The Book of Revelation

Ana Kokkinos

Ana Kokkinos' The Book of Revelation (2006) confronts with its graphic depiction of sexual abuse at the hands of women, showing how men, too, can be victims. Unsettling but powerful film. Worth watching.

As is her more recent film Blessed (2009), a film about mothers and their children, about love and loss. This film is heart wrenchingly beautiful and left me speechless.

I am excited to see what this daring director does next. Although her films may be 'depressing' in content, as many Australian film critics comment, they are simultaneously uplifting and also explore issues that are current and in need of public discussion, on both national and international levels.

Big Brother goodbye

Hectic week. Lots of rushing to meet deadlines at work but the end is finally in sight. A little bit of life away from work:

This is England '86 first episode on Tuesday: love the idea of bringing the story from film screens to our TVs, and Meadows' collaboration with aspiring writer Jack Thorne and director Tom Harper seems to work well (Jack Thorne wrote and Tom Harper directed 'The Scouting Book For Boys' which also stars Tom Turgoose- bloody great film, so if you like This Is England '86, make sure you see it!). Looking forward to seeing the rest of the series.

Laura's return on Wednesday: so good to catch up with her and hear about all her travels. Her departure from the UK is nearing all too quickly though.. this saddens me.

Much needed day off on Thursday: taken up by leisurely wandering around London. Went to cool photography exhibition at King's Place (Guardian offices in Kings Cross) and then across London to Chelsea. Lunch at Balans. KCC to see about photography courses. More wandering. Ice Creams in the park. Relaxing.

Trains to Belsize Park. To Everyman Screen on the Hill for vodka cocktails and nibbles. Hover by the door to make sure we get those reclining sofas. We do - phew! 'Four Weddings and A Funeral' accompanied by hot coffees and homemade pick n mix sweets. Intermission. More complimentary cocktails. Lovely. £2 tickets for this = absolute bargain. (I could get used to this)

Friday school reunion: these things never really work properly do they? Just a little bit on the awkward side.

And then the FINAL Big Brother.

Weird.

I have a love/hate relationship with this show.

So many memories attached to it. From watching it, to being on it (well BBLB, very very briefly), and all that came from meeting people through it, Big Brother has literally brought tears and drama into my life, but also laughter, romance, friendship, and so much more. As glad as I am that there is now one less rubbish reality TV show on our screens, it is weirdly emotional thinking about it's end. So long Big Brother..

Goodb

Refuelled. Some things to write home about

A couple of things I've loved over the last week (or two)

• Scott Pilgrim Vs The World everything

After having been so excited about this film's release for so long, seeing it advertised everywhere and up on the big screen at last was almost surreal. It completely lived up to every expectation I had though. 5 star film, 5 star soundtrack, 5 star performances (gosh I love Michael Cera)

And 5 star director. Edgar Wright deserves every bit of praise he gets, not only for this, but for all his work before it. On top of being a brilliant filmmaker he is also such a likeable guy. I had the pleasure of seeing him 'in conversation' with Joe Cornish at the BFI recently and it was one of the best Q&As I've been to. Footage can be seen here: http://www.bfi.org.uk/live/video/414

Check out Edgar Wright's website and blogs here: http://www.edgarwrighthere.com/

• Everyman Cinemas (and seeing Scott Pilgrim in one)

Scott Pilgrim (at Edgar Wright's local cinema, so fitting venue to see it in!), frozen yoghurt, velvet sofas, hot coffee in mugs brought right on over, footrest - check. Expensive tickets - check. Worth every single penny - check. Lush..

• Revisiting Spaced - because I will never ever get bored of it

• Winning a prize you didn't know existed - I have never had much luck winning prizes or competitions (board games have been the exception), so winning something for studying was a bit of a shock, a very very nice one though. It is good to know that all the hard work does pay off, and all that stress was worth it in the end.

• Mistresses on BBC1. I like this show a lot and do not want it to end.

• Spontaneous day trips - last week's location: Stratford-Upon-Avon.

• Technology, video phones, and having one when you are stuck on the motorway in traffic. For over an hour, because of a 'distressed horse' - this saves you from becoming AS distressed as the horse and is quite handy.

• Byron in Angel - best burgers in town. They even do a 'skinny' one without the bread. All so so tasty. http://www.byronhamburgers.com/find-us/

• You Me Bum Bum Train documentary - great to see footage of all the work that went on behind the show. Brought back a lot of funny memories. Good to catch up with people at the wrap party too.

• Gossip Girl - so I finally took the plunge and started watching it. And I like it, a lot. Too much maybe. So I have to admit that I can see the appeal now. xoxo

• Music, music everywhere - Been listening to the new Jenny and Johnny (aka Jenny Lewis and Johnathan Rice) album 'I'm Having Fun', Antony and the Johnson's EP 'Thank You for Your Love', David Gray's 'Foundling' amongst other things and singing a lot, and loudly.

• Back to work - the idea of going back to work does not normally fill me with happy thoughts exactly, but after a week or two away from Rex whilst I was working briefly (and for free of course) for a company which treat people like rubbish, it was a pleasure to go back to somewhere that respect their staff and treat them well. It goes a long long way...

• Not giving up - pays off in the end. I'm not sure what exactly happened to change things, but I don't care. For now, it is drama and label free and I am happy with that. It's almost like going back to the start, but without so many complications. All of that really is water under the bridge for me now. Slate wiped clean?