Film Review: Mistress America (15), (U.S.A. 2015) (Director: Noah Baumbach), Tuesday 08.09.2013 14:30, Filmhouse, Screen One, Edinburgh

This is a new film by the writer/director, Noah Baumbach, and star, Greta Gerwig, of the excellent 'Frances Ha' (2012). This is a subtle comedy of manners, where the main protagonist for most of the film appears to be a very unsubtle self-obsessed narcissist. The joy of the film is in the attention given to fine details that are brought to life by fine performances, particularly by Gerwig (Brooke), and Lola Kirke (Tracy) who is expected to become Brooke's sister via an up-coming marriage. 

I would say that the film is very good, though I still prefer 'Frances Ha'. The reasoning for this is very simple. Frances Ha's main character was an agendaless naive innocent who was just trying to find some semblance of a way to be. There was no bitterness, resentment, competitiveness or sense-of-entitlement which sadly dog a lot of Brook's actions and expressions. Obviously there is more to Brooke, and I would say that the reason I stuck with this fundamentally largely objectionable character was due to the quality of the portrayal. 

Although the film was very engaging, I cannot consider Brooke to be endearing in the way Frances was. That pretty much sums it up; two very good films, one has a central character who could be considered charming and the other has a central character who I would want to run away from. 

Rating: 09/10.         

Live Performance Review: Laura Marling, Saturday 05.09.2015 19:00, The Forum, Kentish Town, London

THIS IS NOT A REVIEW. FOR REASONING AS TO WHY, SEE THE ENTRY FOR LAURA'S GLASGOW CONCERT ON 25.04.2015.

I indulged myself with the treat of going to this with the reasoning of it being a way of marking a major development in my life. 

This was a special one-off concert which is not part of the touring schedule for most recent album, 'Short Movie' (2015). Due to this I was expecting something a bit different and I was not disappointed. I was in the middle of the front row being treated to a selection drawing from all five of her albums, plus a cover of a Dolly Parton song. 

The performance also included a couple of songs I was keen to hear live though had not heard her perform before, namely 'Once' ('Once I Was An Eagle' 2013) and 'My Manic And I' ('Alas I Cannot Swim' 2008). She was also reworking older songs such as 'Devil's Spoke' ('I Speak Because I Can') in forms I had not heard before, though which worked well and had clearly been carefully considered. 

There was also older songs presented in familiar form such as 'Goodbye England (Covered in Snow)' & 'What He Wrote' (Both from 'I Speak Because I Can' 2010). From what I recall, these songs have been played at most of the performances I have seen her do. I know that 'Goodbye... is one of her favourites which I find very pleasing, though 'What He... is one of my favourites and always beautiful to hear. 

The crowd were crazily enthusiastic and parts of the concert were like a mass sing-along, which was lovely to be a part of. The venue was not particularly big, I would estimate about halfway between the size of the Picturehouse (which used to be in Lothian Road in Edinburgh) and the Academy in Glasgow. A good size of room for harnessing the enthusiasm of her devoted followers. 

So my favourite living musician has again put on a great show. That's now nine times I have seen her perform and I have never yet been disappointed. I now look forward with anticipation and intrigue for her next Long Player. Fabby.