The fact that this film is a mess is NOT Dakota Johnson's fault.
The fault lies with the script and the direction.
I am a Jane Austen fan. There have been multiple filmed versions of Persuasion and I found things to like in all of them. Except this one.
Debbie Reynolds, Barry Nelson, Michael Rennie, Diane McBain
This is one of my favourite movies. I watch it whenever I get the chance. Unfortunately it does not seem to be available on DVD, BlueRay or the iTunes store. The last time I saw it was a few years ago when I was visiting a friend who has cable and it was on TCM.
I first saw this film on TV as a teenager. It made a huge impression on me. The wit of the script, the apartment they lived in, the sophisticated New York life. And I was sure this was the life I was headed for with wit, a nice apartment, my own Barry Nelson, intelligent friends and bagels (which I had never heard of before).
I got the bagels. And a nice enough condo. And some great friends.
But not the lifestyle. Or a Barry Nelson.
When I was younger
I looked at old people
doing this and that
and said,
Never, I will never...
But now, here I am,
and I do.
And smile.
I've pretty much given up writing this blog.
No one seems to read it anyway and while I have ideas of topics to write about when it comes to sitting down and doing it I just don't see the point.
Blogs used to be fun. But with the loss of the "Next Blog" button I haven't found a new blog to read in years.
So "healthy eating" is shot to hell this week.
I've been to McDonald's AND KFC.
I also bought shortbread cookies.
And a quiche.
I don't know what sets this off. I get an idea in my head of "something good" and seem to go on autopilot, but then once I have allowed myself one thing other things pop into my head and off I go eating things I really, in my calm thinking periods, want to avoid.
I don't seem to be good at allowing myself one treat and leaving it at that.
So my pulled muscle of a while ago turned out to be sciatica.
It went on for 2 months and one week during that time I could hardly move. It was a little better if I walked bent at 90 degrees at the waist. I had to call an UBER to go to a friend's house which is a ten minute walk away.
I've never had sciatica before and I hope to never have it again. It is a totally miserable experience that I would not wish it on anyone.
I'm currently having physiotherapy. Not that it can guarantee no further attacks, but I'm doing exercises that should increase my range of motion and strengthen muscles.
The good part of all this is that I am feeling more flexible and that perhaps I'm not quite as old and decrepit as I have been feeling lately.
Heartstopper
Teenagers - not the sort of thing I usually watch, but this was well done, charming and, most of all, kind.
Grace and Frankie, final episodes
Oh dear.
The Madame Blanche Mysteries
Started off ok, but then....
Dalgliesh
A new version starring Bertie Carvel. I enjoyed watching this. Although at times it could seem a little melodramatic, especially compared to excellent earlier versions, one starring Martin Shaw and one starring Roy Marsden. That's not really a criticism and I really hope they make more.
Manhunt, Season Two
Well done.
All Creatures Great and Small, Season Two
This series is so likeable, I suppose partly because it takes us back to what seems an innocent time, although World War Two is looming in the timeline.