We, Me & The BBC

[cosmic_ikahana]

After turmoil, we decided to go once again to see a couple's counselor. It is something we do about every eleven or twelve years whether we need it or not. Although I didn't really notice, I guess our counselor dosed off during my sharing time. I'd like to think I weave a spell-binding tale, but I guess I can't even pay 'em to stay awake

Comments

[holy13nation]

Have you ever seen the film 'Withnail and I'? Very English. Set in the Sixties so very far from any country house drama. Great performances (though no eye candy a la Hoskins or Reed). An ex of mine told me it was based on a house all of them would hang out in back in the day, when they were all aspiring and out of work actors.
I love it. I recommended it to my very special American friend. He loathed it. I suspect it doesn't translate so am curious.
More worthwhile Englishness...a film called 'Kes' by director Ken Loach.
Pretty well anything by director Mike Leigh but particularly 'Meantime' not least to see a young Gary Oldman play a very scary skinhead called Coxy.

[holy13nation]

Also anything by director Shane Meadows, but in particular, 'A Room for Romeo Brass', 'Dead Man's Shoes' and 'This is England'.

Pretty well everything I have recommended is pretty bleak - though Withnail is very funny.

So, I should also cite another favourite - the 70's 'The Railway Children' with Jenny Agutter.

Also, English director Nicholas Roeg - 'Don't Look Now', 'Walkabout', 'Bad Timing'. Though none of these take place in the UK.

Then there is 'Performance'...

Special mention for director Peter Greenaway. Obscure and arty but stunning to look at and much bearish male nudity (particularly 'Drowning by Numbers')

Of course, I assume you have seen Ken Russell's 'Women in Love' and the famous nude wrestling in front of the fireplace scene between Alan Bates and Oliver Reed.

Incidentally I used to hang out a lot with one of Ollie Reed's bastard offspring (there are a few). I can attest that there is a very definite Ollie Reed gene. It shows in the voice, the swagger and the ability to consume vast quantities of beer.

[cosmic_ikahana]

Wow! Thank you. Except for Greenway's films, Roeg's films and some of Mike Leigh's films AND "Women in Love"(which I could watch six times a day for the rest of my life, or at least the wrestling scene) I haven't seen any of these. I've heard about "Withnail and I" for years now but have yet to watch it. I'll be correcting that soon

[cosmic_ikahana]

Oh wait - CORRECTION - I have seen "This is England". I knew it sounded familiar. Man I'm getting old - I never used to forget film titles or films I'd seen. That is an amazing movie, absolutely riveting, frightening and wonderfully acted.

[danthered]

Miss you. Thanks so much for sharing brunch with us on Sunday. Made a tough day much more tolerable.

[cosmic_ikahana]

Glad you liked the food - we love that place and would have been disappointed if you guys didn't care for it - NOT that you have to like what we like, but that is one of our favorites.

It was good to spend time with you both. Probably found us during one of our more awkward and inward (at least me - when Rodney extends out, I tend to go inward) phases, but that happens. We will see you soon.

[charaxinae]

I am aghast at that counselor. That is just beyond comprehension. I have never really found someone that was the right match for me in terms of a therapist, but I know they must be out there somewhere. I hope you are both OK and that everything moves in a positive and happy direction. *HUGS*

Also, I love Oliver Reed!

[cosmic_ikahana]

Thanks Sweetness. I hope so too.

Oliver Reed = *swoon* BIG TIME.

Yeah, that counselor. I was giving him a break until that email. Of course, now our relationship has a new catchphrase for being funny and dismissive (I've already texted it to Rodney once today) - "Not a problem, Rick".