Saturday, July 30, 2011
Friday, July 29, 2011
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Friday, July 22, 2011
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
The Million Pound Note (1954)
Based upon the Mark Twain short story about two eccentric brothers living in Edwardian London who give a stranger a million pound bank note to settle a bet, "The Million Pound Note" is a fun movie starring Gregory Peck in the lead role. Although saying that it is fun is not doing it complete justice because surprisingly it throws up some interesting points about wealth and happiness whilst also being entertaining.
Having found himself penniless on the streets of London, American Henry Adams (Gregory Peck) suddenly gets a stroke of luck when two eccentric brothers hand him a Million Pound Note as part of a bet between themselves. With new found wealth Adams finds that not only do people start to treat him differently but most people don't want paying when he buys stuff. But his initial happiness turns to sadness when he starts to realise that being perceived as wealthy doesn't come with out a certain amount of issues.
In "The Million Pound Note" the original Mark Twain story is nicely expanded upon in creating the clever and amusing story about wealth. It takes you through various stages from people's perception of someone who looks like they have no money to spend then also delivering the counter viewpoint of people's behaviour to perceived wealth when Adams gets the million pound note. But then it also makes a comment on how being rich doesn't always bring happiness with people pretending to be your friend and the numerous begging letters asking for financial help.
Gregory Peck as Henry Adams enters into the fun with moments of mild slapstick such as tripping up stairs as the million pound note is whisked from his hand in a gust of wind.
Gregory Peck as Henry Adams enters into the fun with moments of mild slapstick such as tripping up stairs as the million pound note is whisked from his hand in a gust of wind.
His performance is pretty spot on and so is the choice to cast him. With his rugged good looks and amiable nature the character of Adams is perfect and the way Peck plays him from being the penniless American through to the perceived millionaire it's just a great all round performance. In fact "The Million Pound Note" is very much Peck's movie with him outshining the majority of the other stars from the aforementioned Reginald Beckwith through to love interest Portia Lansdowne played by Jane Griffiths.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
The Big Dig
Berlin-based firm Topotek1 latest installation for the 2011 Xi’an International Horticultural Exposition, The Big Dig, is a an enormous hole that simulates an audio connection with Sweden, Argentina, the United States and Germany. While standing at the edge “soundtracks of the life on the other side: cows from the pampas of Argentinas, commuters rushing among transit through New York City, the maritime life of Stockholm, and layers of history so audible among the streets of Berlin. These soundtracks pique the imagination of the visitors, transferring them away from China, away from the garden.” A glass barrier prevents exposition visitors from “becoming too curious” however it would be amazing to see the space with an unobstructed view and imagine sliding down the sloping green surface and finding yourself on the other end.
Bond23 update
According to he usually-reliable columnist 'Mandrake' in today's edition of The Telegraph, Welsh actor Rhys Ifans will be joining the cast of the 23rd James Bond film.
“Ifans will appear in the film, as well as Javier Bardem, who will play the baddie,” says the paper's source. “Much of the filming will take place in South Africa.”
Ifans and Daniel Craig, who are both 43, appeared together in the 2004 film "Enduring Love", although the Welsh actor is best known to movie fans for his star-turn in the romantic comedy "Notting Hill" and had just completed "The Amazing Spider Man" in the role of the 'Lizard'.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Friday, July 15, 2011
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Monday, July 11, 2011
Saturday, July 09, 2011
Bond 23 update
If the UK tabloid, The Daily Mail is to be believed, the London-born Naomie Harris is in the "final stages of negotiations" to play M's timeless secretary, Miss Moneypenny, in the 2012 adventure: James Bond 23.
The actress came to stardom in the Danny Boyle-helmed "28 Days Later" and has recently starred in the successful "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise.
The rumours continue with talk of Harris taking up the mantle of Moneypenny, previously played by Lois Maxwell, Caroline Bliss and Samantha Bond in the series' 22 films to date.
The Mail also claims that "[t]he actress is poised to appear alongside Daniel Craig, Javier Bardem, Ralph Fiennes and Judi Dench when filming begins later this year."
Shall we take it as confirmation that both of the big named stars previously associated with the 23rd James Bond adventure have now been locked in?
Hard to believe, but if true we'll have such a "different Bond" with Sam Mendes directing and an all stars cast, ending up to be the best Bond ever....or the worst.
Expectations are growing, stay tuned for updates...
Friday, July 08, 2011
Wednesday, July 06, 2011
Tuesday, July 05, 2011
Monday, July 04, 2011
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