someguyonthenet

Just watched this for the first time, having heard and read much about it. It's still powerful stuff, and for 1966 this must have been particularly strong. The British Film Institute have just released this on DVD including an interesting documentary about the BBC's banning of the film, and a copy of Watkins' earlier film 'Diary of an unknown soldier'. Good stuff.

I've just seen the film in the city where it all begins (Belfast). Where to begin ? I got the strong feeling that the director (Vinny Murphy) knew how he wanted his film to end, but wasn't quite sure how to get there.

The first half of the film has a confused feel, almost lacking in direction, as it were. The acting was very patchy, almost embarrassing in places. But stick with it; as the action continues, the acting improves vastly, as does the direction. As the race (from Belfast to Dublin) progresses events take a surprising, and disturbing, turn for the worse...

A highly recommended insight into what is, effectively, another world. I look forward to Murphy's second film. Here's hoping it's in production as we speak.

'Holby City' has to be one of the most boring TV 'dramas' I have ever had the misfortune of watching. The plots are insipid, tedious, and cliched beyond belief. Does it possibly exist as some sort of retirement home for washed-up soap-opera actors ? Save yourself the pain and go and read a good book.

Hanks' solo role on the island is a great piece of acting and film-making, despite some annoying minor technical glitches - sound out of sync, poor colour timing etc. The plane crash scene that leads to his arrival on the island is surprisingly gripping as well. However, the script of this film seems quite weak in places and the post-rescue scenes are bordering on unbelievable; The 'happy' ending appears as it was tacked on, almost as an afterthought. And just what was the deal with the whales ? Wait until it comes out on video, or leave after the plane crash...