Film Review: Little Children (2006)

Kate Winslet has just given the performance of a lifetime. (and forget that Titanic bollocks)
I have literally been blown away by a film called 'Little Children'. The film unravelled like a ribbon with one of the best screenplays ever.
Now, I've had this film sitting on my hard drive for ages now and it's taken me ages to want to watch it, and I have no idea why! It's fucking marvellous. It's so deep and complex, heartbreaking and with a narrator speaking in the third person, it's like being told a piece of classic literature.
Characters stem from so many different backgrounds, from the desperate housewives, the neighbourhood paedophile, the lonely stay at home mother and father, the oblivious children and the mother who's love in unconditional.
Expertly directed by Todd Philips, who's previous film In The Bedroom, I also really liked, I do think if you want to see a film with a structure that keeps you wanting more, then see this. Because trust me, I'm going to find a copy of the screenplay, because the writing is just brilliant.

I spend too much time whining...

So Sunday has come and gone in the most uneventful way.. like most Sundays, I can imagine. My old Landlord, Taz has assured me that I've not heard from the last of him. Fucking Great.

Crashing with Kat is already taking it's toll. I've a viewing of an apartment on Wednesday, which is great, but I can't afford to move in until I have some cash, but I'm working, so all I can really do is wait. I'll explain to the guy who's apartment it is and see if we can come to some arrangement. I've been asked to make myself scarce tomorrow night as Kat's landlord is coming over and he has no idea that I am staying here... wouldn't be a problem, only she may not be able to let him know about me being here as she may be having cocktails with a friend. So what can I do? She suggested going to coffee shop and doing some writing, only I am out of the 'notes' phase and in the final stretch, so I really need my PC. I suggested going to the cinema with the last £11 that I have, but she doesn't like that idea (as I would be spending) though I doubt she fully understands the cost of an extra hot latte.

So many thoughts have been rushing through my head "If I'd not done the film, I wouldn't be in this situation", "Don't worry Ant, it'll all be good.. just hold on a few more weeks", "for god's sake, why doesn't she just call him and clear it with him" I am beginning to feel like a Jew hiding from the SS during world war 2. Nothing seems to run smoothly for me... all I want is a secure home, a nice boyfriend and a successful business. (yeah, perhaps that is a little too much to ask from a guy who seems to spend most of his life running) -- but I am tired of running my metaphorical legs are getting tired. (though my figure is looking great)

Bollocks to it. I spend too much time whining.

Back to the Writing Board....

So this has been my first Saturday sandwiched between 'normal' work in over a month. So I decided to do something with it. I went to get my haircut. And failed.
Everywhere was either busy or needed to have a bloody appointment, or they were too expensive. God Damn it! Where is Jagged Edge (from Bedford) when you need it!?

So after doing some window shopping for laptops that I cannot afford (yet) I got chance to have a little play on the new Windows Vista. And it's pretty. Very Pretty, Vista Pretty, in fact.

It looks like a cool skin for XP, but it does seem to run quicker, and the alt+tab shit, looks pretty sweet. I want it. But then again, I'm a sucker for marketing.

Last night, I found myself getting rather wasted with Andy (a guy I live with) and his friend Robbie, who is also cool (he's having some property drama of his own - must be a new trend "Would everyone, like, stop trying to copy me, like") -- So I got no writing done what so ever, So tonight after watching the entire first series of Shameless, I've made a start, page sixty something and counting.
I'm really nervous about giving it to Mike to read now. I've had loads of positive stuff from people about it and I've worked on the bits that needed polishing, but he is such a perfectionist, and I really hold his opinion in high esteem.. fuck me, what if he thinks it's crap? I'll be devastated!!

On the man front, I've been chatting to a guy (who shall remain nameless at this point) but he's really nice, I feel like I can talk to him for hours on msn (and we do).. I haven't yet met him in person, but I finally spoke to him on the phone. We're going to hook up soon, and I'm pretty excited. I'm not expecting anything, but it's been so long, I think it would be nice to have dinner with someone I actually like instead of someone I tolerate. And Alex is definitely not turning gay. Trust me.

Running in the Night

As I mentioned before, I am not a violent person. I don't surround myself with people who use intimidation as a way to get what they want. So last night, Kat and I did the right thing.

We Ran.

Kat had viewed a house is Hulme, where she only needed to meet the housemates before moving in, so last night after introducing ourselves and telling them of our situation, we loaded up the car and got the fuck out of dodge.

It was a bit of an anti climax as we picked up the negative and I was on cloud nine!!! but eh, fuck it...

I started a crappy temp job this week at some insurance company, and It has done one positive thing (other than give me a half decent wage) it's given me the determination to get my treatment finished so we can get some cash to develop Sex With Friends and Grace's Story. (and a few corprates to get the cash in!)

So I'm not going to let this get me down. Because the future is bright. And it smells of film.

Much Love x

Living With The Enemy

I hate thugs, I don't associate myself with them, I cross the street from them and I don't agree that people should get what they want because they threaten violence.
So thanks to my landlord Taz, I'm living with one.
The whole atmosphere in the house has changed. My new housemate has quite proudly described himself as 'the closest thing to the mafia we (Kat and I) are ever going to meet'.

So what do I do about living with a thug? I'm moving out anyway, so I can just deal with it? Taz was blinded by my new housemate handing over 6 months rent in cash! (yes, In cash!) (oh, and a bit extra) There is something very fucked up about this situation, and I for one think the police should have a firm eye on this building.

Film Lab North

So first thing this morning, Mike and I made the journey back to Leeds to collect our negative. I had a feeling of satisfaction, that I cannot even explain, when I walked out of Film Lab North with our negative. The film is now ready to be transferred to HD.

I also am heading to a meeting of the North West Producer and Directors later to network and hear how other producers pitch their work and seeks funds. It should be a great experience.

There are some lessons that I am still learning. Mike reminded me of what Shakespeare said earlier "To all lend thy ear, but few thy tongue" I need to learn as a producer to be more guarded with information that is privvy to me, so tonight may be a test to that. I'm so used to be an open person I think that It will good to start keeping a few things to myself, professionally and personally.

Anyway, in local news, I am looking for a crappy temp job to fill the gaps between projects with Findaway. I used to get depressed as I thought to myself "is this it?" but now that I know and am aware that I have for more exciting and interesting things on the horizon, I think that it will keep me going as I trawl through all the crap.

Peace

Finding A Way to the Future

Mike and I are picking up the negative tomorrow from Film Lab North, we ended up shooting just under 5,000 feet and apparently it's all good!

Next Friday we are heading down to London to do the telecine and the final grade. Then we will be editing up here in Manchester.

In the meantime, what does the future hold for Findaway Films?

Well, we're going to try and get some corporate work in, Mike has directed a few pieces which have been well received, so I'm going to try and bring some more work in.

Also, we have two feature films in development, which are still in the early writing stages, so I'm going batter out a treatment and try and get some development cash, so Mike and I can quit our day jobs and do this full time.