Double Indemnity
I first saw this film during my University studies. I was doing a Film Noir module at the time and our lecturer played this film for us.
It's my favourite film because;
1. Mostly importantly, it's a great film.
2. I was a captive viewer dosed up on Film Noir theory.
These two factors combined to have a lasting impression on me. I simply adore everything about the film. Double Indemnity is your archetypal film noir. A story of greed and deception set in the urban sprawl of 1940s Los Angles. The tone is wonderfully down-beat in keeping with the ambiguous morality of the genre. The story is told in flashback and revolves around an elaborate insurance fraud. Barbara Stanwyck is sensational as the Femme Fatale. The film is a masterpiece in many ways.
My top three highlights:
1. The phenomenal dialogue
2. The intricate plot
3. The knock-out performances from the 3 leading stars; Fred MacMurray, Barbara Stanwyck & Edward G. Robinson.
The following quote was one of 400 nominated quotes in the American Film Institute's 100 Years... 100 Movie Quotes list of the best film quotes in American film history:
Phyllis (Stanwyck): There's a speed limit in this state, Mr. Neff. 45 miles an hour.
Walter: How fast was I going, officer?
Phyllis: I'd say around 90.
Walter: Suppose you get down off your motorcycle and give me a ticket.
Phyllis: Suppose I let you off with a warning this time.
Walter: Suppose it doesn't take.
Phyllis: Suppose I have to whack you over the knuckles.
Walter: Suppose I bust out crying and put my head on your shoulder.
Phyllis: Suppose you try putting it on my husband's shoulder.
Walter: That tears it...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double_Indemnity_%28film%29 copy
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Originally posted at: http://iq.lycos.co.uk/qa/show/57681/?id=57681&aid=176017&withNeutral=
Thursday, 18 December 2008
Thursday, 11 September 2008
What makes me feel good?
Watching rugby union, listening to Stereolab, drinking red wine, having a hot bath, starting a book, sight of snow falling, squirrels running about, red sunsets, being indoors during a thunder storm, eating cauliflower cheese, waterfalls, the colour yellow, twenty minutes on my exercise-bike, waking-up in the middle of the night and thinking you have to go to work soon then realising it's Sunday morning, crisps, receiving a text message from a friend, taking clear photographs, not having to iron, Bank holidays, baby wipes, serotonin, Glamorgan winning at cricket, when the price of petrol drops, reading The Guardian, spelling difficult words correctly, answering questions on Mastermind, the shipping forecast, watching Q.I., recieiving no junk e-mail, quiet aisles in the supermarket, peace of mind, good health for my family …
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Originally posted at:
Thursday, 4 September 2008
Rugby and all that
The domestic rugby season starts this weekend. Hasn't the summer gone quickly? When I say summer, in Britain it was just a few weeks in May. The kids had a very poor summer for their school holidays.
It's a Lions season this year and players will be busting a gut to try and get noticed for the squad selection. I expect to a see a great season of domestic rugby. It will be an interesting season for Wales' two big exports to the Guinness Premiership, Dwayne Peel and Michael Owen. Sale have snapped up the services of Dwayne and his increased exposure to an English audience will enhance his claims for Lions selection. If he has a good season I think he will be in with the mix for selection along with Mike Phillips, Mike Blair, Danny Care and Harry Elllis.
Michael Owen's move to Saracens was a surprise when it was announced last year. As a former Newport Dragons player Michael has been one of my favourite Welsh players for many years. For a forward he has great handling abilities and is a prominent player when the game is open and loose. His biggest failing, and it's a very big failing for a forward, is that he is too soft. He's one of the least aggressive forwards I've ever seen. For a man of size, approx 6ft 4ins, he's way too soft. He doesn't hit rucks and mauls with enough power and when carrying the ball he's not dynamic enough. Compare him with someone like James Haskell of Wasps and you can see the difference.
The Guinness Premeirship is more brutal than the Magners league and it will be interesting to see how Michael copes with the increased intensity. I've noticed Saracens have given him his debut this Saturday at number 8. I would have used him as a lock.
Good luck Dwayne and Michael.
More rugby on my rugby blog:
http://blogsaway-parsley1976.blogspot.com/
It's a Lions season this year and players will be busting a gut to try and get noticed for the squad selection. I expect to a see a great season of domestic rugby. It will be an interesting season for Wales' two big exports to the Guinness Premiership, Dwayne Peel and Michael Owen. Sale have snapped up the services of Dwayne and his increased exposure to an English audience will enhance his claims for Lions selection. If he has a good season I think he will be in with the mix for selection along with Mike Phillips, Mike Blair, Danny Care and Harry Elllis.
Michael Owen's move to Saracens was a surprise when it was announced last year. As a former Newport Dragons player Michael has been one of my favourite Welsh players for many years. For a forward he has great handling abilities and is a prominent player when the game is open and loose. His biggest failing, and it's a very big failing for a forward, is that he is too soft. He's one of the least aggressive forwards I've ever seen. For a man of size, approx 6ft 4ins, he's way too soft. He doesn't hit rucks and mauls with enough power and when carrying the ball he's not dynamic enough. Compare him with someone like James Haskell of Wasps and you can see the difference.
The Guinness Premeirship is more brutal than the Magners league and it will be interesting to see how Michael copes with the increased intensity. I've noticed Saracens have given him his debut this Saturday at number 8. I would have used him as a lock.
Good luck Dwayne and Michael.
More rugby on my rugby blog:
http://blogsaway-parsley1976.blogspot.com/
Monday, 25 August 2008
Beijing 2008 Olympic Games
Well done to Team GB. The most succesful games for over 100 years - 19 Gold medals. Yes 19! In Atlanta 1996 we only won 1 Gold Medal.
The Olympics has been my favourite sporting event since Seoul 1988 - the first one I watched alot of. Foolishly I booked my summer holiday in April without checking the dates the Games were on. I ended up missing last the ten days. I was at work for the amazing Opening ceremony but was back home for the closing ceremony. Out of 19 British Gold Medals I saw only one live on television. Luckily it was the first one, Nicole Cooke's Gold in the road race. This Gold gave me the most pleasure. Nicole is a Welsh girl and has been a big star in Wales for at least the last five years. She was tipped to do well in Athens but crashed and could only finish 5th.
I watched the last hour of the Olympic race. It was raining buckets in Beijing. Awful conditions for a road race. It all came down to the last 250 metres. Rounding the last bend Nicole had slipped dramatically off the leading 3 riders. With only an uphill stretch to go it looked like her chances of a medal were over. I thought she had really blown it. Incredibly she dug deep and made up the gap and went on to forge ahead of the other riders to cross the line as the Olympic champion. Just awesome. Although the camera angle (head on) in the final straight was a joke as you couldn't tell who was in the lead. A terrible mistake by the tv broadcaster.
I did manage to keep upto date with the Beijing Olympic news while away by listening to Radio 5 live. It's not the same though is it?
Michael Phelps deserves a mention I suppose. So there it was. And Usain Bolt. He set a new World Record in the 200m - 19.30 seconds. 2 hundreths faster than Michael Johnson's old record. I remember that World Record in Atlanta 1996 like it was yesterday. A truly astonishing piece of sprinting. Michael Johnson has been one of my sporting heroes since. A peculiar upright style of sprinting that I've never seen since. And such a great guy as well. He does alot of work for BBC Sport and is always intelligent, articulate, passionate and insightful. A true legend. I can't say enough good things about him. So well done Usain for beating my hero's old record.
Thankfully the BBC Sport website has excellent video clips so I can watch all the highlights again.
My abiding memory of these Games well be Nicole Cooke's Gold. I must remember not to go on holiday for the next Olympic Games.
The Olympics has been my favourite sporting event since Seoul 1988 - the first one I watched alot of. Foolishly I booked my summer holiday in April without checking the dates the Games were on. I ended up missing last the ten days. I was at work for the amazing Opening ceremony but was back home for the closing ceremony. Out of 19 British Gold Medals I saw only one live on television. Luckily it was the first one, Nicole Cooke's Gold in the road race. This Gold gave me the most pleasure. Nicole is a Welsh girl and has been a big star in Wales for at least the last five years. She was tipped to do well in Athens but crashed and could only finish 5th.
I watched the last hour of the Olympic race. It was raining buckets in Beijing. Awful conditions for a road race. It all came down to the last 250 metres. Rounding the last bend Nicole had slipped dramatically off the leading 3 riders. With only an uphill stretch to go it looked like her chances of a medal were over. I thought she had really blown it. Incredibly she dug deep and made up the gap and went on to forge ahead of the other riders to cross the line as the Olympic champion. Just awesome. Although the camera angle (head on) in the final straight was a joke as you couldn't tell who was in the lead. A terrible mistake by the tv broadcaster.
I did manage to keep upto date with the Beijing Olympic news while away by listening to Radio 5 live. It's not the same though is it?
Michael Phelps deserves a mention I suppose. So there it was. And Usain Bolt. He set a new World Record in the 200m - 19.30 seconds. 2 hundreths faster than Michael Johnson's old record. I remember that World Record in Atlanta 1996 like it was yesterday. A truly astonishing piece of sprinting. Michael Johnson has been one of my sporting heroes since. A peculiar upright style of sprinting that I've never seen since. And such a great guy as well. He does alot of work for BBC Sport and is always intelligent, articulate, passionate and insightful. A true legend. I can't say enough good things about him. So well done Usain for beating my hero's old record.
Thankfully the BBC Sport website has excellent video clips so I can watch all the highlights again.
My abiding memory of these Games well be Nicole Cooke's Gold. I must remember not to go on holiday for the next Olympic Games.
Thursday, 10 July 2008
My Greatest addiction is...
Drinking mineral water.
It started when I was in University in 1996. I wanted a drink in a bottle that I could sip and re-seal. I've never been a big fan of fizzy drinks as I don't like the residual aftertaste of all those sugars and sweetners. I remember buying a brand called Ballygowan mineral water. I soon developed a taste for bottled water. I've never understood how people can say tap water and mineral water tastes the same. I can always pick up the flourides in tap water and it's a taste I don't like.
Starting to drink mineral water was one of the best things I ever did at University. I can't remember the last day I didn't have a glass of mineral water.
I've tried all of the major brands and there's not much difference in taste. Volvic is the most bitter tasting to me. I usally drink Brecon Carreg, Buxton or Highland Spring. Whichever is on special offer. Either £2.00 for 6 x 1.5 litre bottles or £1.18 for a 5 litre bottle of Buxton.
I take 1 litre of bottled water to work every day. I don't drink hot drinks at work. And I always keep a bottle of water beside my bed to sip during the night.
The one thing I think all hotel rooms should have is a "free" 1 litre bottle of mineral water.
When not drinking mineral water I drink fruit juices and the odd Coke or 7-Up. I find all fruit juices too sweet so I'll always add some mineral water to the juice - about 1 part water to 4 parts fruit juice. Tip: put the water in the glass first so that when the fruit juice goes in it mixes better.
Mineral water is my constant companion and I wouldn't want to live without it.
I'm so passionate about drinking water that I regularly support the chairty Wateraid. I know the money I donate makes a difference to people's lives. In the future I may look towards giving my time and energy to help hands-on with an overseas project.
Drinking mineral water is my greatest addcition. I love it!
---
Originally posted at:
http://iq.lycos.co.uk/qa/show/61824/What+is+your+greatest+addiction+%3F/?#a192854
It started when I was in University in 1996. I wanted a drink in a bottle that I could sip and re-seal. I've never been a big fan of fizzy drinks as I don't like the residual aftertaste of all those sugars and sweetners. I remember buying a brand called Ballygowan mineral water. I soon developed a taste for bottled water. I've never understood how people can say tap water and mineral water tastes the same. I can always pick up the flourides in tap water and it's a taste I don't like.
Starting to drink mineral water was one of the best things I ever did at University. I can't remember the last day I didn't have a glass of mineral water.
I've tried all of the major brands and there's not much difference in taste. Volvic is the most bitter tasting to me. I usally drink Brecon Carreg, Buxton or Highland Spring. Whichever is on special offer. Either £2.00 for 6 x 1.5 litre bottles or £1.18 for a 5 litre bottle of Buxton.
I take 1 litre of bottled water to work every day. I don't drink hot drinks at work. And I always keep a bottle of water beside my bed to sip during the night.
The one thing I think all hotel rooms should have is a "free" 1 litre bottle of mineral water.
When not drinking mineral water I drink fruit juices and the odd Coke or 7-Up. I find all fruit juices too sweet so I'll always add some mineral water to the juice - about 1 part water to 4 parts fruit juice. Tip: put the water in the glass first so that when the fruit juice goes in it mixes better.
Mineral water is my constant companion and I wouldn't want to live without it.
I'm so passionate about drinking water that I regularly support the chairty Wateraid. I know the money I donate makes a difference to people's lives. In the future I may look towards giving my time and energy to help hands-on with an overseas project.
Drinking mineral water is my greatest addcition. I love it!
---
Originally posted at:
http://iq.lycos.co.uk/qa/show/61824/What+is+your+greatest+addiction+%3F/?#a192854
Saturday, 5 July 2008
Do you wish you had paid more attention to any particular subject at school?
Yes. French. I've become a Francophile in recent years. I was okay at reading and writing but could not get to grips with the speaking. I dropped French to concentrate on German.
(Any country that has Carli Bruni as the President's wife is a winner)
My biggest educational crossroad occurred between GCSE and A-level. My two best subjects at GCSE were Maths and History. Unfortunately, in alot of schools you cannot combine and study certain subjects. I was unable to take Maths and History at A-level and was forced to make a painful choice. I took the longview and choose the subject which I thought would benefit me; maths. I don't really regret the decision I made though I think I would have enjoyed History A-level more. I've always thought that you can blag your way through History without really fully understanding the content. Not so easy to bluff your way through calculus and coordinate geometry.
---
Originally posted at:
http://iq.lycos.co.uk/qa/show/63426/Do+you+wish+you+had+paid+more+attention+to+any+particular+subject+at+school%3F/?#a197938
(Any country that has Carli Bruni as the President's wife is a winner)
My biggest educational crossroad occurred between GCSE and A-level. My two best subjects at GCSE were Maths and History. Unfortunately, in alot of schools you cannot combine and study certain subjects. I was unable to take Maths and History at A-level and was forced to make a painful choice. I took the longview and choose the subject which I thought would benefit me; maths. I don't really regret the decision I made though I think I would have enjoyed History A-level more. I've always thought that you can blag your way through History without really fully understanding the content. Not so easy to bluff your way through calculus and coordinate geometry.
---
Originally posted at:
http://iq.lycos.co.uk/qa/show/63426/Do+you+wish+you+had+paid+more+attention+to+any+particular+subject+at+school%3F/?#a197938
Thursday, 26 June 2008
Tennis
The Wimbledon tennis tournament is firmly underway. This usually means two things to me; dodgy weather and Tim Henman (or Henmania if you're a tennis fan). On the former point it always amazes me that people associate the Wimbledon fortnight with dodgy weather. If you picked any two week period during the summer over the last 30 years you would encounter at least 2-3 days of rain. Inclement weather is all part of the wonderful British summer.
This year Tim is not competing. He retired from tennis at 33. What will the British public do? Ah well, I guess they'll have to switch their devotion to a middle-class Scottish player called Andy Murray.
I like watching the odd game of tennis. My favourite ever player is Steffi Graf. She was so good to watch on court. "Skills to pay the bills" as they say and one of the most physically fit womens players of all-time. Her sliced-backhand is my favourite stroke of any player. A true legend.
The last bit of tennis I saw was on June 7th this year. I remember it well. I was in a bar in Saint Omer in France watching the final of the womens French Open. I was in the bar hoping to see the South Africa v Wales rugby game which was due on later. I caught the last thirty minutes of the match. That Ivanovic girl was making a good impression on me. She was easily the best player. I'd heard the name Ana Ivanovic before but had never seen her play. I was pleased when she won. I enjoyed her celebrations, climbing into the stand to reach her coach and parents. Always a dangerous thing to do but she managed that gracefully as well.
It was only later that I found out that it was Ivanovic's first Major win. As I was in France when she won she's become my favourite player now, notwithstanding she's beautiful as well. I think she will win Wimbledon this year.
I never did get to see that Wales rugby match. Probably for the best.
Friday, 13 June 2008
Alesha: My favourite Strictly Dance
From Strictly Come Dancing. Series 5. Week 4.
Alesha and Matt dance the American Smooth. Everything is just perfect about this performance. The music goes with it so well. I never tire of watching this.
Thoughts on E.R. series 13
Was Season 13 better than season 12? Yes. Very much so.I enjoyed this season, and I’m sure most ER fans will agree. For me, the development of Morris and Sam has been key to its success this season.Do you remember when Carter left and he spoke that legendary line to Morris : “You set the tone”.Well Morris is finally fulfilling his potential. He’s not the finished article yet, but boy has his character grown this season. (Top Kudos to the writers).
Sam has been the revelation of the season. Since becoming the killer of her husband and Alex’s father she seems a better person. (tragic and ironic). She’s developed stronger working relationships and is slowly discovering how to be a better mother to her son.
On the downside Neela, and new to this season, Dr Gates have been disappointing. This has been Neela’s worst season. Her presence and development as a surgical resident has been negligible. Its all been about the Gates/Ray love triangle. And wouldn’t you know it she chose the wrong bloke, until she finally came to her senses. A shame for Ray it was a bit too late.
Gates has been a major character this season. The writers have certainly given him enough screen time; he’s a main cast member now. His personality and storylines have done him no favours, elevating him to “bete noire” status.
I have no problems liking and empathising for a “bad” guy, my beef is with the actor John Stamos, not the character Gates. Stamos is just plain unlikeable and seems to be devoid of charisma. How many scenes has he done with Sarah where were supposed to believe he’s kind and caring? None of them have been convincing. I’ve watched a whole season of John Stamos waiting for just one spark of charisma, a twinkle in the eye, a killer smile, but sadly nothing came. His acting style is one-dimensional and that really worries me. We’re going to see more of Gates next season and Stamos’ acting is holding back a potentially great character.
Thirteen favourite moments of the Season (in no particular order)
• Ray catches Gates and Neela kissing in the hospital. The look on Ray’s face; priceless. [Jigsaw]
• Morris steps upto the plate with a difficult diagnosis. The D.I.D. patient. [Jigsaw]
• Abby listens in on the nannies talking in the park. [Parenthood]
• The Police investigate Pratt for suspicion of running an illegal clinic. Pratt replies “Isn’t one of you supposed to be the good cop?”
• Morris and Hope sing their socks off and give a rousing version of “Don’t go breaking my Heart” [I don’t]
• Abby returns home to find a stranger (Ames) sitting in her front room. Truly chilling.
• Its Christmas time. Hope asks Morris out, but he gallantly turns her down to remain friends for the time being. Playing the Long Game can work sometimes. Nice one Archie. [City of Mercy]
• Ray vs 18 Wheeler. Possibly the most important moment of the season. Shocking to the core. And in the context of the most upbeat episodes for years , true genius on the writers behalf. [I don’t]
• Morris vs Crenshaw. Archie squares upto the bullying egotist and shoots him down with a stinging verbal assault. Crenshaw was never the same again.
• The mysterious drinker in Ikes turns out to be Abby’s father. The writers were clearly foreshadowing this character for next season.• Sam takes care of a patient. Diana, the photographer, reveals “I don’t have any friends”. A heartfelt moment. Magic. Annabella Sciorra, the actress who played Diana was just great. Best cameo of the season by a long way. [Lights out]
• Dr Morretti is in the I.C.U. surveying his domain. As the viewer, I’ve got Ray on my mind….could he be mashed to a pulp fighting for his life in the very same ICU? The tension in those ICU scenes was immense. Clever, clever writing. [Sea Change]
• Its Sam’s birthday. Alex is many miles away getting help at a special school. She’s having a great time in the bar with her friends from work. Its almost the perfect birthday. Then she gets a phone call from Alex. A very subtle moment, but so powerful. Heart warming.
I’m hopeful Season 14 will better again. Well done everyone at ER.
---
This was originally posted at: http://community.channel4.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/9086031851/m/7700043258 ]
Sam has been the revelation of the season. Since becoming the killer of her husband and Alex’s father she seems a better person. (tragic and ironic). She’s developed stronger working relationships and is slowly discovering how to be a better mother to her son.
On the downside Neela, and new to this season, Dr Gates have been disappointing. This has been Neela’s worst season. Her presence and development as a surgical resident has been negligible. Its all been about the Gates/Ray love triangle. And wouldn’t you know it she chose the wrong bloke, until she finally came to her senses. A shame for Ray it was a bit too late.
Gates has been a major character this season. The writers have certainly given him enough screen time; he’s a main cast member now. His personality and storylines have done him no favours, elevating him to “bete noire” status.
I have no problems liking and empathising for a “bad” guy, my beef is with the actor John Stamos, not the character Gates. Stamos is just plain unlikeable and seems to be devoid of charisma. How many scenes has he done with Sarah where were supposed to believe he’s kind and caring? None of them have been convincing. I’ve watched a whole season of John Stamos waiting for just one spark of charisma, a twinkle in the eye, a killer smile, but sadly nothing came. His acting style is one-dimensional and that really worries me. We’re going to see more of Gates next season and Stamos’ acting is holding back a potentially great character.
Thirteen favourite moments of the Season (in no particular order)
• Ray catches Gates and Neela kissing in the hospital. The look on Ray’s face; priceless. [Jigsaw]
• Morris steps upto the plate with a difficult diagnosis. The D.I.D. patient. [Jigsaw]
• Abby listens in on the nannies talking in the park. [Parenthood]
• The Police investigate Pratt for suspicion of running an illegal clinic. Pratt replies “Isn’t one of you supposed to be the good cop?”
• Morris and Hope sing their socks off and give a rousing version of “Don’t go breaking my Heart” [I don’t]
• Abby returns home to find a stranger (Ames) sitting in her front room. Truly chilling.
• Its Christmas time. Hope asks Morris out, but he gallantly turns her down to remain friends for the time being. Playing the Long Game can work sometimes. Nice one Archie. [City of Mercy]
• Ray vs 18 Wheeler. Possibly the most important moment of the season. Shocking to the core. And in the context of the most upbeat episodes for years , true genius on the writers behalf. [I don’t]
• Morris vs Crenshaw. Archie squares upto the bullying egotist and shoots him down with a stinging verbal assault. Crenshaw was never the same again.
• The mysterious drinker in Ikes turns out to be Abby’s father. The writers were clearly foreshadowing this character for next season.• Sam takes care of a patient. Diana, the photographer, reveals “I don’t have any friends”. A heartfelt moment. Magic. Annabella Sciorra, the actress who played Diana was just great. Best cameo of the season by a long way. [Lights out]
• Dr Morretti is in the I.C.U. surveying his domain. As the viewer, I’ve got Ray on my mind….could he be mashed to a pulp fighting for his life in the very same ICU? The tension in those ICU scenes was immense. Clever, clever writing. [Sea Change]
• Its Sam’s birthday. Alex is many miles away getting help at a special school. She’s having a great time in the bar with her friends from work. Its almost the perfect birthday. Then she gets a phone call from Alex. A very subtle moment, but so powerful. Heart warming.
I’m hopeful Season 14 will better again. Well done everyone at ER.
---
This was originally posted at: http://community.channel4.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/9086031851/m/7700043258 ]
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