IDENTITY
An above average slasher horror movie which has the usual very good performances from leading actors, John Cusack and Ray Liotta. A sometimes confusing but ultimately very clever storyline that at least keeps you thinking until the very end. The storyline takes this a step above the usual slash and mutilate films which this could easily have descended into. This was highly recommended by Robert Bruce, the quizmaster, but sorry Robert. It does not get into my film Top 10 of all time.
To visit Sony Pictures official website for the film, click here
MORE THAN YOU KNOW by Judith Kelman (Bantam Books 1996)
Another first for me from an author I was previously unfamiliar with. Well, another author I will be trying again. This book was a first class story of how a young woman dealt with a truamatic rape when she was young. Although a fictional account, one felt for the victims of these degrading attacks. The book also shows how rape is not so much a sexual crime but more of a power thing where the male just likes to prove he can abuse women, although in this story, mainly children, as and when he pleases. A good read that grips from beginning to end.
To visit Judith Kelman's Writers' Room website, click here
THE CUTTING ROOM by Louise Welsh (Canongate Books 2003)
An excellent novel which I am lead to believe was the author's first. If this is the case, this book bodes well for the future. This is the first time I have read a novel with such an obvious homosexual angle which I must admit did not put me off the story in the slightest. I can only assume that the writer had to do some serious research into the world of hardcore pornography, a subject which for a person of reasonably young years must have been very exacting and perhaps more than a little disturbing, even for a person of, should I say, more mature years such as myself who has quite a vast knowledge of, shall we say, the seedier side of life. Even in a town considered mistakenly in my opinion, as conservative as Edinburgh, this would take a lot of digging in murky waters. Still, I look forward to other novels from this exciting author, even using the 'hero' of this story as perhaps a foundation for other ventures into the life of auctioneers.
To listen to an interview with Welsh about the novel on the BBC Open Book website, click here
HAM ON RYE by Charles Bukowski (Canongate 2002)
A largely entertaining book, dealing with a subject which could very easily sink into a self-pitying, morbid read. It says a lot about the author that despite a very hard upbringing and an early fall into the throes of alcoholism, that he could manage to write such and exciting work. I feel that as a comment on the period of the Depression in the USA, it comes quite close to depicting this time as did the songs of Woody Guthrie, especially his "Dirt Bowl" songs. All in all, a very worthwile book that leaves me wanting to read more of Bukowski's works.
To visit the These Words I Write Keep Me From Total Madness Bukowski website, click here
ANGEL (From Sleepwalkers) by Marion Arnott (Elastic Press 2002)
A very enjoyable short story by a new author to myself. This story would encourage me to read more of this author's works. Having, over the years, met several women who either have been or are still in abusive relationships, Angel could have been any of or an amalgamation of any of these women. The way the main character treats her son guarantees that when he grows up, he will carry on this vicious cycle.
To read Marion's story on the Showcase section of this website, click here
FINDING FISH - A MEMOIR by Antwone Fisher (Serpent's Tail 2003)
An intriguing autobiography that starts off somewhat confusingly but gradually builds into a dark story of abuse. This story is both disturbing and amusing in places. It does not put the American Social Services in a very good light, however this is easily reflected in our own country where every so often, children fall through the cracks in the system with tragic results. I find it hard to see where the movie of the book is going to concentrate as it is only about one third of the book that deals with his adult life, however, I look forward to finding out when it is released.
To visit the official website of the film of the book, click here
NO SMOKE by Hugh Collins (Canongate 2002)
A very enjoyable short story by a new author to myself. This story would encourage me to read more of this author's works. Having, over the years, met several women who either have been or are still in abusive relationships, Angel could have been any of or an amalgamation of any of these women. The way the main character treats her son guarantees that when he grows up, he will carry on this vicious cycle.
To read about the book on the Canongate Books website, click here
BOBBY GOLD by Anthony Bourdain (Canongate 2002)
This story starts of very promisingly with the title character coming across as a very scary but semi-likeable person with a great deal of potential. However, about two thirds of the way through, the story degenerates into a totally unbelievable and not particularly enjoyable mess which I must admit totally spoilt it for me. Not a book I would particularly recommend. I must, however, point out that at the time of reading I had received an intravenous injection of morphine which may have clouded my judgement. This said, I don't honestly think this was the reason I seemed to lose the plot line. (I have health problems, hence the morphine. I am not a junkie.)
To visit Bourdain's official website, click here
CRIES UNHEARD - THE STORY OF MARY BELL by Gitta Sereny (Macmillan 1999)
A thought provoking biography of what at the time was considered to be an evil crime of unparalleled horror. The author gets well into the mind of a particularly complex human being, something a lot of clever and obviously not so clever psychiatrists and social workers had tried to do during all her years in captivity. One finds it very hard to believe, even in the late 60�s, that more background wasn�t checked into and discovery made of how much influence Mary Bell�s mother, Betty�s upbringing had on her. Although Mary Bell does not for a very long period of the book come across as a particularly nice person, one wonders how any of us would have coped with so much mental and sexual abuse before the age of 11. The most worrying aspect of the book is the fact that even today, we have not progressed dramatically in how we deal with child offenders, as illustrated by the infamous Jamie Bulger case. Not easy, or should I say, not pleasant reading but essential if we are to learn anything from Mary Bell�s case. Much praise should be given to Gitta Sereny for sticking with Mary for all these years and at least showing that no matter what we all thought at the time, Mary Bell was maybe not as evil as everybody thought.
To read a review of the book on the Salon website, click here
ASK THE DUST by John Fante (Canongate 2002)
Another book written by someone who obviously had something of a drink problem. The main character does not merit a great deal of sympathy or interest. This book is unusual insomuch that it illustrates to me where a protege actually exceeds his mentor. I refer to Charles Bukowski who frequently stated his great admiration for Fante. However, I much prefer Bukowski's style of writing.
For Fante's son, Dan's article on the book and film on The New Review section of this site, click here
YOUNG ADAM by Alexander Trocchi (Canongate 1999)
I am sorry to say that this book did absolutely nothing for me. I had no interest in the main character whatsoever and basically could not raise any enthusiasm for him. This book, unfortunately, is not one I would ever recommend.
To read about Trocchi on the BBC Writing Scotland website, click here
BYE BYE BABY by Caroline Sullivan (Bloomsbury, 2000)
Well, for a book I was warned before I read it was maybe a bit 'girlie,' I found this a cracking good read. Maybe a lot of my enjoyment was because a lot of the music mentioned in the book was the same as I was into in those halcyon days when bands were worth going to see. Not that I was a Bay City Rollers fan, mainly because:
a. I was too old at 21'ish, and
b. I was totally the wrong sex.
However, at that time, several of the band rented a house three doors down from me. My mother had a spare key for this house, so night after night we had one or other of the band at our door for the spare key as they were forever losing theirs. Enough about me though and back to the book. This is a well written and enjoyable account of how the Bay City Rollers affected girls even on the other side of the Atlantic and the lengths these girls would go to to actually meet and spend some time with their heroes. So all in all, not just a 'girlie' book but an enjoyable read for one and all, especially folk who had a crush on their idols, whoever they were.
To read Sullivan's article on the book on the Guardian Unlimited website, click here
SPITTING OFF TALL BUILDINGS by Dan Fante (Canongate 2001)
Having read this offering by Dan Fante, one finds it very hard not to compare his work to that of his father, John. In doing so, it must be said I found Dan's work infinitely more enjoyable. This book shows how low some people can sink when alcohol get a real hold of their lives, as illustated by the central character's behaviour in a porn cinema at one particularly memorable point. My only regret is that I maybe should have read the first two books in the trilogy prior to reading this final instalment, however, the book is strong enough to stand on its own. I also like the fact that Fante refuses to let the book become maudlin, which it could quite easily have done and instead manages to keep it nicely light-hearted.
To read Dan's story, 'Princess' on the Showcase section of this site, click here
INDICTMENT - Trial by Fire by TC Campbell and Reg McKay (Canongate 2001)
A harrowing, autobiography of inner city violence, set in Scotland's second city. This terrible tale from nearly 20 years ago still grabs headlines every few years. These headlines were kept alive by Mr Steele's frequent escapes from custody and subsequent publicity stunts to highlight his own and other other 'Ice Cream Killers' appeals. Having read the evidence as described in this book, one has to admit that the prosecution's case, to put it mildly, was flawed. However, having said that, this book is by necessity prejudiced towards any evidence. Being an ex-police constable, I find it galling that the book makes out every police officer is either bent or totally incompetent. Like every job, there are bad pennies, but in my experience, this was a rarity, not the norm. One does not have a great deal of sympathy for these men. As the saying goes, "Those who live by the sword..etc etc..."
To read about the case on the Innocent website, click here
THE CHEEK PERFORATION DANCE by Sean Thomas (Flamingo 2002)
I am afraid to say that this is a story I just could not get into and only read about half the book. I just could not raise any enthusiasm for any of the characters and unfortunately found the style of writing very tedious and boring. Not a book I would recommend.
To visit Thomas's web blog, The Toffee Womble, click here
A ROOM FOR ROMEO BRASS directed by Shane Meadows (DVD - Alliance Atlantis 2002)
A cracking little film that had everything - humour, sadness, terror and a happy ending. For a film with no known stars, each person in it looks completely natural in front of the camera. A special mention should be made about Paddy Considine who plays 'the baddie' in the movie. You so wanted him to get his come-uppance that you almost cheer when it happens. A video/dvd well worth not just renting but in fact buying as you can watch it more than once quite happily.
To read Iain Bahlaj's review of the film on The New Review section of this site, click here
KELLY AND VICTOR by Niall Griffiths (Minerva 2003)
A very dark and disturbing story that uncovers the seedy side of S & M relationships. Neither of the main characters comes over as anything more than pathetic souls whose desires long-hidden, pour out in a torrent of over-indulgence in their dark longings. I have two small complaints that I must mention. The language is quite hard to comprehend until you realise quite a bit into the book that it is set in Liverpool and is quite colloqial. Second complaint is that the ending is so obvious because it cannot really end any other way. It certainly wasn't going to have a happy ending.
To read Graham Rae's review of Griffith's 'Sheepshagger' on The New Review section of this site, click here
NAKED directed by Mike Leigh (Channel 4 Films, 1994)
A film I unfortunately found quite depressing. David Thewlis always plays these strange, complicated characters. The 'hero' comes across as a sad, deranged man with the weight of the world on his shoulders. I find it somewhat strange that despite his appearance and obvious mental problems, he seems to attract females quite easily. Maybe they are trying to mother him and see him as being vulnerable. I did not understand the point of the other male lead in the film. Maybe I am missing some hidden agenda but his appearance seemed pointless. An enjoyable if strangely disturbing film although not one to watch if your are suffering from depression.
To read about the film on the Strictly Film School website, click here
THE HITMAN DIARIES by Danny King (Serpent's Tail 2003)
An excellent, very darkly comical book which starts off with six killings in the first chapter. And then it just gets better. I found King's dark humour very engaging and extremely funny, even in the more serious parts of the book. If you wanted to know how to bump somebody off, this would certainly give you plenty of variations. I look forward to his next book, 'The Pornographer's Diaries' as the mind boggles as to where this could lead.
To visit King's officlal website, click here
BLACK LIGHTNING by John Saul (Ballantine Books 1995)
An older horror story with what on the surface appears to be an unbelievable story line but is in fact, just about possible. The book also provides a good debate on the pros and cons of capital punishment. I have read quite a lot of horror stories in my time, and although Saul does not compare to my favourites - Koonz and Herbert, he is well worth at least another look.
To visit John Saul's official website, click here
NINETEEN EIGHTY by David Peace (Serpent's Tail 2003)
I am sorry to say I did not enjoy this book in any way, shape or form. I was really looking forward to reading this one as I have always had an interest in the 'Ripper' since I found out I had served him when I worked in a pub in Leith, apparently several times. As Sutcliffe travelled a lot for his work, apparently he quite often drunk in the pub I worked in. I found the way the book was laid out and written to be very annoying. The 'hero' of the piece appeared to have more troubles than me, as a reader, cared about. Admittedly I only read half the book and the only reason I read that much was because I had nothing else to read and couldn't sleep. If not, I would not have read as much as I did. I am sorry but I thought this book was crap and was surprised to read it was part of a series. Somebody must have fancied it though, because by the look of things, somebody has stolen it from the pub where I was writing the review.
For a profile of Peace on the British Council's Contemporary Writers website, click here
THEM - Adventures with Extremists by Jon Ronson (Picador 2002)
A book which, if it wasn't about such a serious problem, may have struck me as funnier. This idea about a cadre of world leaders and financiers being hell-bent on creating a new world order has been around for more years than I care to remember. Ronson's time spent interviewing and hanging about with all these extremists seems to me to have been a waste of time because he was only allowed to witness or hear exactly what they wanted him to know. Having said all this, the book is fairly well written and slightly funny which, if it was pure fiction, would have been easier to swallow.
To read Peter Murphy's interview with Ronson on The New Review section of this site, click here
THE SPORTSWRITER by Richard Ford (Vintage 2003)
Sorry, but this book does absolutely nothing for me other than bore me. The writer thinks that using 30 words to describe something is better than using just 2 or 3. Sorry again but this book is highly un-recommended.
To read Dan Schneider's review of Ford's 'A Multitude of Sins' on The New Review section of this site, click here
'ONCE WERE WARRIORS' - DVD (1995)
One of the best films I have seen in a long time. If this is an example of New Zealand cinema, please can I have some more. Two exceptional performances from the leading ladies, Rena Owen and Mama Engard Kerr-Bell ably supported by Temuera Morrison make this a film not to miss. I almost cried at parts of this, so touching were the performances. Once seen never forgotten.
To read about the film on the Fine Line Features website, click here
HARRY HE'S HERE TO HELP - DVD - (2000)
Well this is something I don't usually watch and that is a foreign language film, in this case a French one. I am basically lazy and usually find it too tedious to read a whole film in subtitles. Having said that, I quite enjoyed this, even though it was an extremely strange, with an unusual story line. The acting is extremely good, even from the children who I felt like slapping several times throughout. Still, a nice film, well worth watching on video if you like psychological thrillers.
To read a review of the film on the BBC Films website, click here
HENRY: PORTRAIT OF A SERIAL KILLER - DVD (1986)
A film which I thought was a bit higgelty piggelty - very disjointed. Although I did enjoy a lot of this, I felt it left too many questions unanswered. For instance, it did not really attempt to explain why Henry did what he did. Maybe a bit of insight into Henry's character would have made it more enjoyable. Further, it is very unusual for serial killers to team up with somebody else to commit some of their crimes. The end of the film also left far too many questions for my taste.
To read about the film on the House of Horrors website, click here
THE GENERAL - DVD - (1998)
A good film which I felt could have been so much better than this. The life of Martin Cahill (the General of the title) was much more complicated than this film made it out to be. I'm not totally sure of this is meant to be a black comedy or a serious insight into a very evil man who caused great amounts of grief to people in Dublin. It does not even touch on the murder of journalist, Veronica Guerin which with the release of the film of the same name with Cate Blanchet in the title role, it would have been good to compare this story from both sides. Another thing I couldn't understand was why was it shot in black and white as I felt this added nothing to the atmosphere of the movie. In fact, if anything it spoiled what despite my criticisms was an easily watchable and reasonably good film, well acted by all the leading actors. So in conclusion, an excellent idea for a film I felt was spoiled by some poor decisions by the director.
To visit Sony Pictures official website for the film, click here
'GENE BLUES' by Val McDermid (Harper Collins 1997)
very good story which I thoroughly enjoyed. McDermid writes a very convincing crime novel with just the right amount of humour to lighten the mood of the piece. Kate Brannigan is a believable private investigator who follows in a long line of PI's such as Philip Marlowe, Mike Hammer and Lou Archer. McDermid ranks alongside Jardine and Rankin as a crime writer and I can think of no higher praise than that. If you haven't read this author before, now is the time to try her out.
To visit McDermid's official website, click here
BODY HEAT - DVD - (1981)
Having only really seen Kathleen Turner in comedy roles ('Romancing the Stone,' 'War of the Roses') I was pleasantly surprised to see her brilliant portrayal of a femme fatale. Her performance in this film easily eclipsed her co-star William Hurt, not to say that he was anything other than his usual professional self. The film is reminiscent of something that could so easily have been written by Raymond Chandler, and in fact bears an uncanny resemblence to James M Cain's 'Double Indemnity.' The atmosphere also reminded my of 'Farewell my Lovely.' All in all, a much under-rated film.
To read about the film on the Culture Court website, click here
INTO THE WEST - DVD - (1992)
This film is quite an old video which I have just watched again after a few years. If you have never seen this charming Irish film, rent, buy or steal yourself a copy as it is a truly superb feelgood film. It has everything - comedy, heartbreak, mysticism and two brilliant young Irish actors who totally steal the film from the bigger, better known actors. They even manage to upstage the horse in the film which takes a lot of doing. Only in Ireland would you find it reasonably believable that you could take a horse into a flat in a high rise via the lift. As I said, settle down for a nice evening in front of your TV with a well deserved drink and enjoy a truly great film.
For a review of the film on the Moria website, click here
HAROLD AND MAUDE - DVD - (1971)
An enchanting little film with a very nice line in black humour. Bud Cort and Ruth Gordon are excellent in the title roles, making their relationship totally believable despite the age difference and their mutual obsession with death. Ruth Gordon seems to have a thing about being a dreadful driver in her films ('Any Which Way You Can' and 'Ever Which Way But Loose') and Bud Cort makes the perfect corpse several times during the course of the film. I also really enjoyed the brilliant soundtrack by Youssef Islam (or Cat Stevens to us older folk.) Highly recommended.
To visit the Harold and Maude Homepage, click here
