Under The Skin

Jonathan Glazer's latest film, Under The Skin, is a sci-fi film unlike any I've ever seen. Dark and disturbing, the film follows Scarlett Johansson, who plays an alien in human form, as she drives the streets of Glasgow and the Scottish highlands in a white transit van in pursuit of men.

The film is certainly mysterious, and I imagine I could explain everything that happened and I feel you would still know nothing. Truly it is a visual masterpiece though, that can't be denied. There are beautiful landscape shots, actuality footage on the streets of Glasgow, and shots of the black, strange, eerie place that Johannson lures her unknowing victims. Some of the scenes are incredibly distressing to say the least (note the scene on the beach, which is just some of the most uncomfortable viewing I may have ever witnessed). The unearthly score by Mica Levi certainly adds to this overall creepiness, and sometimes it is definitely more of a horror than a sci-fi.

I think what's interesting is to see how Johansson's character develops, she isn't human, but the more time she spends around them the more human she seems, to see how the emotionless creature at the beginning of the film, who has no qualms stealing the clothes from a dead girl for herself, to the very much human creature at the end who feels true fear.  Maybe this is one of the messages in the film, in some way, about the qualities required to truly be human? I am only taking a stab in the dark though because really, I am none the wiser about what Under The Skin is trying to say.
            Now, I've thought about it for a while and I still am unsure of the films deeper meanings, I've read other reviews to try clarify it for me, but the only conclusion I can come to is that I think it's not a film that can be fully understood after one viewing. Maybe it can never really be understood. I wouldn't let that put you off though, if you like to be challenged with cinema, if you like films that truly do get under your skin, then this is a must.

Ad of the Week

This week my ad is a new viral from Snickers created by Clemenger BBDO, and it is genius! A great snippet of social commentary, it really sends a message about stereotypes, and to see the women's initial reactions of fear/disgust at the builders, to their shock/surprise at what they're saying actually says a lot about the state of things, but it's done in a funny way so it doesn't feel too heavy!

Fall Out Boy - Manchester 17/03/2014

On Monday I went to Manchester to see my old favourite band, Fall Out Boy. Between the ages of 13 and 16 they were my absolute favourites, so of course I was going, even if they aren't my favourite band anymore.

The support acts were New Politics and The Pretty Reckless. New Politics were definitely more of the genre, The Pretty Reckless were good, however I felt they weren't the right band to support Fall Out Boy, a bit too heavy! The crowd were quite unsure what to do. The crowd were also much younger than I had anticipated, when I saw them live the last time (2009) most of the crowd were my age, so I assumed that 5 years later, the old fans would be back, but I was quite wrong! This became fairly obvious when they played Grand Theft Autumn acoustically and definitely not everyone was singing! 

Some technical issues after the first two songs were also a bit of a hiccup! The sound cut out entirely, Patrick tried to play Chicago Is So Two Years Ago without any mic, I assume in the hopes that the crowd would start singing along, but then I bet none of them knew that one! But once the sound came back the show continued without a hiccup.

They did put on a good show, I feel that their messages were wasted on a lot of people. They were trying to celebrate artists that were really influential but I'm not sure the crowd was up to speed with some of them.

All in all though, they were lots of fun, and that's really all you need from a gig!

Ad of the Week

If you've been anywhere near the internet this week, especially social media, you'll have probably seen the First Kiss advert. It was for clothing brand Wren, and it's blown the internet up. However, that isn't my Ad of the Week. I've gone for the parody, which really isn't an ad for anything, but it's funny. It's by Mother London and it's called First Sniff. There's not much more to say than that!

Tyneside Mind Benefit - The Stand

On Sunday, I went out with my housemates to The Stand Comedy club. It's definitely one of my favourite places in Newcastle and I never turn down a chance to visit. I suggested going because one of my housemates does a placement at Tyneside Mind, who were holding a fundraising event. Live comedy is great, and while not for everyone, I've never not had a good night out watching it.

The comedians on were Lauren Pattison, Hal Branson, Stephen Frizzle, Rob Gilroy, Seymour Mace and the compere was Mat Reed. I've only seen Mat Reed before out of the lot, so that was great to see some new acts. They were all very funny, a real mix of styles too which is always so welcome! And the best bit was that £1167 was raised for Tyneside Mind!

I would definitely say that if you live in an area with a local comedy club, go down, chances are it'll be a great night!

Music Monday

Had an exam today so I've been busy! Almost forgot about this post today oops.

Eclectic Eccentric - The Rifles

Her Name Was Audre - Maximo Park

Skip To The End - The Futureheads

Where Did The Party Go? - Fall Out Boy

Turned On - This Ground Moves

Ad of the Week

This week I'm going for something a bit different that my usual TV adverts. I saw this over on http://www.creativeguerrillamarketing.com and thought it was great. The advert is a digital billboard for a Swedish pharmaceutical brand which was created by Swedish advertising agency Åkestam Holst. The advert was placed on subway platforms and features a moving image of a woman, who's hair blows with the approach or departure of a train, it's very clever and interesting, certainly something I could see happening on the London Underground in the next year.

The Oscars - My Winners

So you should all be aware that last night was the Academy Awards, and the Internet is full of lists of winners, so I'm going to do my own take on it with my own categories! Just for a bit of fun.

Best Photobomb

Well there's really only one winner here! It has to be Benedict Cumberbatch doesn't it, his photobomb of U2 went viral faster than you can say his name!

Best Dancer

Meryl Streep always deserves to win something, so this time should be no different. Her shoulder-shimmy during Pharell Williams' performance of Happy was a definite highlight!

Best Selfie

OK OK this one is obvious, but I just wanted to include it. OF COURSE the winner is Ellen's selfie featuring, well, just about everyone.

Best Reaction to Pizza

Ellen ordering pizzas was pretty funny in itself, but Jennifer Lawrence's reaction was even better. She looked so pleased!

Best Presenter

In this instance I mean award presenter (Ellen would win Best Host every time). The winner is Bill Murray for his mention of his friend Harold Remis which I thought was very heartwarming.

Best Acceptence Speech

This one is tied. Lupita Nyong'o gave a beautiful and eloquent speech, so she definitely deserves this, but also Cate Blanchett deserves it too, for getting her feminist on and telling people that female-lead films aren't a niche market. You tell 'em Cate!

Best Reaction to Winning an Award

This one goes to Steve McQueen, bless him, he was so nervous/happy when 12 Years A Slave won Best Picture he could barely speak, but his jump at the end was brilliant. There's someone who really deserved and appreciated it.

And now the final award....

Best Leonardo DiCaprio

Poor Leo's lack of an Oscar has caused the internet to go crazy. He was up against tough competition this year, and even though his performance in Wolf of Wall Street was absolutely brilliant he lost out to Matthew McConaughey. So here's your own award Leo, just for you!  

Music Monday

This week, I'm trying to have a fairly relaxed week, not sure if it'll happen with uni work though!

Here's my playlist for this week -

Only One Who Knows My Name - Northcote

The Girl - City and Colour

The Draw - Bastille

Buried - Alkaline Trio

National Anthem - The Gaslight Anthem