The Umbrellas of Cherbourg', international cabaret sensation Meow Meow comes to Southbank Centre this Christmas with a sizzling show that will defrost even the coldest of hearts.

Hans Christian Andersen's bittersweet fable is a springboard into the wilder realms of theatrical possibility. As our despairing Match Girl staves off the cruel cold of winter with her dwindling supply of flames, she carves a tuneful trail with claws of humour and heartache, pathos and irreverence.

Collaborating with Australia's Malthouse Theatre Artistic Director Marion Potts, composer Iain Grandage, the Wild Dog Orchestra and the ever-dexterous Chris Ryan, Meow Meow and her team create a fantastical flight of fancy with the darkest of edges.

http://ticketing.southbankcentre.co.uk/find/dance-performance/tickets/meow-meows-little-match-girl-68526?gclid=CN3m-sSFs7QCFePHtAodqx4AFQ

#meow meow little match girl #southbank centre #cabaret #site specific thetare #salome #theatre lab #old chomeley's boys club #puffball #all one fabric #the yard theatre #virginia woolf #to the lighthouse #shelf life #theatre delicatessen #sleepwalk collective #as the flames rose we danced to the sirens the sirens #the barbican #all that fall #michael gambon #eileen atkins #the arts theatre #oscar wilde

[girlsarecaterpillars-blog-blog]

Fun at the Office

Being an aspiring film exec is not all lame. There are weird fun moments here too including fun with oversized calculators, 'Kill Bill' promo jackets and chaos. I have fun in the office.

#film #fun #chaos #london

[girlsarecaterpillars-blog-blog]

Film: Gala Screenings BFI Film Festival

I'm really lucky that with my internship I got a few tickets to gala screenings at the BFI film festival. Out of the 4 I only saw one good film I think but it was worth it. For the free green and blacks and water as well!

Ben Zeitlin's 'Beasts of the Southern Wild'

This had been out during my stint in la but something about the subject matter left me cold. When my friend got me a ticket for the gala screening I couldn't say no and it was well worth it. A beautiful imaginative magical realism film through the eyes of a child with serious issues like the aftermath of Katrina in the background. Well worth a watch! Zeitlin reminded me of a young Zach Braff and that kid protagonist was sassy.

Paul Andrew Williams 'Song For Marion'

I got to see Gemma Arterton in the flesh and she wears badass suspenders/hold ups. Also Terence Stamp but Christopher Ecclestone wasn't there (standardly/sadly #babe).

The film was another patronising let's bring life into the older generation, which I napped in...

Dustin Hoffman's 'Quartet'

See above for patronising the elderly. Why Dustin why??

FYI at this screening I learnt the further away you are from the stage the better your seats.

Mike Newell's 'Great Expectations'

Do we really need another 'Great Expectations'? This film proves not. A little bit too much heart and not enough darkness leaving an insipid taste in the mouth. Also Holliday Grainger was a shite Estella (although her premier outfit cemented the fact that we could be friends) and maaa gurrrl gothic inspiration Helena Bonham Carter was pretty weak too. How could a film make HBC weak?? Blahhh! But I did fel special going to the closing night screening of the gala and seeing HBC made flesh.

#ben zeitlin #zach braff #bfi gala screenings #bfi film fest #beasts of the southern wild #paul andrew williams #song for marion #gemma arterton #terence stamp #christopher ecclestone #mike newell #great expectations #holliday grainger #quartet #dustin hoffman #maggie smith #billy connolly

[girlsarecaterpillars-blog-blog]

FILMS

Welcome to Busseywood @BusseyBuilding

I'd never been to the Bussey Building in Peckham before. I hopped off a bus on a street teaming of with people and some protesters 'boycotting Khan's' and went through the door. the space was great. A lot of the films were shorts by locals spread across different floors of this three storey warehouse. The highlight was a documentary 'Fire in Babylon': the  story of the West Indies cricket team’s rise to dominance in the 70s and 80s.

Best of all, regardless of quality, this was all free

http://www.facebook.com/events/488123454534803/permalink/520237817990033/

Film Club @297HoxtonSt

A kooky little night run by my friends at Retz production. Several graduate shorts were shown as  well as an awesome stop motion from the 20s. I have brilliantly not recorded any details of this event... but take my word for it, it was a great chilled way to spend a tuesday.

Duncan Carson Trapped Film Series @Woodmill #DownBytheLaw

I stumbled across this night in an old doctors practice in Borough through Duncan Carson brilliant film nights at Birkbeck the preceding year (mailing lists are a wonderful thing). The theme of the night was 'Trapped,' we nestled together in the reapropriated artist studio and watched Jarmusch's 'Down By the Law' followed by a portion of R Kelley's hilarious 'Trapped in the Closet'.

Down By the Law is well worth a watch. A great bit of Tom Waits who pops up in themost recent fim I've watched (7 Psychopaths) too. They said this about the film:

A pimp, a radio DJ and an irrepressibly cheery Italian man are confined to a cell together. They hatch a plan to escape more to avoid each other's company than the prison walls. Erase any bad memories of Broken Flowers and Night on Earth: this is funny, cheeky, brisk filmmaking you don't want to miss

Molly Ringwald's Talk About Her Novel 'When it Hapens to You' @Waterstones

Hands up if you loved Breakfast Club? Well our ginger hero the Ringwald is back, this time as a writer. I went to the talk about her book 'When it Happens to You'. It seems she married a writer and and is all about it now.  I want to be her bezzie and looks as fab as her in my 40s.

There were a few cringe crazy fans asking about the ol' bc though which irked her but was super amusing for me.

Here's the novel's bio:

Tales of love, loss, and betrayal are at the heart of When It Happens to You, the debut novel in stories from actress and author Molly Ringwald. A Hollywood icon, Ringwald defined the teenage experience in the eighties in such classic films as Pretty in Pink, The Breakfast Club and Sixteen Candles. Ringwald brings the compelling candour she displayed in her film roles to the unforgettable characters she has created in this series of intertwined and linked stories about the particular challenges, joys and disappointments of adult relationships. Her characters grapple with infertility and infidelity, fame and familial discord in a magnificent debut that will resonate broadly, particularly with fans of Melissa Banks, Meg Wolitzer and Lorrie Moore.

In Conversation with Slavoj Zizek @HackneyPicturehouse

Detailing the theory behind 'A Perverts Guide,' I found a lot Zizek's musing super interesting. I can't remember it all but the likening our economy to Bane's Gotham in that actually Neo-Marxism purports that we as a society need the wealthy controlling things as when those structures lose control that's when there's chaos. Here's some other reviewer's brief take on it:

So apparently this has already sold out but I just couldn't go without mentioning that the world-renowned philosopher, intellectual provocateur and cultural critic will be bringing his ideas to London. This talk is to celebrate Žižek's second collaboration with director Sophie Fiennes, The Perverts Guide to Ideology. Appreciating that part of the beauty of Žižek's philosophy is his dab-handedness at improv the organisers haven't set a topic of discussion but no doubt this will be an eye-opening evening. The film is also being screened on 20 and 21 October at Odeon West End and Vue, see the BFI site for more information.

http://www.madeinartslondon.com/blog/In%20Focus%3A%20The%20BFI%20London%20Film%20Festival

Walter Salles 'On the Road' @theWHotelFilmNight

On the Road was a bit blah. I loved the American scenery and the beautiful young cast (too many Kristen stewart tit shots for my liking but what can ya do?) but came away feeling empty. Although maybe this was the point... the W is great though. pparently their future screenings may have guest speakers. I would get on it! Only £15.

Leos Carax's Holy Motors @CurzonMayfair

WOW! This was the first time in a long time that I came out of the cinema at a loss for words. While in theory this film was right up my street: Lynchian touches and a confusing narrative focusing on the transitional space of a car's backseat. Honestly I think this may have been slightly too weird for me. I need some sort of classical narrative trappings or backstory to cling too sometimes. GEEZ!

loved the chatting cars.

Must watch again.

An important film in my year.

Stephen Chbosky's 'PerksofBeingAWallflower' @EmpireWestEnd

I read this script at work in LaLa land and got to say i was slightly more impressed with it on paper. Emma Watson and her shite acent brough it WAY DOWN for me. BUT I did enjoy the main protaganist. A film that tries a little too hard to be indie with some winning elements. Worth  a watch fo sho.

Paul thomas Anderson's 'The Master' in 70mm @OdeonWestEnd

I HAD BEEN DYING TO SEE THIS FIML FOR SO LONGand then it was spoiled by some stupid audience members in the neighbouring seats to me. Chatting the whole way, snorting and elbowing. OH and did I mention the couple making out in front (it is not that kind of film, yeah!)a nd that the ticket dude couldn't find my reservation and then yelled at me about it...

On the plus seeing it in 70mm was stunning but I definitely need to watch and re-analyse this again.

Hanneke's Amour @HackneyPictureHouse

Only saw an hour due to a dinner over running... Potentially only needed to see an hour given how down it brought me. The transience of life and the older generation seem to e quite in vogue right now but to be honest I don't really want to be reminded of my own mortality no matter how beautiful. I did hear in the first hour there are some stuningly macabre scenes of the ailing women rotting with flowers in her hair. MMM.

Pidgeon was a highlight (you'll see what I mean).

David O Russell's 'Silver Linings Playbook' @GenesisCinema

LOVED IT.Not the best film of the year for sure but Jennifer Lawrence's character was a very me person (blunt goth, hellz to the yeah). A fun wannabe indie that potentially doesn't deserve all the awards buzz but I did thouroughly enjoy it...

Martin Mcdonagh's '7 Psychopaths' @GenesisCinema

My fave film of the last few months. Sam Rockwell is a stone cold fox, I loved the random killings the deeply LA look/story of the thing (only there could something this bizarre play out) and the fun meta-aspects. For a film geek like me this fuckin' rocked.

#films #events #screenings #london #bussey building #peckham #short film #297 hoxton st #duncan carson #trapped fim series #down by the law #jarmusch #r kelly #traped in the closet #molly ringwald #breakfast club #when it happens to you #novel #waterstones #talks #w hotel #on the road #walter salles #leos carax #curzon mayfair #perks of being a wallflower #stephen chbosky #paul thomas anderson #amour #hanneke

[girlsarecaterpillars-blog-blog]

Review of Jim Jarmusch's 'Night on Earth' for Kubrick on the Guillotine @CrimsonHeartFilmNight

and another one...:

Today’s movie climate has seen a kind of vogue for bizarre narratives that unfold from the back of a car. Cronenberg’s Cosmopolis and Carax’s Holy Motors have both, in different ways, captured the transitory nature of existence from the passenger seat. Before the current trend of backseat narratives took off, there existed their lesser-known predecessor, Jim Jarmusch’s Night on Earth, a film that captures one moment in one night in five cities (Los Angeles, New York, Rome, Paris and Helsinki).

Each vignette is markedly different, capturing what could be regarded as the trivial and recasting it as significant. We begin in Los Angeles with the young chain-smoking Corky, played by Winona Ryder. Dressed in the grunge garb characteristic of the film’s early nineties setting, the savvy 21-year-old taxi driver has it “all mapped out”. She’s saving to be a mechanic, she tells the gob-smacked Hollywood executive (Gena Rowlands) in the back of her car. By the end of the journey, Rowlands’ mogul, who has been struggling to cast one of the parts in an upcoming film, is so impressed by the down to earth Corky that she offers her the job. “There must be lotsa girls who want to be in the movies – not me”, she explains. One wonders if Corky could serve as Jarmusch’s personal ode to integrity in the midst of the L.A.’s highly seductive entertainment industry, but the film does not pass judgement. It simply reports an opinion; there are no conclusions to these short stories, which simply move on from one to the next.

Rather than following a linear narrative trajectory, juxtaposition is used as the film’s structuring device. The basic connection that links these vignettes is the relationship between driver and passenger that each story explores. As with the best short stories, these segments are less about plot (very little actually happens) than they are about character, dialogue, and mood. Jarmusch himself maintains that life has “no plot, no real conclusion”, something that his anecdotal style of storytelling echoes.

One of the more humourous of the five stories is set in Rome, where the cab driver (played by Roberto Benigni) decides to confess all his sins to his priest charge (Paolo Bonacelli). These include having sex with shapely pumpkins, a sheep, and finally his brother’s wife who is curvaceous (like a pumpkin) and wears cotton knickers (that remind him of the sheep). This is all too much for the priest, who has a heart attack and dies.

Despite Jarmusch’s assertion that life is meandering and plotless, his ordering of the film’s individual stories suggests a loose narrative, and indeed, a conclusion. The American stories that begin the film are quirky and lighthearted compared to those that fall into the European bracket. The European stories contain a dark undertone, coupled with a sense of confusion that is emphasized by Jarmusch’s decision to narrate them in each setting’s respective native tongue. In Europe, we have the harsh streets of Paris, where Beatrice Dalle is a blind girl who “opens the eyes” of her prejudiced driver (Isaach de Bankole) and the priest’s comedic death in Rome. The film’s closing story, set in Helsinki, is suitably dark, chronicling the hilarious efforts of a rowdy group of drunken Finnish natives, as they attempt to top each other’s tragic tales of Scandinavian gloom.

In Night on Earth, it is the unpredictable and individualistic characters, the mundane and somehow bizarrely striking situations, which differentiate Jarmusch’s film from other backseat narratives. From Corky’s unconventional absurdity in the New York installment, to the poignant comment on cultural blinkeredness in the Paris piece, Night on Earth is a story about outsiders. In characterizing the urban environment as ‘other’ rather than its inhabitants, Jarmusch connects disparate city-dwellers through their shared experience of loneliness, kick-starting the backseat renaissance.

http://kubrickontheguillotine.com/2012/10/18/review-night-on-earth-1991/

#jim jarmusch #night on earth #film review #blog #kubrick on the guillotine