Hello everyone
This is going to be a very short post as over the last few days I have been dealing with sciatica (R leg) which has been horrendously painful. Consequently, tomorrow (Wednesday 12th) I am only having one cataract removed rather than two, to shorten the time when I have to lie still. Quite relieved really as it is unusual to have both done at the same op.
Anyway, enough. Now for a few thoughts on the Oscars. Oh wow, Anora won Best Picture and that, I think, was quite a surprise as so many had thought that Emilia Perez would win and then after the furore of the leading star’s tweets, all the attention went to The Brutalist.
Has anyone seen the latter film? I’d be very interested to know your thoughts. I read some of the reviews (of which most say it’s brilliant) but on looking at the plot, I thought, am I drawn to this? Apparently in the first half it plays out as a pretty conventional story about immigration and the struggle to assimilate, but the second half is different with a very odd ending. Do I really want to see it? Not sure? But I won’t see it in the cinema what with it being 3 and half hours long. Even with an interval that is not only far too lengthy, I also see that kind of timespan as indulgent. If you can’t say what you want to say in a film in around or under two hours you are taking the proverbial.
I reviewed Emilia Perez in one of my last posts on Frugal Fashion Shopper. At that point I hadn’t seen two other Oscar winners, Anora, which not only won Best Picture it also won Best Actress (and a few other Oscars too). I apologise for what I am about to say but I watched this film on Amazon as it went straight to streaming and I don’t think it has hit the cinemas yet. And then mid-February I went to the cinema and saw A Real Pain which won Best Supporting Actor for Kieran Culkin’s portrayal of the cousin who was both suffers much pain and is a real pain.
Both films are good, and I highly recommend them. First, Anora, which is not, as a couple of people have suggested to me, an up-dated Pretty Woman. Not at all. This film has many layers and if you wish to see it at that level, you could certainly find it, as Mickey Madison’s amazing portrayal of a sex worker (which won her an Oscar for Best Actress) is rather in your face for the first 20 minutes! You think, lawks, is that it? But then, the sex worker marries a young rich guy, and that’s a bit Pretty Woman, albeit quite transactional. However, it all goes pear shaped when the rich guy’s parents, two Russian oligarchs, turn up and get to work to undo the marriage. So far, not a film you want to watch? Try it and see as, above all, it’s very funny and beautifully shot as well. The characters too are believable, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. If you want some escapism – do watch, you might be surprised.
As for A Real Pain, after the film had finished, we sat in silence watching the credits reluctant to leave. This, as my friend said when we began to speak again, is a proper film. It is a film that captures your heart and tells you a story, and unlike many American films has a messy not quite happy ending, like real life. In fact, Jesse Eisenberg not only wrote the film, he directs it and stars in it, and it could simply be called a road movie with two cousins taking a trip to Poland to honour their grandmother’s flight from persecution as a Jew and her survival in America. But as the cousins set off you can see they are far from compatible, one of them (David played by Eisenberg) has a wife and daughter and a job but underneath is a mass of insecurities constantly mortified by his cousin who can appear at times to be a little too in one’s face and at times ….a real pain. This is Benji played by Kieran Culkin who is funny and easy with people, maybe a bit too easy and up-front in his opinions, so much so that you think, hold on a minute, stop!
But he can’t. Benji has one skin removed and he is the one who questions how and why sites of past Jewish terror and elimination (there is a scene in a concentration camp) have become a tourist experience. He is the one who sobs uncontrollably as the coach drives away from the camp. This is an exceptionally good film, and I am sorry Eisenberg didn’t get the Oscar for Original Screenplay. However, no-one other than Culkin could have won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, he is absolutely made for that role, and he is just – brilliant. A Real Pain is altogether an outstanding film.
I haven’t seen I’m Still Here which won the Oscar for Best International Film about one of the many disappeared, this time in Brazil in the 1970s. It is a film I’m sure I would like. And finally, I see that A Complete Unknown went away empty handed. I am rather sorry about that as that film was great fun and a blast from the past for all of us of, dare I say it, of a certain age! Timotheeee Chalamet’s singing was terrifically good, and I’ve been playing Dylan and Baez tracks ever since. I’m still intending to watch Sing Sing, which was Oscar nominated for its star Colman Domingo.
That’s all for now, and if I don’t answer your comment today, you’ll have to forgive me. I shall be a little occupied tomorrow and for the next few days.
Until the next time, with love to you all, Penny
Penny, I am sure your cataract op will go well. Just do as you’re told: no exercising for instance, and just take it easy for a while. You’ll probably see beautiful colours first thing on waking for a while and then, deep joy, you’ll get clearer vision! Good Luck!
Hugs
Zepherine x
I shall take it very easy mainly because I have this ruddy sciatica and the GP surgery is not being particularly sympathetic. But yesterday I rang our Eye hospital and they are really excellent and very reassuring saying they are used to people who find it a challenge to lie still for half an hour. Anyway, this time tomorrow… 😀
Thank you Zepherine for the good wishes which are much appreciated 😊
Hope your pain goes away soon! My mom used to have a lot of issues with her sciatic nerve when we lived in France. I remember her seeing a blind chiropractor!
I enjoyed reading your reviews of the films, I haven’t seen either and probably won’t but now I know what they were about (I had heard of both through social media but didn’t know thr plots.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Thanks for the sympathy re: the sciatica. I’ve decided that when the first eye is settled I shall go to an acupuncturist for some treatments as they are good for pain situations. Hopefully…..that will sort it out.
Glad you have heard more about these films. With your four children though, I know how difficult it is to find the time to see films. That day will come.
Thanks again Mireille 😊
Wishing you a speedy recovery from sciatica. So painful, I had it in my leg when I was expecting, double trouble.
Hoping all goes well with the eye op.
Yes, sciatica is exceedingly painful, not good when pregnant either! Thanks for the good wishes 😊
Hi Penny
Quite strange I am also suffering sciatica in my right leg at the moment! And tomorrow I’m having a pre-op assessment for my second cataract to be done! I think it’s a good idea you’re only having one cataract done at a time. I wish you lots of luck for tomorrow. I’m sure you’ll find it fine. Am very much enjoying your new blog.
Jo
Oh wow, Jo, how uncanny, it’s exactly the same apart from you’re going for your 2nd op. Thanks so much for the good wishes 😊
Good luck tomorrow. One at a time seems much easier to cope with.
I agree totally re A Real Pain. Definitely a real film!
The Brutalist was hard going. Im Still Here is another real film although more political in general terms. I’m just off to see Anora at the Odeon in Brighton so was very happy to read your review.
Hope your sciatica improves soon.
PS it was so exciting to see you and Mr F on the bus in Lewes recently. A meet up of local bloggees (is there such a word?) would be great. So many topics to discuss – films, politics, health 😱 to name only three!
Yes, I am quite relieved to be having only one cataract done. And you’ve seen The Brutalist! I might see it on the tv, but, although considered brilliant I’ve also heard, like you said, it is quite hard going.
I’ll have some acupuncture for this sciatica (which is why I was kind of limping when I saw you on the bus). It was great to see you and put a face to a name. We will definitely meet up, probably in several weeks though when both cataracts are done. But yes, so much to discuss when we do.
Thanks Jen 😄
Sorry to hear about the sciatica. Incredibly painful!
I enjoy your film reviews, you’re a real film buff. A good sign that a film is remarkable is when you don’t want to stop watching it, and watch the credits.
Hope the cataract op goes well. I’d prefer 1 eye at a time.
I think this has been coming for several weeks now and it is excruciating (will get some acupuncture for it) so I was quite worried about coping with 2 cataracts being done. But we have a dedicated Eye hospital in Brighton and yesterday when I phoned they were quite reassuring and said that they are very used to people who find it challenging to lie still for half an hour. It would have been one hour for two – no thanks!
I do love my films! Thanks Gail 😊
I have every sympathy with the sciatica it is awful and painful. I paid to have some spinal injections and it was worth every penny or rather pound, lots of them.
At the moment I’m necking the painkillers. I will definitely have some acupuncture in between the two cataract ops. But thanks for the tip. My husband had sciatica for nearly two years and I definitely don’t want that!
Afternoon Penny,
Firstly, and importantly, good luck with your operation tomorrow. I’ll send you positive vibes. I think you’re right about having one eye done at a time. I’m very sorry to hear about the sciatica. I hope it eases soon.
Films: Although I I firstly a ‘confession’ I love long films – if they’re good (of course) and shown in the cinema/film club where I get completely immersed. At home, I find I’m too easily distracted. I saw Anora and laughed at times but I got fed up with the nudity. NOT for nudity’s sake but always the woman’s. What I found refreshing was that ‘she’ was a strong woman who fought back, which was funny and unusual (if unrealistic).
I loved I’m Still Here: great story and acting and 137 minutes long. Moving and totally engaging throughout. I also enjoyed A Complete Unkown and agree with you on Timotheeee Chalamet’s singing – very talented young man.
I haven’t seen A Real Pain. It was on last week but I couldn’t make it. I’ll make a point of catching it sometime.
All the best, Mary
PS: I’ve signed up to subscribe but did not get notice of this post
Hold the front page: I’ve just received an email saying my subscription is confirmed M.
Ah yes, is this the 2nd part of the subscription actions? That’s when you click on that link – or perhaps you did and that email was a final confirmation? Fingers crossed it works.
The sciatica is ghastly and at the moment I’m taking the painkillers but theyre not really touching it. In between the cataract ops I shall get some acupuncture – hopefully that will help.
And yes, the nudity and Mickey Madison’s backside during the first 20 minutes or so 🙄 we all thought (watched it with friends) good grief where is this film going! But as it progressed I loved it and really enjoyed watching this film. Quite original and beautifully shot especially those scenes on Brighton Beach and Coney Island.
Do watch A Real Pain – you won’t regret it.
Thanks Mary – fingers crossed you get an email next time. 😊
HI Penny,
I wish you all the best tomorrow.
Thank you so much Cindy – really appreciate the thought 😊
I echo everyone’s thoughts wishing you well with your sciatica, I know how painful that can be, and your cataract ops. You’ll be transformed following these ops.
One thing – on commenting about the film A Complete Unknown you don’t need to say “ dare I say it”, with reference to your age. I just think it’s another way of apologising for our age and we should never need to do that. We certainly wouldn’t be saying that if we were in our 20s /30s……..
I’ve been noticing on Radio 4 how often reference to age ( by which they mean old age) is kind of joked about or someone apologises for the reference. I wish I could give you some examples of the top of my head. Think I’ll start making a list as I notice this!
Hope you don’t mind me bringing attention to language. I’m just trying to raise awareness around language and sentiment re age. I’m 72 now and until I retired I don’t think I really paid much attention to the insidious use of language or jokey comments concerning our age but once I started to become aware, it’s everywhere!
Best wishes to you and I’m loving the idea and the reality of your new blog.
Hi Sue and thanks for the good wishes re: sciatica (really ouch at times) and the cataract op tomorrow (looking forward but you know, it’s the unknown). I believe people who have the 2nd one done can’t wait to get into the operating theatre! .
RE: that phrase – and I do like a good discussion! Actually as I was writing I wondered if it was ageist to say that – it was also kind of lazy writing.. After all why didnt’ I say the film really appealed to a certain age group because when we saw it (in the afternoon) everyone had white hair! And you know yes, I agree I shouldn’t have apologised in that way. I too am always on the alert for ageist terms – you look good for your age, for starters, meaning you look younger than your age. No, one must reply, I look good and this is how we look at ….and fill in your age at that point.
Thanks again for the good wishes – I’m off for an early night now, as I have an incredibly early start. We have to be at the hospital at 7.30am!!!
Hope your cataract op goes well tomorrow xx
Thank you so much Penny
Hello Penny, I do hope your operation goes well. Really sympathise with the sciatica – I suffered with it after injuring my back slipping on wet grass in the garden 6 years ago. I can honestly say it was the worst pain I’d ever experienced – much worse than either childbirth or three broken ribs which were my high points before!
Off work (as a nurse) for 7 weeks. Osteopathy and – eventually – yoga helped enormously.
Re: your film recommendations.
I may be a lone voice, but I have to disagree completely about Anora. A sad story, I thought it was a very mediocre film – both boring and unpleasant. I disliked the fact that all nudity was female and although obviously recognise it depicted the exploitation of sex workers, found it actually rather exploitative of the actors.
I felt the dialogue was generally lazy and the slapstick nature of the scene with the Russian henchmen trying to restrain Ani, completely un-funny.
The last scene was excellent, however, and I felt Mikey Madison and Yura Borisov acted it beautifully.
But overall, not a film I would recommend!
Yes, absolutely the pain from this sciatica is the worst I’ve ever experienced ever! Finally got some stronger pain-killers, but like you I’m being pro-active and have booked an appointment with an osteopath I trust for next week and will go from there. Will also consider acupuncture.
It is interesting what attracts the attention of Oscar and other award ceremony judges. Two others were very much in the frame: Emilia Perez and The Brutalist and then it was Anora. Well there you go!
Tbh, I really enjoyed Anora although at the beginning I did watch it with my mouth open and felt slightly aghast. But oh gosh, don’t judge, it was my kind of film 😂 However, the film that deserved more attention was A Real Pain, also my kind of film. Very thoughtful and what a talent that Jesse Eisenberg is to write, direct and act in the film.
Also I was quite pleased that The Substance went away with only one Oscar for makeup and hairstyling. That was truly awful film on so many levels.
Thanks again Helen, for the good wishes 😊
Yes, I’m looking forward to seeing A Real Pain. I think Kieran Culkin is a great actor and thought he was excellent in Succession.
Re: your sciatica. My GP eventually prescribed me Gabapentin which was the only thing that reduced the pain – even Tramadol didn’t help: it just made me go a bit loopy! Gabapentin has to be started very slowly and I came off it gradually too, after about a month. But it enabled me to move again, thank goodness. (I had been climbing Munros on a holiday to Scotland the day before my back injury so was no slouch fitness-wise!)
Osteopathy and acupuncture sound a good combination.
Wishing you all the best with your recovery.
Sorry – just seen this. Wow that was some heavy duty painkillers – I’m still on the lowest dose of Co-codamol. I get to liaise with my GP next week and see a physio too. But the pain is still a constant factor in my life. Which is a right …… fill in expletive of choice.
Thanks Helen – much appreciate the info.
Just to confirm I am now receiving the emails! Huzzah
Alison
Fantastic – so good to hear!
I hope the op went well Penny . I meant to wish you well but although I received your mail , it was blank . I figured you had enough going on without trying to sort that out . Good luck with the sciatica too . I never see the latest films though we have a local ‘art’ type cinema . I’m too restless to sit still for that long ! Time I grew up I think .
Oh yes, so sorry about the blank page. We realised this about 10 minutes after we’d published it and solved the problem shortly after. And I just didn’t get around to re-posting. But thank you so much for the good wishes. Op went fine but the sciatica is still very much there. I’m being pro-active, and have booked to go to an osteopath next week and will consider acupuncture. Also a sympathetic GP (not my regular one) sorted out stronger pain killers which help.
Actually the art type cinemas are the best. And interesting you say that about not being able to sit through a film. We took our now 19-yr-old grandson to the cinema from a very early age. But little Oscar will be 5 in November and yet I cannot ever see him sitting through an entire film. We are waiting for him to sit through one episode of Thomas the Tank Engine!
Thanks Wendy 😊
Oh, Penny, I hope your sciatica calms down soon. That is so awful because it seems to invade your every waking (and even sleeping) moment. Good luck with the eye surgery. You are probably already experiencing better vision by the time you read this. I’m so behind on commenting. I haven’t seen any of these films. I really need to make a list and just watch them. I love Timothee Chalamet though I don’t like Bob Dylan at all. My husband is always teasing me about it, but I think Dylan’s voice is like fingernails on a chalkboard. He could definitely write good lyrics, though. I look forward to reading more!
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Thanks Marsha – the eye op was fine and the least of my worries as the sciatica nerve pain has been – awful! But I now have stronger pain killers and will be proactive in treating it, hopefully it will pass. I blooming hope so!
Re: the Dylan film, what I found interesting is Timothee Chalamet’s singing voice is like Dylan’s and yet not. It is a richer sound. So when we got home and put some Dylan tapes on I thought – oh that doesn’t sound right – in fact I was thinking, oh, goodness me, Chalamet’s voice is better than Dylan’s, which would be such a traitorous thought to Dylan fans 😂 What I’m saying is I think you will find that Chalamet’s voice range will be very much more to your taste and more acceptable than than Dylan’s. And having said all that I’m sure you would like the film.
Thanks again Marsha 😊
Apologies Penny , running very late with my comment . I do hope all went well with your cataract surgery and the sciatica has improved. Also many thanks for the Oscars rap up , many of these sound interesting.
Yes, there’s quite a selection of really good films there amongst the Oscar winners. Eye op went well, the sciatica is marginally better with stronger painkillers.
Thanks Jill 😊
I just saw this post this morning when I went looking for you as I have not received any notification that you had posted since the emergency post!
So sorry Darby – have emailed you with our thoughts on this.
Me again. I have missed you and as I said only discovered this morning that I was not getting notifications. I have to go out now but later I will catch up. from now on I will make a habit of checking to see if there is a new post. I especially want your take on the political situation here in the US. my anxiety is just over the top. I can go to your home page and get the latest post if for whatever reason you are unable to send me a direst notification.
Darby
Over the pond we’ve never been more anxious, but a tiny positive outcome coming from the chaos is that Europe finally realises it shouldn’t have been so reliant on the States to provide security against Russia. We have to realise that the States at this point in time cannot be relied on.
We know that half of your nation does not like Trump one bit. The other half though….. We know ultimately the States is, and should be, Europe’s ally but not this administration. It’s so dysfunctional – both internally for you and externally in the rest of the world.
We have to hold onto family, friends and all the things we love to keep sane!!!!