ACCA is surely one of Melbourne’s best artistic centres if you're after new, challenging and contemporary work. This weekend, ACCA launches its annual commissions exhibition, NEW15, featuring the rising Australian contemporary artists you should get acquainted with. This year's NEW15 will be curated by Matt Hinkley, a renowned, meticulous, Melbourne-based sculptural artist. Whether you're intrigued by installation, photography, sculpture, or other forms or experimental artwork, this is your opportunity to see these emerging artists' latest pieces first. Artists featured in this year’s NEW15 include George Egerton-Warburton, Richard Frater, Jessie Bullivant, Kate Newby, Ash Kilmartin, Paul Bai, Alex Vivian and Adelle Mills.
Marie Antoinette is a household name — her story is known by both history buffs and those who simply like Kirsten Dunst, or cake more than bread. What separates the depiction of the storming of the Bastille inside Versailles in Farewell My Queen is the way it is told. What we see in Benoît Jacquot’s depiction of the events is a representation that seems closer to the reality than previous renderings of those famous four days. To start, the casting of Diane Kruger as Antoinette is fitting — aged 34 (Dunst was roughly a decade younger) when the film was shot, she was the same age as Antoinette in her time of reign and while Kruger is German to Antoinette's Austrian, she speaks fluent French. Moreover, Kruger brilliantly executes the vulnerable, bubbly, overwhelmed and emotional nature for which Antoinette has come to be remembered. However, the stand out performance in the film is that of Léa Seydoux who plays Sidonie, the queen’s reader and the protagonist of the piece. We see the queen and Versailles through her eyes, rather than from the standpoint of the royals or the revolutionary people, as is often the case. From this unorthodox vantage point we see devotion, jealousy of Antoinette’s love for Gabrielle de Polignac and fear for her queen, with each emotion and reaction played out with an almost real time quality. While Sidonie embodies a charming innocence, she also has a sheer lack of respect for the typical order of things, that coupled with the close up use of the camera, instantly puts the viewer directly into her mind. For those who don’t know the story of Bastille Day and the last queen of France, the story might leave you wanting more, as the main events are left untouched. We don’t see the storming of the Bastille, nor death played out onscreen. We are left with an unfinished telling of history, but a somewhat richer experience of the events. Image courtesy of www.affrenchfilmfestival.org
Shiny new entrants in the electronic music scene, Safia are proving themselves a force to be reckoned with. Hailing from our super dull capital city (just kidding guys, Canberra is way exciting) these guys have already supported for the likes of Lorde, have over two million listens on Soundcloud and are building up a sizeable fanbase. Made up of Ben Woolner, Michael Bell and Harry Sayers, the trio has been playing together since they were in primary school. Adorable. In addition to Lorde, they've also casually supported Disclosure and Rudimental, toured with Rüfüs and joined Peking Duk at Splendour in the Grass and Groovin' The Moo. Big spots for relative newbies. Safia's nine day tour celebrates the release of their new single, 'You Are the One'. The Canberrans' tunes are energetic and ever-so-catchy, so this Northcote Social Club gig promises to be one hell of a stage-shaking, generally jive-inducing gig. Get in early to be able to say you saw them before they became huge and expensive.
Think about how nervous you feel when you're on a first date. Now imagine that it's happening in front of a theatre full of people. In an era of online dating, when people are judged based solely on a handful of selfies, theatremaker Bron Batten transports the rituals of modern romance from your smartphone to the stage for Melbourne Fringe 2016. Onstage Dating is exactly what it sounds like: each night, a different volunteer gets put through the ringer, as Batten gleefully deconstructs the conventions of contemporary courtship. Will true love flourish, or will the night end in disaster? Either way, it sounds like fascinating viewing. Image: Theresa Harrison.
Winner of the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance and the Camera d'Or at Cannes, Beasts of the Southern Wild is the impressive debut feature film from young director Benh Zeitlin. The film, which opens in cinemas from September 13, sees six-year-old Hushpuppy battle a hot-tempered father, melting ice-caps and monstrous creatures called the aurochs as she searches for her mother. Featuring moving performances from Dwight Henry as Wink and Quvenzhané Wallis as Hushpuppy, Beasts of the Southern Wild is a truly one-off fantasy drama that is at once magical and powerfully grounded. Concrete Playground has 10 double passes to giveaway to see Beasts of the Southern Wild. For a chance to win, make sure you're subscribed to Concrete Playground then email your name and postal address to hello@concreteplayground.com.au
Ever wondered who designed the iconic black and yellow Solo can? Les Mason was not only the original Solo man, but was Australia's Don Draper equivalent in the 1960s, revolutionising mundane graphic design, and making it into an art form worthy of critical praise and galleries. From the iconic product designs of melt-in-your-mouth-and-hand Cadbury to the ever-classy Epicurean magazine, find out what advertising was like pre-photoshop at Les Mason: Solo. This free exhibition at NGV Design Studio will feature over 200 designs and photographs from the maverick graphic artist — a captivating insight into Mason's prolific career. Praised for his critical eye and bold use for experimentation in design, Les Mason was the first to combine Dada and Surrealism into advertising. The exhibition showcases his rigorous and disciplined process that had the ability to influence consumer decision-making, from vibrant colour rainbow graphics to packaging, architectural graphics and more. Les Mason: Solo is showing now, and will run until February 21.
Remember the girl who supposedly left a heartbroken (and potentially drunken — but who's to say when Messina's involved) break-up voicemail on Gelato Messina's answering machine when she found they had closed early on New Year's Eve? Well, you can thank her, because this afternoon Messina is delivering tubs of a gelato created in her honour — for just $1. Yep, $1. In an attempt to win back upset ice cream lover Cecillia, Messina has made a bespoke creation from her favourite flavours. And from salted caramel gelato with baked cheesecake, candied macadamia nuts and hazelnut fudge, the Voicemail was born. Perhaps as an act of good faith, Messina is selling it in 500-gram tubs for just $1. You just have to order it through Deliveroo today — Tuesday, January 24 — between 3pm and 5pm. It's available for delivery in the Sydney CBD and inner east area and around Fitzroy and South Yarra in Melbourne. If you miss out on the delivery window, don't chuck a tantie (or ring Messina) — the Voicemail is going to be available on Deliveroo past 5pm (albeit at a regular price).
In Little Men, growing up is filled with illuminating revelations — some obvious, and some that can only be gleaned over time. Case in point: when 13-year-old New Yorkers Jake (Theo Taplitz) and Tony (Michael Barbieri) become firm friends thanks to a chance meeting and a shared love of fantasy novels, everything instantly seems brighter. But as circumstances conspire to test their bond, they also discover that even the strongest glow casts a shadow. Theirs is a case of opposites attracting. Jake is quiet, reserved and fond of art, while Tony is outgoing, outspoken and dreams of becoming an actor. To them, this doesn't matter — but life has a way of telling them otherwise. They're able to see past class clashes and playground taunts until conflict grows between Jake's father Brian (Greg Kinnear), a struggling actor, and Tony's mother Leonor (Paulina García), who runs a dress shop in the building that Jake's family has just inherited. Raising the rent in line with the area's increasing gentrification would make a drastic difference to both. For Brian, it would mean a steady source of income and a chance to lessen the financial burden on his wife Kathy (Jennifer Ehle). For Leonor, it would mean having to close her store and move on. While the importance of many of Little Men's exchanges might be readily apparent, this isn't a film that trades in big moments, takes sides or offers easy solutions. Instead, it thoughtfully and patiently observes as Jake and Tony respond and adapt to the complex reality around them. In that way, it calls to mind writer-director Ira Sachs' previous film, the bittersweet Love Is Strange. Indeed, Little Men could've easily been called Life Is Strange — and, like its predecessor, much hinges upon the work of its cast. It's the understated performances of Taplitz and Barbieri, specifically, that ensures the film stays on track, with the two bringing their characters to life without an ounce of cliche. When Jake and Tony decide to give their respective parents the silent treatment until they resolve their feud, their posture and expression says plenty. As the younger actors excel at making their gradual, subtle coming-of-age awakening feel authentic and relatable, Kinnear, García and Ehle help paint the world around them in the necessary shades of grey. Of course, the film's naturalistic palette doesn't quite use those tones — in fact, it favours crisp imagery and a whimsical, upbeat score. But crucial to both is balance, rather than exaggeration. Life, after all, is comprised of more than just one simple extreme or the other.
Get ready to swap your flat white for a frothy märzen because Preston is about to become a mini Munich. Or, at least Tallboy & Moose will when it hosts its Oktoberfest party from 4pm on Friday, September 22. It's not just a party, though. The electricity of competition will also be in the air. Six local homebrew heroes from the Merri Mashers Homebrew Club will be competing in a German brew showdown on the night. And the best part? You get to decide who will take home the title of People's Choice Champion. Who says democracy is dead? Tallboy & Moose isn't just sitting on the sidelines. It will be slinging two special Oktoberfest beers: Prost in Translation märzen and Sleight of Hand schwarzbier. The night will also have its own Oktoberfest menu featuring weisswurst, bratwurst, weisn hendl (roast chicken) and kartoffelsalat (potato salad). There's also going to be 'bretzels' and 'boobzels', as well as other salty takes on body parts available on the night thanks to German Baking Queen. Oh, and free tastings of each beer entered in the homebrew competition will also be available on the night, to add a nice cherry on top of what's shaping up to be an Oktoberfest celebration to remember. PS: a word of advice? Book a table. Spots are bound to fill up faster than you can say prost.
Next time someone complains that you're glued to your phone, tell them that you're earning free food. Yes, that's the dream the burger-slinging legends at Royal Stacks is making come true with their new interactive game. Getting your favourite meat-and-bread combo is about to become as easy as spending hours doing something that, let's face it, we all already do. Available to download from the iTunes store from December 2, Royal Stacks' foray into phone-based entertainment combines fun with freebies, and virtual burgs with the real thing. Created by Melbourne's PlaySide Studios, the Tetris meets Jenga-like game requires players to stack ingredients onto a bun, line everything up to make the ideal tower of pixellated deliciousness, and try to make sure the massive creation doesn't topple over — all while building the biggest burger possible. In the process, as you work your way up from Royal Stacks' Single Stack to The King — and work through different skins and themes — you'll receive points that can be used in store for things like burgers, fries, milkshakes and frozen custard. And, if you visit a Royal Stacks joint on the day the game launches and download it while you're there, you'll also get a free serving of fries. Okay, so we all know that this is a clever piece of marketing — but we all want free burgers. Basically, it's the best of both worlds — and everything a game-playing burger lover (aka everyone) could've hoped for, really. Available to download from iTunes.
Eating, drinking and being merry is what heading to the Yarra Valley is all about; however, come April 2017, nosh and booze-loving visitors will have even more reason to be happy. That's when the region is holding their first wine and food festival showcasing everything it has to offer. And yes, it really is about time. Yarra Valley Wine and Food Festival will take over Rochford Winery from April 1 to 2, 2017, marking the first time that the area's big and small wineries have come together to showcase their tipples. Names such as DeBortoli Wines, Hanrahan Vineyard, Balgownie Estate, Oakridge Wines, Squitchy Lane and Sutherland Estate will feature among more than 50 producers of plonk. And if you're keen on specific varietals rather than individual winemakers, you'll be able to explore your favourite kinds of drop at the event's dedicated laneways. Fancy a wander down Pinot Noir Lane or Sparkling Lane, anyone? Beer and cider lovers will also be catered for with their own laneways, too, as will many a hungry stomach. In total, over 100 food and drink artisans are slated to take part — including some of the best food trucks from both Melbourne and the Yarra Valley region. The two-day event will also boast a masterclass program that'll teach aficionados the tricks of the trade and let eager drinkers taste rare drops that can no longer be purchased, a wine barrel art competition showcasing the talents of local creatives, live music and entertainment, and segway rides. Plus, every attendee will receive a free commemorative wine glass with their ticket, in case you need any help remembering the occasion. Yarra Valley Wine and Food Festival runs from April 1 - 2, 2017, at Rochford Winery. For more information and to buy tickets, visit the www.yarravalleywineandfoodfestival.com.au or the festival's Facebook page.
Sometimes, you can plan for the future. Other times, you just have to adapt and innovate. When East Brunswick cafe Pope Joan found themselves the victims of three robberies over the course of 18 months, they decided to do the latter, making the bold move to stop accepting cash. After announcing the change on their Facebook page earlier this week, the Nicholson Street hangout has gone completely cashless, with cards now reigning supreme as a form of payment for their caffeinated beverages and daytime food fare. They might've also jokingly stated that you can pay using your "favourite pet or first born child", but it's plastic or nothing here — with no minimum spend necessary (and no, bitcoin isn't an acceptable). While the motivation behind the move is something no eatery should have to deal with, Pope Joan are now helping leading the way in phasing out notes and coins as a form of buying goods. Brisbane's Pablo & Rusty's became the country's first cash-free cafe last year, and while it hasn't started a trend yet, it's surely only a matter of time until digital money becomes everyone's preferred form of currency.
In summers gone by, Melburnians have descended upon the city's zoo to listen to live tunes, all while adorable animals were right there in the vicinity. No, scoping out these critters isn't just the domain of school excursions. This February and March, the venue still wants you to come by to see its creatures — but this time, it's pairing them with an outdoor cinema program. Melbourne isn't short on spots to watch flicks under the stars, thanks to everywhere from Moonlight Cinema and Barefoot Cinema to the Classic and Lido's rooftop setups, but this just might be the cutest yet. You'll sit on the zoo's lawns, catch new and retro movies, and get to peer at all those animals. In fact, your entry ticket lets you into the zoo from 5.30pm, while the film won't start playing until around 8pm, depending on sunset times. As for what you'll be watching between Thursday, February 3–Saturday, March 12, other than lions, elephants, gorillas, lemurs, koalas, wombats and more, the lineup spans recent releases such as The French Dispatch and Licorice Pizza, plus flat-out classics like Purple Rain, Romeo + Juliet and Alien. On the new front, there's also a sneak preview session of Joaquin Phoenix's excellent new drama C'mon C'mon, while the old-school selection includes 10 Things I Hate About You, Picnic at Hanging Rock, The Shining, The Princess Bride and Stop Making Sense as well. The Birds and Jurassic Park are very fitting flicks on the bill, too, but there's no sign of We Bought a Zoo — sorry. If you're peckish while you're there, a different food truck will set up shop each night, or you can nab food hampers by Baketico and Raymond Capaldi. Tickets start at $35 for non-members, and also cover DJs spinning tunes and keepers giving talks before the movies. And, you'll be doing a good deed with your visit, with proceeds from ticket sales going to Melbourne Zoo's Marine Response Unit.
On this Saturday, October 2, you might be celebrating a massive win from the weekend, commiserating a loss, or simply trying to up the vibes as another lockdown weekend looms. Thankfully, the good folk at famed cocktail bar The Everleigh and gelateria Pidapipo have the perfect treat for all three scenarios. Their latest well-timed collaboration is bringing a lineup of rich, boozy milkshakes to Melburnians for one day only. The pair will take over the Everleigh's pop-up Corner Bar from 2pm, where co-owner — and renowned mixologist — Michael Madrusan will be shaking up a trio of limited-edition takeaway concoctions crafted on Pidapipo gelato. Each pays homage to a different classic cocktail, coming in at $17 a pop. In the lineup, you'll find the Dominicana, a blend of dark rum and coffee flavours; the gin-based Ramos starring citrus and vanilla notes; and the Bee's Kiss celebrating dark rum and honey. They'll be available until 5pm, or until sold out. [caption id="attachment_826308" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Everleigh Corner Bar[/caption]
Not for the first time, the eyes have it, but then they always have with Tammy Faye Bakker. Not one but two films called The Eyes of Tammy Faye have told the 70s and 80s televangelist's tale — first a 2000 documentary and now this new Jessica Chastain-starring dramatisation — and both take their monikers from one of the real-life American figure's best-known attributes. In the opening to the latest movie, the spidery eyelashes that adorn Tammy Faye's peepers are dubbed her trademark by the woman herself. They're given ample focus in this biopic, as OTT and instantly eye-grabbing as they they are, but their prominence isn't just about aesthetics and recognition. This version of The Eyes of Tammy Faye hones in on perspective, resolutely sticking to its namesake's, even when it'd be a better film if it pondered what she truly saw, or didn't. In the path leading to her celebrity heyday and the time she was a TV mainstay, Tammy Faye's life saw plenty. It began with an unhappy childhood stained by her stern mother Rachel's (Cherry Jones, Succession) refusal to be linked to her at church, lest it remind their god-fearing Minnesotan townsfolk about the latter's sinful divorce. But young Tammy Faye (Chandler Head, The Right Stuff) still finds solace in religion, the attention that speaking in tongues mid-service brings and also the puppets she starts using as a girl. Come 1960, at bible college, her fervour and quirkiness attract fellow student Jim Bakker (Andrew Garfield, Tick, Tick… Boom!), with the pair soon married even though it gets them kicked out of school. Unperturbed, she keeps seeing their calling to the lord as their way forward, first with a travelling ministry — puppets included — and then with television shows and their own Praise the Lord network. From her mid 20s through until her late 40s, when multiple scandals spelled their downfall — involving Jim's alleged sexual assaults, as well as the misuse of funds donated to Praise the Lord by its loyal viewers — much of Tammy Faye's life was lived in the public eye, too. That gives both Chastain (The 355) and director Michael Showalter (The Big Sick) copious materials to draw upon beyond the original The Eyes of Tammy Faye, and also turns their film into a glossy recreation. There's no shortage of details to convey, but that's primarily what Abe Sylvia's (Dead to Me) script is content with. Depiction doesn't equal interrogation here, and does skew closer to endorsement; Tammy Faye's outsized appearance, her makeup and outfits getting gaudier as the Bakkers' fame keeps growing, can border on parody — it's camp at the very least — but that isn't the same as asking probing questions about the movie's central figure. Chastain serves up a performance that seems primed to delve deeper. With the exceptional Scenes From a Marriage star leading the show, the eyes don't just have it, or the hair that just keeps getting bigger, or the ostentatious clothing. In the twice Oscar-nominated actor's hands — with a third nod likely for this very portrayal — there's heart and soul behind Tammy Faye's larger-than-life persona, thoughtfully and sympathetically so. As she was with The 355, Chastain is also one of The Eyes of Tammy Faye's producers, and her investment in the part is apparent in every aspect of her portrayal. The film was clearly built around her work, which is excellent, but the picture plays like that's its whole point. Indeed, when it comes to seeing past the blatant, already-known and openly endorsed about its subject, and to genuinely unpacking her role in the prosperity gospel her husband promoted, the movie conspicuously stops short. The Eyes of Tammy Faye nonetheless gives its protagonist far more depth than decades of joking about her have afforded. It also keenly draws attention to the ways she masterminded her and Jim's success, pushed to be seen as an equal in male-dominated evangelical circles and broke with right-wing doctrine to promote god's love for all. In one of the feature's best scenes, the film shows her refusing to merely sit and gossip with the other wives as Jim hobnobs with religious media moguls Pat Robertson (Gabriel Olds, Amazing Stories) and Jerry Falwell (Vincent D'Onofrio, The Unforgivable). In another, it recreates Tammy Faye's emotional TV interview with AIDS-positive Christian pastor Steve Pieters (Randy Havens, The Suicide Squad). Still, it never escapes notice that Showalter and Sylvia choose not to connect more than a few dots, or to ponder if they should be. In their retelling, their point of focus is smart, astute and dedicated, but has the scantest of links with Praise the Lord's demise. As a result, there's too often a Wikipedia-meets-cinema air to The Eyes of Tammy Faye. While that's helpful for newcomers to the Bakkers, and there are fascinating titbits to cover — such as Heritage USA, their Christian theme park, which came third in patronage only to Disney World and Disneyland at its height — it's also the marker of a tame and standard film. Of course, the movie is unsurprisingly scathing towards Jim's clutched-to belief that god wants them to be wealthy, the tactics used to fleece his followers to put the idea into action and his preaching that faith is the path to riches, as it should be. (That's a line of thinking still trotted out in theology today, abhorrently so.) If only the rest of the feature had that bite, or more, as it luxuriates in its era-appropriate costuming and decor, and in its leading lady's compelling work. Early in the picture, in one of its displays of childhood dejection, Rachel demands that Tammy Faye "stop performing". Those words loom large over The Eyes of Tammy Faye, even with Chastain's performance its best element (and with Garfield turning in a fine effort as well). Frequently, the movie resembles as much of an act as Tammy Faye's take on femininity does — staging the minutiae for the world to see, but too rarely daring to peer past the caked-on surface. It ensures that its eponymous figure is embraced for more than her makeup, yet still stays skin-deep regarding the bulk of her complexities and contradictions. That doesn't make this a terrible movie, but it does spark a straightforward and simplistic biopic that prays for more gumption, bombast, pluck and verve.
This news isn't like rain on your wedding day. It doesn't resemble finding a black fly in your chardonnay. And it definitely isn't anything like hitting a traffic jam when you're already late, either. But, it will have you singing those lines — and it is news that you oughta know — because 15-time Tony Award-nominated musical Jagged Little Pill is heading to Melbourne. The Broadway show's debut trip Down Under was first announced back in April; however, its planned September launch in Sydney was then postponed due to lockdown. Now, it's locked in to make its Aussie premiere in December in the Harbour City, before hitting up Melbourne from January. The entire Aussie run marks the acclaimed production's first trip beyond Broadway, in fact — and it'll play the Comedy Theatre from Sunday, January 2, 2022. Inspired by Alanis Morissette's 1995 album of the same name, Jagged Little Pill the Musical weaves a story around songs from that iconic record. So yes, it's a jukebox musical like Mamma Mia!, We Will Rock You and Rock of Ages. Famed tracks 'Ironic', 'You Oughta Know', 'Hand in My Pocket', 'Head Over Feet' and 'You Learn' all feature, in a production that boasts music by Morissette and her album co-writer and producer Glen Ballard, lyrics by Morissette, and a book by Juno Oscar-winner Diablo Cody. And, songs such as 'Thank U', 'So Pure', 'That I Would Be Good', 'So Unsexy' and 'Hands Clean' all pop up as well, even though they hail from the musician's subsequent albums. At present, tickets are on sale for shows until Sunday, February 6, all starring Natalie Bassingthwaighte. She'll play Mary Jane Healey, with Jagged Little Pill the Musical telling the Healey family's tale as they struggle with their seemingly idyllic suburban lives after a troubling event in their community. Expect to hear Morissette's tunes — including two new songs written just for the show — used in a story about social issues relevant to today, but also with an overall message of hope, healing and togetherness. Images: Jagged Little Pill the Musical original Broadway cast, Matthew Murphy.
There's something special about visiting a vineyard. Seeing the grapes up close and meeting the people who create big kids' juice makes you appreciate every drop of vino that little bit more. But going to a winery has been a little trickier this year. So, to makes things easier, we're bringing the high country to your house with Delatite Wine's DIY Wine Blending class. On Friday, September 17 and Friday, September 24, you can take part in an online wine blending workshop with Delatite Winery's David Ritchie and Andy Browning. Throughout the session, you'll sample the leafy aromatics and blueberry characters of the 2019 cabernet. Then, you'll get to enjoy the rounded, juicy goodness of the merlot from the same year. You'll also learn about Delatite's own wine blending process and discover why it chose to make wine naturally and without filtering. Plus, you'll be encouraged to make your very own blend to go in the running to win a $150 voucher to spend at the winery's restaurant (when you're finally able to visit). To ensure you've got the right goods, you'll be sent a sampling kit filled with all the essentials. The pack will include four different bottles of Delatite wine, an empty bottle for you to build your own blend in, a measuring cylinder, wine pourer, tasting mat and more. Just make sure you register a week before kick-off to ensure it arrives in time for the class. Sound like a superior way to kick off your weekend? Delatite Winery's DIY Wine Blending will take place at 5pm on September 17 and September 24. For more information and to book yourself a spot, visit the website.
Cherry Bar's upcoming gig lineup copped a bit of a wallop thanks to lockdown 2.0, but it's not all bad news for music lovers. Fans can still treat their ears to some tunes from the rock 'n' roll bar, with a series of ticketed live-streamed shows available on the website. There's a growing back catalogue to enjoy over the next few weeks of iso, featuring much-loved acts like the Pierce Brothers, Dallas Crane and Perth rocker Kim Salmon. But you'll also find plenty more live streams to come, as organisers pull together a virtual gig program to fill that musical void while doors are closed. Coming up this Saturday, July 18, catch Three Kings live to your lounge room, kicking off a show at 8pm. The 'blues super group' of Melbourne, the trio is known for its greasy blues and promises to take you on a journey through music history. Tickets to this one start from $15, though fork out $50 and you'll score a personalised shout-out from the band during the gig, while throwing some extra support behind Cherry Bar. Image: Jake Roden for Visit Victoria.
After months of wearing trackies while WFH (don't get us wrong, it's been great), it might be time to level-up your wardrobe. And what better way to do so than by buying a suit? Sure, it might be a big transition from sweats, but right now you can get one for a serious steal — so why not get some new threads for that fancy event you have on further down the track? Or, you know, when you actually have to go back to corporate life in the office. Known for its top-quality menswear M.J. Bale is hosting a massive warehouse sale both online and in-store. The Australian fashion house favours timeless, well-made pieces over seasonal trends — although it is always sartorially suave. Now, for ten days only, you can get discounted suits, coats and tuxedos, as well as more casual attire such as jackets, pants, knitwear and shirts. Best of all, you can nab them all at up to 75 percent off. The sale is running from Friday, July 17 till Sunday, July 26. You can jump online here to check out what's on offer. If you live in NSW or Queensland, you can also go to your closest M.J. Bale outlet store. In Sydney, head to Birkenhead Point or DFO Homebush; Brisbanites can head to DFO Brisbane. M.J. Bale's Warehouse Sale is running from July 17–27 both online and at its outlet stores.
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
This pandemic mightn't have dampened your appetite for fresh, chewy bagels, but with social distancing, it's sure made things a little more hectic at your local farmers market — which is where folks normally flock for a weekend haul of 5 & Dime's bagel creations. Now, you can visit 5 & Dime's new takeaway-only pop-up shop in Caulfield North — if you live within five kilometres, of course. While the brand's Collins Place store takes a hiatus, it's more than making up for it with this temporary venue on Hawthorne Road, which will be dishing up the goods until the start of September. Boiled and baked bagels head up the menu here, with fan favourites like the sesame, salty garlic and cinnamon raisin available as is, or jazzed up with one of the signature schmears. And yes, the famed bacon maple cream cheese is indeed getting a run. You'll also find a slew of other baked goods, with a range of house-made sourdough breads and pastries rounding out the lineup. Loaves run to the likes of a spiced fruit loaf, a jalapeño and cheese creation, and another sourdough modelled on 5 & Dime's popular everything bagel blend. Dessert is sorted with goodies like escargot, babka, plain and flavoured croissants, and danishes. And, if you're lucky, there'll be a slice or two left of the kitchen's new Basque-style cheesecake — an on-trend way to use up some of those extra stocks of cream cheese. The pop-up's also slinging coffee to match its menu of baked treats, courtesy of small local roastery Rosso. If Caulfield North isn't within your five-kilometre radius, check if the bagelry stocks any of your local farmers markets. The 5 & Dime's bagel pop-up is open from 7am–3pm Monday–Friday and 9am–2pm Saturday–Sunday. Images: Kate Shanasy Updated August 2, 2020.
White, pillowy and more angular than Timothée Chalamet's jawline, Japan's ubiquitous shokupan — which means 'eating bread' — loaves are usually milk-based, but not baker Quentin Berthonneau's version. The French-born owner of Melbourne's Q Le Baker is creating his loaves using sourdough for his new side hustle Shokupan. To get your hands on Berthonneau's shokupan, you usually need to sign up to a waitlist. But, this Sunday, July 5, you'll find them at Toorak Road's Hibiki. Available from 9am until 3pm (or sold out, which, based on its popularity, seems more likely), the loaves will be sold as-is for $13 or as a tamago sando for $15. Usually found at 7-Elevens across Japans, the egg sandwiches have been created in collaboration with Hibiki's owner Reiji Honour. The sandwich is made using classic cos lettuce, Hibiki house-pickled daikon and hikiniku tamago (an omelette with mince meat) and, of course, soft slices of shokupan. Berthonneau promises this is just the first of many collaborations with Melbourne chefs — we'll let you know when any more are announced. Shokupan X Hibiki's sandwiches and shokupans are available from 9am–3pm (or until sold out). From 11.59pm on Wednesday, July 1, until at least Wednesday, July 29, stay-at-home orders have been reintroduced in ten Melbourne postcodes, which means their residents can only leave for one of four reasons: work or school, care or care giving, daily exercise or food and other essentials. For more information, head to the DHHS website.
In our fast paced times, this new exhibition at Monash University Museum of Art (MUMA) considers how technology is impacting sculptural art practice, and how sculptural works produced today might be received by those in the future. With artists from nine countries represented, Future Eaters offers a worldly perspective on contemporary sculptural practice and explores how materials, forms and artists have responded to this technological age. Considering how sculpture has the potential to outlive its creators and become "residues of our existence", Future Eaters abandons the typical gallery format, instead taking place in a highly architectural 'infinite grid' designed by artist Damiano Bertoli. In addition, MUMA has also commissioned several new artworks and installations by Bertoli and other Australian artists Benjamin Armstrong, Marley Dawson, Lewis Fidock and Joshua Petherick and Mira Gojak. Future Eaters takes place at MUMA and is on now until Saturday, September 23.
Like cakes? Don't like animal products? Baked treat-eating vegans of Melbourne, rejoice — the Worldwide Vegan Bake Sale is upon us. The initiative takes place around the globe over the second half of April, and come the 22nd of the month, it's your turn. From 10am, Fitzroy's The Cruelty Free Shop will be selling an array of vegan cakes, cupcakes and just generally tasty baked goodies out the front of their Johnson Street store. All proceeds will go to Animal Liberation Victoria. Yes, indulging your sweet tooth will help animals in need. If you needed any extra motivation, you've got it. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own container with them so that they can take their wares home, and you're encouraged to arrive early too — while the sale is due to run until 6pm, it'll close before then if all of those mouth-watering morsels have sold out.
With the horrors of war never far from cinema screens, audiences could be forgiven for thinking they've seen every combat tale there is to tell. Thankfully, while that might feel true when it comes to the emotional journey at the heart of Land of Mine, the film's real-life details evoke plenty of intrigue. Come for the usual mix of cruelty, camaraderie and emotional revelations. Stay for something you probably haven't come across before: a literally explosive story of post-World War II efforts to clear landmines from Denmark's coast. Indeed, when the global conflict came to an end in 1945, life didn't just go back to normal. Not in a country recovering from Nazi occupation, with a landscape still peppered with more than 1.5 million buried bombs. Under the supervision of Danish Sergeant Carl Rasmussen (Roland Møller), it's left to a group of German POWs to rifle through the sand. Most are little more than teenagers — including twin brothers Ernst and Werner (Emil and Oskar Belton), as well as the gang's self-appointed leader Sebastian (Louis Hofmann). But the fiery Rasmussen shows them little sympathy, despite their difficult and dangerous task. It's not hard to guess that Rasmussen will eventually warm to his charges. However, even when Land of Mine charts a predictable path, it remains gripping from start to finish. If there's one thing that the best foreign-language Oscar-nominated film perfects, it's the tension and suspense surrounding the scouring, searching and defusing of the deadly explosives at the centre of its story. Every time a character handles a mine, the fear that they're feeling oozes from the screen. And when tragedy occurs, as you know it inevitably will, it's delivered with quiet devastation. Along with the underlying historical reality, part of the reason that the film's atmosphere of unease hits home so strongly is just how picturesque everything appears. Even when they're littered with weapons capable of killing thousands, beaches tend to catch the eye, a fact that sets up many of the movie's thematic contrasts. Something that appears beautiful soon proves otherwise, just as people who act one way can harbour hidden depths. It's not Land of Mine's most subtle comparison, but courtesy of Camilla Hjelm's lingering cinematography, it works. Directing only his third feature film, writer-director Martin Zandvliet also wins big with his cast. If the quietly ominous terrain that fills the film's frames stresses the impact of war, then the growing creases on the actors' faces help convey the personal costs. It's Møller who has the trickiest role and provides Land of Mine's standout performance as a result. It's one thing to predict ahead of time what's going to happen with his character. It's quite another to believe it when it happens. Thanks first and foremost to his phenomenal work, you'll find yourself captivated by everything Land of Mine has to offer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWnwiqIWI0I
War, what is it good for? That's a question Britain's Ministry of Information was tasked with answering in the 1940s. As English soldiers battled the Nazis across Europe, and the Germans dropped bombs on London during the Blitz, selling the merits of the Second World War to the broader public became increasingly difficult. When lives are being lost en masse and buildings are crumbling around you, the slogan "keep calm and carry on" — which was coined by the British government in 1939 — starts to seem a little less reassuring. In Their Finest, Ministry filmmakers aren't just concerned with making rousing cinema. They're also keen to ensure that plausible dialogue comes out of the mouths of their female characters. This inspires them to hire Catrin Cole (Gemma Arterton) as a low-paid writer. Though keen, industrious and excellent at her job from the outset, she comes in particularly handy when bureaucrat Roger Swain (Richard E Grant), producer Gabriel Baker (Henry Goodman) and head writer Tom Buckley (Sam Claflin) set their sights on adapting a true tale about two sea-faring sisters. The ladies in question took their dad's boat to help with the Dunkirk rescue efforts, or so the story goes. But when Catrin has a chat with the heroic twins, she discovers that reality is a little less exciting. Still, you know the old adage: you can't let the facts get in the way of a good story. Propaganda filmmaking mightn't seem a likely candidate for a poignant exploration of the power of movies, a tender account of people trying to get by in tough times, and a romantic drama all rolled into one. Nevertheless, audiences who stick with Their Finest's initially awkward-seeming concept will be justly reward. There's plenty of sweetness, satire and insight inside — and a gentle yet clear rallying cry against sexism as well. Indeed, director Lone Scherfig (An Education) and screenwriter Gaby Chiappe understand full well that pleasing the cinema-going crowds and smartly championing the power of women in the workforce aren't mutually exclusive goals. In adapting Lissa Evans' 2009 novel Their Finest Hour and a Half, they take the obvious approach, but do so with handsome period flair, an ample amount of heart, and an ability to seamlessly jump between comedic to serious moments. Take Bill Nighy's involvement, for instance. The veteran actor plays just that, although his character is convinced he should be seen as a young romantic lead rather than older uncle. He's initially rolled out for laughs, but the movie doesn't treat him as a joke. Delving deeper into what its motley crew is facing as the war rages on around them sits at the very heart of this surprisingly nuanced film. And while Nighy doesn't ever steal the spotlight from the spirited Arterton, he provides a warm, witty and winning example of the kind of multi-layered movie the pair both find themselves making. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmRzbnnToiw
While chairs are often overlooked as ordinary objects in our homes, Creating the Contemporary Chair argues the chair is a focal point for the evolution of design vernacular — and that it even symbolises an object's ability to express ideas. Having fixated designers for decades, this Melbourne Design Week exhibition will present 35 provocative designs from 1980 to 2016. The exhibition has been in development for two years and includes several prominent international designers such as Jacopo Foggini, Helen Kontouris, gt2p and Porky Hefer, who designed the above killer whale piece. It will be on show at NGV International from Friday, March 17. Image: Fiona Blackfish (2015), Porky Hefer.
If you love movies and the magic that goes into making them, it's easy to get spirited away when you head to the cinema. Come late August, however, that will definitely prove the case, because Studio Ghibli's moving castles, cat buses and cute balls of fluff are taking over screens across Melbourne. From August 24, the acclaimed and adored Japanese animation house will be floating across movie theatres thanks to a month-long Celebrate Studio Ghibli showcase. The jam-packed program spans all 22 of their gorgeous flicks plus a behind-the-scenes documentary. Yes, that means devouring everything from Hayao Miyazaki's early efforts such as Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind and Laputa: Castle in the Sky, to perennial crowd-pleasers My Neighbour Totoro and Spirited Away, to later efforts like Ponyo and The Wind Rises. Of course, while Miyazaki might've become synonymous with the studio he helped build, he's not their only filmmaking force — as doco The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness demonstrates. Ghibli's other stars also get their time to shine, with the likes of Isao Takahata' Grave of the Fireflies, Only Yesterday and The Tale of the Princess Kaguya, Tomomi Mochizuki's Ocean Waves, Hiroyuki Morita's The Cat Returns, and Gorō Miyazaki's Tales from Earthsea and From Up on Poppy Hill also on the bill. Basically, whichever Ghibli movie is your favourite, you'll get the chance to revisit it on the big screen. Plus, Melburnian Ghibli fans can also catch 15 titles on 35mm during the showcase's stint at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image, doing justice to their eye-catching artistry.
From medieval guilds all the way forward to Wikipedia, sharing knowledge has always been a boon for humanity. We thrive on it. And Melbourne's hospitality symposium GROW is built around the idea that information is better served up than hoarded. The collective's event GROW Assembly is back for a second year, with its consortium of hospo professionals again coming together to collectively season the new generation of chefs, sommeliers, bakers, cocktail artisans, food journos and FOH firecrackers with the juice squeezed from their collective experience. The 2017 event is a full-day seminar on Sunday, July 16 in Melbourne with 11 industry speakers spitting knowledge left, right and centre. The lineup reads like a Wiki entry of Melbourne's food community, including Tim Williams (coffee company Bureaux Collective), David Blackmore (Blackmore Wagyu), Robert Walters (wine buyer of Bibendum Wine Co), Michael Ryan (Beechworth's Provenance Restaurant) and Astrid McCormack (Brunswick Heads' Fleet), among others. Phew. The team who are putting the whole shebang together — Michael Bascetta, Banjo Harris Plane, Meira Harel and Vicky Symington — also have an impressive joint resume; together they count stints at Attica, The Town Mouse and Bar Liberty in their experience. It's a long list, but you get the jist — these are the people you want to be the hospitality Yoda to your Skywalker. If you're looking to bring that novelty hybrid food idea into fruition or give us your spin on fried chicken this event is the perfect way to get a foot in the door. Tickets are $130 and include lunch, coffee and booze.
If, like us, you've found yourself stumbling drunkenly through the doors of Hakata Gensuke late on a Friday or Saturday night and weeping with joy into a steaming bowl of tonkotsu, you'll be delighted to hear they're celebrating their birthday with a ramen giveaway. Hakata Gensuke's Russell Street store is turning three on the weekend of August 19 to 20, and they're gifting free signature ramen to the first 50 diners through the door — and taking 50% off grub served all weekend as well — to mark the occasion. You can also expect lucky draw prizes including a Super VIP card, which entitles the winner to a year of free ramen. And if you're one of the first 30 people in line at 10:00pm on Friday, you'll go in the draw to win a Late Night Ramen VIP card which comes with free late night ramen for a year. Yes please. Look, we don't really need an excuse to smash a hefty bowl of ramen, but we're just glad the late-night ramen trade is booming. Some terms and conditions apply so check out the deals on their website.
Reservoir Dogs. Donnie Darko. The Blair Witch Project. Get Out. Some of the most influential movies of the past few decades have had their world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival. Now, the iconic event is making the journey from Utah to Melbourne with a carefully curated program of shorts at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image. Screening just three times at ACMI from July 8 through July 16, this stellar program consists of seven short films that each played at the Utah festival back in January. Standouts include Night Shift, the story of a Los Angeles bathroom attendant played by TV on the Radio's Tunde Adebimpe; 5 Films About Technology, a satirical anthology shot in an insta-inspired 1:1 frame; and Come Swim, which marks the directorial debut of Kristen Stewart. The films offer a nice mix of comedic, reflective and more avant-garde projects that showcase up-and-coming independent filmmakers and give the audience a taste of what Sundance is all about.
How many events dedicated to truffles does one city need? The answer: as many as possible. With the Truffle Melbourne Festival jumping on over to the Queen Victoria Market this year, Prahran Market are upping the ante. Behold their Truffle & Charcuterie Celebration. Mark July 9 in your diaries, as that's the day that delicious funghi and cured meat take over for six hours of eating fun. It's a match made and heaven — and, if you don't think that now, you will once you see just what's in store. Truffles with French Champagne, the world's best ham, hot truffled canapes, cooking demonstrations... with Sweet Greek, Maker & Monger, Naheda's Choice and Cleo's Deli just some of the places serving up bits and bites, the list goes on. At a pop-up truffle market within the market, there'll be everything from truffled risotto with sauteed garlic thyme mushrooms to warm truffle-infused honey baclava to truffled goats cheese, plus a ticketed charcuterie experience that comes with a free glass of wine. And, there'll also be truffled chocolate waffle doughnuts, truffle brioche toasties, truffle mac 'n' cheese and winter black truffle ice-cream. Yep, it's going to be truffle-tastic.
Who knew that a simple zoom out could be so heartbreaking? Iranian-Kurdish journalist and Manus Island detainee Behrouz Boochani, that's who. Secretly recording his indefinite detention in Papua New Guinea's controversial facility for asylum seekers, it's a filmmaking flourish he uses several times throughout Chauka, Please Tell Us the Time. Shooting his restrained surroundings on a mobile phone, his camera captures images both scenic and ordinary — a beach and a communal space, for example — only to then lurch backwards to reveal bars obscuring the view. The statement Boochani makes with this stylistic choice might be obvious, but it's important. For the incarcerated, freedom and normality is so close and yet so far. That applies not only to peering beyond their fenced-in confines, but trying to flee oppression in search of a better life. They're ostensibly right next door to their ideal destination, Australia, and yet the place they're forced to inhabit couldn't be further from their dreams. Indeed, as they struggle with their imprisonment, endure a climate of violence, and make calls to their families back home, their situation more closely resembles a nightmare. Of course, this has all been splashed across countless news headlines already; the documentary is being released in the same week that the Australian government settled a $70 million lawsuit with Manus Island detainees. But as Chasing Asylum demonstrated last year, there's a difference between hearing about the harsh conditions Boochani and company suffer through, and seeing them first-hand; just as there's a difference between seeing asylum seekers as a faceless mass, and getting to know their individual stories. A collaboration with Iranian-Dutch filmmaker Arash Kamali Sarvestani, who produced, edited and composed the suitably emotive score, the movie is less an interview-filled expose, and more a moody portrait of the daily reality of life on Manus Island. Men share tales of bleak incidents within the facility, and try to speak to wives, children and mothers left behind. In between, the camera roams — sometimes over bunk beds no one would want their worst enemy to sleep in, sometimes finding a kitten fenced in behind the wire. Poetic in its depiction of the banality of detainment while offering an impassioned polemic on a punitive regime, Chauka, Please Tell Us the Time is a film of juxtapositions — its subjects yearn for beauty while experiencing abject horror. It's no wonder, then, that Boochani and Sarvestani have chosen to name their feature after a term with a significant double meaning. 'Chauka' refers to both a local bird known for emitting noises at specific times, and the solitary confinement facility within the camp. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwaVMPYEzrA
You have to hand it to the Lido cinema: when it comes their latest retrospective, they couldn't have chosen a better moniker. John Hughes turned teenage dreams into some of the best movies of the '80s, and then inspired many a youthful daydream in turn. Whether you lived through his heyday, watched his flicks over and over again on VHS, DVD or streaming, or both, it's likely your adolescent years wouldn't have been the same without him. At Teen Dream: John Hughes Retrospective, four of the filmmaker's films will grace the Lido's big screen as part of month-long showcase of his ace work. Learn what it's like to be Pretty in Pink, catch the brightly burning excitement of Sixteen Candles, hang out with The Breakfast Club and discover Some Kind of Wonderful. Each film screens on Sunday afternoon at 2pm. Prepare for killer '80s soundtracks and killer fashions as well. Dressing up to match is up to you.
What's your favourite thing about Twin Peaks? Other than the fact that it's back and just as damn fine as ever, of course. We know, we know, there's just too much to choose from. Any list would have to include Kyle MacLachlan as Agent Dale Cooper, cherry pie and coffee, and David Lynch's inimitable approach on screen and off — as well as the haunting music. From those first distinctive notes of composer Angelo Badalamenti's theme tune, to the ethereal sounds of Julee Cruise's Falling — a number one hit in Australia at the time — the show's soundtrack keeps echoing through our minds. That's not going to change for the next four months, or ever. In fact, Xiu Xiu will ensure the series' score gets permanently lodged in your brain when they return to Australia. As The Giant would say, it is happening again. After wowing Brisbane crowds back in 2015 during the gallery's mind-bending, once-in-a-lifetime David Lynch: Between Two Worlds exhibition, the American experimental group are back and heading to Melbourne to once again interpret the iconic music through their mix of post punk and synth pop for a final time. Prepare to amazed, delighted and even a little disturbed by this new take on Twin Peaks' chaos, drama, fear, noise, sidelong leering glances, arms turned into trees, mysterious glass boxes and Mr Jackpots. Performing live at The Substation on June 22 and 23, Xiu Xiu's shows also come with a serious warning: BOB (or is it Cooper?) will be conducting. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rrK6UvAkLs
As Good Beer Week offerings go, they don't get much more glamorous than this one-off big ticket dinner at high-end speakeasy Eau de Vie. Presented in partnership with the Stockade Brewing Company, this five-course degustation on Wednesday, May 17 will feature food specially matched to Eau de Vie cocktails incorporating Stockade Beers. Expect creative taste combinations and a little bit of theatre. At $175 per person the event certainly isn't cheap, so if your significant other owes you a favour it might be time to cash it in.
You can never have too many occasions to eat cheese; however Melbourne's newest celebration of everyone's favourite dairy product isn't just keen to shower cheese fiends with creamy goodness. A collaboration between Bottle Shop Concepts and Bruny Island Cheese Co. cheesemaker Nick Haddow, Mould: A Cheese Festival wants dairy-lovers to explore and devour the mild, hard and soft bites that Australia's best cheese wizards have to offer. Corralling 20 local producers together, and showcasing more than 80 different varieties, the festival with paint North Melbourne's Meat Market yellow on September 2. Yes, it'll make everyone discover just how many times they can say the word cheese before it starts to sound strange — but, it'll also feature flavoursome fare from Yarra Valley Dairy, Holy Goat Cheese, Woodside Cheese Wrights, Pyengana Dairy Company, Shaw River Buffalo Cheese, That's Amore, Grandvewe and more. Think of it as a cheese tasting trip around Australia without leaving Blackwood Street. Of course, snacking on samples and purchasing slices and slabs to take home with you are just two ways to enjoy cheese. Don't worry, Mould: A Cheese Festival has other cheesy fun in store as well. In fact, the fest will boast cooking demonstrations and masterclasses so you'll know just how to make the best cheese wonders, as well as everything from grilled cheese sandwiches and 'flaming Reubens' to raclette and cheese-flavoured gelato. You can thank Maker & Monger, Harper & Blohm and Pidapipó for all of that, with Tivoli Road Bakery joining in to serve up that cheese-accompanying staple: bread aplenty. It wouldn't be a cheese festival without beverages to wash it all down with, so expect a bar serving Aussie tipples such as Patrick Sullivan and Pennyweight wines, Starward whisky, Stone & Wood beer and Napoleone cider — and expect to spend plenty of time trying to pair your cheeses and your pints oh-so-perfectly. Tickets cost $45, which includes tastings, classes, one free glass of vino and a PLUMM wine glass to keep (and cheese dreams later, obviously). UPDATE AUGUST 23, 2017: Because you all love cheese so much and booked out the first session, Mould has added an evening session, which will run from 6–9pm. Nab tickets while they're still available.
Greta Gerwig dances out her angst to David Bowie. Annette Bening learns the difference between Black Flag and Talking Heads. Throw in Elle Fanning reading Judy Blume, and 20th Century Women is filled with fantastic actresses not only interacting with cultural touchstones, but playing characters trying to make sense of their life through art. Inspired by writer-director Mike Mills' own formative years, you could say that that's what he's doing too. A tale of a 15-year-old boy coming of age surrounded by influential females, Mills has called the movie a love letter to the women that raised him. We'll call it a soulful window into three ladies coping with the paths walked, rather than the ones not taken. The year is 1979, the place is Santa Barbara, and that teenage boy in the centre, Jamie (Lucas Jade Zumann), doesn't think he needs help growing up — but his single mother Dorothea (Bening) disagrees. Worried about the lack of male guidance in his life, and unable to get him to bond with their handyman lodger (Billy Crudup), she enlists fellow tenant Abbie (Gerwig) and Jamie's best pal Julie (Fanning) to shape the boy's blossoming persona. What follows is less a straightforward narrative and more a series of episodes as several months pass. Jamie embraces his skateboard-riding rebellious side, follows Abbie into punk as she deals with her own maternal issues, and grapples with his crush on the more sexually experienced Julie. This isn't the first movie that the music video director and graphic designer turned feature filmmaker has fashioned from his own experiences. His previous effort, Beginners, won Christopher Plummer an Oscar for a part inspired by Mills' father. 20th Century Women oozes a similar lived-in insight. While the drama depicted mightn't appear to be anything special, his characters and the way they face their situations most definitely are. Mills' Academy Award-nominated screenplay overflows with such authenticity, sensitivity and genuine emotion that it seems like Dorothea, Abbie and company have simply walked out of his memories and onto the screen. Of course, there's another factor at play here: when you want to make a film about remarkable women, you need a remarkable cast. 20th Century Women's lineup is phenomenal — and not just because Gerwig gets another Bowie moment after Frances Ha. She's more assured here than in her work with Noah Baumbach, but still astutely reflects the uncertainty that comes with trying to make your way in the world. But as good as Gerwig, Fanning, Crudup and newcomer Zumann may be, they all stand in the shadow of Bening. Make no mistake: the movie belongs to her as much as it does Mills. That's not to say that 20th Century Women doesn't look and feel every inch like a Mills movie. Switching between narrators, offering up postcard-like summaries of the past, favouring artful montages, and demonstrating an affectionate eye for messy detail, the film couldn't have been made by anybody else. But it also wouldn't work as perfectly with anyone other than Bening. She owns Dorothea's past disappointments, yet ensures she still embraces whatever the future brings — and takes her cues from Mills' mother to the point that she even wears her jewellery. Bening clearly loves her character, as does her director and the entire cast of characters. As, indeed, will you. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDa48CnquLU
We've all had them — those moments around midday when your back hurts, your shoulders are up to your earlobes and you find yourself gazing out the window from your desk. Now, we can't technically give you permission to leave work early, but we can tell you where to get free massages on your lunch break. With the arrival of spring, QV Melbourne is launching a series of free 20-minute lunchtime and after-work massage yoga sessions. But what is massage yoga, you ask? Well, a yoga teacher will guide you through a restorative yin yoga class — they'll help you with posture, and massage therapists will make their way around the class providing some soothing massage. Despite being in the middle of the CBD, he whole thing will be quite the relaxing experience, complete with oils, music and expert instruction. But if you don't feel like you can hack work after such an experience, evening classes are also available. Best of all, it's completely free — you'll just have to book via the QV website. MASSAGE YOGA TIMES Thursday, September 21 — 2-4pm and 5-7pm Friday , September 22 —2-4pm and 5-7pm Wednesday, September 27 —2-4pm and 5-7pm Thursday, September 28 —2-4pm and 5-7pm Image: Massage Yoga.
American musician, playwright and drag performer Taylor Mac headlines this year's Melbourne Festival with centrepiece event A 24-Decade History of Popular Music, an epic performance covering 240-years of American pop-culture across 24-hours of on-stage spectacle. The Inauguration is Taylor's compressed version, a 90 minute performance that hits the major musical milestones. Accompanied by his five-piece band, Taylor takes the audience on a journey through the chaotic and contested history of the United States. While not quite as epic as the full version, The Inauguration still promises to be a fascinating encounter with one of the world's most acclaimed stage acts.
Those familiar with Terrence Malik's films will be all too aware of his fondness for exploring the human condition through esoteric and cryptic imagery. Acclaimed for pictures such as Badlands, The Thin Red Line and The Tree of Life, Voyage of Time sees Malik delve into his most ambitious subject yet, producing a "scientific chronology of Earth" and documenting the history of the universe. Narrated by Aussie actress Cate Blanchett – and presented alongside the 100-member strong Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and Chorus – Voyage of Time explores both the macro and micro aspects of the universe, and tests Malik's filmic imagination to the fullest.
Merging creativity and technology this major exhibition by leading media arts organisation Experimenta presents work from 20 local and international contemporary artists, including eight never-before-seen commissions. As part of Melbourne Festival 2017, Experimenta Make Sense: International Triennial of Media Art challenges artists to consider prominent biologist E.O. Wilson's belief that humankind's greatest challenge is our combination of 'Paleolithic emotions, medieval institutions and god-like technologies'. A light-hearted and expansive exhibition, through a variety of installations you'll get to experience the sensation of being submerged inside a wave, use VR goggles to step into the shoes of a stranger and explore what impact sensory deprivation has on the body. As technology becomes increasingly space age, Experimenta Make Sense will engross your senses in the search for what it means to be human. Experimenta Make Sense: International Triennial of Media Art is on-show from Monday, October 2 until Saturday, November 11 at RMIT Gallery.
Coming very, very soon to Theatre Works in St Kilda, Lifetime Guarantee is being billed as "a rock and roll comedy featuring property development, new love, sex tapes, divorce and a '67 Mustang". It's a classic mix of elements, really, and we're here for it 100 percent. Lifetime Guarantee is the latest play from acclaimed local playwright Ross Mueller, who previously won the New York New Dramatists Playwright exchange for his 2009 effort Concussion. In its Australian premiere, this new production will be directed by Theatre Works Creative Director John Sheedy. The season kicks off on Thursday, February 9 and runs until Sunday, February 26. Tickets are $30 for concession holders and $38 for adults.
If you weren't already aware, Asia TOPA (or the Asia-Pacific Triennial of Performing Arts) is on show citywide across Melbourne, celebrating the best of Asian contemporary arts. As part of the massive program, ACCA is hosting a major neon installation by Chinese artist He An entitled Do You Think You Can Help Her Brother? Working closely with neon signs throughout his extensive career, He An has brought his collection of luminous letters to Melbourne, which have been removed from various Beijing shopfronts. Simultaneously exploring changes to the built environment of the Chinese capital, social media, language and storytelling, He An contends that "in the city, what we say in our little apartment is not important," but rather, "what is important is the words the neon lights project onto us". Installed on the ACCA's northern façade, the work will be on show 24 hours a day until April 23.
Make the most of your remaining summer nights with a free open air cinema presented by Victoria Harbour. Over three Friday nights in February, Park Cinema will screen family favourites The Wedding Singer, Back to the Future and The Dish in Buluk Park, Docklands. Pack a rug and some snacks, or leave the work to Docklands cafe Saluministi, which will be serving up tasty Italian picnic fare. The event is alcohol-free, but if you're keen for a pre-movie tipple, stop in at Collins Street's Bar Nacional on the way to the park. Just note that there is no reserved seating, so make sure you're on time to score a prime spot on the lawn — gates open at 7pm, with the screening kicking off around 8.30pm as the sun goes down.
If the way to a regular person's heart is through their stomach, then surely the way to a sweet tooth's is via a parade of stunning, handcrafted desserts. So, this Valentine's Day, Proof is in the Pudding is spreading the love with a special four-course dessert degustation, which will take over the Bakers Bench at their new South Yarra store. Owner and head baker Isabelle Bach has crafted a blissful lineup of sweet treats for the event, to be enjoyed by a handful of lucky diners, at $42 a head. Think, oven-warm shortbread cookies made to her Grandmother's original recipe, and a caramelised white couverture chocolate torte, loaded with cinnamon, roasted macadamias, and honeyed cream cheese. If ever there was a reason to skip the dinner reservation and head straight to the final course, this is it. Seats at the intimate affair are limited, so get in touch with the bakery now to reserve your place at the table and, we're sure, a spot in that special someone's heart.
Bartenders are the new rockstars — if their touring habits are anything to go by, anyway. In the past few years, more and more cocktail bars and their helmsmen have joined musicians for fly-in, fly-out visits to Australia — but instead of touring records, they're touring killer drinks lists. Last year saw Asia's best bar 28 Hongkong Street and hidden New York City jaunt Attaboy both do a quick stops in Melbourne and Sydney, while Mace popped up at Sydney's PS40 just the other week and PDT was in town a little while back too. And now another NYC bar is making its way to our shores for a cheeky cocktail pop-up. The Dead Rabbit Grocery and Grog will come to Australia for three nights only, spreading its shaking skills across the east coast with one night at Melbourne's Black Pearl, one night at Sydney's Baxter Inn and one night at The Gresham in Brisbane. Dead Rabbit will be sending their finest drink makers to work in collaboration with the host bars to create a one-night-only menu that will showcase their skills and signature drinks and food items (like their Scotch egg). Their cocktail menu is pretty extensive, but we're hoping they bring their Hong Kong Phooey with them — it blends rum with Aquavit, grapefruit, pistachio and avocado. Although we've had a few bars pass through our major cities by now, this one's pretty special as Dead Rabbit, which is permanently located in lower Manhattan, took out the top spot on last year's World's 50 Best Bars list. So if you can't get to the Lower East Side anytime soon, this is your next best option. Tickets are a little pricey at $40 (plus booking fee) — that includes a cocktail on arrival and one of Dead Rabbit's signature Scotch eggs. The Melbourne pop-up has already sold out, but we'll cross our fingers they announce a second date.
If you haven't tried the savoury Japanese pancake okonomiyaki, here's your chance. For one weekend only, Hiroshima-born, London-based chef and okonomiyaki master Fumio Tanga will grace Collingwood with his craft at the Broad Island Shokudo pop-up, giving you the chance to sample the Japanese take on what we typically know as a breakfast food. Okonomiyaki is as popular in Hiroshima as pizza is in New York, says one of the project's collaborators, Kyle Bush. "I've wanted to bring Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki to Melbourne since I first tried it in 2014," he says. "I had seen the Osaka-style in Melbourne but hadn't found anyone doing the Hiroshima-style." Choose meat, seafood or vegetable toppings for your okonomiyaki, and layer it with a variety of additions, including kimchi, kelp, anchovies, cabbage and bean sprouts. Vegan okonomiyaki will also be available, as will other speciality dishes from Hiroshima. Round off your meal with Japanese beer or natural wine by Victorian winemaker Patrick Sullivan, before kicking back in an okonomiyaki-induced coma to a soundtrack by some of Melbourne's best DJs, including Noise In My Head and Simon TK from Wax'o Paradiso. The pop-up will be open from 7pm till midnight on Friday, February 24, midday till midnight on Saturday, February 25, and noon till 10pm on Sunday, February 26.
My Friend Dahmer isn't joking about its title. Exploring Jeffrey Dahmer's high school years during the 1970s, the film adapts the graphic novel of the same name, which was written by one of the serial killer's classmates and acquaintances. That said, based on the events depicted on-screen, it doesn't feel quite accurate to call John 'Derf' Backderf one of Dahmer's pals. Describing anyone as a friend of the teen who'll ultimately rape, murder and dismember 17 men doesn't feel quite right, for that matter, as the movie makes clear. "I like to pick up roadkill, but I'm trying to quit," Dahmer (Ross Lynch) tells one of his classmates. Every time the town doctor (Vincent Kartheiser) jogs past his house, he pays more attention than he should. In his garden shed at home, he likes to dissolve dead cats in acid. At school, when he's not keeping to himself, he's making odd noises and causing scenes in the hallways. It's the latter behaviour that piques the interest of aspiring artist Derf (Alex Wolff) and a few other students, inspiring them to form the 'Dahmer Fan Club' and to recruit its namesake as a member. The group encourages Dahmer's over-the-top performances, sneaks him into club yearbook photos as a prank, and even talks their way into meeting with the US Vice President. But behind the seeming camaraderie, Derf and the gang are still laughing at the new pal even when they're also laughing with him. Eventually they push the joke too far, before abandoning the guy they've been calling their mascot. There's nothing simple about Dahmer's adolescent years, as My Friend Dahmer shows. In addition to being repeatedly humiliated by the people he thinks are his friends, he struggles to cope with his sexuality, his mother's (Anne Heche) mental illness and his father's (Dallas Roberts) eventual absence. Still, there's something much too familiar about writer-director Marc Meyers' approach to this story. While the film doesn't ever try to justify or excuse the heinous deeds Dahmer would go on to commit not that much later in his life, it does draw a very short line between the treatment Dahmer is subjected to and his inner turmoil. The details might stem from reality, but the position the picture seems to take — that Dahmer was odd, but essentially an average guy until he was bullied — feels both superficial and uncomfortable, particularly given how often the same kind of sentiment is splashed across newspaper headlines to explain killings, attacks and mass shootings. Of course, watching a film about a notorious murderer's formative years shouldn't be an easy experience. Nor should empathising with a confused, tormented kid who'll go on to commit brutal crimes, including cannibalising some of his victims. The guilt and regret that the real-life Derf has obviously tussled with over the past four decades are infused into the movie, albeit in skin-deep fashion. Clumsy foreshadowing certainly doesn't help, especially since everyone knows how Dahmer's tale pans out. Whether it's someone remarking that Dahmer isn't going to bite, his mother declaring that their family eats their feelings, or an angry teacher furiously attempting to remove him from school photos, all these incidents just convey the obvious, showing absolutely no signs of depth. Segueing from Disney star to serial killer, a well-cast Lynch adds nuance where it's needed. Crucially, his performance pits Dahmer in the middle of two extremes — ostensibly normal but misunderstood and mistreated at one end, fated for horrific deeds at the other. In fact, the young actor captures a mood of ambiguity that the film around him can't completely master, offering up a portrayal that's never sympathetic but never filled with overt judgement either. Wolff is also impressive as Derf, although the character is sometimes painted in the same overly neat manner as much of the rest of the movie. Indeed, from a visual perspective, My Friend Dahmer looks like a picture-perfect portrait of '70s high school angst, as often laid out in wide shots that mimic Derf's graphic novel. But demonstrating that something darker lurks beneath the surface isn't as profound as the film seems to think. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LP4yqd90BT0
Serious about your wine? Let's face it — whether you have expensive tastes or fancy a surprise bargain, we're all serious when it comes to enjoying a good tipple. But if you're the kind of person who spends every minute thinking about vino, you're keen to up your knowledge or you're after a boozy way to treat yourself, why not play Winemaker For A Day? That's what Rob Dolan Wines is offering up twice this year, first on March 18 and then on November 25. You'll head out to the Warrandyte South winery and spend a couple of hours getting to know how the magic is made. Yes, you'll stomp some grapes. Of course you will. Then, you'll come back for the second session to enjoy the fruits of your labour. The best part? At the end of it, just before Christmas, you'll end up with your own case of wine that you've had a hand — and a foot — in making. The experience doesn't come cheap at $260, however, and you'll also have to sign up to join the Rob Dolan Huddle Club. That's just an excuse for more wine though, isn't it?
