Films I watched on my way to [and way back from] Austin

Given the length of the journey to and from Austin, Tx from London Heathrow, I had the opportunity to sample some cool films. Unfortunately on the tiny screen and through the horrible, fiddly earphone sockets that occasionally crackles. Nevertheless, here is what I watched:

Liberal Arts (Radnor, 2012)

Directed by and starring Josh Radnor (HIMYM), Liberal Arts is a meaningful follow-up to Radnor’s delightful debut Happythankyoumoreplease. Telling the story of a man in his thirties who falls for a 19 year old student (played by Elisabeth Olson), LA is an honest, heartbreaking and genuine effort. The narrative, though somewhat cliche, is executed wonderfully and the characters–arguably the core of the film– are balanced and firm.

Sound Of My Voice (2011)

Two investigative journalists enter the mesmerising world of a cult via the convincing and hypnotic character Maggie (Brit Marling) and undergo a journey of bemusement, fear and intrigue. Sound Of My Voice is an interesting movie that does not serve to take stance on the issue of cults. Rather, it tells the story of Maggie, a young women who suggests that she has travelled from the future. Whether you believe her or not– and the experience is of both– SOMV is a test as much to the viewer, as it is for the characters at the heart of the movie– Compelling, hypnotic.

Others…

I categorise these as ‘others’ as they were highly enjoyable, however lacking something. Moonrise Kingdom is a humorous, what we’ve come to expect from a Wes Anderson movie. Nothing special. Safety Not Guaranteed is interesting, however sadly let down by the ending.

Going with the Flow

 

I will be making my way to Austin, TX to present a paper at this year’s FLOW TV Conference at the University of Texas, Austin (which takes place over the 1st-3rd of November). Over the course of my stay, I will try my best to update progress of my trip, including feedback from the festival and some posts about my experience of the promising city of Austin.

At a glance, I have already picked a handful of exciting things to experience, including the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema (where they are showing Point Break) and the Mondo Gallery.

Keep posted for more!

Please feel free to leave comments with suggestions.

 

Still Got It: Franklin and Bash Season 2

What’s to say really other than what’s said in the title? With the return of Franklin and Bash season 2 to our screens, I was never hesitant about the show’s successes. The idea of whether it’d lose it’s cool from Season 1 never arose, and I was right to assume so. If anything, season 2 suggests growth. It’s hilarious, flippant, absurd and, plain easy, enjoyable entertainment.

Previous Entry about Season One