During the course of this blog I’ve written about sources of inspiration from many directions – from people, cities, landscape, history, buildings, travel, books, art, TV drama and films. Certainly films I love have enriched my creative life. Writers benefit from cross-fertilisation all the time! A few years ago my writer friend Meg Harper setContinue reading “Inspiration from Foreign Language Films in our Film Club”
Category Archives: movies
Thoughts on Three Dimensional Characters in Films and Novels – Inspired by Hugh Grant
On the Graham Norton Show which was broadcast on BBC One on Friday 16th April 2016, actor Hugh Grant said he took on the role of St Clair Bayfield in the newly-released film Florence Foster Jenkins against his previous intentions, because a) the script was so good and b) because he was attracted by the three dimensionalContinue reading “Thoughts on Three Dimensional Characters in Films and Novels – Inspired by Hugh Grant”
The Creative Power of an Intense Group of People in the Hothouse Environment of a Writers Retreat
I’ve now finished my series of Cave posts as new inspiration has intervened! One of my fellow bloggers Lance Greenfield has just opened up thoughts of writers retreats by reblogging this post on the subject by Max Dunbar. Lance then went on to ask his own followers for their responses to Max’s thoughts, and whether itContinue reading “The Creative Power of an Intense Group of People in the Hothouse Environment of a Writers Retreat”
The Psychology of Mother and Son in the Psycho Prequel “Bates Motel”
My daughter Abigail, Creative Media Production student, has recently completed a project on Alfred Hitchcock’s editing technique in Psycho. So I’ve watched Psycho again several times recently. And my fascination with the subject led me to pick up the books Abigail had gathered for her project, and read them myself. Editing techniques in film can ofContinue reading “The Psychology of Mother and Son in the Psycho Prequel “Bates Motel””
Book Review: “Miracles” by Eric Metaxas
This book was recently recommended to me: Miracles: What They Are, Why They Happen, and How They Can Change Your Life. I’ve now reading it and found it a fascinating book ideal for discussion in a group. Metaxas is renowned as the author of a much-admired book on Dietrich Boenhoffer (published in 2011). In this new book,Continue reading “Book Review: “Miracles” by Eric Metaxas”
Film Review: “Philomena” starring Steve Coogan and Judi Dench
I belong to a Film Club which meets every 2 months and a few days ago our film of choice was Philomena. I’ve now watched it four times in as many days, and during that time I’ve been haunted by the characters, by the story, and by what it tell us about life and aboutContinue reading “Film Review: “Philomena” starring Steve Coogan and Judi Dench”
The Sublime Landscape of JRR Tolkien and His Creative Vision – in The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies
I saw the last Hobbit film two days ago: The Battle of the Five Armies. And as I watched it I had a strong feeling of Peter Jackson making the most of his final cinematic visit to Middle-earth. Everything was exploited to its fullest extent, the brutality of battle, the sublimity and peril of theContinue reading “The Sublime Landscape of JRR Tolkien and His Creative Vision – in The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies”
Brilliant Short Documentary Made by Abigail Robinson: Claiming the Spotlight
My film-maker daughter Abigail Robinson has recently created a short documentary for a college assignment as part of the second year of her HND in Creative Media. It’s about young actors trying to get into the acting profession. Called “Claiming the Spotlight” the documentary centres upon Playbox Theatre at the Dream Factory in Warwick, where Founder andContinue reading “Brilliant Short Documentary Made by Abigail Robinson: Claiming the Spotlight”
“The Imitation Game” Film Starring Benedict Cumberbatch – Moving and Powerful
I was very moved by the film “The Imitation Game” which I saw the other day. It tells the story of Alan Turing who led the team which cracked the Enigma Code at Bletchley Park during World War II. Benedict Cumberbatch opened up for us a picture of a hero who was never rewarded and acknowledged,Continue reading ““The Imitation Game” Film Starring Benedict Cumberbatch – Moving and Powerful”
Review of “The Fault in Our Stars” by John Green
I’ve just finished reading The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. This story of two young cancer “survivors” is a story that eats into your marrow. And if you haven’t seen the film or read the book, and would like to, don’t read on, for my review contains plot spoilers! Even though I hadContinue reading “Review of “The Fault in Our Stars” by John Green”
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