The Galapagos Affair: Satan Came To Eden 3 stars. Great story of German émigrés seeking freedom from conformity. Three couples (well one threesome) end up on a tiny island. They were seeking solitude but the world and conflict followed them there – or did they bring it with them? Rattled along. I didn’t feel it was too long. Two people disappear, two are drowned (their bodies preserved, leather like on the black volcanic beach) – the mystery never resolved although theories abound. The current locals and descendants of the freedom seekers are all plain spoken genuine people and I enjoyed hearing from them all.
Honeymoon 3 stars. An idyllic wedding party somewhere in the Czech Republic moves from post card pretty church to rural estate. Characters succinctly drawn, stern father of the bride, macho man groom, weak drunkard brother-in-law. Vulnerable bride. An interloper casts a pall over festivities. Who is he, what does he want? A funereal urn a strange and unwanted gift. He finally gets to tell the bride his story. Who should she believe – interloper or husband. I liked the husband, hated the interloper. But we’re kept guessing – right to the end. Interesting. Beautifully shot.
Dior And I 3 stars. Thanks to MIFF I am becoming familiar with the world of high fashion. This documentary was similar to The September Edition and Valentino. Thoroughly enjoyable. The best thing about them all have been the workers behind the scenes. Here we get to see and hear from the ateliers who are so skilled and take such pride in their work. The intricacies of the dress-making revealed. We also get a glimpse of the business side of things – clients versus collection. Clients pay big money – shows cost big money! The dresses were gorgeous, the show itself spectacular. I also enjoyed the footage of Christian Dior and extracts from his autobiography – he’s still very much a presence in the ‘house’.
These Heathen Dreams 2 stars. I enjoyed being taken back to old Fitzroy – the Universal Theatre, pre-tarted up Provincial and early Mario’s. I hadn’t heard of Christopher Barnett who is the subject of this film. But did experience some similar alternative theatrical / activist events. Also enjoyed going back to Paris for a bit – la Pere Lachaise cemetery.
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