A small movie with a big heart: you've heard that claim before. Sometimes though, there's an example that proves the cliche, that one modest effort that punches above its weight in emotion. Don't just take our word for it — watch Infinitely Polar Bear, the latest great example. Its autobiographical look at growing up with a bipolar parent is the type of film this description was made for. Life doesn't fall into neat boxes for 12-year-old Amelia Stuart (Imogene Wolodarsky) and her younger sister, Faith (Ashley Aufderheide), nor for their nuclear family. Their father, Cam (Mark Ruffalo), lives with a condition that's not without its daily challenges — and even more so when their mother, Maggie (Zoe Saldana), goes away to graduate school, leaving Cam as the primary caregiver. The scenario and its stitching together of episodic slices of the Stuarts' lives sounds like something tailor-made for a quirky indie film adventure; however, writer/director Maya Forbes never takes the too-cute or too-eccentric route. Instead, in telling a tale based on her own childhood — and with her own daughter, Wolodarsky, basically playing the filmmaker's younger self — she grounds Infinitely Polar Bear in intimacy, affection and lived-in experience. Yes, the movie has adorable kids struggling with difficult situations, often embarrassed and only sometimes seeing the funny side of things — but it also shows ample warmth and acceptance. Anger and frustration bubble up on several occasions as the film touches upon issues of class, race and poverty, yet the characters are never meekly resigned their fate, nor are they despairing, self-pitying or defeated. With the type of care that only comes from having been there and done that, Forbes ensures that their perseverance remains their strongest element. You believe that times are tough, just as you believe they'll find a way to get through it all. The cast, understandably, is key, both young and old. Oozing the kind of naturalism most child actors lack, Wolodarsky's Amelia proves an ideal guide through the movie, though hers isn't the only impressive portrayal. As the younger Faith, Aufderheide is suitably innocent and mischievous in the way kids are, while Saldana simmers with the inner conflict that results from Maggie choosing the path of short-term pain for long-term gain. The movie belongs to Ruffalo, though, with his superb sliding from the manic to the depressive ends of the spectrum and back again. His isn't a performance made by the extremes, but of empathy for the moments in between, when Cam's good and bad days become one. Indeed, it is so easy to get so thoroughly wrapped up in Ruffalo's endearing turn that the film's few concessions to cliche in its style — handheld camera work, an upbeat soundtrack and heavy use of montages — are just as easily overlooked. Actually, they feel like they fit a movie that is slight but sweet in just the right proportions, and rather charming too.
Like the rest of Brisbane, you've jumped firmly on the street food bandwagon, and love nothing more than devouring mouth-watering meals cooked by mobile eateries. Alas, with popularity comes a few not-so-fun things, like lines, waiting and the impossible task of trying to find somewhere to sit. Thankfully, StreetEats has swooped in to save the day with their brand new app. It lets you order and pay directly from your smartphone, making queuing and fumbling for change things of the past. To celebrate, they're launching the only way they could: with a very special edition of Thank Truck It's Thursday at Wandering Cooks. You'll need a healthy appetite, ready to feast on bites to eat by Juan More Taco, Pizzantica, The Bone Lorry and Just Steak It. You'll also need your phone and the app, with every StreetEats order rewarded with a free beer (while stocks last; arrive early).
Want to see a burlesque show that tells it like it is? Or circus cabaret that contemplates race relations in contemporary Australia? How about singing and striptease while smashing stereotypes? Or a performance that packs a punch of hip hop politics? All that makes up Hot Brown Honey, as well as dance, poetry, drama and a reflection of everyday problems. These bold performers aren’t just trying to entertain. They’re also working through issues of colour and culture — and courting controversy — in a show that’s certain to get people talking. The story jumps from the simmering shores of Polynesia to the bogan streets of Australia, peering through the eyes of an Indigenous drag queen and stepping through the life of a single mother who just happens to be a DJ. Hailing from Polytoxic Dance Theatre, Circus OZ and Briefs, the Luscious Lisa Fa’alafi, the Curvaceous Candy B and the Bodacious Busty Beatz package their tale and topics in spicy humour and simmering honesty. Some like it hot, indeed.
Remember coming home from school with your latest brightly coloured artwork, then beaming with pride when your parents stuck it on the fridge for all the world to see? The Creative Generation Excellence Awards in Visual Art do the same, just on a bigger scale. The exhibition takes a selection of outstanding pieces from senior students from schools across Queensland, then places them on display at GOMA. For the best and brightest teenage artists, their childhood dream has become a reality. They haven't even made it to university yet, and their work is already hanging in the state's premier gallery. For everyone else, it's the chance to sneak a peak at the next generation of creative geniuses, before they go on to even bigger and better things. Who knows — one day, you might even be able to say that you saw the early creations of an art superstar before they were big. Image: Ginell Ranpura / Kelvin Grove State College / Zipcode 2014 / Digitally manipulated photogram
Like comic books? Like Wes Anderson? Then do we have the event for you. Well, actually, it's more than just a party — it's a place. Welcome to Junky Comics and their official store launch. Making the leap from online retailer to bricks-and-mortar store, this labour of love from Brisbane illustrator Junky is your new pop culture haven. The fresh arrival on the West End scene offers all the alternative and indie publications you've always wanted, plus all the usual Marvel, DC, Dark Horse and Image stuff too. Think everything from '60s feminist cartoons, graphic novels and zines to art books, magazines and literature. To celebrate, they're throwing a shindig in style — Rushmore, The Royal Tenenbaums and The Grand Budapest Hotel style, that is. Teaming up with the folks at NOFUN for their first group show of 2015, the Junky Comics launch doubles as the opening night of Unpaid Interns: An Artistic Tribute to Wes Anderson. The exhibition is a tribute to the films of the inimitable writer and director, showcasing work from artists, illustrators and graphic designers from over 10 different countries.
Think you've seen every great '80s movie, from the genuinely excellent to the so-bad-it's-awesome to the downright terrible? We don't doubt that you've sat through the classics, and plenty of not-so-classic efforts too. If you haven't watched Re-Animator, though, then you haven't really experienced all the decade of excess had to offer. Loosely based on a short story from famed horror writer HP Lovecraft, this isn't your usual pulpy, low-budget outing. The author wrote the tale as a parody of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, and the film ramps up the comedy — and the gore — of bringing the dead back to life to extreme levels. The special effects department reportedly went through 25 gallons of fake blood during the shoot, which should give you an indication of plasma-dripping sights on offer. There's also an undead cat, a headless professor, and mind-controlled corpses, in the type of demented effort that earns the term horror-fest. And if you love it, you can buy your own copy afterwards, with the screening celebrating the film's 30th anniversary release on Blu-Ray.
This Saturday, the world’s most happening independent record stores come together to celebrate Record Store Day. It’s not just a day for a hoo-ha about the fine musical innovation that is the vinyl record, but the culture of independent record stores and what they stand for in today’s mp3 reliant times. The day, specifically the third Sunday of April, was founded in Baltimore in 2007 by six vinyl aficionados who figured that if comic books were getting their own celebrated day, then so should vinyl. The day is now celebrated around the world with pop-ups, exhibitions, workshops and, of course, lots of one-off vinyl and CD releases recorded exclusively for Record Store Day. Some of the exclusive releases for this year include Johnny Cash’s red vinyl Koncert V Praz (live in Prague), The Doors’ Strange Days, Bob Dylan’s The Basement Tapes and Garbage’s fluoro orange The Chemicals. Of course, Brisbane is well and truly on board with Record Store Day, with our best retailers already having a few years of successful RSDs under their belt. Expect lines, expect live music and expect some gawk-worthy promotions this year. The deals tend to be mind-blowing, and the live music on show just the same. Jet Black Cat will be selling exclusive RSD shirts designed by Courtney Barnett, with live performances throughout the day, while The Mosaics and The Jensens are helping celebrate at Rocking Horse. See all the Brisbane events at the Record Store Day website.
It's a pretty clever move — and one that probably made you think about this event more than you might've otherwise. Rather than just calling the celebration of New Zealand's finest craft beers what it really is (aka a boozefest), the powers that be have labelled it a symposium. That means that you can feel like you're partaking in something scholarly as you're sipping on brews from across the ditch. Given that you'll be able to sample a whole host of beverages you probably haven't come across before, there really is an educational side to it. In Brisbane, two places are getting in on the action: Bloodhound Bar and The Scratch. At the former, you'll find not only the finest New Zealand tipples, but a menu of Kiwi-inspired dishes to match. At the latter, you'll get more drinks, Flight of the Conchords on repeat, and a 1 in 600 change of winning a trip to the Beervana beer festival in Wellington. Basically, whichever you pick you're in for an afternoon and evening of themed, informative fun. And it all takes place on Waitangi Day, which really couldn't be any more appropriate.
When it comes to taking to the streets, spraying some paint around and stencilling up a storm, Banksy isn't the only artist worth celebrating. In fact, street art is thriving in Brisbane — so much so that there's now a brand new festival dedicated to it. That'd be the Brisbane Street Art Festival, which unleashes its first iteration around the city from February 6 to 14. If you're wondering just what it involves, let us throw a few numbers your way: 50-plus artists and more than 25 walls at 22 events across 18 venues — including a bus. Everything from live graffiti to a street art fashion show to an exhibition of skateboard deck art is on the bill, and at places as varied as Red Hill's old Skate Arena, Woolloongabba's Trafalgar Lane and the Valley markets, too. If that all sounds rad — and it really does — then wait until you hear about the grand finale. This showcase of emerging talents, unique spaces and Brisbane's engaging creative scene all comes to an end with an epic closing party featuring tunes by Desmond Cheese, Cutloose, Danny Cool and DJ Black Amex, aka the perfect way to see out the event's first year.
Everyone has multiple aspects to their personality. Everyone has wondered what would happen if they were all able to interact. No, we're not the only ones. We know you've come across duality, doppelgangers and fractured identities on screen, on the stage and in stories, because artists, writers and actors just can't seem to get enough of the concept. Dark Horse Theatre Group is the latest, courtesy of The Serpent’s Book of Lamentations. The production's title might sound like a fairytale, but its content proves a bit more intriguing. Here, a playwright fashions a tale for all the inner parts of his mind to perform, then watches as they audition, share their experiences and challenge each other to duels, games and battles. It's the type of complex and contemplative show that combines poetry and pantomime — and it's certain to appeal to at least one part of every person in the audience.
Some people take the easy approach to eating and drinking, enjoying whatever comes their way. Some people take things a little more seriously, searching for the perfect blend of the delicious and the refreshing. There's nothing wrong with either method, of course. If you fall into the latter category, though, then you'd best head to Brewski's regular food and brew extravaganza. The name says it all; they don't call it a dinner of oddities and curiosities for no reason. Here, the sublime and the surprising come together to create the ultimate taste sensation. Where else are you going to sample farmhouse ale with smoked sea salt and oyster mushrooms while enjoying a dish to match? That's just the beginning, with the first event of the year — delightfully anointed the funk edition — stepping through four other courses. This time around, Jester King, Brasserie Fantome, Nogne O and Prairie Artisan Ales will be taking care of the tipples, with Brewski’s head chef Tim Sharp whipping up the mouthwatering morsels.
A festival dedicated to listening? You probably think you've been there and seen that before. MESMERISM isn't just a music event, however. Don't expect bands on stage, crowds standing around, or the hustle and bustle that you're familiar with. In its autumn outing, MESMERISM is dedicated to the aural experience, rather than just the acts that make our heads hum and the melodies that make our feet dance. An offshoot of sound and visual artist Luke Jaaniste's residency at the Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Arts throughout 2015, it offers a series of sonic immersions of ambient noise designed to entrance your body, mind and soul — or, 'full-body listening', which might just be our new favourite term. You'll enter an emptied out, darkened performance space filled with cushions, where you can lie down, sit or walk around — the choice is yours. On Friday night, you'll bathe in wave propagations and sonic palpitations. On Saturday, you'll consume experimental electronica and beat-based music as a fully spatial experience. Whether you go along to one or both, prepare to have your perspective changed. This isn't just sound — it's art.
Given that the Anywhere Theatre Festival is now in its fifth year, you probably know what it is all about by now. If you didn't before, you did the moment you read its name: this is a festival for theatre that could happen anywhere. Sure, it sounds simple — but anywhere really does mean anywhere. Yoga studios, Boggo Road Gaol, cafes, bookshops, bars, bowls clubs and markets are all set to become playgrounds for the next breed of eccentric, experimental physical theatre, dance and circus. The festival program does feature 57 productions and 337 performances in 24 Brisbane suburbs, after all.
She takes publicity stills from noir films and gives them her own spin. He is inspired by natural surroundings. Together, they are Jane Ianniello and Sergio Ianniello — and Noirscapes & Naturescapes is their shared art exhibition. Yes, Hollywood glamour, bizarre backdrops and beautiful scenery combine in a show befitting its rather excellent name. If it sounds like it's full of contrasts, that's because it is. The images themselves, the styles and techniques the artists favour, and even the materials and types of paint they each use, couldn't be more different. And yet, the Brisbane-based artists have stumbled upon a combination as daring and dramatic as the '40s and '50s movie thrillers Jane takes inspiration from, and as rich and textured as Sergio's nature scenes as well. It's simultaneously bold, bright, surreal and scenic. Think of it as a walk through film history and a walk in the park all in one.
We've all grown up on film and television shows telling us that sound and space just don't mix. "In space no one can hear you scream," the 1979 science fiction classic Alien told us, and that's only one example; however, Queensland-based artist Ali Bezer wants to prove otherwise. In her latest exhibition, A Noisy Kind of Resonance, Bezer brings the sonic signatures of intergalactic items — think planets, stars, nebulas, comets, asteroids and more — to life. Well, to be more accurate, she interprets an array of eerie and dissonant cosmic noises and turns them into physical objects. You won't be hearing the echoes and static that Bezer contends actually fills space — you'll be staring at it. It all springs from her ongoing, practice-led research into how contemporary experiences of noise can be encapsulated through works of art, and yes, it does look as interesting as it sounds.
Do you have plans for the Queen's Birthday long weekend? If you don't already, you do now. Everyone's favourite Brunswick Street hangout, the Flying Cock, is about to unleash four days of fun befitting the monarch's 89th trip around the sun. That's assuming aristocratic English octogenarians like eating, drinking, dancing and dive bars, of course — but doesn't everyone? Chicken, tacos, sweet potato fries and burgers fit the first part of the bill, cheap beer jugs take care of the second, and live entertainment and DJs until late complete the trifecta. There'll be regal revelry day and night — and even if you're not so fussed about Lizzie, there's still something in this royal-themed celebration for you. Queeny’s Birthday Long Weekend pays tribute to more than just the head of the Commonwealth. QEII might be the guest of honour, should she show up; however, Game of Thrones' Daenerys, music icon Freddie Mercury and any other Queen you can think of will be getting some Flying Cock love, too.
After belting out more than a few tunes in its maiden outing last year, the state's annual celebration of cabaret is back for more music-fuelled fun. Brightening up the Brisbane Powerhouse and a selection of other venues for ten wintry days, it's the only event filled with heart-warming storytelling and fabulous songs. In fact, the 2015 Queensland Cabaret Festival is absolutely overflowing with crooning and comic tales, making deciding what to see a hard task. An '80s and '90s double is probably the easiest choice you can make, the former seeing Michael Griffiths revel in the pop of his teenage years, and the latter guilty pleasures coming courtesy of I Will Survive star Tom Sharah. Elsewhere, audiences can witness rock icon Tex Perkins' take on cabaret, find out the confessions of a Cyndi Lauper stalker, get swept up in the sounds of Cool Britannia and hear the warbling of a celebrity bikini waxer. Yes, this is a festival filled with diversity. Here, as the song says, anything goes.
Lust for Life has already earned the mantle of everyone's favourite combined tattoo parlour, gallery and espresso bar, but it seems like that's just not enough for the Fortitude Valley establishment. They're also one of Brisbane's biggest supporters of creative ladies, as their annual Viva La Femme exhibition makes plain. Could we love them any more? In its fourth year, the creative showcase champions personal views, attitudes and opinions encompassed by the word "woman", as filtered through a rather long list of Queensland, interstate and international talents. That's reason enough to be excited — and that's before even seeing the lengthy lineup of artists celebrate femininity through whichever medium takes their fancy. In true Viva La Femme style, it all launches on June 11 with live music from local songstress Seja and tunes from DJ Black Amex; however this isn't just a one-night affair. The exhibition runs until the end of July, which means more opportunities to bask in the glow of more wonderful women. You can also check out Lust For Life's recent renovations as you're relishing all things girl power.
In May 1968, Paris was burning. Not literally, but with the fire of passionate students rioting for social liberties. They weren't the only ones fighting for their rights, with their demonstrations attracting widespread support. During the fray, they papered the city with a colourful array of posters, making their mark beyond their physical protests. Now, almost 50 years later, artwork from the period tells a story — and it's one that Brisbane collector Ian Thompson has spent quite some time piecing together. For seven years, he's been collating original posters, newspapers, books and more, finding items that weren't meant to last but relate a tale that's certain to endure. For the first time, he's opening his treasure trove of artefacts to Brisbane and sharing the passion contained within them. It's not quite the same as being there, but it's the closest you're likely to get to reliving this stunning chapter of history. Images via Documents from May 1968.
An important topic, tied into a heartbreaking plight, deserves a film that does it justice. In tackling the equality of homosexual partners through the true tale of New Jersey police detective Laurel Hester and her spouse Stacie Andree, Freeheld isn't that film. Instead, it's a feature that knows the significance of the story it's telling and the subject it's covering, but remains happy staying in movie-of-the-week territory. When Freeheld opens, Laurel (Julianne Moore) is one of Ocean County's best cops, giving her job her all alongside fellow officer Dane Wells (Michael Shannon). She's also the type to keep her professional and personal lives separate, until an advanced lung cancer diagnosis forces her hand. Wanting to ensure that Stacie (Ellen Page) can remain in their home when she passes away, Laurel applies for her pension benefits to go to her registered domestic partner. The powers-that-be — the board of chosen freeholders, or the county governing body — decline her request, which inspires Laurel to fight for her civil rights. Though director Peter Sollett (Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist) and writer Ron Nyswaner (The Painted Veil) approach their topic with noble intentions and an obvious, earnest dose of sincerity, there's a difference between being sympathetic and being simplistic — and sadly, their efforts strive for the former but side with the latter. Even with a legal fight at the centre of the narrative, there are few complications in Freeheld, and those that exist are designed to push emotional buttons. As a result, the script cycles through a checklist of the expected elements — hospital scenes, unsupportive colleagues, courtroom arguments and an ambitious activist lawyer (Steve Carell) among them — with little in the way of nuance. Audiences aren't ever in the dark about what they're supposed to be feeling, given that the film's soft tones offer a visual reminder of the gently moving territory it's trying to play in. Of course, Freeheld's generic air and approach isn't really conducive to wringing tears out of viewers, although that's what it is clearly trying to do — and what an account of the real-life circumstances should result in. Thankfully, the bulk of the cast fares better. Moore might remain in the same illness-centric territory that won her an Oscar this year for Still Alice, but in early scenes that show the way Laurel has to manage the different parts of her life, she makes the character more than a beacon for a cause. Page makes the most of a smaller part, even though she's very much the supporting player. In fact, she is often overshadowed by the excellent Shannon in a much quieter turn than he's frequently asked to give, and who becomes the feature's preferred point of focus. That's yet another of the odd choices Freeheld makes in its unsatisfying attempt to bring Laurel and Stacie's story to the screen, in an effort that has its heart in the right place, but not much else. For those looking for a film that actually does their tale justice, the short, Academy Award-winning 2007 documentary of the same is a much better choice, with fact winning out over a sentimental, dramatic version.
Ever wondered what Brisbane must've been like during the unpredictable days of World War Two? Well, wonder no longer. The Bulimba Opera takes audiences back to a time when conflict and combat was a reality, as set in the titular, inner-eastern, riverside suburb, and belted out in operatic ballad form. The performance follows Jimmy, who has hit the skies with an important task. He's transporting important documents for General Douglas McCarthy and the war effort; however the threat of air strikes is real and constant. In his tale, a heartbreaking love story and an epic drama unravels. Marking the second innovative artistic collaboration between Blue Roo and Opera Queensland/Open Stage following 2014's well-received Song Circle, The Bulimba Opera offers up a slice of local history — all played out on the stage of a local landmark. The narrative promises to be intimate, and the production promises a spectacle, as well as a cast of powerful voices.
Brisbanites, prepare to take your love of the outdoors to its fanciest extreme. You'll get some fresh air, party by the river and swing a mallet. That's right — the Royal Croquet Club is about to make its Queensland debut. After wowing Adelaide since 2013 and Melbourne earlier this year, November 6 marks Brisbane's turn to enjoy an all-ages festival dedicated to the pastime many might associate with cult '80s teen flick Heathers. That said, while it may boast four playing pitches spread across South Bank's forecourt, the Royal Croquet Club isn't just about whacking balls around. Think 17 days of food, drinks, music and more summer vibes than you can shake a croquet club at — which is an option here, clearly. The dining lineup offers a fabulous fusion of Asian, all-American and Mexican cuisine. Your stomach will delight at delicious fare from Sin Vida, Miss Kay's, The Defiant Duck, Bao Down Now, The Doughnut Bar and Mighty Mighty, plus La Macelleria gelato and Street ADL bringing their Moroccan-Malaysian tastes up north. Beverage-wise, unique spaces such as the Champagne Bar and Pimms Garden have those particular beverages covered. And then there's the entertainment, including local, interstate and international artists and musicians showering attendees in performances, with details still to be announced. Honestly, even without knowing the full lineup, the Royal Croquet Club already seems to have everything we could want in a late-spring hangout spot: games, sun, shade, tunes and cocktails that won't stop flowing. We'll see you there. The Royal Croquet Club hits the South Bank Forecourt from November 6 to 22. For more information, visit their website and Facebook page.
The Alliance Francaise French Film Festival is back for its 26th year and with 49 feature films to be screened at cinemas across eight cities, you'd best prepare yourself for everything from the flirting, whimsy, mishaps and misunderstandings that come with French comedy to the passion, ennui, coming-of-age rebellion, thrilling crime and non-conformist romance that come with French drama. Highlights include: gala opening night feature Gemma Bovery, an endearing comedy starring Gemma Arterton that drops the characters of Gustave Flaubert's Madame Bovary into a small Normandy town; the Saint Laurent biopic exploring the inspirations and struggles of the acclaimed designer Yves Saint Laurent at the height of his career; and Samba, starring Charlotte Gainsbourg and star of The Intouchables Omar Sy in a cross-cultural romance that looks at the hardships faced by French immigrants. See more of our highlights in this list of top five films to see at the French Film Festival. The Alliance Francaise French Film Festival is on around Australia in March. Catch it in Sydney from March 3-22, Melbourne from March 4-22 and Brisbane from March 13 – April 1. Read our top five picks of the French Film Festival here.
The skirts were short, hippies were groovy, and if you didn’t love The Beatles, then you loved The Rolling Stones. Teens danced on television shows, and everyone wanted to be a star. Or at least that’s what movies about the '60s have told us. One film in particular has shaped the views of those who weren’t alive at the time, one made in the 1980s yet set two decades prior. Hairspray has been restaged on Broadway and remade featuring Zac Efron, but there’s nothing like the original. John Waters’ cult classic made a star out of Ricki Lake, and also featured the one and only Divine, plus Debbie Harry and Sonny Bono. Don’t miss this rare chance to see the movie on the big screen — and if you can’t resist the urge to tap your toes, you’re in for a treat afterwards. Stick around for more swinging sounds, and music clips too. It’ll be just like stepping back in time, minus the time machine.
Love dance, music and movement, but want to see something different? We don’t just mean a performance outside the norm. We mean something you won’t see the next evening, even if you go to the same show again — and after seeing Assemblies for One Body, you might be inclined to. Dancer and choreographer Rhiannon Newton takes audiences inside a living experiment, with minimalism, simplicity and deconstruction key. In a stripped-back space, Newton improvises an energetic contemporary routine, starting every performance with a new series of repetitive and unconstrained movements. She then breaks her unique dance down into its fundamental components, trying to chart their emergence and decay. Swept up in the same spirit of experimentation, collaborating sound artist Kynan Tan shapes the acoustic field that accompanies Newton’s display, with the entire show played live and taking place inside an installation of eight subwoofer piles. The end result is a shuddering expression of bodies, sounds and space that changes night after night.
Are you ready to laugh? Of course you are — and hopefully your stomach muscles and lung capacity are primed for the next month of funniness, too. That’s right, from February 24 to March 22 it’s Brisbane Comedy Festival time, when the Brisbane Powerhouse becomes the home of humour, and your insides hurt from constant chuckling. It is easy to forget that BCF is still a relatively new event, probably because each festival’s lineup reads like a seasoned comedy roster. In only the seventh year that Brisbane has had its own celebration of hilarity, the best in local talent and a smattering of overseas stars combine once more, with more than 40 acts stepping up to the mic. Ogling the program is the easy part; narrowing down who and what to see is much harder. For that, here are our top ten BCF picks.
Johnny Depp: is there anything he can’t do? Increasingly, the answer is yes, there’s plenty. Or, maybe it’s more about what he shouldn’t do. For proof, see his recent filmography. From being a mainstay in Tim Burton’s movies, to playing Pirates of the Caribbean’s Jack Sparrow, to nodding nonsensically in disguise in Tusk, Depp’s career has become a parade of almost-indistinguishable quirky characters. He pulls silly faces, talks in a ridiculous voice and stumbles around as though he might fall over at any moment. The premises and predicaments change, but the former 1980s 21 Jump Street teen idol doesn’t, apart from costumes and make-up. Mortdecai provides yet another example, with Depp the eccentric art dealer of the title. He comes from wealth – complete with a stylish wife, Johanna (Gwyneth Paltrow), and a loyal manservant, Jock (Paul Bettany) — but owes the British government £8 million. To maintain his lifestyle, he agrees to help old pal, romantic rival and MI-5 agent Martland (Ewan McGregor) recover a stolen painting shrouded in mystery. A Russian assassin and Nazi treasures also feature. The farcical film kicks off with calamity, ripping off Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom as a Hong Kong casino rendezvous ends in a shootout, and doesn’t improve from there. Disaster is key to the plot, with Mortdecai an awkward mix of Mr. Bean and The Pink Panther’s Inspector Clouseau, wreaking havoc wherever he goes — including Moscow and Los Angeles. Disaster is also the only outcome possible for a movie that thinks overripe cheese and cheap port are the height of humour, labels one of its three prominent female characters as a nymphomaniac, and wrings many of its jokes out of gag-reflex reactions to moustaches. “You look like you have a vagina on your face,” Johanna tells Mortdecai in response to his hairy top lip. Yes, really. To be fair to filmmaker David Koepp, who previously worked with Depp on Secret Window, he is taking his cues from existing material. 1973 novel Don't Point that Thing at Me started a series about the oddball aristocrat, but whatever cartoonish joys it may have had are lost in this energetic but overworked update. The flimsy script by Eric Aronson, best known for co-writing rom-com On the Line starring NSYNC’s Lance Bass and Joey Fatone, doesn’t assist matters. If Mortdecai was trying for a manic, frantic combination of smugness, superficiality, and stupidity, then it succeeds — though surely that wasn’t the aim. As for Depp, he is as committed as ever, but also as tiresome. Sharing zero charisma with his co-stars makes every second he is on screen seem like an eternity; and while Paltrow, McGregor, Bettany, Jeff Goldblum and Oliva Munn easily overshadow him, they do so as stale stereotypes, and clearly bored and unhappy. Mortdecai, the man and the movie, just isn’t something anyone wants to spend time with. Chalk it up as one of the same supposedly comedic efforts Depp makes too many of, and everyone else should be running far away from.
You might have one that needs a bit more attention than you have time to give. Or maybe a flowerpot on your apartment balcony could be the best you can muster. Either way, there’s something about gardens that continues to appeal, and not just to those with green thumbs. For decades, centuries and even longer, people have found making order out of nature soothing, whether trying to tame a patch of land or nurture a plant to grow. As have artists in committing images of gardens onto canvas. QUT Art Museum’s latest exhibition tracks this tendancy from the 16th century onwards, while trying to understand the allure of enforcing humanity’s will over nature. The result is a collection of new and old work that ties cultivating greenery to the meaning of life — and perhaps proves that looking at a picture of a garden is as therapeutic as walking around one.
When the first Reds, Whites, Blues and Brews took place in August, it was supposed to be the inaugural outing of an annual event. Less than three months later, it's all happening again. It seems that Brisbane just can't wait for another combined beer garden, music festival and wine showcase. Not that you can blame us; who doesn't want to enjoy a taste of South Australia at South Bank, as well as an afternoon of drinking, listening to bluesy tunes and devouring tasty meals from the city's best food trucks? The timing is right, too. Who isn't in desperate need of an alternative to the usual pre-Christmas chaos? Beverages from Greg Cooley Wines, Pikes and The Clare Valley Brewing Company will help you cast the silly season far from your mind, while King of the Wings, Pizzantica, Vira Lata and The Bun Mobile will distract your tastebuds. That just leaves Harry Hookey, Fiona Boyes, Luke Dickens, Matt Ross, Mitch King, David De Vito and Tarscha Waddington to provide the soundtrack — and with that lineup, you know that they'll deliver.
Did you spend your childhood wishing that Jurassic Park wasn't just a movie (or a book that spawned a movie and box office-smashing sequels)? Us too. While that dream is yet to become a reality, Queensland University of Technology has created the next best thing. Welcome... to the digital Dino Zoo. It's exactly what it sounds like: a two-storey installation that lets hyper-realistic, full-sized versions of prehistoric creatures roam wild, with the floor-to-ceiling screens acting like a glass enclosure. It's also much, much more than that. Dino Zoo doesn't just offer the world's first ever opportunity to interact with ten dinosaurs — including the largest flying reptile ever to live, and Australian critters with names like Muttaburrasaurus and Australovenator — but combines video game wizardry with scientific knowledge. What does that mean? Well, these dinos not only look the part, but act it as well. They've been designed to simulate real creatures, with each species vested with artificial intelligence. Watch Stegosaurus and Triceratops make their own decisions about moving, hunting, grazing and resting — and, if you're lucky, recreating parts of your favourite film. We can't promise that you'll be fleeing from a Tyrannosaurus Rex, but we can promise that you can pretend to. With data gleaned from real-life fossils instrumental in the project, Dino Zoo also features a digital dig pit that lets audiences uncover prehistoric bones, an interactive Earth timeline that visualises tectonic plate movement throughout history, and an 'Earth mass extinction simulator' — eek. Basically, it's all the virtual dino fun aficionados could ask for — and everyone loves dinosaurs, after all. Yes, yes they do. Just ask all the folks that flocked to see Jurassic World, which mightn't have been the sequel fans of the original were hoping for, but it still made more than $52 million at the local box office. Image: Erika Fish, QUT.
When it comes to movie genres at their best when viewed on the big screen, few can challenge the western. The wide-open vistas, the golden colours, the frenetic gunfights, the galloping horses and rolling wagons — they've all help define the concept of true cinematic majesty. Everyone at the Gallery of Modern Art's Australian Cinémathèque clearly feels the same way, as their latest program proves. For two months, they're opening their doors to a ride through the exploits of cowboys, lawmen, wanderers and villains. Everything from classics such The Searchers and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, iconic efforts The Good, the Bad and the Ugly and El Topo, plus more recent fare like Mystery Road and Django Unchained fits the bill, as well as the twists on the genre seen in Seven Samurai and Mad Max 2 too. As always, the lineup also features music and movie presentations, including live sound effects in a unique performance event session of Buster Keaton's Go West. Now that's something to saddle up for and canter towards. Image: Production still from Django Unchained, 2012 / Director: Quentin Tarantino / Image courtesy: Sony Pictures.
Drinking a beverage and watching a band ranks among life's simplest pleasures. Enjoying one of 130 craft beers and ciders from 32 independent brewers, while being entertained by British India, Busby Marou and more — now that's how you take something great and make it even better. Ensuring a good time is had by all is part of the aim of the Beer InCider Experience in its 2015 iteration. Well, that and showcasing the best in brews and music, plus throwing in some delicious food and fun entertainment options. To line the stomach, at least nine local food trucks such as will do their bit, offering up everything from pizza to tacos. Those looking for something a bit different might want to try the gourmet tasting lunch, or perhaps Gelateria Cremona and Rocks Brewing Co beer gelato. Then, work it all off with a bout of Berlin-style ping pong or putt putt, or stand around and chill to the sights of roving burlesque performers. Yes, this truly is the ultimate in drinks-focused music festivals.
They told us that boys don't cry and that they wanted things to be just like heaven. They fell in love on Fridays, hopped into a mint car and dialled a wrong number. They're The Cure, the enduring English rockers who helped define the gothic rock genre. They're also the well-deserving subjects of the Triffid's latest icon-focused evening. After offering up odes to Bruce Springsteen and Fleetwood Mac, the Newstead hotspot breaks out the hairspray, black outfits and ample eyeliner for a night with a more melancholy mood. And what better name for it than Lovecats, a Tribute to The Cure, referencing the hit single everyone can't help but sing along to. As always, some of Brisbane’s finest talent will share their interpretations, including The Jensens, Baskervillain, Eden Mulholland, Silent Feature Era and Garrett Kato. Each act will play four songs by The Cure, plus two originals of their own. Given the music they're working with, there's no doubt you'll want to be close to them — and who knows, they might want to take pictures of you.
When it comes to the long-running animated television sensation that is South Park, there are two kinds of people. There are the ones who just watch and laugh along, and then there are the others. They know how many times Kenny has been killed and can rattle off all the celebrities ever featured or mentioned in all 257 episodes. It's the latter obsessive types that Beach Burrito Fortitude Valley is seeking for their latest trivia competition. For one night only, South Park's biggest fans can battle it out for supremacy while eating tasty Mexican food. They can also express their love for Trey Parker and Matt Stone's comic creations by dressing up, and win prizes for their efforts — and for emerging victorious in the contest of the facts and tidbits of course. Orange hoodies count, though you might want to make sure it doesn't cover your mouth if you want your answers to be heard.
You've heard about the seven deadly sins, and you can probably name them. You've also likely watched the David Fincher film — aka the movie that knocked Gwyneth Paltrow's head off. We're guessing that what you haven't done, though, is seen lust, pride, envy, wrath, gluttony, greed and sloth explored through dance. Well, now you can, because Natalie Weir and Expressions want to change that. The internationally acclaimed choreographer and the Australian dance company have joined forces to unleash ancient sins on the modern world. In their hands, the fleet of foot will demonstrate our darkest desires and delve into the recesses of the human condition through breathtaking movement. Think age-old immoralities combined with contemporary choreography to spotlight the inherent frailty and imperfections that exist within us all. Think a world first, too, with this edgy, spicy production unveiling its wicked charms for the first-time ever in Brisbane.
Time to brush the cobwebs off your novelty gumboots and gear up for some serious footstomping at the Red Deer Music and Arts festival. The annual overnight BYO (couches and booze) and camping festival returns to the Ed Hope and Mucho Bravado Ampitheatre stages for another solid marathon of national, emerging and local bands — and legendary festival favourites Frenzal Rhomb are at the top. Locked in for October 3 beneath the pretty, pretty D’agular ranges of Mt Samson, Red Deer has invited Australia's punk ratbags Frenzal to headline one humdinger of a lineup, from synth-pop goalkicker Andy Bull to NZ dub legends Salmonella Dub Soundsystem. Queensland's best local bands have pride of place on the bill too, with the likes of Hey Geronimo, Ayla, Mosman Alder, WAAX and Cheap Fakes set burst a few eardrums. True to BYO form, Red Deer allows you to BYO booze (no glass), couches and camping gear. And of course, the festival's not just about music. They'll be selling jungle-themed cocktails at the Stolen Rum Jungle Bar, Northside arts company Party Artworks will be hosting art workshops, there'll be food and market stalls, and there's going to be a Flight or Flop frisbee tournament, because FUN. RED DEER FESTIVAL 2015 LINEUP: FRENZAL RHOMB ANDY BULL SALMONELLA DUB SOUNDSYSTEM HEY GERONIMO AYLA MOSMAN ALDER WAAX CHEAP FAKES WE ALL WANT TO ROLLS BAYCE DJS BAD PONY ISAAC CAVALLARO MACHINE AGE SUNDOWN JURY ERIN JANE + RESIDENT ACTS THE LYRICAL THE DASHOUNDS BLAKE THOMPSON [DJ SET] Red Deer Festival 2015 is happening on October 3 beneath the D’agular ranges of Mt Samson, northwest of Brisbane, approximately 35 kms from the CBD. Tickets on sale now. For more info and tickets, head to the website.
After the success of their earlier event — and to celebrate what has become known as Mean Girls day — the Brightside is throwing another film-focused party. Yes, not being there would be social suicide. Yes, revisiting the correct usages of 'fetch', 'grool' and 'ESPN' is just part of the fun, as is channelling your inner queen bee and donning your best pink outfit — even on a Saturday. The movie will be playing on repeat, but watching and rewatching its blistering take on teenage life isn't the only way you can indulge your Mean Girls love. You can drink buckets of Glen Coco and enjoy candy grams. You can dance just like it's the Spring Fling to party and punk tunes from the Brighty DJs. And you can prove your devotion by battling it out in a Man vs Bear-hosted trivia quiz. Everyone gets a mathletes or plastics badge at the door, of course.
The idea of utopia is one that has always entranced artists and policy makers alike. Vincent Harding first used the phrase ‘a land that does not yet exist’ to describe utopia in his essay Is America Possible?, an examination of the idealisation of America and how it differed from reality, particularly for African Americans (the line itself was paraphrased from Langston Hughes’ poem “Let America Be America Again”). The political, physical and personal space between utopia and reality is also explored in art collective Reframed’s annual group exhibition, A Land That Does Not Yet Exist. Eighteen artists have approached the theme from their own politics and frames of thought, interpreting the metaphor of idealism through their diverse artistic practices. The artworks encompass a wide range of mediums, including painting, drawing, photography and sculpture. A Land That Does Not Yet Exist exhibits at White Canvas Gallery from 30 September to 10 October, with an opening night event on 1 October. Image: Bound Narrative 1 by ErynMark.
It's not often that something currently exciting crowds at London's famed National Theatre also starts its run in Brisbane. Throw in the fact that the performance in question is based on a Broadway hit that starred Chris Rock, and to say the production is a rare treat is stating the obvious. The Motherf***er with the Hat is show in the spotlight, making its local premiere at the Brisbane Powerhouse thanks to the Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts. If its pedigree hasn't already piqued your interest — and its blending of New York and Brisbane subcultures, or its description as a mix of "Trainspotting, The Birdcage and Bangarra Dance Theatre" — then perhaps its plot will. Amid more than occasional coarse language, the award-winning play by 2015 Pulitzer Prize-winner Stephen Adly Guirgis charts the escapades that eventuate when a piece of misplaced headwear causes relationship intrigue. Expect tough circumstances and tender feelings to combine. Expect the performance to be as heartbreaking as it is hilarious, too.
It's not very often that a taste of Bollywood comes to Brisbane, but that's what's happening for one night only. The Queensland Symphony Orchestra takes inspiration from India's movie industry — as well a certain Oscar-winning effort set in the subcontinent — for the world premiere of their latest work. That'd be the specially commissioned Sitar Concerto by Shahid Parvez Khan, which combines movements from Ravi Shankar’s Symphony No.1 with excerpts from film favourites. Yes, the applauded score by A.R. Rahman’s from Danny Boyle's Slumdog Millionaire is among them. As the mix ancient Indian traditions with new musical styles provides a feast for your ears, colour and movement from Brisbane's Dance Masala Bollywood Dance Company will do the same for your eyes. This won't just bring a thriving film style to the City Hall stage — it might just be the closest you'll get to being in a Bollywood movie.
Fireworks Gallery's Up Close brings together three generations of Australian photographers and their intimate, powerful and poignant work. Juno Gemes has been capturing some of Australia's most important moments for over 40 years, and has used her art to advocate, recognise and push respect for Aboriginal Australians. From the 1970s to now, she has captured the generational shifts and historical moments that have played part in Australia's indigenous history. Michael Aird has worked in the area of Aboriginal arts and history for over 30 years, predominantly in archival and curatorial work, and in seeking to counteract the mainstream media's negative depictions of Aboriginal people. Jo-Anne Driessens is a photographer who was adopted into a non-Indigenous family, and through her practice documents her search and connection to her cultural roots. Her primary focus is on Aboriginal women. Up Close amasses their efforts, showcasing some of this country's most important and story-filled works from three of our most renowned contemporary artists. This exhibition runs until December 24.
Thanks to Netflix and Bill Murray, you've probably heard the term "Murray Christmas" quite a bit lately. His seasonal variety special has only been available for streaming for a matter of days, but it has already become a holiday classic. The former Ghostbuster isn't the only one using the Murray name to spread some Yuletide cheer, however. Closer to home, Murray's Craft Brewing Co. are also doing their part. For two days, the award-winning makers of many a fine beverage are taking over the taps at Death Valley. When it comes to tasty ales, pilsners and porters, it doesn't get much more festive than that. On December 11 and 12, eight of Murray's best beers will flow freely, bringing the best of the Bobs Farm-based brewery to Morningside's favourite dive bar. A refreshing pint isn't the only drawcard, though, with Red Robin Supper Truck serving up off-the-menu food pairings. Yes, you'll eat, drink and be merry, Murray style.
Colder weather might be months away, particularly with Brisbane's summery sunshine showing no signs of stopping — but that doesn't mean you can't try to escape the heat by pretending things are much, much cooler. Indeed, Saké is getting positively chilly during February. Well, they are throwing an Ice Festival, after all. Yes, it's exactly what it sounds like: a celebration of the frostier side of life, ranging from specialty cocktails to a winter wonderland ice party. While the former are available every night of the week until February 29, the latter freshens up the Eagle Street Pier eatery — complete with a handcrafted ice sculpture, snow covered bar and live DJ — on February 26. A restaurant doesn't need a reason to turn the temperature down, of course; however if you're wondering what has inspired this icy event, rest assured that there's a reason for the chilled shenanigans. The Sapporo Snow Festival took place in Japan earlier this month, and this is Saké's way of joining in the fun. Sounds pretty cool to us.
Dangerous Liaisons, Pierre Choderlos de Laclos's 1782 novel, has been brought to life many times over the years. In the 1980s it made its way to the stage as a play starring Alan Rickman, and to the screen as a film featuring John Malkovich and Michelle Pfeiffer. And then there's Cruel Intentions, the teen-focused, Sarah Michelle Gellar-starring effort you mightn't have realised was an adaptation. Now, for MELT Festival 2015, it's a decadent theatre production — one that's been inspired by Charles Ludlam’s Ridiculous Theater Company, director Derek Jarman's work, Rococo fashions and the period pieces of Peter Greenaway. Basically, Little Ones Theatre's production is exactly what a morally ambiguous tale of sex, betrayal and bad behaviour should be when given the high camp treatment.
Like beer? Like trying local boutique brews? Ever feel a little overwhelmed by the number of options available? While no one should complain about the wide variety of beverages those fond of a tipple can now access, attempting to try them all can prove overwhelming. That's where Five Flavours comes in. Changing its microbrewery of the moment at each event, the festival showcases different varieties to give beer lovers a taste of the options they might be missing. On November 14, 4 Pines is in the spotlight, serving up their finest beers and ciders. Beer isn't the only thing on offer at Five Flavours though, with the festival also featuring a menu of contemporary tapas ranging from Korean barbecue chicken to kangaroo plum pies. And, the music lineup will keep patrons in the boozing, grazing mood, courtesy of live acoustic sets from Hailey Calvert, Neil James, Ross Burbury, Amber Lynn and Nick Warren.
Surveying the best the inner city has to offer, the Spring Hill Alive Festival is bringing revelry back to the CBD’s outskirts. Markets, food trucks and more will see Boundary Street erupt into an seven-hour feast for all ages. That means you'll be eating, drinking, shopping and just generally feeling merry, as you should be at all good festivals. Fuel up at food stalls and vans, or at the area's local eateries. When it comes to entertainment, a packed roster of local talent will be on hand to keep Spring Hill pumping, featuring sets by Karl S Williams, Electrik Lemonade, The Reversals, Quintissential Doll, Jake Whittaker and Deena. Yes, we know what you're thinking. Here, you really can dance in the street.
The term ‘numinous’ is used to describe something that has a spiritual or religious quality, reflecting the presence of divinity. In Numinous-i, artists David Howard and Darryl Rogers explore spirituality in its duality with the material, with an approach that sees divinity in quantum theory as much as religion. Darryl Rogers evokes mystery and the universal longing for an alternate reality in his work Sehnsucht, a four-channel video installation that acts as a grounding centerpiece to the exhibition space. Rogers’ holograms and projections are like ghosts of other possibilities — a haunting reminder of the impermanence of our existence. David Howard’s painting series Apostasy encircles Rogers’ work in a temple-like formation, questioning how today’s world of digital connectivity results in a disconnection of the spirit, body and mind. Numinous-i opens at Jugglers Art Space on 9 October, continuing to 21 October.
Welcome to the future of theatre. Don't expect robots, hoverboards and other sci-fi-like technology, though. Do expect the next wave of performers and other practitioners. They're all on display at the Festival of Australian Student Theatre, which brings high school students, tertiary students, recent graduates, emerging artists and independent companies together to showcase their work. Pretend you're at a house party, tap into your primal instincts, witness fairy tales come to life and take another look at Disney's murderesses— and that's just a taste of the program's 30 offerings. Over the long weekend, you can revel in all this and more, with the latter part of the equation including Q&A sessions, forums and hanging out at the festival hub. For those passionate about live performance and keen to get a glimpse of the stage shows to come, it's better than gazing into a crystal ball. It's also the only way to spend the long weekend immersed in your chosen art form. Image via Alex Jamieson.
If Malala Yousafzai's name sounds familiar, that's because she hasn't strayed far from the headlines in recent years. The Pakistani teenager turned best-selling author dared to speak out about life under Taliban rule, and to campaign for something they oppose: the education of women. In 2012, she was shot in the head aboard her school bus. However an assassination attempt didn't dampen her drive, and in 2014 she became the youngest-ever winner of the Nobel Peace Prize. Filmed over an 18-month period and featuring interviews with Malala and her family, as well as a routine assembly of media clips, recreations and animation, He Named Me Malala tells her story. As even a brief run-through of her life and achievements indicate, hers is quite the tale. Malala hasn't just triumphed over adversity; she has refused to be terrorised into abandoning her ideals, and turned a traumatic experience into a platform for advocacy. Alas, in the hands of An Inconvenient Truth director Davis Guggenheim, an extraordinary person inspires a merely average film . His feature finds its power in its subject, whose status and strong beliefs always remain evident. Yet even though the movie tries to peer behind everything that has already been reported, attempting to get to know Malala as a person rather than a symbol, the portrait it paints stays in standard biographical doc territory. Accordingly, He Named Me Malala seesaws from the somewhat illuminating to the already known and oft repeated (even within the documentary itself). Much is made of her father's influence over her determined mindset and her love of learning — but while behind this impassioned crusader stands a parent who has nurtured and encouraged her, Malala is, of course, the real point of interest. She charms as much with her confident speeches to the United Nations as she does when she's explaining why she can't just go on a date. Those charms only grow over the film's 88 minutes — again, through her presence, energy and focus, rather than through Guggenheim's filmmaking skills. He recognises the need to keep her front and centre, yet his film also plays it safe, keeping its distance and never wavering from its adoring position. And as much as the documentary might aim to show the real Malala, the most candid it ever gets is in glimpsing her looking at pictures of attractive male sportsmen. As a result, as a fleshed-out account of a remarkable young woman, He Named Me Malala feels like it barely scratches the surface. As a functional portrait of a crucial campaign and its self-appointed spokeswoman, it fares better. Either way, one thing is certain: this won't be the last time Malala's accomplishments are memorialised and celebrated on film.
Two words immediately spring to mind while taking a detour through Learning to Drive: modest pleasures. They’re what the film's characters seek, whether they're sitting behind the wheel or walking along the footpath. They’re what the amiable, affectionate and earnest movie does as well. A later-in-life attempt to hit the road gets the feature gently motoring along, with Wendy (Patricia Clarkson) the initially unlicensed party in question. The Manhattan-dwelling literary critic hadn’t previously had a reason to join the commuting masses; however, separating from her adulterous husband (Jake Weber) and seeking to visit her college-age daughter (Grace Gummer) inspires her to reassess her priorities — you're never too late to try something new, and all that. Enter the kindly Darwan (Ben Kingsley), an Indian Sikh working as both a taxi driver and a driving instructor. He has his own personal problems, including his desire for matrimonial happiness with his arranged bride (Sarita Choudhury), as well his efforts to avoid the prejudice that follows his every move. Of course, he's also the wise teacher Wendy needs, even if she doesn't yet know it. That this odd couple will cross paths isn’t a surprise in this introspective effort, nor is the friendship that reluctantly but eventually springs. Wendy and Darwan find commonality despite their differences, learn some obvious life lessons from each other and gain an appreciation of the little things that make their days worth enduring. In fact, everything about Learning to Drive screams standard — and yet it's warm, sweet but never too saccharine too. Director Isabel Coixet, who has worked with both her leads before on the 2008 film Elegy, enjoys spending time in predictable yet thoughtful territory while contemplating well-fleshed-out characters. There's a reason she has enlisted Clarkson and Kingsley again for this task, as based on an autobiographical New Yorker article by essayist Katha Pollitt. As often proves the case in most things either pops up in (witness this year's Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials and Self/Less, for example), they're a pleasure to watch. The former is gifted a role with more shades of complexity than the latter, but both offer rounded portrayals that span well beyond their alternatingly tentative and playful banter. Though plenty of their dialogue serves up road references that cheesily double as nuggets of general life advice — reading the signs, taking in everything around you, and so on — their performances help brighten up a film that's largely confined within a car (and as visually constrained as that sounds). The scenery isn't the point, but the people looking at it. Yes, that's just another of Learning to Drive's modest pleasures.
