Monday, January 29, 2024

Anatomy of a Fall (2023)

Rotten Tomatoes

Rotten Tomatoes

Anatomy of a Fall (2023): French. Could be titled Anatomy of a Marriage. It was troubled, but enough to murder? Was it an accident instead, or suicide? A courtroom drama where there's not enough evidence to know, so the audience has to read people, which puts a premium on fine acting. This movie has that. A-

I do have niggling questions regarding French court trials. Are people allowed to interrupt testimony and give soliloquys repeatedly? Are prosecutors allowed to use more time explaining their theory of the crime than asking witnesses to testify as to the facts of the case?

Sunday, January 28, 2024

POTD: Go Lions

"Brisbane's pride shines bright.
A photo frozen in time:
Lions' hopeful start."

—h/t ChatGPT

From 2023 03 24 Brisbane

Today's photo-of-the-day was taken in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. The "Lions" being cheered for by the skywriting (or "barracked" for, as this is Australia) are the Brisbane Lions of the Australian Football League (AFL). This photo was taken at the beginning of last season in March, 2023. It's old news now, but in September, 2023, the Brisbane Lions and Collingwood Magpies played before a capacity crowd of 100,024 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in the AFL's Grand Final. It was a close match won by Collingwood 90-86. Here's hoping that America's Detroit Lions in the National Football League have a happier result in their own NFL Western Conference championship game this Sunday. Go Lions.

Saturday, January 27, 2024

POTD: Brisbane Skyline

"Nature and steel meet.
City's heart in river's bend.
Brisbane's beauty shines."

—h/t ChatGPT

From 2023 03 24 Brisbane

Today's photo-of-the-day was taken in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. That's the big bend of the Brisbane River in the foreground, the Botanic Gardens on the left, and the skyline of Brisbane's city centre in the background. Brisbane is a walkable, beautiful, vibrant city.

Friday, January 26, 2024

The Zone of Interest (2023)

Rotten Tomatoes

Rotten Tomatoes

The Zone of Interest (2023): German. Within earshot of the horrors of Auschwitz, the commandant's family go about a happy, normal German life. For Rudolph, running a death camp is just a logistical challenge. For Hedwig, life is good. Both are indifferent and insensitive to what's happening next door. Chilling and cautionary. B+

Thursday, January 25, 2024

Echo (TV 2024)

Rotten Tomatoes

Rotten Tomatoes

Echo (TV 2024): One of the better Marvel efforts. A deaf Choctaw woman whose super power is channeling the spirits of generations of female ancestors must deal with anger issues left by the sins of the man who raised her. There's still plenty of violence but this is more of a character study. B+