Film Review: Carol (15) (U.K./U.S.A./France 2015) (Director: Todd Haynes), Filmhouse, Screen One, Edinburgh, Saturday 12.12.2015, 18:10

This is a film I was initially very sceptical about as do not generally like Cate Blanchett or her work and the only previous film I've seen of Todd Haynes, 2007's 'I'm Not There' I found to be a horrifying experience in the worst possible sense. I went to see this as it was getting so much positive buzz and the subject matter should be within my ballpark of interests. 

I'm delighted to report, having just seen it, that I too regard this to be one of the finest love story's I've ever seen in film. The acting of Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara is sublime and the film is simply perfect in every possible way. I am delighted that I put my scepticism to the side and went to see this masterpiece. Bravo!

Rating: 10/10. 

Film Review: The Lobster (15) (Ireland/UK/Greece/France/Netherlands 2015) (Director: Yorgos Lanthimos) (English and French with English Subtitles), Filmhouse, Screen One, Edinburgh, Monday 30.11.2015, 20:30

This is an incredibly absurd work of art, though not as absurd or as good as his previous film 'Alps' (2011), which is almost impossible to distil down to an essence which could adequately convey the complexity and breadth of the piece. Having said this, I laughed from the first scene (I think I was the only one to laugh at the first scene in a packed cinema) and remained engaged throughout. 

This is a surreal film that is based upon the idea that everyone has to be in a couple. If a person's relationship disintegrates for whatever reason, they have to go to a hotel where they have a set period of time to find a new 'mate'. If unsuccessful, they are turned into an animal of their choosing. The lead character played by Colin Farrell, chooses to become a Lobster, hence the title. 

I have to agree with what I have heard various critics say about it loosing it's focus once the action shifts from the hotel to the escapees in the forest. Though it is only in this part where it also becomes clear that the film is also about how most people misunderstand what empathy is. 

Although not perfect, it is great that films like this exist. Although I have more time for 'Alps', I feel it would be a lot easier to introduce people to the director's work via 'The Lobster', which is more accessible. 

Rating: 09/10.         

Live Performance Review: Dynamo: Magician Impossible - Seeing is Believing, Sunday 29.11.2015 20:00, The Playhouse, Edinburgh

Regrettably, to a large extent, the only way I can write about this performance is by referencing how it compares to the only other magician/illusionist I've seen perform, the Master, Mr. Derren Brown. 

It was a shorter performance by some considerable margin. It was far less intense in pace and due to this I felt it was easier not to concentrate as much. The illusions, I would also say to on the whole be a less impressive. If you have seen all of his television programmes, there was nothing new. 

The illusion that started the 2nd half did not feel to be particularly well carried off, being a case where I could tell what the illusion was before it's climax. 

There were some impressive parts, though I also feel there was far too much referencing back to his childhood, again nothing new having seen his programmes. I have to keep in mind that this was his first live tour and the only comparison I have is a hyper intelligent slick performer who had already done several tours before I saw him for my first time of four. It looks as though the Master may be retiring from touring, though I don't feel excited enough by Dynamo to have him replace his superior. Despite the negative comments, I did enjoy myself though did leave feeling slightly short-changed. 

Rating: 07/10.