Film Review: A Real Pain

Jesse Eisenberg has often beautifully portrayed assholes (The Squid and the Whale, The Double, The Social Network) so it’s lovely to see him playing against type here, as well as writing and directing the film. It’s seriously impressive. He portrays uptight, neurotic but still empathic David Kaplan, a family man, who is thrown together withContinue reading “Film Review: A Real Pain”

Why Do We Enjoy Watching Narcissists?

Narcissistic people are under the spotlight, now more than ever, it seems. Dr Ramani Durvasala, an expert on the topic, has described it as “the second -hand smoke of mental health”, suggesting that even being within the general proximity of toxic people is bad for us. So why do we enjoy watching narcissistic people andContinue reading “Why Do We Enjoy Watching Narcissists?”

Piers- The Movie

Interior . Bedroom. Pink castle. Princess Piers yawns, stretches and gleefully gets out of bed, ready to face the day. PIERS: Huzzah. Another scrumptious English morning, ready to be assaulted by a volley of my opinions, masquerading as facts. Princess Piers dresses in two seconds flat, slides down a pole and out into The MagicContinue reading “Piers- The Movie”

No More Mr Nice Guy: How Hitch Turned Jimmy Stewart Nasty

In the forties and fifties , James Stewart, also known as Jimmy, was the epitome of “the salt of the earth,” a figure of decency and goodness in American culture. His film roles centred around standing up for the little guy, whether It’s A Wonderful Life, Harvey or Mr Smith Goes to Washington.He embodied theContinue reading “No More Mr Nice Guy: How Hitch Turned Jimmy Stewart Nasty”

What ‘While We’re Young’ Got Right… About Gen Z Narcissists

*Contains spoilers* Who are the real cultural custodians? Generational discourse masquerading as rom-.com , While We’re Young, which was written and directed by Noah Baumbach, is a really intelligent, funny and thoughtful film. Josh and Cornelia (Ben Stiller and Naomi Watts) are a middle-aged couple, both working in film, whose marriage is getting moribund. EveryoneContinue reading “What ‘While We’re Young’ Got Right… About Gen Z Narcissists”

Theatre Isn’t Yer Living Room!

If, as Dr Ramani Durvasala posits, we’re living in an age of massive entitlement and incivility, this could explain the rise in theatre bad behaviour. According to an article in The Guardian (published yesterday) there’s been a huge rise in violence, disruption, loud food consumption, etc. across the UK. Several actors and members of theatreContinue reading “Theatre Isn’t Yer Living Room!”

Overlooked Classics: Behind The Candelabra

Wladziu Valentino Liberace, known as Lee to friends , was simply one name only- Liberace: the consumate showman, charming comic, and world- renowned pianist, dripping in furs and diamonds. He was also a narcissist. Steven Soderbergh directs Michael Douglas in the lead role, with Matt Damon (“MATT… DAAAMON!”) supporting as Scotty Thorson. It’s a brilliantContinue reading “Overlooked Classics: Behind The Candelabra”

My First All Emoji Review: Dig! (2004)

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Narcissism and Social Media

We’ve all seen them on Instagram- perfect; peerless pristine people in gorgeous settings, showing off abs, teeth and hair while a nutritious yet yummy dinner bubbles away in an immaculate kitchen. Or the famous, sexy do-gooder, cutting ribbon on an animal sanctuary bearing their name, the sunlight bathing them in golden hues,as if the luminosityContinue reading “Narcissism and Social Media”