The Meaning of Hidden
Just back from a welcome few days back home on the Isle of Wight. It's hard to describe how good it is to get back there when you live in such a post industrial environment as Birmingham is. Stepping onto the ferry, standing on deck and taking in the salt air whatever the weather - Better stop there before i go all soft focus.
One of the many good things about the islands slow pace is that you can catch up on films that are long gone on the mainland. So last night I dragged the entire family along to see Michael Haneke's Hidden (Cache). A real grower. I've seen a few films of Haneke and had forgotten how slowly they can unfold - 3 minutes in and the single shot of a suburban french scene was beginning to make me think twice about bringing the folks. But relax into the pace and the suspense is unbearable. Entirely plausible and brilliantly acted, the lack of resolution while frustrating and bemusing at the time, in retrospect is fantastic. Lee Beagley, a director friend had told me the ending was awful but sorry Lee, i loved it!
Also got a chance to catch up with local musicians and friends, the fantastic JC and Angelina. They've been gigging on and off the island solidly since I was back at school and just get better all the time. Great playing and beautiful singing, they are still redefining their sound and staying fresh, even on the regular wednesday at the Bargemans Rest! It's been a plan of mine for ages to get them involved playing live during a show but still not to be. There's still time and as JC said last night, as soon as you stop enjoying it you may as well give up.
Have a look at their site here
http://www.geocities.com/yakawaga/vbhome.html
and be sure to catch them if you ever make it over to the wonderful isle.