Fortitude Valley loves a laneway, with plenty popping up — or being brought to life, more accurately — across the inner city spot in recent years. And those laneways love markets. In fact, the trio that is Winn Lane, Bakery Lane and California Lane has been hosting various markets under various names for quite some time. In 2020, those different events are joining forces, taking on one communal moniker and popping up on the first Saturday of each month. Running from 9am–2pm on September 5, October 3 and November 7, Valley Laneway Markets will sprawl across the three stretches of pavement with an array of plants, ceramics, art, handmade goods and vintage fashion. Because that just isn't enough space for this event, they'll actually take over the Brunswick Street Mall as well (which isn't a laneway, but it definitely is a thoroughfare). Browse through the stalls, pop into the permanent retailers, and grab a bite to eat and something caffeinated from one of the many cafes and eateries in the area — whichever you're doing, you'll have a heap of options to choose from. These markets also place a heavy focus on local talents, so when you're rifling through the racks, eyeing off some retro threads, and pondering picking up some jewellery or accessories, you'll be supporting Brissie's best. And, like everything this year, they'll be socially distanced. Top image: Valley Laneway Markets. Updated November 5.
Dutch Courage Officers' Mess might be known for slinging plenty of gin, but the Fortitude Valley bar also knows a few important boozy truths. Sometimes, your favourite watering hole is closed. Sometimes, you don't really feel like hitting the club. Sometimes, you just want to kick back on the couch with a cocktail (or several) in your hand. To help, the bar puts on regular masterclasses — teaching you the tricks of its trade and serving you up a few beverages in the process. And the April class sure does have a buzz about it. Yes, it's all about making espresso martinis. From 3.30–5pm on Saturday, April 13, you'll discover how to whip up a classic espresso martini, plus Dutch Courage's own variation: the Cradle Snatcher, which features butter vodka, agave and a Nutella stripe. Learn, make, drink — that's all on the agenda as part of your $39 ticket, as is an energetic start to your Saturday shenanigans. Bookings are essential.
There's no shortage of cheesy places in this food-loving town of ours, but King Street's Il Verde just might be Brisbane's cheese central. Serving up pasta from a wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano has helped put the Bowen Hills eatery on the culinary map — and it's doing just that on the most romantic night of the year. If you're going to celebrate one thing you love, aka your significant other, then you may as well celebrate something else you love, too. Take your favourite person, add your favourite meal — that's the general thinking. It all takes place from 5.30pm on Thursday, February 14, with bookings required. This super cheesy night includes pasta or gnocchi stirred up in a wheel of cheese, a bellini upon arrival, an entree, and raspberry panna cotta with dark chocolate sauce for dessert, and it'll set you back just $45 per person.
There is nothing illegitimate or false about a band that sings about hurricanes and heart attacks. In fact, it makes them that much cooler. And who makes natural disasters and cardiac arrests sound so rad? I'm talking about Faker, of course - the band that does a disappearing act every so often just so their comebacks and bigger and better than the last. The first such incident was way back in 1998 when they formed, and seven years later had a comeback with catchy-as-hell Hurricane. Once again, they would pull a runner on their fans, only to appear once again in 2007 with an attached hysteria that can only be described as ventricle imploding. This Heart Attack was everywhere, in our ears, on the TV and shoved down our throats, but oh how we loved them. It was after a whirlwind tour from 2007 ‘til early 2009 that Faker again said 'loljokes' to being a stable band, and shockingly went into hibernation once more. All the shenanigans aside, Faker are popping their head back into the music scene with their 3rd album, ‘Get Loved’, soon to drop. But first – they have released a prequel EP 'How Did We Not Get Loved?' and it's advised you see them play before they no doubt do a mad dash out of The Zoo this Saturday.
One of the most iconic movie musicals ever made has been adapted into a lively theatre effort; however that's not the only reason to head to the new staging of Singin' in the Rain. Do it for Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone. Their new Oscar-tipped film, La La Land, both pays tribute to and follows in the footsteps of the Gene Kelly-starring 1952 flick. Yes, that's a very, very good thing. For those who've somehow missed the '20s-set big screen classic during their lifetime, Singin' in the Rain charts a story of romance and stardom, as silent film star Don Lockwood tries to adjust to the age of talking pictures, and aspiring actress Kathy Selden tries to make her big break. It was actually crafted around a heap of existing songs, such the titular track, 'Make 'Em Laugh' and 'Good Morning'. All of that sings and dances its way onto the Lyric Theatre's stage, complete with the talented Grant Almirall, Rohan Browne, Gretel Scarlett and Jack Chambers among the cast — and 12,000 litres of water causing a splash. Actually, there's even a wet weather warning for anyone sitting in the front three rows, as well as a free poncho. Image: Jeff Busby.
For some reason I thought that Supanova would be akin to America's ComicCon. It's dressed up as a pop culture expo, but in layman's terms that means it's for geeks. That isn't a bad thing at all, because at least you won't feel socially awkward around all the jocks – they don't even know this place exists. The supa-star guests are Christopher Lloyd (Emmett from Back to the Future), Val Kilmer (holy shit, he's still alive?), Colin Morgan (Merlin off...erm, Merlin), Julie Benz (Dexter's Rita), amongst some others that I honestly don't even know of. Not to worry, Supanova 2011 is full of sweet activities that are sure to please sci-fi and fantasy lovers, especially the karaoke, something even I would get into just for shits and gigs. In all seriousness, if you are considering attending, you need to be weary of the Weapons Policy, y'all. You can't bring or use actual weapons, but on a positive note, you can watch the AWF wrestling, which is brutal. A favourite at Supanova is the meet and greet with the stars, and you even get to have a photo and get it signed with perhaps, Val Kilmer? C'mon, he was hot once! Get down to Supanova, you Casanova of “pop culture”.
Roll up, roll up, the big top is here — but when you step into Infamous' spiegeltent, you're not stepping into an ordinary circus. A blend of acrobatics, clowning, dancing, comedy, cabaret and burlesque, this is strictly an adults-only affair. Think performers getting a little risqué, acrobats with ripped abs and displays of raunchy dancing, as well as death-defying acts with a devilish dash and plenty of cheeky laughs. Yes, this is a show that comes with a word of warning, so prepare for a two-hour stint of naughtiness that ramps up the indulgence and the hedonism — and the sauciness as well. After packing out two seasons on the Gold Coast, Infamous hits Brisbane between Friday, October 12 and Sunday, November 18. You'll find its big top at Victoria Park, with performances running from Thursday to Sunday during its six-week stay — and with tickets ranging from $47.20 all the way up to $247.35 for the best seats in the house.
If you're going to open a new burger joint in the meat-and-bread-loving haven that is Brisbane, you need to have a point of difference. Biggie's Burgers has a great name, sure, but they're also satisfying a definite culinary need: the Bulimba-based venture is a delivery-only burger joint. Getting your favourite piece of protein placed on a roll and driven to your door isn't that unusual — but only being able to get it that way is. Launching on Boxing Day, Biggie's Burgers will be serving up a hefty menu of gourmet New York-style burgers that can be ordered exclusively on UberEATS, and are then cooked fresh and ferried to wherever you happen to be. Their menu hasn't yet been revealed; however consider the knowledge that it'll include the Big Poppa Pork Belly — aka grilled Peruvian pork belly strips, mojo verde, white slaw, mustard, jalapeños, American cheddar and house-made pickles on a brioche bun — a mouthwatering sneak peek. And, in good news for those keen to get a taste as soon as they can, Biggie's is throwing a celebratory shindig to unveil their delicious fare to the world. If you're not still too full from Christmas lunch, head to Barcadia on Boxing Day for the first-ever Biggie's Burgers Pop-Up. It's a one-day-only affair, running from 9.30am to 10pm, and offering up just the kind of food you need when you're watching sport on the bar's television. For more information about Biggie's Burgers, keep an eye on their Facebook page.
If you're going to open a new burger joint in the meat-and-bread-loving haven that is Brisbane, you need to have a point of difference. Biggie's Burgers has a great name, sure, but they're also satisfying a definite culinary need: the Bulimba-based venture is a delivery-only burger joint. Getting your favourite piece of protein placed on a roll and driven to your door isn't that unusual — but only being able to get it that way is. If you want to feast on Biggie's Burgers range of gourmet New York-style burgers, you'll need to place your order UberEATS, then wait as they're cooked fresh and ferried to wherever you happen to be. As for what you'll be eating, prepare to start feeling hungry. The Bad Boy Brisket features 12-hour slow-cooked beef, house-made pickles and slaw on a brioche bun, and is known to sell out. Or, opt for the Big Poppa Pork Belly — aka grilled Peruvian pork belly strips, mojo verde, white slaw, mustard, jalapeños and American cheddar, also with house-made pickles on a brioche bun. Rounding out the selection are three other hefty offerings: the Brooklyn Beef 'N' Bacon with an Angus beef patty, the Deep South Grilled Chicken with cajun chook, and the super-sized Notorious B.I.G. with a whopping two slabs of meat. Sides-wise, customers can choose between the usual — aka a bowl of mixed chips, some coleslaw or chickpea, and avocado salad — or a couple extra-special additions. Who doesn't want to pair their juicy burg with puffy pork rinds, half a dozen dry rub wings or chilli cheese fries — all without leaving the comfort of home? Biggie's Burgers delivers from 11.30am to 10.30pm. For more information, head to UberEATS or check out their Facebook page.
When you're Fortitude Valley's go-to gin joint, pouring juniper spirits day in, day out is always on the menu. But Dutch Courage Officers' Mess doesn't just like serving the good stuff — it also enjoys teaching everyone more about it so you can truly appreciate its spirit of choice. The venue is mighty fond of hosting boozy masterclasses, which cycle through different types of cocktails. But if you fancy knowing more gin in general, the Gin Discovery sessions are for you. If you've ever wondered what gin actually is, how it came out, what the difference is between various styles and why it's always paired with tonic, this is where you'll find out. You'll also sip gin while you're gaining all of this extra knowledge, because that's obviously a big part of the fun. The next sessions take place on Friday, January 21 and Friday, February 11, both kicking off at 5.30pm and lasting an hour — so they're an ideal after-work drinks idea when the working week is done. Your $49 ticket includes the class — which also covers making gin cocktails — plus a G&T upon arrival and a tasting flight that'll showcase four different gins, each with its own botanical emphasis.
If you're fond of spending your time browsing through stalls, looking at local wares and buying everything from arts and crafts to fashion and homewares, then you've probably made a visit to a BrisStyle market. The Brisbane group hosts several regular events around town, including the Brisbane Twilight Markets in King George Square and The Handmade Market outside the Queensland Museum. It doesn't usually focus primarily on greenery, though — which is one of the reasons that its upcoming Plant Market is so special. Here are two others: it's spring, so it's the ideal time for it; and it's happening in Roma Street Parkland. From 9am–2pm on Saturday, September 18, you'll want to head to Roma Street Parkland's celebration lawn to get shopping. Yes, you'll be looking for greenery while surrounded by greenery. As well as plants, there'll be gardening accessories and floral-themed homewares on offer, and you can book into a kokedama workshop, too. Or, if you fancy learning how to embroider a monster leaf — or paint a tropical plant pot — they're also part of the lineup of ticketed classes. Expect food trucks onsite as well, because we all know that trawling the markets is hungry and thirsty work. [caption id="attachment_784308" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Brisbane Marketing[/caption]
Everyone loves taking taking photos of their dog. Alongside your pet's cheery company and unconditional love, that's one of the big joys of having a four-legged friend in your life. And, over the past few years, we've all become pretty fond of those pop-up museums the Sugar Republic crew have been putting on — including its current multi-room wonder, The Selfie Lab, which is on display right now at Chermside. You've probably guessed where we're going, because Doggo Day at The Selfie Lab is all about bringing your pupper to wander through The Selfie Lab's 16 colourful and neon-lit themed rooms. These installations are all about the pics to begin with, so imagine how much better they'll look with Fido, Max or Champ in the frame. Here, you'll find rooms that take their cues from Palm Springs motels, 50s diners and 80s bedrooms, as well as a space that promises to take visitors to the moon. And, that's just a bit of the decor on offer. You and your pooch will want to head opposite Uniqlo on Westfield Chermside's second level — phone in-hand, of course, so you can keep snapping pics. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Selfie Lab (@selfielabofficial) Top image: @belindaboyceee
Record Store Day might only come once a year, but Brisbane still gets into the spirit of the occasion each month. That's when a treasure trove of vinyl descends upon a specific spot in this fair city of ours, showering music fiends in the stuff collectors' dreams are made of. Brisbane Record Fair is the type of event that gives aficionados reason to salivate, deliberate, negotiate, and then spend, spend, spend — after rifling through crates and crates of rare material, obviously. And, it's back at Coorparoo Square for 2022, kicking off from 8.30am–3pm on Saturday, January 8. Expect a smorgasbord of sounds, offering up music of all types. Whether you're after a decades-old gem or something newer on an LP or a 45, chances are you'll find it here. Sellers come from far and wide to share their wares, including private collectors parting with their sonic pearls. This first record fair of the new year isn't just about vinyl, however, with the event sharing Coorparoo Square with a plant lovers' market and a vintage clothing market as well. Yes, it's a triple treat, complete with DJs spinning tunes, and food, coffee and booze, too.
'Tis the season for flowers to brighten your day — and for floral-heavy artwork posted across Brisbane City Council's outdoor gallery program to do just that, too. The CBD's laneways frequently come alive with vibrant sights, all curated under frequently changing exhibitions; however, the lineup for spring is positively blossoming. With a name like Springfinity, this showcase was always going to give this time a year a big, colourful hug. How could it deliver anything else? Flowers obviously feature in a big way, as do dazzling hues — with the blooming great results on display until Monday, November 29. If you're not familiar with Brisbane's outdoor gallery, it takes over banner spots, light boxes and vitrines around the inner city, and spans projections that pop up at night as well. You'll find it livening up the place in a variety of different locations: in Hutton, Fish, Eagle, Griffin, Edison and Irish lanes; King George car park; Edward Street; the Museum of Brisbane; and Howard Smith Wharves.
Calling all early birds — especially eager Brisbanites who don't getting mind getting their Saturdays started as soon as they possibly can. If you're not usually fond of rolling out of bed on a weekend before mid-morning hits (or possibly even later), then this could just be the energetic motivation you need to greet the day long before you usually would. Every Saturday from 8am, Woolloongabba's South City Square is playing host to free yoga classes, taking you through more than a few moves over a 60-minute session. It's called Yoga on the Lawn, so you know where you'll be bending and stretching — and everyone who attends will receive a hot beverage afterwards. While the class is free, there is a limit of 20 people per session due to COVID-19 social distancing requirements. So you'd best remember to set your alarm, then head on over to Logan Road for an active yet calming start to your weekend. Yoga on the Lawn takes place on Saturdays at 8am at South City Square, 148 Logan Road, Woolloongabba.
You can never have too much greenery in your life, both inside and outside your house. And, whether you're decking out your interiors or setting up a luxe outdoor hangout zone, you can never have too many homewares either. At least that's what you'll keep telling yourself while you're browsing around The Home Collective, which is making its post-COVID-19 lockdowns return. The northside market will be offering up an array of plants, pots, furniture, cushions, art, ceramics, candles and other items that belong in your house or garden. If you're keen for a sneak peek, or some design inspiration, check out the event's Instagram page. That'll motivate you to head along, we're certain. Taking place at the Wavell Heights Community Hall from 8am–12pm on Sunday, July 19, the market will kit out your abode with plenty of choices, with more than 50 stalls ready for you to peruse. Sure, there's an excuse to boost your garden and homewares cred every weekend in Brissie, or so it seems, but you just can't have to much of a good thing. Entry is via gold coin donation, which'll go to the folks at Animal Welfare Queensland. And, there'll also be caffeinated beverages from Mana Coffee to help perk up your Sunday morning — plus bites to eat from The Collective Kitchen. The Home Collective Market takes place at the Wavell Heights Community Hall from 8am–12pm on Sunday, July 19.
Japanese cinema's diverse array of wonders can't be confined to one event. Brisbanites can watch the latest and greatest films the country has to offer at the annual Japanese Film Festival — and, thanks to its classics program, cinephiles can also step back into Japanese movie history, too. Next running from Friday, January 8, 2021–Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at the Gallery of Modern Art, the latest old-school film program explores plenty of big-screen highlights from the 60s through to the 00s, especially if you're fond of weird, wonderful, surreal and subversive flicks. If you haven't ever watched Shinya Tsukamoto's Tetsuo: The Iron Man, take the opportunity to redress that situation — because we all need to see a movie about a man compelled to stuff metal into his body. Or, make a date with 70s standout House from director Nobuhiko Ōbayashi, which is about a creepy abode that eats schoolgirls. Other must-sees include Seijun Suzuki's assassin-fuelled Pistol Opera; Diary of a Shinjuku Thief, Nagisa Ōshima's 60s film about a man who steals from a bookstore in Shinjuku; and Eros + Massacre, a biopic about Sakae Ōsugi, who advocated for sexual freedom in the early 20th century. And, in great news for your wallet, attendance is free. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShJvheZHXdI The Japanese Film Festival Classics Program next runs from Friday, January 8, 2021–Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at the Gallery of Modern Art.
When you decide to call your resident ritzy watering hole Piano Bar, that name sets a few expectations. Yes, Brisbanites can be forgiving for thinking that tickling the ivories is on the bill at the Emporium Hotel spot — because it is. On Sundays from 2pm — kicking off on Sunday, October 4 — those keys will be pressed in the name of jazz, too. The South Bank venue has dubbed the regular occasion Speakeasy Sundays, and it'll be combining live tunes with cocktails to suit the mood. Head on over to the hotel's bottom level each week, and you'll be tapping your toes to the likes of the Aaron Jansz, Bradley McCarthy and Brendan St Ledger Trios over a few beverages. As for those drinks, cocktails will be on offer for $15, so prepare to sip your way through a few classic drops. Given current COVID-19 capacity restrictions, reservations are recommended if you'd like to end your weekend in the jazziest way possible — and in the Piano Bar's luxe, gleaming, chandelier-filled surroundings. Speakeasy Sundays kick off at Emporium Hotel's Piano Bar on Sunday, October 4, and run at 2pm weekly afterwards.
The term 'best of both worlds' certainly applies to beer yoga. Exercise, alcohol — what's not to love? And we'll all just happily overlook the fact that one counteracts the other because simultaneously sipping and stretching is just so much fun. These batch of brew-fuelled active sessions boast a little something extra, however. When you're doing your best downward-facing dog and then pausing to take a drink, you'll be doing all of the above in a brewery. Just join the folks at Ballistic Beer Co. fortnightly on Thursdays, with the remaining sessions for 2020 happening on October 1, 15 and 29; November 12 and 26; and December 10. You'll want to head to its Salisbury digs, and arrive at 5.45pm for a 6pm start. It'll only set you back $15, which includes the class and a Ballistic beer — and it's a BYO yoga mat situation. Ballistic's beer yoga takes place fortnightly on Thursdays, with arrival at 5.45pm for a 6pm start.
In a normal year, Brisbane's annual Italian Film Festival gives cinephiles a chance to venture to Europe from the comfort of their cinema seats. In 2020, it's doing the same — but for everyone desperate to soak in some scenic sights well beyond their own four walls, that mission feels especially resonant. Cue an impressive array of films that'll whisk you off to the other side of the planet, as screening at Palace Barracks and Palace James Street from Thursday, October 1–Sunday, October 18. With Bad Tales, viewers will head to a southern suburb of Rome during a tense summer. Via psychological drama Feel Your Memories, a trip to 90s-era Naples is in order. And thanks to the latest live-action version of Pinocchio — IFF's opening night film, and the latest feature by Gomorrah and Dogman's Matteo Garrone — seeing the country through the eyes of a sentient wooden puppet is also on the agenda. The festival's other highlights include Martin Eden, which nabbed The Old Guard's Luca Marinelli the Best Actor prize at the 2019 Venice Film Festival; crime drama The Traitor, which won big at Italy's version of the Oscars this year; and a 20th anniversary screening of Giuseppe Tornatore's romantic tragedy Malèna, starring Monica Bellucci. Or, you can opt for a rom-com with 7 Hours to Win Your Heart, jump into a holiday comedy via I Hate Summer and get immersed in a legal drama with Ordinary Justice. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66f3BFtAmZA The 2020 Italian Film Festival screens at Palace Barracks and Palace James Street from Thursday, October 1–Sunday, October 18.
Bao is one of those immensely versatile dishes — the kind that always seems to taste great no matter the filling. Whether you like yours stuffed with pork belly or karaage chicken, or prefer mushrooms with truffle kewpie mayonnaise and truffle salsa, chicken katsu with sando sauce, or beef ribs and avocado, your tastebuds won't be disappointed. Clearly, Bao Bar specialises in the beloved bite. In fact, it serves up all of the above varieties, as well as tofu and prawn types, too. And, from midday on Sunday, September 13, it's dishing them up for $3 a pop to celebrate the store's launch — as part of an afternoon-long festival. Yes, that'd be the $3 Bao Festival, which will run until 10pm. No bookings are required, but the South Brisbane spot does have a 30-person seating capacity at present, so you might need to wait — or you can grab some cheap bao to takeaway. Bao Bar's $3 Bao Festival runs from midday on Sunday, September 13. Top image: Bao Bar.
UPDATE, March 15, 2021: Deerskin is available to stream via Stan, Google Play, YouTube Movies and iTunes. You've heard the first words uttered in Deerskin before, but it's unlikely that you've heard them in this specific order: "I swear never to wear a jacket as long as I live". In the film's opening moments, three people exclaim the phrase as they dump armfuls of clothing into a car boot. Watching on, Georges (The Artist Oscar-winner Jean Dujardin) makes sure that they say the sentence in exactly the right way. The film offers no further explanation at this point, as if these dramatic declarations are the most normal thing in the world. Next, though, it shows Georges putting his own brown corduroy jacket in a public toilet, flushing, and leaving the bowl clogged and overflowing. His subsequent destination finally helps clarify what's going on, at least in part — with Deerskin's protagonist buying himself a new secondhand jacket made from the eponymous material. How far would you go for the perfect piece of clothing? And can one ideal fashion item completely change your life? They're two completely relatable questions that Deerskin ponders, after aspiring filmmaker Georges takes a strong liking to said Italian-made vintage fringed deerskin jacket. And, we mean strong. Obsessed, fanatical and passionate, even. In the way that anyone can, but that vain, middle-aged, just-divorced men are stereotypically known to, Georges is certain that this one luxurious object is perfect for him. In fact, he thinks he just can't live without it. It doesn't matter that said coat costs him nearly €8000, a price tag that most would stumble over. Similarly irrelevant: that the jacket looks just a tad too small while he's wearing it. Instead, how it makes Georges feel is far more important than any logical drawbacks — to him, at least. Also pivotal is how it catches the attention of small-town waitress and wannabe film editor Denise (Portrait of a Lady on Fire's Adèle Haenel). The latest feature by the inimitable Quentin Dupieux (also known, in his electronic music guise, as Mr Oizo), Deerskin luxuriates in Georges' devotion to the newest addition to his wardrobe. Again, that's putting it mildly. The film revels in this fixation to a purposefully absurdist, always amusing and even sometimes comically unnerving extent, especially when it comes to the character's ultimate goal: that his will be the only jacket remaining in the world, and he'll be the only person wearing it. When Georges is told that it's the jacket of his dreams before he makes the hefty purchase, it's one of many similar statements to come. When two women at a bar comment on it, he says that "it's no ordinary jacket", for example. Later, when one of them remarks on his overall appearance, he asks "don't you see my killer style?". And in bed that night, playing with the video camera that came with the coat as a package deal, he vocally and effusively lavishes praise upon the inanimate item. The above paragraph stresses the point, but so does Deerskin. If you're going to make a movie about a man's crazed fetish for a jacket, his willingness to do anything for it and his belief that it's the only jacket that should exist from this point forward — and his outlandish, even violent actions to make sure that's the case as well — there's no room for being subtle. This is a concept that requires the same level of commitment as Georges' to his beloved possession, and Dupieux doesn't hold back. That's his nature anyway, with Deerskin the latest of the writer/director's movies to fixate on an inanimate object. If you saw the French filmmaker's 2010 cult hit Rubber, about a homicidal car tyre, then you'll know just what kind of weirdness he both relishes in general and unfurls here. Dupieux makes films that instantly seem ridiculous, yet both express and interrogate their central idea with smarts as well as a sense of humour, and Deerskin couldn't better fit the bill. Still, while this French Alps-set horror-comedy is a typical Dupieux movie through and through, a few things particularly stand out. Indeed, from a resume that also includes 2012's Wrong, 2013's Wrong Cops and 2014's Réalité, this might just be the filmmaker's most accessible film to-date. The deadpan performances, including from a fantastic Dujardin, are a delight. The commentary about consumerism, male egos and the potential brutality of both at their most over-the-top proves as funny as it is astute — and even though it's also rather obvious, it's constantly entertaining. Also, the fact that the movie well and truly knows that it's stretching a thin basic idea to its most overblown extreme means that everything is a joke, and the film is all the better for it. Then there's the visual symbolism, the lingering shots, the beige-hued colour palette and the editing, too, all of which follow their own rhythm as much as anything Dupieux has ever made. But, perhaps the most impressive element of this warped, weird, always beguiling movie is that — despite the all-round offbeat premise — Dupieux never forgets that he's actually fashioning a love story here. Yes, it's a twisted, troubled romance between a man and his jacket (and, later, his deerskin hat, shoes and pants as well), but it's a romance nonetheless. In a feature that'd make a great double with Peter Strickland's In Fabric, every element of this sublimely silly, sometimes savage, 100-percent suede-coveting film is crafted with that in mind. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_u4YDiGH3k
If 2020 has been good for anything, it's upskilling. No doubt you started making sourdough from scratch, did some DIY projects around the house or took up an online course. You probably attempted to mix up a negroni, amaretto sour or perfectly balanced martini at some point, too. But, if your concoctions didn't quite match the expertise of the bartender at your favourite watering hole, now's your chance to level up. This winter, three top Aussie bartenders are bringing the festivities to your living room with a series of online cocktail classes. Kicking off the series is Eau de Vie Melbourne's Jonny Linstead on Thursday, August 20, from 6–6.30pm. He'll be showing you how to make a vodka-based martini dubbed the D'Vine Time. At the same time on Thursday, September 3, Brisbane bartender Millie Tang, behind old-world cocktail bar The Gresham, will be mixing up a twist on the classic Moscow Mule: the Polish Pony. Then, rounding out the three-part series will be award-winning bartender Kate McGraw from Sydney's izakaya-style bar Isabel on Thursday, September 17. Fittingly, she'll be whipping up a Kyoto Highball, which will have you dreaming of trips to Japan. [caption id="attachment_777922" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Polish Mule[/caption] A collaboration between premium vodka distiller Belvedere and drink delivery company Boozebud, the at-home cocktail classes will focus on top-quality natural ingredients. Each drink recipe will have a 'less is more' approach, so you'll be making cocktails that you'll actually be able to recreate — again and again and again. The masterclasses are free to stream via Facebook. For Jonny Linstead's class head here, Millie Tang's here or here for Kate McGraw's. But, to make the most of it, you'll want to get a cocktail pack delivered beforehand. The packs cost between $93.99–99.99. Purchase your cocktail packs via Boozebud, then head to the respective Facebook events at 6pm on August 20, September 3 and September 17 to take part in the virtual masterclasses. Images: Kate McGraw, cocktail, Jonny Linstead and Millie Tang
As dairy fiends already well and truly know, adding burrata to any meal automatically takes it up several notches. Add the delicious blend of mozzarella and cream to every dish as part of a five-course dinner and, well, you've got yourself quite the cheesy, indulgent and delicious feast going on. That's what's happening at Burrata Night. Nope, that name doesn't disappoint. Salt Meats Cheese's Gasworks store is whipping up a heap of burrata-topped options on Tuesday, October 20, then letting you eat your way through them. There'll actually be seven different dishes, including both spaghetti carbonara and gnocchi sorrentina with burrata, as well as mortadella and broccolini pesto pizzas, too. Or, you can opt for prosciutto with burrata, roasted pumpkin with burrata or burrata that's crumbed, then fried. The five-dish dinner will set you back $79, and you can choose which five of the above choices you'd prefer. Or, you can take the plate-by-plate approach and order single serves for $19 a pop. It all kicks off at 5pm, and booking in advance for this one-night-only affair is essential.
There's no right or wrong way to eat gelato. That said, if you're feeling a bit like you've licked every scoop ever, there is a more interesting way. Sure, you can mosey on in to a gelateria, pick your flavours and dive in — or you can head to one of La Macelleria's gelato degustation sessions. For an hour across multiple Saturdays — from 3pm on November 14 and 28, plus December 12 — La Macelleria's Matteo Zini will treat your tastebuds to four different flavours, with the theme changing at each session. You'll nab a welcome coffee on arrival, then get some words and wisdom about frosty desserts from Zini, and then get tasting. You'll also receive a 500-millilitre take-home pack of your chosen variety. Tickets cost $29 for what promises to be a gelato and sorbet adventure. As for what you'll be eating, November 14 is all about summer sorbets (including feijoa, blood orange and cardamom, dragon fruit and lime, and lychee and elderflower), while November 28 is focused on Italian gelato favourites (such as parmigiano reggiano, pesto, Vin Santo and a Sicilian-inspired flavour with ricotta and orange zest). Then, on December 12, Christmas-themed scoops will be on offer (think: eggnog, panettone, pavlova and Christmas pudding). Only 12 tickets are available per session, so getting in quickly is recommended — a Halloween date on October 31 has already sold out.
On Wednesdays, you might be known to wear pink. This week, though, you can break out your favourite not-quite-red shades on Thursday. You'll need to look the part at Ivory Tusk's Mean Girls trivia night, after all. Yes, not being there would be social suicide. Yes, revisiting the correct usages of 'fetch', 'grool' and 'ESPN' is just part of the fun too, as is channelling your inner queen bee. Yes, pretending it's the Spring Fling is encouraged. If all of the above means something to you, then this is your kind of event. Mathlete or plastic, if you're a fan of the now 16-year-old movie, then show your devotion by battling it out across trivia rounds. It all kicks off at 7pm on Thursday, August 27 and entry is free — but registrations are essential. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAOmTMCtGkI Ivory Tusk's Mean Girls trivia night takes place from 7pm on Thursday, August 27 — with free tickets available now.
Yatala's latest retro movie night poses a dilemma. Will you show your 90s love, chat about Bettys and Baldwins, exclaim "as if?" and remember that Paul Rudd doesn't age? Or, will you wish 00s-era Lindsay Lohan was your best friend, wear pink even though it's not a Wednesday and write in a burn book? Of course, if there's a way to show your affection for both Clueless and Mean Girls, then that's an option — both films are on the bill, after all. One borrows from Jane Austen and made a star out of Alicia Silverstone, the other is based on a self-help book and boasts Tina Fey as a screenwriter, and they're each considered high-school movie classics for a reason. They'll also be playing from 7pm on Saturday, October 3 — Mean Girls day, as fans will know — which sounds like a fetch way to spend your Saturday night. Tickets cost $49 for a carload of six, so gather the gang, jump in the car and motor down the highway. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RS0KyTZ3Ie4 Yatala Drive-in's Clueless and Mean Girls double screens from 7pm on Saturday, October 3.
With its riverside location, sprawling pools and all-round laidback feel, South Bank and summer have long gone hand-in-hand. And, just as the weather starts to warm up in Brisbane, one of the inner-city precinct's spots is giving Brisbanites an extra reason to visit — for free ice cream. A year after setting up its first Brisbane outpost, Noosa's beloved Happy Pops is celebrating its first birthday by handing out its delicious desserts. Just head on by from 4–6pm on Saturday, September 12 and have a gold coin handy, as you'll be asked to donate to the Brisbane Children's Hospital in exchange for your frosty pop. If you'd prefer to donate via card, you can do that, too. For those new to the Happy Pops experience, it's all about artisanal gelato on a stick, using all-natural, preservative-free Australian ingredients. Think Maleny milk, real vanilla, Belgian chocolate and actual fruit pieces. It also serves up vegan options, using soy, rice and coconut milk, which is good news for folks who don't consume animal products but still love a frosty treat. And, while the celebratory giveaway is a limited affair, Happy Pops is also doing a 'Pimped Out Birthday Pop' from Monday, September 7–Sunday, September 20. The $8 dessert comes in the form of a gold chocolate gelato pop, as topped with caramel crunch, caramel chocolate and gold leaf. Happy Pops' first birthday celebrations will take place from 4–6pm on Saturday, September 12 at its South Bank store.
Hoyts Cinemas across Brisbane are reopening on July 2 and are about to become the most magical places in Queensland, as all eight movies in the Harry Potter franchise light up the screen over two spectacular weekends. Split into two parts — so you won't need a time turner to stay awake — the marathon kicks off at 10am on Saturday, July 4 with Harry, Hermione, Ron's first four years at Hogwarts and runs until 7.30pm. These same four films will be screened at the same times on Sunday, July 5, too. The following weekend, the marathon will pick back up again at 10am at Saturday, July 11, when the battle against You Know Who begins in earnest. Similarly to the week before, the last four flicks will also be screened on the Sunday. Tickets to the flicks are going for $10 a pop — so, yes, you will need to buy individual passes to each one — which means you can pick and choose. Love Goblet of Fire? See it twice. Not a big fan of the Half-Blood Prince? Skip it and go out for lunch instead. In fact, tickets to most Hoyts films are currently $10 as part of an opening special. If you're curious about what else is on the program, check out our list of 13 news films hitting the big screen this July. Harry Potter Movie Marathons are happening at all three Hoyts Cinemas in Queensland: Redcliffe, Stafford and Sunnybank.
Love Christmas, movies and the festive filmic space that explodes across the cinema screen when the two join forces? On Saturday, December 21 at Woolloongabba's Electric Avenue, you'll be feeling mighty merry, then. From 2pm, there's no need to write down all your favourite Xmas flicks on giant pieces of cardboard to prove your adoration — or throw any paint tins down some stairs. If you're eager to head along to The Big Movie Quiz Off: Christmas Edition, then you'll know what we were just talking about — because you've clearly seen Love Actually and Home Alone a few times. And, you'll also know all about which of this year's Christmas flicks is set to a George Michael soundtrack, which 1947 classic the FBI wasn't fond of because it painted bankers in a bad light, and which movie features a very cranky Jim Carrey. You'll even know how many versions of festive slasher film Black Christmas have been made, too. From Miracle on 34th Street, Gremlins and Die Hard to Bad Santa, The Nightmare Before Christmas and Jingle All the Way, if it's brimming with the spirit of the season, there'll probably be a question about it. Man vs Bear will be asking those questions, there'll be prizes on offer for first and second place, and Electric Avenue will also be serving up Christmas-themed food and cocktails. Entry is free — but you'll want to register for a ticket, then play along and get mighty jolly, ya filthy animals.
Come December, everyone is celebrating something. Sea Legs Brewing Co isn't just getting festive or marking the end of the year, though. The Kangaroo Point brewery is commemorating its first huge 12 months of operation, and it's doing so with a party and beer. How else? This birthday bash will feature DJs spinning tunes, games, limited-edition merchandise and — as you'd expect from a brewery — a few special tipples. Give Sea Legs' Counter Blow Hazy IPA a taste, soak in the double dry-hopped beer's citrus, floral and spicy flavours, and feel mighty summery while you're doing so. Whether you prefer your brews off the tap or in tins, you'll be catered for. The Main Street brewpub also serves up wings, ribs, pizzas, burgers and more — and food specials will be on offer throughout the afternoon. Entry is free, with the shindig running from 2pm on Saturday, December 14.
Every cake-loving Brisbanite knows that a treat from Jocelyn's Provisions can brighten your day. On Sunday, December 1, buying something from the store's first-ever bake sale will do more than that — it'll also raise money for drought relief. That's some hefty extra motivation to snack on both sweet and savoury baked goods, which'll be on offer from 9am–1pm at Albion Fine Trades. Fancy a spring-inspired bundt cake made with lemon and ricotta? They're definitely on the menu. Jocelyn's will have company, too, with the Bake for a Farmer sale featuring stalls from ARC Dining, E'cco Bistro, Harvey's, Sixes and Sevens, Ben Williamson, CRU Bar, Tartufo and sAme sAme as well. You can also take a yoga class with Raw Power Yoga from 10am before you start feasting on baked treats. All proceeds will be donated to Drought Angels, which works to help farming families affected by natural disasters around the country. Top image: Jocelyn's Provisions.
If it's good enough for Toto's 'Africa', then it's good enough for Smash Mouth's 'All Star'. Because Brisbane sure does love a trend, another local bar is picking a particular tune and cranking it out on repeat for an entire evening. Perhaps somebody once told them it was a great idea. Our apologies that you now have the 1999 hit stuck in your head, but consider it good practice for Friday, December 6. From 11pm, The Brightside is gonna roll you with their Smash Mouth 'All Star' Appreciation Night, which celebrates 20 years since the track first started echoing through our brains. Prepare to hear that song — and only that song — for four hours. It doesn't make sense not to live for fun, after all. We know exactly what you're thinking: get your game on, go play. Or, you could be thinking that perhaps all that glitters isn't really gold. Either way, entry is free, but we can't promise that listening to the track over and over and over again won't cost you something.
Two days. One park. Plenty of outdoorsy things to do. Whether you're keen on grabbing some gardening tips while you're surrounded by one of Brisbane's best displays of public plant life, or you're eager to relax on the grass while eating food truck grub, Parks Alive has something for you. Indeed, offering something for everyone is what this annual celebration of Roma Street Parklands is all about — because that's what the park is about as well. Coffee cup recycling classes, plant clinics manned by experts, brass bands playing everything from The Beatles to Bacharach, bush tucker walks, meals-on-wheels galore: they're all on the bill. Indeed, even though there's never a bad time to soak up the splendour of Brissie's parks, there's never been a better time to get to Roma Street. Free fun and Brisbane sun combine for a chilled day in the outdoors — and a chance to channel your inner Leslie Knope, obviously. Image: Bertknot/Flickr.
Sick of the same old lunch options? Even in a city constantly welcoming new cafes and eateries, that's understandable. Until May 6, QueensPlaza wants to make your midday meal a bit more exciting thanks to their pop-up Picnic & Pantry concept. Head to the shopping centre's first level for more than just the usual places, spanning gourmet bites, tasty snacks, a curated range of homewares and more. Just who'll be offering up the food will change on a regular basis; however, expect edible delights from Yes Joy, The Golden Pig, Homeslice Kitchen, Nodo Donuts, HRVST ST and Benchmark Coldpress. Now that's a feast your stomach will be rumbling for. Picnic & Pantry runs from Wednesday to Saturday, operating from 10am to 3pm. Image: Nodo Donuts.
The '90s were great. That shouldn't be a controversial opinion. Whether you lived through them or have spent the last couple of decades wishing you did — aka binging on '90s pop culture — The Flamin' Galah's shindig will indulge your retro urges. Drinks, tunes, fashion: expect all of the above at the '90s House Party from 10pm on April 29. Of course, it's up to you to make sure the clothing side of thing is covered; all of those repeat viewings of Clueless really will come in handy as inspiration. As extra motivation, the best '90s outfit will win a $50 bar tab; however, heading along for the music is reason enough. You'll be unleashing your inner Spice Girl and Backstreet Boy in no time, while drinking quite the array of themed beverages. Fancy some Fresh Prince Juice, Kate Mossjitos, Espresso MMMboptinis, Seinfeld Spritzes and Butterfly Clip Bombs? Of course you do.
Like commemorating the birth and life of famous figures? Like multicultural festivities that shed a light on diversity and harmony? If so, it's party time. Brisbane's annual Buddha Birthday Festival is back for its 21st year at South Bank — and yes, it is the biggest annual celebration of its kind in the world. The 2017 program certainly aims to prove that claim, courtesy of three jam-packed days of tree blessing, candle lighting, lion dances, dragon boat regattas, origami, calligraphy, fireworks and more. In fact, there's so much on the agenda that your best bet might be to head to South Brisbane and settle in for the long haul. 200,000 people are expected to do the same — and with more than 350 performers and 180 events on offer, you can't blame them. The festival isn't just about watching other people strut their stuff, though. With international food markets serving up culinary delights, tea ceremonies keeping you hydrated and meditation sessions taking care of your mental bliss, this isn't just a feast of fun and entertainment; it's a complete mind and body experience as well.
Maybe you have tickets to Splendour in the Grass in your hot little hands (or, to be more accurate, your inbox). Maybe you missed out. Whether you're celebrating or commiserating, Bistrotheque has the event for it. The muddy music fest in question might still be months away, but the Valley venue is throwing a party to revel in its stellar lineup. Just head to Brunswick Street on April 21, close your eyes and pretend that you're in Byron Bay. Bistrotheque's array of bands and DJs will do their part to help make that happen. And if you're keen for a brew as you're soaking in the tunes, don't worry — you won't have to buy drink tokens. As for who'll be buzzing through your ears, here's a refresher. The xx, Queens of the Stone Age, LCD Soundsystem, Royal Blood, Haim, Sigur Rós, Schoolboy Q, Vance Joy, Two Door Cinema Club, Peking Duk, RL Grime, Bonobo, Father John Misty, Catfish and the Bottlemen, Tash Sultana, Paul Kelly, Stormzy, Future Islands, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, BANKS, Bernard Fanning, Dune Rats, Cut Copy... the list goes on. Image: LCD Soundsystem, Matt Biddulph via Wikimedia Commons.
Think of a great Aussie band or musician. Actually, think of several; it's impossible to limit yourself to one. Past and present, groups and solo artists, rock chicks and working class men — they're all accounted for in what proves a mighty big list. It's more than likely that whoever popped into your head is accounted for at The Triffid's Aussie music extravaganza. From 7.30pm on April 21, the Newstead venue will open its stage to Wide Open Road: A Celebration of Australian Music, which is exactly what it sounds like. A heap of Aussie acts will belt out tunes by a heap of Aussie greats. With ANZAC Day coming up, it couldn't be more appropriate. Expect tracks by ACDC, INXS, Midnight Oil, Divinyls, You Am I, The Easybeats, Hoodoo Gurus, The Saints, The Warumpi Band, Radio Birdman, The Triffids, Skyhooks, Wiggles, Celibate Rifles, Ed Kuepper, The Grates, The Screaming Tribesman and more. Expect Band of Frequencies, PC & The Biffs, Sabrina Lawrie, Suburbiasuburbia and WHALEHOUSE to do them justice. And, expect to revel in the sounds of this country of ours for one rockin' night.
One of the great things about being an adult is being able to eat chocolate whenever you want. As great as indulging your sweet tooth any time cravings hit is, however, simply buying a choccie from the shop or grabbing one from the cupboard isn't particularly exciting. Not as exciting as an Easter egg hunt, for example. You might've thought those days were over, but 31 Degrees Custom Chocolate is here to tell you otherwise. On April 8, the Woolloongabba-based store will be holding the Easter event you didn't know you were craving: an Easter egg hunt for adults. You'll run around the city on your choice of bike, foot or public transport, and you'll collect clues, stop by great Brissie food business, see landmarks and scavenge your way to the good stuff. Yes, we're talking about oval-shaped orbs of smooth, creamy chocolate. If you're eager to take part, just register online before 5pm on April 1 (and no, this isn't an April Fools' Day joke). Entry costs $20, whether you're participating on your own or as part of a team, with part of the fee going towards beyondblue.
It's a great time to have a four-legged friend in south-east Queensland — or, for those who are still dreaming of their very own pupper companion, to bask in the cuteness of everyone else's. In fact, the region has gone barking mad for pet events. First, Brisbane got its first regular pet-focused market. Now, Sanctuary Cove is hosting a canine-centric day of fun. Paws & Pizzazz takes over the Marine Village on Sunday, March 26 with a celebration of doggos that spans everything from obedience to health checks to responsible pet ownership. The free, all-ages affair is the perfect excuse to take your adorable pooch on a road trip — and to buy an adorable pup outfit. It wouldn't be a dog extravaganza without a pet parade, of course, with fashions on the field, waggliest tail, biggest smile, most impressive hairstyle and pets that look like their owner among the categories your pooch can compete in. If you're heading along sans-hound, check out the Insta-pet meet and greet, where all of those local, furry stars you've been following will be on hand to say hello.
It didn't take long for the medium of film to evolve from movies about moving trains to cinematic voyages to the moon — and, in terms of the tales told, it hasn't stopped there. By watching the silver screen, audiences can venture to the cargo spaceship Nostromo and meet its chest-bursting inhabitants, witness a friendly extra-terrestrial try to phone home and see an Iranian teenager reach for the stars. Yes, movies are pretty magical like that. Alien (and Aliens), E.T. and documentary Sepideh: Reaching for the Stars are all on lineup at Science Frontiers, the Gallery of Modern Art's film program for the World Science Festival Brisbane, of course. So is the genetically determined future seen in Gattaca, real-life Hadron Collider action in Particle Fever, and the inspiring Oscar-nominated true tale that is Hidden Figures. Or, take a trip through time with Primer, and into space with Interstellar. Hearing Brad Pitt's voice talk through the birth and death of the known universe is also a highlight, courtesy of the Terrence Malick-directed doco Voyage of Time. And then there's the extra-special sci-fi treat that'll thrill fans of David Bowie and his filmmaker son Duncan Jones. First, watch the latter's excellent Sam Rockwell-starring effort Moon, and then see just how otherworldly the former was in The Man Who Fell to Earth.
Been thinking pink over the last few months? When it comes to wine, of course you have. Alas, summer is over and Brisbane's weather is slightly cooler, which means that rosé season just might be over for this year. If you're about to cry some tears into your pale red-stained wine glass, don't — just head to the Brightside for the Summer of Rosé Closing Party. You already know what you'll be sipping. That's the main attraction, really. Help the Brighty finish off their last bottles and feel fancy while you're doing it. It's not unusual for the venue to encourage attendees to dress up at their shindigs, but this time they really do mean it. Formal attire is encouraged. As well as so, so, so many pink beverages, expect the Rosé Boyz (aka Jaxon Luther King and Jesse Barbara) to spin appropriate tracks to keep the mood festive. Just how themed they'll be — and if 'Pretty in Pink', 'Pink Cadillac', songs by Pink or the Pink Panther theme get a whirl, for example — is something you'll have to find out on the day.
Ever wish life was full of more surprises? Like everything these days, there's an event that can help scratch that itch. Every now and then, Secret Foodies pop up with a dining experience that takes the planning out of your hands — and, apart from a few clues, they don't even tell you where you're going until two hours before it starts. The Secret Foodies Mad Hatter's Afternoon Tea Party is their latest attempt to lead those with a hankering for delicious dishes in an undisclosed location down the rabbit hole, so break out your best headwear. In fact, wearing your high tea best is recommended at this very important date. The actual setting won't be revealed until the day, but you will be headed to a boutique hotel in the heart of the CBD. On April 8 and 9, attendees can expect teapots aplenty — obviously — plus the kind of treats that'll make you think you're in Wonderland. Cupcakes, chocolate card ganache sandwiches, marshmallow mushrooms, strawberry heart tarts and a special top hat cake will all beg "eat me", while Ta_Ku Sauvignon Blanc Pink will scream "drink me".
When the sky isn't unleashing nature's wet and wild fury upon the city, having a picnic is one of the best things you can do in Brisbane. The temperature is usually right, the grass is typically quite the shade of green and we've got plenty of parks just begging for you to visit. Combine all of the above with a historic site, food trucks and jazz and you have Newstead House's By the River series. Once again taking over the venue's stunning lawn from 4pm on April 1 — and, taking place with the assistance of The World Food Markets, as always — By the River is the chilled kind of Saturday evening we all need every now and then (or maybe even more often). Bring your best picnic blanket, your mates, and some cash for something to eat, and let the event take care of the rest. They might've moved their headquarters to Milton, but Newstead Brewing will also be on site selling cold beverages, with all proceeds going towards Brisbane's oldest surviving residence. Image: World Food Markets.
It has only been four years since the Stones Corner Festival launched, unleashing a day of food and music on the inner east; however it has swiftly become one of the city's must-attend street fests. With the 2017 event fast approaching, they've announced the first taste of things to come on April 30. Expect local legends and a giant new beer garden for starters. Leading the music lineup is Regurgitator, instantly turning the festival into a celebration of one of the city's best and longest-running bands. They'll be joined by Sahara Beck, Luke Daniel Peacock, Hemingway, The Stress Of Leisure and Sarah Booker, with others set to be added before the event. As for that outdoor drinking area on the corner of Logan and Old Cleveland roads, expect it to be bigger, cashless, include a dedicated beer garden for the first time, and bring together a host of yet-to-be-revealed breweries and wineries. Food trucks, market stalls, a petting zoo and a range of activities will round out what's shaping up to be another great — and free — day out, all on a Sunday that's oh-so-conveniently before a public holiday.
If Scenes From a Marriage hadn't already been taken, it would've made a great title for most of Asghar Farhadi's movies to date. From 2003's Dancing in the Dust to 2011's Oscar-winning A Separation and his 2013 follow-up The Past, the Iranian writer-director has filled his resume with features about the struggles of not-so-harmonious domesticity. Now you can add The Salesman to the pack, just as Farhadi can add another Academy Award to his mantle. Still, a shiny new statuette can't mask his fondness for repetition. Farhadi is a master of observing just how the bonds of matrimony can unravel, but seven films in there's no avoiding the feeling that you've seen some of it before. The Salesman opens on the set of a play, with husband and wife Emad (Shahab Hosseini) and Rana (Taraneh Alidoosti) staging a revival of Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman. As Farhadi demonstrates rather unsubtly by cutting from a bed on stage to their crumbling real life home, all isn't well for the couple. That's especially true after they move into a friend's flat and Rama leaves the door unlatched, only to be attacked by a stranger. Understandably she's shaken. Just as understandably, he's driven to track down the perpetrator. Their conflicting responses sit at the heart of Farhadi's latest film, with the writer-director eager as ever to wait and watch as the couples' fraught emotions slowly but surely rise to the surface. Indeed, pumping seemingly ordinary spaces full of the kind of tension that can only spring from fraying intimate bonds is one of the things he does best. Dissecting how even a mere word, look or gesture can completely reshape, change or ultimately unravel a relationship is another. Both talents are on display as Rama takes the reserved and ultimately forgiving route, while the increasingly frantic Emad can't shake his wounded pride — or his need for vengeance. Cue a situation rife with drama, which Farhadi carefully heightens. As he's done before, he makes plain the gender lines driving the divide between husband and wife, as well as the cultural reasons for their behaviour. Here, he also stresses the fact that Iranian society will applaud a man bent on revenge but blame a woman who's a victim and judge another that's made untraditional choices, making hefty material even meatier. Throw constrained yet probing visuals into the mix alongside nuanced and multifaceted performances by Hosseini, Alidoosti and the pivotal Babek Karimi, and The Salesman can only be described as classic Farhadi territory. Still, there's a difference between ticking the usual boxes and expanding them, and here the Oscar-winning filmmaker manages one but not the other. As a result, the movie feels less like an involving effort in its own right and more like a greatest hits package. Many a director has made a successful career out of playing the same cinematic notes over and over again, but just as many have eventually stretched their usual tendencies too far. While The Salesman proves engaging, particularly in its later stages, there's a distinctive sense that next time Farhadi needs to show us something new.
If there's one thing that's better than sipping your way through a range of Australian and international gin, it's turning an evening dedicated to doing just that into a night of surprises. You'll get plenty at Gin Junkies — plenty of drinks, plenty of unexpected botanicals, and even a trip to a mystery location in Fortitude Valley. It's Grape Therapy's third event of its type, and here's hoping it's a series that they continue. Attendees will get to feast four different gins — complete with all of the seasonal fruits that the organisers can get their hands on, of course — plus premium tonics. And, if you're keen for more than just tasty beverages, then you can add a masterclass to the mix as well to help extend your knowledge about your favourite juniper-infused tipple. Now that's how GT helps you indulge in G&Ts aplenty.
Fried chicken has long been one of Brisbane's favourite food, alongside burgers and doughnuts. Yep, we're a healthy bunch. We've all jumped around town and eaten as much greasy poultry as we can; however Lucky Egg wants to put that love of fry fry chicky chick to the test. Behold the Fire Mouth hot wing eating competition. How much spicy chicken can you stomach? Do you want to know the answer? Keen on testing your mettle in front of an audience? You know how eating comps work, so you know that all of that is on the agenda. It's the first time Lucky Egg have delved into the whole stuff-your-face-for-prizes fold — even if plenty of people eating their chooks do that anyway — so expect them to put on something special. Entry is free, but participants must register in advance by emailing info@thebrightsidebrisbane.com.au.
Yeah science! That's not just something Breaking Bad has us all exclaiming — it's something that we all should be thinking on a daily basis. If it wasn't for science, our understanding of the world would be much smaller. We could list a heap of reasons why, or we could direct you towards Brisbane's very own five-day festival dedicated to the field. Showering the city in knowledge for the second year running, the only Asia-Pacific offshoot of New York's World Science Festival returns with another jam-packed program of science goodness. Stargazing, becoming a hologram, science-inspired art and movies, watching 2001: A Space Odyssey with a live orchestra score, breaking down the sensations involved with eating a nice meal, mass colouring, watching hatchling turtles greet the world — you'll find them all on the lineup. Or, boost your understanding of plenty of subjects by attending a panel session on everything from microplastics to energy to pioneering women. Conversation subjects include Frankenstein anxiety (for those worried about robots), extreme moments in science (with Dr Karl providing a few lessons) and other worldly water (in case The Martian has you thinking about the topography of Mars).
