We have yet to have an extended period of heat, to which teachers county wide are likely most thankful. Today it might reach 90 F before afternoon storms hit us, but that is nothing too severe for this area in June. At the Homestead, because of lots of rainfall so far this Spring, the weeds etc are pretty much out of control one again. Mosquitoes are out in force, but so are the evening fireflies! Lots of them this year.
I forgot to mention some of the things we watched while we were in Sudbury last month. They get many channels which we do not subscribe to. One of them is Netflix, which has three seasons of a recent Lost In Space series, with a female Dr. Smith who is truly evil. We have only watched three episodes so far, but it is quite good. Far better than the new season of Dr. Who, at any rate, showing on Disney. We got caught up on the newest series (up to the Welsh horror episode), and while we both like the new Doctor a lot, as well as his companion, the writing has been less than thrilling. The worst episode of anything we have ever seen on TV was "The Devil's Chord." It was unforgivably bad. "73 yards", the Welsh horror episode, made absolutely no sense, leaving unanswered far too many questions. We will (likely) watch the final four episodes on our next journey to Sudbury. But so far, the Lost In Space series blows the Doctor's newest season out of the water.
In local watching news, there are two films to report. Liquid Sky, from 1982, was Deb's leaving choice last weekend. This remains one of the most offbeat films ever to hit the circuit, and still provides laughs and thrills today. We saw the film in the way back days, but remembered little. The film contains hard drug use, sexual violence (much), and lots and lots of bright colours and fun but often ridiculous outfits. There are club scenes and street scenes, but the best parts of the film are set in a penthouse apartment overlooking the Empire State Building. Anne Carlisle plays two parts, a girl and a boy, and is always fun to watch. The opening scene of the film sets the stage, as a flying saucer is seen approaching NYC, getting closer and closer until it finally lands on the roof of the penthouse. Seen in scale, it turns out to be tiny, no bigger than a large dinner plate. The alien inside gets off on a certain chemical found in heroin highs, but also in orgasms. There you have the plot. A German scientist is trying to study the alien. I was often reminded of more innocent films and times, such as Beach Blanket Bingo with Annette and Frankie. We seem to have come so far, but not in any profitable direction. Though a fun film, several scenes are difficult to watch.
By contrast, my leaving choice this week, also from Criterion, was The Rainbow, directed by Ken Russell and loosely based on the novel by D. H. Lawrence. With a stellar cast of British actors, the film focuses on young Ursula (Sammi Davis) and her attempt to steer clear of conventions and predictability. More than anything, she wants to earn her own way in life, something her father tries to discourage. She has a brief sexual relationship with one of her teachers (Amanda Donohoe), and then with a young military engineer. Her early attempts at being a teacher in a local school are not exactly disastrous, but any first year teacher will recognize the situation. Though Ms Davis might not be top star material, or as proficient as some other young actresses, she brings a fiery temperament and a restrained eagerness to the role. Her somewhat musical voice might put some people off, but her lines get delivered effectively. There are some lovely costumes in the film, not to mention one of the finest doors I have ever seen. Pretty restrained for Russell, and certainly worth a look.
Mapman Mike
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