Snapshot - Word of The Week

(Snapshot n.: A photograph taken with a small hand-held camera, an isolated observation Etym: also snap-shot, 1808, "a quick shot with a gun, without aim, at a fast-moving target;" photographic sense is attested from 1890.)

I know, I haven't blogged much over the last few weeks. As I said in last week's bumper post (here) real life keeps getting in the way - work is hectic. Then I decided to go to Leeds for the weekend to see some friends - and it broke me. As you might have guessed from my tweets and/or facebook, I'm sick. I have woman-flu. This differs from man-flu in that in spite of a full fever, not being able to hear, having razor blades in my throat and aching all over, I martyrously attempt to "work" before being told to go home sick. It also causes one to make up words - apparently `martyrously` is not a word. Sorry.

Anyway instead of a nice well thought out blog post, I thought I'd just give you a little snap shot of what's tickled me over the last couple of weeks. Kind of a cross between a list, an interview, and news aggregator. Besides, I already sent one email to my boss this morning - from my sick bed - that ended "Oh god, does that make *any* sense" - so it's best I don't try to think too hard.....

What I'm Reading:

Kate's Wedding - Chrissie Manby (review to come but 'tis awesome)

More To Life Than Shoes: How To Kickstart Your Career (also review to come but really inspiring)

To The Moon & Back - Jill Mansell (you'll need tissues for this one, it's lovely!)

Sophie's Bakery for the Broken-Hearted/Happiness Sold Separately - both Lolly Winston

Also to read in due course, The Killer Inside, The Passage, The Group, Money (Amis) and The English German Girl. But only when my brain is not so full of snot.

What I'm Listening To

Moby, Eva Cassidy, Neil Finn, Foo Fighters, Rage Against the Machine, Bonnie Tyler, Jessie J, Starship, Blink-182, Nirvana, Weezer....

Oh And and and my friend's *awesome* band Two Trick Horse they're relatively new + gig in Leeds if you're around there. Definitely one to watch (well, listen...er, you know what I mean)

Websites + Blogs I've Discovered/Visited

It Doesn't Happen Like This In The Movies (dating blog)

Loves & Life of a London Girl (another dating blog....it's vicarious pleasure as I'm married!!)

The News With Nipples (writing/feminist/interesting stuff blog)

I Know, I Need To Stop Talking (funniest blog ever, about kids, mummies, wine, front bottoms)

Novel Publicity (advice for writers site, amazing social media tips)

Viadeo (social networking site, a little like LinkedIn, interesting + one to watch)

Social Glitz (awesome site/blog about social media/networking - great advice)

New People I've Followed on Twitter

@markborkowski @mashable @queenofshops @stefanstern @the3rdgirl @NaomiAKlein @sophiehannahCB1 @sourcerkelly @antoniaharler @james_rowe 

The Perfect Fit - My Top 10 Fave Movie Soundtracks

I was recently dragged to the IMAX to see Tron: Legacy. I'm not a big fan of what I call `spaceship boy films` so I wasn't really looking forward to it all that much - I've fallen asleep watching every recent Star Wars movie! Anyway, I'd heard the soundtrack was pretty hot so i just hoped that at least I might like that. Well fuck me sideways - the soundtrack absolutely BLEW me away. I couldn't stop raving about it to everyone I saw. The music perfectly fitted the futuristic style of the film and I absolutely loved it. In fact I can't stop playing it on my Spotify library. So I thought hey, why not do a top 10 movie soundtrack list.

Just to clarify, I've tried not to choose movies where the soundtrack is associated with just one particular song but instead chosen films where the entire soundtrack, IMO, perfectly matches the entire mood and tone of the movie. In fact of the soundtracks listed below I own seven of them - on either CD/iTunes/spotify. If I don't own them, its because I already have the majority of the tracks on other collections.

Now, as you might know, I don't have the greatest taste in music (check here, here and here for previous form!) so please don't be offended if your favourites aren't on here, but hopefully it'll inspire you to check out some new tunes. Therefore in no particular order, here's my list :P

Top 10 Favourite Movie Soundtracks

1) Tron (Daft Punk)  - as I've raved about above really. I can't say much more but apart from picking out a few of my *fave* tracks with links so you can check them out  Tron Legacy (end titles) /End of Line/Derezzed/Flynn Lives, this OST gives me a total ear-gasm!

2) The Social Network (Trent Reznor + Atticus Ross) This recently won an Oscar, so I'm not alone in thinking the music is genius, but then I'd expect nothing less when the god that is Trent Reznor is involved. I'd say my fave tracks are Hand Covers Bruise /A Familiar Taste - both creepy and beautiful at the same time sososososo good! The movie itself is surprisingly watchable, with some excellent performances, notably from Jesse Eisenberg playing Mark Zuckerberg.

3) Gladiator (Hans Zimmer/Lisa Gerrard) Given I'm a Classics BA Hons grad, it's not a *total* surprise that I love this film and plus, one of my now sadly deceased professors advised on the film itself. I could waffle on about the Gladiator module I studied at uni but instead I'll just say that this is a beautifully relaxing soundtrack (if you like LOTR/Moby) you'll like this. My fave tracks are Elysium/Now We Are Free

Hiding the crazy - my top 10 favourite cult movies

So cult movies - to be more specific - my top 10 cult movies. In case you've forgotten - and for newbies to the blog - every weekend I try to do a top 10 of something, anything really. I love top 10 lists, if you're interested, here is my original blog post about them  Sunday-List Day


Before we start, I just want to point out that the movies on this list are in no way intended to be a) an exhaustive list b)actual cult films (eg Pulp Fiction). The films on this list are a little funny or quirky or scary or inspiring or just plain different and original. You may have seen most of them, or some, or none even, but I hope you spot one that appeals, and if not let me know what you think of my list!


1) Juno - okay so not a hugely original choice *but* this film is just so endearing and funny. Ellen Paige + Michael Cera make a great teenage couple surprised by pregnancy with some star turns from Jennifer Garner + Jason Bateman. For me, the best thing about the movie - aside from the fabulous acting + witty, wry script is the fucking awesome soundtrack. A real rom-com with a difference, this is one for a chilled out evening on the sofa.


2) Sunshine - an awesome and beautiful short sci-fi film from Danny Boyle + Alex Garland. Starring the hottie that is Cillian Murphy, this film, with its beautiful cinematography and pared down script completely won me over. Set on aspacecraft with a lethal mission to save the earth from the sun, this plot of this film unfolds with grace and elegance. Even if you don't like sci-fi the simple beauty of this film should appeal. PS great soundtrack too, trying to get hold of it for my ipod.


3) Heathers - to be honest, I expect most readers of this blog to have seen this film. A late 80's classic starring a very young Winona Ryder + Christian Slater at his black + sarcastic finest, this tale of a girl's revenge on the popular girls at school takes the Carrie treatment to a whole other level. Worth watching on those days when the whole world has pissed you off and you want to do more than just flip'em the birdie. Also love the fabulously bad 80's outfits and decor. 

4) Picnic At Hanging Rock now, I don't often meet someone who's seen this film. Made by Peter Weir in in 1975, plot is set at the turn of the century + revolves around a group of schoolgirls on a trip to a mysterious rock formation in the Australian outback. What really gives this film an edge is its eerie setting + soundtrack as well as the spookily unresolved ending. Definitely one that'll give you goose bumps.


5) The Descent - aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh is all I can say about this one. If you don't like caving, claustrophobia, the dark or creepy underground scary things that want to kill you, then you probably won't like this film. If you want a great, non-cheesy horror film with a difference (all female cast) and without horribly overdone special FX this film is for you. Prepare for the terror to be ramped up very slowly to give you some serious jumps!


6) Ghost World a special little quirky one, based on the graphic novel of the same name, this oddball movie stars social outcasts Thora Birch+a very young Scarlett Johansson over one summer after they graduate from high school.  Getting up to various schemes + adventures (involving the ever fabulous Steve Buscemi) this low-fi film is perfect for a chilled out sunday or saturday or anytime really viewing. Prepare to relax+be amused.


7) The Watchmen A complete classic and also one I suspect most of you have seen. I guess in layman's terms this is X-Men with intellect, The Watchmen is adapted from the comic book of the same name. Set in an alternative 1985 with the cold war alive + well, a bunch of retired vigilantes begin to wonder why someone seems to have a rather nasty vendetta against them. Just amazing - script, cinematography, acting + soundtrack. If you like graphic novel adaptations (cf Sin City, V for Vendetta) you'll love the style on this one! Be warned, you need to stay awake + alert to follow the plot + slick lines.


8) 500 Days of Summer Aside from the fact that Zooey Deschanel is just so divine (also looks like my best bud!) this movie is a rom-com (yes that word again) that guys will like too. In fact this is one of the best first date movies ever, no sick bags required. Again with the low-fi this funny stylish little film gets right to heart of the eternal boymeetsgirlwhataboutthehappyeveryafter dilemma. Also worth seeing for Ms Deschanel's fabulous karaoke turn "sugar town...."


9) Eastern Promises A slick stylish gangster movie with a twist, this David Cronenberg thriller stars Viggo Mortensen, Vincent Cassel + Naomi Watts. Not for the faint hearted this film takes the viewer on an unflinching ride through the Russian mafia underworld, sex trafficking + the life of a Russian career criminal. With very strong scenes of (sexual) violence and excellent 'method' acting, this film is eye-opening and thought-provoking. Definitely worth watching if you also liked A History of Violence.


10) The Waitress and to finish, a little oddball comedy about a waitress in a small town trapped in a loveless marriage who begins a rather unlikely affair with her GP (played by Nathan Fillion cf Serenity). After falling pregnant to her abusive husband, she begins a diary documenting her life and her feelings about her baby. Constantly saving to escape, she enters a local pie-making competition and....well you'll have to watch the film for that. A lovely film without a cliched ending, this one will make you smile ruefully.


So that's it, that's my list. A little comedy, a little horror, a little art and a classic. There were so many other films I wanted to put on here - Eden Lake, Ma Vie En Rose, The Heartbreaker, Y Tu Mama Tambien, Strictly Ballroom, The Good Girl, American Psycho, Nick+Nora's Infinite Playlist..... All fabulous films and also worth seeing.


Love to know your thoughts on the list - please argue with me - and if I've inspired you to watch any of these! 


Thank you + good night


Stupidgirl has left the building


PS Thanks for all your amazing comments on my last post, I was so overwhelmed by these, really. I may post a little snippet or some more plot clues next month so do stay tuned!

The Black Dog

Well this is a cheery second post. The black dog. The death of Nicholas Hughes got me thinking about this one. In case you don't know, Nicholas Hughes is the son of Sylvia Plath + Ted Hughes. It must be genetic - the urge to stick one's head in a gas oven and other legacies to leave your children.

Is depression genetic? That blanket of lethargy that settles over your mind like gray candy floss. Its something that affects everyone differently. I've always thought depression is a luxury. Albeit one I've suffered from and most of my family. And I guilt trip myself by thinking *well you know the starving millions in africa don't have depression*. Sort of the grown up version of *eat your food - there are starving children in Africa* . And I've read all the feminist depression literature as per most pre and post grunge girls. Prozac Nation. The Bell Jar. The Edible Woman. All strange and yet familiar in their own way.

I am not sure this is the greatest topic for my second post. But at least I'm writing. 546 words on the last post. Better than nothing.

Today, also in my head - names for characters. Kind of like naming your children. But without the nuisance of actually having to have another person's input.

Tallulah
Ava
Naomi
Ari
Harlow
Minnaloushe (yes I know this is actually a male name)

I'm on a bit of a silver-screen trip with this one. And clearly these characters wouldn't get far. Probably not much further than the nearest gin bottle with names like these. And they'd be so bored without any men. I'm not much good with male characters it would seem. I would write an entirely female novel. But that's been done.
And besides a book featuring characters named after silver screen stars, with gin and lots of lingerie. That could lead to an entirely different sort of novel. Which would probably sell loads actually. Maybe that's where I'm going wrong. Is that a new genre? Pin up porn?

Well who knows. On that note, I think i'd better go. A post that covers gin, porn, depression and allusions to lesbianism is hard to beat. Thank you and good night.

Stupidgirl has left the building