Migrants and Symbolism:Sci-Fi and Horror

Ever wondered why sci-fi and horror films and books have such a hold on our imagination? Might it be the fear of being invaded by an alien force who want what we have, whether real or imagined, and will stop at nothing to get it; risking their lives in the process. The press  cover of the desperation of migrants is similar, presenting  them as sub-human and capable of the most extreme behaviour and therefore by implication ultimately destructive of the Western way of life. There is a reality and there is a fantasy but there is a difference between them and the hysteria of the press and others doesn’t help. Maybe reading or watching a film which works with these...

Ida: Moody and restrained

Released in 2013 and shot in black and white, the film evokes French New Wave. With its slow, lingering camera shots, minimal, restrained dialogue, it evokes a feeling of moodiness and anxiety. In this way it’s kind of existential piece, although expressed differently from ‘Locke’. The two characters, Ida, a noviate nun meets up with her only surviving relative, an Aunt who deals with her problems via drink and sex. A strong and interesting contrast to her niece which, with the introduction of a jazz saxophonist, can only lead to a complex interplay between the characters. The film is not Hollywood, there’s no trickery but there is a depth of analysis of the human...

Literary Deckchair found Arvon, Devon

Taken at an Arvon writting course at Totleigh Barton,...

Easy reading is hard writing.

“Easy reading is hard writing.”

One hundred ways to say ‘said.’

The Waters of March

The song running through Echo’s mind after the river incident and Ifan has disappeared.