Based on
Charles Dicken’s classic, ‘A Christmas Carol’, Scrooged is a 1988
interpretation starring Bill Murray as the scrooge Frank Cross. Frank is a
big-shot TV executive who is about to learn the meaning of Christmas from three ghosts.
The film has
been criticised for not having enough ‘Christmas spirit’, however, this may be
done on purpose to contextualise the story for a contemporary audience.
‘Scrooged’
succeeds in pulling off a humorous and current adaptation of the classic Christmas story, however, it cannot
be compared to the traditional ‘A Christmas Carol’.
The Movie Club
will be screening ‘Scrooged’ on Wednesday 13 December, 6pm sharp at Narellan
Library. Tea, coffee and biscuits provided, BYO snacks are more than welcome.
Stay after the screening for a short discussion about the film. See the
discussion questions to get some ideas.
Midnight in
Paris is a 2011 film from director Woody Allen. The film focuses on the main
character of Gil, an American who navigates his way around Paris with his
fiancée.
The film
incorporates elements of fantasy and nostalgia as Gil mysteriously goes back in
time to 1920s Paris each night at midnight.
The film
presents a visible tension between American and French culture, or rather, the
stereotypes that American culture holds of France.
Themes of
nostalgia, memory, and history are ruminated upon against a romantic Parisian
background and this allows for an exploration of characters and of the city
itself.
With many of
Allen’s films set in New York, ‘Midnight in Paris’ is a rich and vibrant
departure.
The Movie Club
will be screening ‘Midnight in Paris’ on Wednesday 8 November, 6pm sharp at
Narellan Library. Tea, coffee and biscuits provided, BYO snacks are more than
welcome. Stay after the screening for a short discussion about the film. See
the discussion questions to get some ideas.
‘Vertigo’ is considered to be one of Alfred Hitchcock’s defining
films along with ‘Psycho’ and ‘North by Northwest’. With an intelligent script
and intense stylised editing it will keep you intrigued to the end.
The film begins with Scottie, a private investigator, who
comes to the realisation he has vertigo. Now out of work, Scottie agrees to
help his friend Gavin to investigate his wife’s odd behaviour. This leads to a
series of tense and unforgettable events.
The film is compelling both as a stand-alone story which is
mysterious and smart, but even more intriguing to know is that the film is one
of Hitchcock’s most confessional. Scottie represents Hitchcock and the way he
used, feared and controlled women.
An intense look at the dangers of obsession, desire and
control, the film is striking in visual effects, particularly the final scene.
The themes remain relevant to a contemporary audience, and will make you
re-think the roles of men and women in society, particularly the way some can
manipulate and ‘mould’ others.
The Movie Club will be screening ‘Vertigo’ on Wednesday 11
October, 6pm sharp at Narellan Library. Tea, coffee and biscuits provided, BYO
snacks are more than welcome. Stay after the screening for a short discussion
about the film. See the discussion questions to get some ideas.
‘Hunt for the Wilderpeople’ is
one of those special films which uses humour to make you feel more human, more
compassionate perhaps, more connected to yourself and your surroundings. The
film tells the story of foster kid Ricky – young, rebellious and habitually
rejected. Ricky finds himself in the care of Hec and Bella, an older couple
living in a rural area. When Ricky attempts to escape and Hec goes looking for
him, what ensues is a nation-wide man-hunt. A fresh and natural dialogue keeps
the film away from cliché territory and the New Zealand wilderness adds another
layer of meaning to this very human story.
The film comes from New Zealand
director, Taika Waititi, who also directed ‘Boy’. Waititi is known for creating
a strong sense of voice in his films. ‘Hunt for the Wilderpeople’ has a voice,
a nuanced voice that is refreshing and original.
The film was nominated for 25
awards across numerous international film festivals, including the Audience
Award at the Edinburgh International Film Festival. The Movie Club will be screening
‘Hunt for the Wilderpeople’ on Wednesday 13 September, 6pm sharp at Narellan
Library. Tea, coffee and biscuits provided, BYO snacks are more than welcome.
Stay after the screening for a short discussion about the film. See the
discussion questions to get some ideas.
Based on a
novel titled, ‘Badge of Evil’, the film is an intense story of police
corruption on the border of Mexico and America. Narcotics officer Mike Vargas
is drawn into the case of a car bombing that occurs on the border. Working with
US police officer Hank Quinlan, Vargas begins to suspect the officer of
planting fake evidence. Vargas follows this trail of corruption to the
displeasure of Hank. During this time, a Mexican crime syndicate are planning
an attack on Vargas’ new wife who he thinks is safely hidden away in a hotel on
the US side of the border.
The film is
visual and use of dramatic suspense creates an intense aura throughout. However,
it seems Vargas’ wife Susan, is sometimes forgotten in the film. She is pushed
into a hotel and terrorised by local gang members, yet much of this and its
effect on her character is ignored.
‘A Touch of
Evil’ was re-released in 1998 to reflect the director’s (Orson Welles) original
version of the film. The initial 1958 release had been substantially edited by
film studio Universal. The 1998 edition was re-edited based on notes written by
Welles.
The Movie Club will
be screening ‘A Touch of Evil’ on Wednesday 9 August, 6pm sharp at
Narellan Library. Tea, coffee and biscuits provided, BYO snacks are more than
welcome. Stay after the screening for a short discussion about the film. See
the discussion questionsto get some ideas.
Part comedy,
part road film, part black comedy, part drama, ‘Little Miss Sunshine’ is a film
that covers all the bases. It all starts with Olive Hoover, a young girl
obsessed with beauty pageants. In the opening scene Olive is seen staring at
the television, watching a pageant. We are then shown the rest of the Hoover
family: her unsuccessful motivational speaker dad, her overwhelmed mum, junkie
grandad, depressed Uncle, and her mute brother Dwayne. This opening scene
around the dinner table clearly defines the family dynamic and sets the tone
for the rest of the film.
The entire
family embarks on a road trip to get Olive to a beauty pageant in time to
compete. Along the way a series of events unfold, painfully for the characters
but entertaining and funny for the audience.
What makes
this film so great is the acting; all the actors know their characters and you
see everything on their faces, the love and the pain.
‘Little Miss
Sunshine’ won two Academy Awards for ‘Best Original Screenplay’ and ‘Best
Supporting Actor’ for Alan Arkin.
The Movie Club will be screening 'Little Miss Sunshine' on Wednesday 12 July, 6pm sharp at Narellan Library. Tea, coffee and biscuits provided, BYO snacks are more than welcome. Stay after the screening for a short discussion about the film. See the discussion questions to get some ideas.
Published in 2015, ‘Left of the Bang’ is a contemporary novel about the lives of young adults living in London.
Told in third person narration, the story focuses on Tamsin and her
relationship with her boyfriend Callum. Surrounding this central relationship
is a series of sub-plots that provides a thorough look at the complexities of a
generation. Big themes are tackled in this book: sexuality, adultery, modern
family life, war in a contemporary setting.
Tamsin is not the most likeable
character, in fact she’s quite unlikeable; what keeps you hooked is the rawness
of the writing. There is no censorship to what these characters say and do, and
it is refreshing to see such an extremely honest portrayal, for better or for
worse.
Left of the bang is a military term that describes the lead-up to
an explosion. This idea is reminiscent in the novel as events slowly reveal
themselves and reveal what is to come.
Set in the American mid-west, Woody is an alcoholic retiree who thinks
he has won $1 million dollars in a sweepstakes prize. Woody becomes convinced
he must walk from Montana to Nebraska to collect his winnings in person. He is
slow and fragile; only with the help of his nice-guy son, David, does he manage
to begin his journey.
Along the way Woody and David visit relatives. The characters which turn
up here (including Woody’s wife and other son Ross, as well as two cousins)
seem simple, however, as the film develops it is evident there is a complex
undercurrent occurring. Woody’s extended family believes he has actually won a
million dollars. It is through these peripheral characters that sit on the edge
of Woody’s life that we piece together the man Woody once was.
Nominated for six Academy Awards and a Palme d’Or, Nebraska is a film that
ultimately instils a quiet sense of greatness through character and a strong
sense of place. The Midwest is highlighted for its bleak bareness and it is
beautiful.Characters are revealed
slowly, so that by the end of the film we know them as people in our own lives.
The Movie Club will be screening 'Nebraska' on Wednesday 14 June, 6pm sharp at Narellan Library. Tea, coffee and biscuits provided, BYO snacks are more than welcome. Stay after the screening for a short discussion about the film. See the discussion questions to get some ideas.
Mindfulness is about being present;
it focuses on breathing, relaxing, paying attention. In this sense, mindfulness
is becoming a powerful tool to support mental health. This book discusses a
variety of ways that mindfulness benefits kids and their parents, as well as
providing short and easy activities to help parents guide and assist children.
Author, Eline Snel, is a
therapist that has spent the last 20 years working on mindfulness programs for
kids. Snel also draws upon personal experiences raising her own children, and
how mindfulness worked for her situation. In this way, the book is very open
and sharing, providing personal experiences that support the exercises.
The book explains what
mindfulness is in an easy to understand tone. The strategies provided will help
kids to learn to be more calm and focused, fall asleep, manage anger and other
difficult feelings, and become more aware of what’s going on around them. There
is a CD in the book that will help to complete the exercises.
When a man by the name of Verbal
is brought in for questioning, he tells an almost unbelievable story. Verbal
recounts the story in flashback, of five criminals who meet in a police line-up
who decide to band together to perform a vengeful heist, which leads them
further into crime.
The Usual Suspects is an
intricate film of intense, sometimes superfluous, editing that reveals a plot
of mystery and revelations. It is part crime, part mystery part film-noir and
relies on plot and post-editing to grip the viewer to the very end.
Full of violent twists, and the
mysterious Keyser Soze, the film requires the viewer to watch closely, almost
demanding it to be watched a second time over. However the acting is fluid, the
plot crafted meticulously and the script witty.
The film won two Academy Awards,
one of which was for ‘Best Original Screenplay’,it also won two BAFTAs for ‘Best Original
Screenplay’ and ‘Best Editing’. The film’s intense editing and intense plot
will keep you on your toes.
The Movie Club will be screening 'The Usual Suspects' on Wednesday 10 May, 6pm sharp at Narellan Library. Tea, coffee and biscuits provided, BYO snacks are more than welcome. Stay after the screening for a short discussion about the film. See the discussion questions to get some ideas.
A small book full of big ideas, ‘The
Little Book of Hygge’ is all about finding happiness and cosiness to support
your wellbeing. Hygge is a Danish term that roughly means to create an
atmosphere or sense of cosiness.
‘You know hygge when you feel it.
It is when you are cuddled up on a sofa with a loved one, or sharing comfort
food with your closest friends. It is those crisp blue mornings when the light
through your window is just right’ (‘The Little Book of Hygge’, Meik Wiking).
Author, Meik Wiking, is CEO of
the Happiness Research Institute in Denmark, which is commonly known as the
happiest country in the world. In his book, Meik shares the knowledge he has
learnt about happiness. He believes the Danish concept of ‘hygge’ is the key to
leading a happier life.
Full of interesting facts,
including a Hygge Manifesto, the book covers everything from using lighting to
create a more ‘hyggelig’ atmosphere, to the importance of hot drinks and
pillows. However, it also discusses the integral role of family and friends and
securing a good work/life balance.
Photographer Michael Wee and painter/writer Tom Carment,
have chronicled their experience of some great walks of Australia.
Combining photographs, paintings and words, the book
provides anecdotal experience along with the history of the places
traversed.It is nostalgic and full of
awe for the wild and varied landscapes that are distinctly Australian.
The book has a bit of everything: history, humour and art.
You may find things you are familiar with, such as the Coast Walk in NSW, or
unfamiliar things such as The Overland Track of Cradle Mountain in Tasmania.
This month the Movie Club will be screening 'The Artist'. A 2011 film made in the style of the
silent-era: black-and-white and no talking (in this case, minimal talking). The
film traverses many genres – comedy, romance, tragedy and melodrama – to form
a coherent story of George Valentin.
George is at the top of his game as a silent film
actor, he is famous and in-demand. He meets Peppy at a film premiere, and again
later when she begins working as a film extra. There is chemistry between the two
and Peppy continues to get work as an actor. When talking movies become popular, George refuses to
perform in them, insisting silent film is an art form unlike the ‘talkies’. As
a consequence of this George loses his career, wife and money, while Peppy
becomes a star of the new talking films.
The film is entertaining from the start, with a tight opening scene of a ‘film-within-a-film’,
to George and Peppy shooting a dance sequence over and over while slowly and
beautifully realising they are falling in love, to George firing his chauffeur
because he hasn’t paid him in a year.
There is no need for talking in this film, the actions
speak clearly for themselves, and they are beautiful. It is clear the film is a
‘love letter to cinema’, as director Michel Hazanavicius intended.
'The Artist' will be showing on Wednesday 12 April, 6pm
sharp at Narellan Library. Tea, coffee and biscuits provided, BYO snacks are
more than welcome. Stay after the screening for a short discussion about the
film. See the discussion questions to get some ideas.
Jess has it tough—two jobs, an
estranged husband who doesn’t contribute any child support, a stepson who gets
bullied, a gifted daughter who due to financial difficulties cannot get a top
education, and a guard dog that sleeps more than guards.
Ed is a successful man living in
the city, recently divorced but the owner of two homes and two cars and eats
out every night. After a bad business decision Ed is investigated for insider
trading. To hang low while his case is sorted he retreats to his seaside home
where he meets Jess – his cleaner.
From here Jess and Ed’s lives are
thrown together out of necessity—necessary because Jess needs to get her
daughter to a maths Olympiad in order to win the prize money to get her through
private school, and necessary because Ed has realised how bad loneliness is,
and is also in need to redeem himself from his own conscious.
The book starts out as a
dysfunctional family drama and slowly ebbs into romance a little bit before the
half way point. It’s not soppy romance either, but the kind that seems natural
and not forced.
This book provides a thorough listing of 140 of the best
walks, tracks and trails in New South Wales, located in national parks, coastal
parks, state forests, historic parks, conservation lands, and local government
areas.
You don’t need to be an experienced hiker, the walks listed in this book are ideal for the moderately fit individual.
This month the Movie Club will be screening 'Happy-Go-Lucky'. Written and
directed by Mike Leigh, ‘Happy-Go-Lucky’ is a character-driven film that
follows the protagonist, Poppy, as she experiences some ups and downs in her
life. Poppy is a 30-something school teacher living in London. She is
optimistic, chirpy and happy all of the time, it is not a superficial act, it
is just who Poppy is. Poppy lives with her friend and co-worker, Zoe, who acts
as a kind of moral compass in a film that combines extreme optimism with
extreme pessimism (in the form of Scott). Scott is a narcissistic driving
instructor whom Poppy seeks out for driving lessons.
The film
relies on a series of events that slowly reveal the characters of Poppy and
Scott. There is no major dramatic plot or action sequence, rather we meander
through the everyday life of Poppy: as she goes to work and deals with a
problematic student, as she converses with a homeless man, as she takes salsa
classes, as she visits her younger sister Helen, as she takes driving lessons
with Scott. It is through these sequential shots of Poppy’s life that we
build-up a knowledge base that reveals layers of Poppy’s character. Dramatic
tension is maintained throughout by the relationship between Poppy and Scott.
The film is
interesting not only for its character study of Poppy, but also its depiction
of gender and stereotypes. Most of the characters in the film are female,
except for Scott and Tim. Tim is only a minor character, and Scott is presented
as aggressive, impulsive and an unlikeable male. The lead character here is
Poppy, the film is Poppy’s film, and there is no male counter-part that she
ever needs to rely upon. To add to this, Poppy defies the norms of female
happiness; rather than gaining a sense of meaning from a man, children or
family, Poppy sources fulfilment from things such as work, flamenco dance
classes, trampolining, and friends.
Nominated for
an Academy Award, the film is funny and light, yet full of wise lessons and
deep emotion.
'Happy-Go-Lucky' will be showing on Wednesday 8 March, 6pm at Narellan Library. Tea, coffee and biscuits provided, BYO snacks are more than welcome. Stay after the screening for a short discussion about the film.
Written by
Turkish chef, Sevtap Yuce, who grew up in Turkey and now lives and owns a
restaurant in Australia, 'Turkish Flavours: recipes from a seaside café' consists of classic Turkish dishes with an
inspired modern feel.
The book is organised into
chapters according to dish type, and include chapters on Mezze and salads. The
recipes are easy to read and simple to follow. The book also contains beautiful
images of food that will make you want to start cooking right away.
You will find traditional dishes
such as koftes, menemen and dolmades as well as yummy sweets such as baklava
and yoghurt and olive oil cake. This is for anyone interested in Turkish
cooking, or simply tasty food.
A novel of tender love and slow,
unfurling mystery, Japanese author Banana Yoshimoto folds readers into the
lives of Chihiro and Nakajima.
The Lake is narrated by Chihiro,
a painter who was born out of wedlock and raised by her unorthodox parents in a
small country town. When her mother dies, Chihiro moves to the city. It is here
that she meets Nakajima, her neighbour.The novel courses the two as they fall in love, however Nakajima hides a
secret—a secret that Chihiro needs to know if they want to continue their
relationship.
Yoshimoto’s characters are vivid
and nuanced, and the prose is strong in its observant nature, for instance, “Of
course, it’s true that sometimes the pink at sunrise somehow seems brighter
than the pink at sunset, and that when you’re feeling down the landscape seems
darker too – you see things through the filter of your own sensibility. But the
things themselves, out there, they don’t change.”
For a relatively short novel
there is a great sense of emotional depth at play here.
'A wonderful book full of passion, verve and humor'
Mark Williams, author of Mindfulness : A practical Guide to Finding Peace in a Frantic World.
Ruby Wax is a comedian and TV writer who holds a Master's degree in Mindfulness- based Cognitive Therapy from Oxford University. She has recently been awarded an OBE for services to mental health.
Outrageously witty, Ruby Wax gives out mindfulness advice about relationships, for parents, children and teenagers. A Mindfulness Guide for the Frazzled contains a six week course based on her studies of Mindfulness- based Cognitive Therapy with Mark Williams at Oxford University. Containing nine chapters and filled with humor, a great read. Anne
"Discover the magic inside you. Read this book!"
Gabrielle Bernstein
You got this! Addresses questions we all have at times in our life like-
What will I do with my Life?
What makes me unique?
Can one person really change the world?
Maya offers inspiration and a hands on guide to help you find your passion. You are shown how to turn your passion into action, and how to find your place in the world.
Maya Penn has done a lot in her first 15 years. Starting a company, being an award winning designer, philanthropist and animator. She has also given Ted talks and been a guest on the view. An inspiring read Anne
This month the Movie Club will be
screening ‘Magnolia’, directed by Paul Thomas Anderson and starring an ensemble
cast that includes Tom Cruise, Philip Seymour Hoffman, William H. Macy, John C.
Reilly and Julianne Moore.
‘Magnolia’ tells the story of
multiple characters living in LA over the course of one day. These characters
each have their own problems but the overarching schema of the film is that
their lives coincidentally intertwine. The connections between these characters
provide space to deconstruct universal themes of forgiveness, regret, death,
fear of failure and failing relationships.
The film opens with a series of
coincidences and it is this which sets the tone for the entire film; as the
film states: ‘…These strange things happen all the time.’ Characters are caught
up in their own lives and their own problems, this is highlighted by the
episodic rhythm of the film—moving from one character to another—and seeing how
unaware each is of the people so near to them.
The film plays with the idea of
coincidence—how we can never really plan or prepare for anything in life. Director
Paul Thomas Anderson is making a statement here, the epic-ness of the everyday.
‘Magnolia’ was nominated for two
Golden Globes and three Academy Awards.
The film will be screened on
Wednesday 8 February at 6pm at Narellan Library, Corner of Queen and Elyard
Street, Narellan. Tea, coffee, and biscuits provided, BYO snacks are more than
welcome. Stay after the screening for a short discussion about the film.
*Please note this film is rated MA15+ and
contains strong coarse language and themes.
In her latest book New York Times bestselling author Gabrielle Bernstein teaches readers how to turn their fear into faith in order to live a wonderful life. In The Universe has your back each story and lesson guides readers to release the blocks to what they most want in life : happiness, security and clear direction.
These lessons help readers to relinquish the need to control the outcomes of their life so they can relax into a sense of certainty and freedom. Readers will learn to stop chasing life and learn to truly live. The book gives readers the confidence to make the shift from fear to faith. When readers use the tools in this book, they'll begin to find strength when they are feeling low, synchronicity and support when they're lost, and joy when they are otherwise in pain. Full of inspiration and advice, a great read. Anne
From the same director Gary Marshall who produced Pretty Women and Valentines Day. Starring Jennifer Aniston, Kate Hudson and Julia Roberts.
Mother's Day focuses on the joys of motherhood and the relationships of these women and their families leading up to mothers day. Filled with plenty of joy and humor. An enjoyable film. Anne
Starring Kate Winslet, Judy Davis, Liam Hemsworth and Hugo Weaving.
Winner of 5 AACTA Awards.
"Funny, poignant and full of heart.... destined to be an Aussie classic"- The Australian Women's Weekly.
The Dressmaker is a story about a beautiful young lady Tilly Dunnage who after years of working in Parisian fashion houses, returns home to a small outback Australian town. Using her style and charm she transforms the women of the town, deals with a past tragedy and falls in love along away.
A great story, Anne
'Malala is an inspiration to girl's and women all over the world' J.K Rowling.
Malala fought for her right to be educated, and payed the price when she was targeted by the Taliban on the way home from school one day.
In I am Malala surviving against all the odds has made her an international symbol of peace and the youngest ever winner of the Nobel Peace Prize.
The book contains five parts and also some discussion notes, an inspiring read. Anne
This month the Movie Club will be
screening ‘On The Waterfront’, starring Marlon Brando and Eva Marie Saint, and
directed by Elia Kazan.
Filmed in 1954 on location in the
docks of New York, the film is a gritty look at the lives of the dock workers,
mobs and unions. The film is based on the true stories reported by American
investigative journalist Malcolm Johnson in his series Crime on the Waterfront. It is also important to note that while
the film is based on Johnson’s investigative reports, the film can also be
understood as a justification for Elia Kazan (the director) in his real-life
decision to testify against his friends who were involved with the Communist
Party. Combine these two layers of real-life inspiration and you get ‘On The
Waterfront’. Therefore the political agenda is clear in the film and is
highlighted through the character of Terry Malloy (Brando) and his underdog
status.
Terry Malloy is an uneducated
dock worker, tough and tender at the same time, who is unknowingly used to
facilitate the death of Edie’s (Eva Marie Saint) brother who has disobeyed
union bosses. This makes Terry question himself and question the status quo.
This leads him to be the voice of the dockworkers and to stand up against the
mob and the crime riddled docks.
‘On The Waterfront’ won 8 Oscars
and impacted the way movies were made and the way actors acted—a move towards
realism. The film follows a traditional story-telling structure where the hero
(Terry Malloy) wins out against all odds and this is where it falls short. For
all its realist depictions, the conclusion wasn’t subversive enough—things
turned out all too well for Terry to fit into the realism genre the film sets
up. Nonetheless the film has a punchy dialogue and strong characterisation
which has made it a classic American film.
The film will be screened on
Wednesday 11 January at 6pm at Narellan Library, Corner of Queen and Elyard
Street, Narellan. Tea, coffee, and biscuits provided, BYO snacks are more than
welcome. Stay after the screening to share your thoughts about the film and
join in a discussion about the film.
Mindfulness made Simple shows you how to bring mindfulness and meditation into your daily life. Mindfulness is widely recognised for its calming, healing and restorative effects.
This book contains a step by step guide to your first meditation plus a further 5 basic and 8 advanced meditations to deepen your practice.
The book contains a number of inspiration quotes and tips. I found chapter 5 very helpful as it lists a number of simple meditations for common concerns eg stress and negative thought patterns. I found this book to be very helpful in deepening my meditation practice. It is easy to read and contains clear and concise instructions to follow. Anne
