Your Christmas lunch could soon be soundtracked by Bill Murray. Well, that's the best case scenario. Bill Murray has recently told Variety that he will be teaming up with Sofia Coppola for a festive TV special involving him singing a variety of Christmas carols. Obviously once that's out in the world, all other traditional tunes will be irrelevant and we'll all celebrate the season to his unashamed, slightly slurring version of 'Jingle Bells' and 'Silent Night'. Though we don't have many details about the project as yet, both Murray and Coppola have confirmed that something is in the works. It's also safe to assume the work will be somewhat different to their last collaboration, Lost in Translation. "It's not going to be live," said Murray. "We're going to do it like a little movie. It won’t have a format, but it’s going to have music. It will have texture. It will have threads through it that are writing. There will be prose." If that's not vague enough for your liking, he also added that it will have a "patina style and wit to it". "It will be nice," he said. "My motivation is to hear him singing my song requests," said Coppola. Though Murray is well accustomed to being on television — not only was he on three seasons of SNL in the late '70s, he's been such a regular to Letterman over the years he now just wears elaborate costumes and shaves his beard on air for kicks — this will be Coppola's first foray away from the cinema. It's hard to see how her quiet and subtle filmmaking style will translate to the cheesy traditions of Christmas TV specials (despite how much "wit" Murray claims it will have). But, whatever the final result, we're looking forward to it immensely. Now, because we'll basically take any excuse, here's a selection of Bill's best. 'Tis the season. Via Variety.
So you've probably read all about the food truck phenomenon that is about to change the face of Sydney's late night eating habits. Anyone even vaguely interested in food (and getting drunk, for that matter) is so excited you would think that Momofuku had just opened in Sydney or something. Not that we don't feel it ourselves – there is nothing like finishing the night on the high point that a well-made taco brings at 3am. However, with hype building to monstrous proportions, we want to make sure no one is left disappointed. Are the food trucks really prepared to cope with the frenzy of a city of people who really, really like their food and booze? Concrete Playground puts Georgie Swift from Veggie Patch and Attila Yilmaz from Al Carbón through the wringer to make sure they are prepared for the mayhem to come. What is your background in the food industry? AC: The son of a Turkish migrant chef and restaurateur, I learnt first-hand the dedication, devotion and passion one must possess to survive in this industry. From the age I could reach the tables, I worked beside my father, whose passion for food was infectious. In the early eighties my father started a food van in Canberra from which he sold his famous doner kebabs on weekends, leaving the week free to look after my younger brother and I. The kebab van was an instant hit and so every weekend I worked beside him in the confined space of a 5 meter food van. We served hundreds of people at the weekend markets and festivals and those times became some of the happiest memories of my childhood and early teens. What is the philosophy behind your food truck? VP: The Veggie Patch is devoted to providing high quality vegetarian food using ingredients sourced from local producers. We go by a whole foods philosophy, using unprocessed and unrefined ingredients, with minimal impact on the environment, from our packaging to ingredients. All the wastage from the veggie patch will be made from organic matter and hence composted. Furthermore the van is equipped with solar panels and the engine is powered by the van's used vegetable oil, maintaining a low ecological footprint. Inspired by the 'paddock to plate' movement, the Veggie patch aims to reconnect us to what we eat and where it comes from. This is reinforced visually through the van's artwork, which resembles and farm barn house surrounded by a veggie patch. AC: A lover of all things South American, I have had a calling towards both the cuisine and lifestyle. My mum thinks this is because a Spanish woman accidentally breast fed me in the Hospital Nursery when I was born, thinking I was her child. Our concept follows a simple formula and pays homage to the Street Taqueros of the Sonoran region of Mexico. Arguably the best tacos come from the mesquite scented hot coals of the region, in particular Hermosillo, where I travelled last year. In Hermosillo, only the best quality meats are marinated, grilled and infused with the scented hot coals of Mesquite and combined with fresh made to order tortillas and a selection of house made specialty salsas and condiments. We cook everything over a two metre BBQ pit filled with hot scented natural mesquite charcoal sourced from overseas. Even our salsas and condiments are made grilling over the same hot charcoal. No sour cream, lettuce or grated cheese here, just fresh, artisan handmade food. Even our tortillas are made fresh! What are some of the problems you've encountered along the way? AC: The design process has been long and arduous. Almost every component of our trailer I have designed and drawn myself and, in some instances, fabricated. I am not a trained designer but I taught myself CAD and other design programs to cut down costs, but also because no one would even talk to me about the concept, people thought I was crazy, seriously. Financing the project is also difficult. I'm completely self-funded from savings my wife and I were going to use to buy our first home. The hardest thing for me is finding time to do everything, from design, fabrication, marketing and cooking, I'm a one man team, as my wife has to work and look after our 22 month old. I am so unbelievably happy to be a part of this project that it brings happy tears to my eyes whenever I think about it. VP: Working out how to generate enough energy from solar power to run all the appliances we need for cooking has been a challenge, but not a problem. We are nearly there! How are you going to stay up all night? VP: The Veggie Patch has 4 business owners, so we be able to share the work load between us. It's going to be a busy year for us, but long term we will be employing people to work in the van day-to-day, whilst we continue to create in our studio [for other brand, TMOD]. AC: Twelve years of night shifts in the police force has given me the conditioning to handle that aspect of the job without an issue. If you run out of supplies within the first hour, do you have a back-up plan? AC: We have enough refrigeration and supplies on board to last a few hours, we can serve up to 1,000 people with our on-board capacity. If we start to run low, our support/towing vehicle can race to our warehouse/commercial kitchen/party room at Canterbury. Are you prepared to deal with drunk, potentially dangerous foodies? AC: I'm a big guy, and talking people down is easy when you know how. I'll just give them a taco and let them enjoy it. It's hard to fight with a mouth full of food and some of our hot salsas will sober you up quick smart. Plus you should see the huge steel skewers and big chopping cleaver we use to chop the meats (Think Chinese BBQ Duck cleaver). No one is messing with us... we hope. VP: We hadn't really thought about this… Hopefully dangerous foodies stick to doner kebabs. https://youtube.com/watch?v=jwuhf9J6lHs
A shiver shot through me somewhere halfway through The Sapphires. It was the point at which I realised I was watching a film that would go on to be a hit of The Castle- or Muriel's Wedding-esque proportions, an icon of Australiana that we treasure and quote and buy on successive video formats. And it stars four Indigenous women and an Irish guy. This is, we can assuredly say, a bit of a moment. First-time director Wayne Blair (with Tony Briggs and Keith Thompson scripting and the excellent Warwick Thornton behind the lens) from the get-go crafts a warm, relatable, charmingly mundane world for his Cummeraganja songbirds — protective Gail (Deborah Mailman), brash Cynthia (Miranda Tapsell), and the baby of the group, perfectly aware of her supereminent lung capacity, Julie (Jessica Mauboy). Staring down an inhospitable crowd at a pub talent competition, the sisters do manage to pick up one fan, drifter/pianist Dave (Chris O'Dowd, bona fide Bridesmaids celeb continuing to carve out his niche in adoreableness). He convinces them to ditch "shite" country music for soul, and they convince him to help them take the next step in their singing career. Recruiting their urbane, fair-skinned cousin Kay (Shari Sebbens), from whom they've long been separated, they prepare to head to Vietnam to entertain the American troops. The Sapphires is a feelgood film with mainstream sensibilities, so prepare yourself for every kind of musical cliche here, including the Rehearsal Montage (from learning to dance to learning the true meaning of soul) and Winning Arguments by Opening One's Mouth to Sing and Allowing the Purity of One's Talent to Do All the Communicating. That's one thing that got everyone on their feet at Cannes, but it's not the only thing; this is a winningly funny and upbeat flick that also works within its genre limitations in smart ways, and it is ultimately, appropriately, soulful. It's set in 1968, one year after the Constitution was changed to count Indigenous Australians in the census, three years after the Freedom Rides shone a spotlight on racial segregation in outback towns, and within the period when Aboriginal children were still being forcibly removed from their families. These events flicker behind the girls' personal lives. The characters are presented as archetypical girls next door, but The Sapphires also draws a very nuanced picture of Aboriginality as the girls experience not only prejudice but liberation. Soul music connects them to a movement and allows them self-expression, while their tour to Vietnam — performing to American troops, whose young black men are substantial in number — gives them the opportunity to make an impression for something other than the colour of their skin. It also gives them the opportunity to pursue various romances against the backdrop of Saigon's fading glamour, which they do, with gusto. Do not let any prejudice you have about Australian movies keep you from seeing The Sapphires; there is nothing parochial about it nor a bum note in the mix. The Sapphires' tune is all about salvaging something sparkling when the situation looks like pure muck, so it's a joyous moment when a recent photo of the four women flashes onto the screen and you're reminded that the story is based on lives really lived. The Sapphires is gorgeous and could prove to be the best iteration yet of the argument that comedy is healing. https://youtube.com/watch?v=6Ljho1cyEfg
Two Door Cinema Club are bringing in a new season, Volcano Choir are erupting with musical brilliance and RAC want us to let it all go and just enjoy the weekend. 1. 'CHANGING OF THE SEASONS' - TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB August has been a near perfect month of music for this writer. HAIM released a contender for song of the year with 'The Wire' and announced their album release date, Lorde followed suit and will embark on an Australian tour in October and now the band that occupies all of my playlists (and my heart) have treated us all to their freshest serving of Irish indie rock, and boy is it a doozie. 'Changing of the Seasons' showcases the band's traditional dance-inducing sound just in time for the start of spring, when the band will hopefully announce the details of their upcoming untitled EP. 2. 'DADDY'S MONEY' - JOHNNY STIMSON Johnny Stimson is on a personal mission to make the world groove. His last single, 'Human Man', compelled us all to move, and his latest offering, 'Daddy's Money', gets everything dancing. He hits the vocal lows and highs to sonic perfection, which when combined with the song's bouncing bassline creates an infectious work of fun for your speakers. 3. 'COMRADE' - VOLCANO CHOIR Everything that Justin Vernon touches turns to musical gold. His brilliance transformed Bon Iver into arguably the indie band of the century so far and he is now returning his talents to the collaboration known as Volcano Choir. Whilst the band released their debut album Unmap in 2009 to little fanfare, the brilliant blend led to a blooming fan base eager to hear more. Now with the band set to drop sophomore release Repave next week on September 3, they have offered up 'Comrade', a beautiful harmony ready to be played over and over again until the sun comes up, at which point you'll let it lull you to sleep. A track for all occasions. 4. 'LET GO' - RAC FEAT. KELE & MNDR RAC are known largely for their remixing, but from time to time they take a break to create brand-new material of their own, and they should do it more often as it produces dance gems like this. With a little help from MNDR and Kele of Bloc Party fame, they have made something, well, perfect. I defy you to not feel impelled to dance to this song. 5. 'WE ARE THE CHILDREN' - NOVA & THE EXPERIENCE This song really only needs one word to describe it: happy. So go on, have a listen and be happy (and download it here for free).
Before Wolf Man let out any howls on-screen, it went into production with a roaringly great idea: Leigh Whannell, fresh from his 2020 hit The Invisible Man, again taking on one of horror cinema's iconic monsters. But this update of 1941 classic The Wolf Man almost didn't happen, at least not like this. In the past decade, rumours first circulated that Dwayne Johnson (Red One) was set to bay at the moon, then a reimagining with Ryan Gosling (The Fall Guy) was simmering — the latter of which Whannell was linked to, then dropped out with Blue Valentine and The Place Beyond the Pines director Derek Cianfrance set to step in instead, then returned to but with Christopher Abbott (Poor Things) starring. Initially, Whannell declined the Wolf Man opportunity. Why did he change his mind? "I think it was hitting upon my way into the character," he tells Concrete Playground. "They were very smart in their inception of me — they said 'well, just as an exercise, what would you do? How would you approach this character if you were to do it — not saying you are, but what if you were?'. And so I started thinking about it, and once I hit upon this idea of perspective and using the camera to shift perspective, that's when I was hooked. Once I have an idea that is keeping me awake at night and I can't stop thinking about it, it's almost like you have to make that film to get that idea out of your system. If something's obsessing you, then you've got to exorcise it. You've got to get it out. And that was it." Co-written by Whannell with his wife Corbett Tuck — an alum of the Whannell-co-created Insidious franchise as an actor, including featuring in his directorial debut Insidious: Chapter 3 — this Wolf Man delivers what it promises, of course. It's a werewolf film, with Abbott's character of Blake Lovell destined for an unwanted transformation. But as anyone that saw The Invisible Man and experienced how it found an inventive way into its well-known horror figure knows, and everyone who watched Whannell's body-horror Upgrade before that and spotted its riff on Frankenstein as well, the Australian filmmaker isn't interested in straightforward or obvious do-overs. He's modernising movie monsters and grounding them in resonant emotion. As The Invisible Man's lead, Elisabeth Moss (The Veil) wasn't in the titular role but rather played the transparent force's target, aka his ex-girlfriend, for instance, in a picture about domestic abuse, coercive control and gaslighting. This time, while again examining the loss of agency as he keeps doing cross his career, Whannell spins an exploration of trauma, plus the transformation and grief that it can spark — and of a marriage and a family tested by it, and also of the breakdown of communication in a relationship, and the mourning over losing someone slowly before your very eyes — around cinema's werewolf archetype. It's a hauntingly effective way in, and a shrewd and engaging one. Again, feeling the impact on those closest to the movie's namesake is essential. As Blake's wife Charlotte, enter Ozark Emmy-winner Julia Garner, starring with Abbott for the third time following Martha Marcy May Marlene (the feature debut for both) and an episode of Girls. She's also currently on a four-film streak where tension and unease is the prevailing mood. The latter and discomfort were equally crucial in her turn in quickly bingeable, ripped-from-the-headlines streaming series Inventing Anna. "There's not just one family member," Garner advises, explaining why it was so pivotal to her that what Charlotte goes through is just as key to the narrative as what Blake faces. Wolf Man uproots the couple and their eight-year-old daughter Ginger (Matilda Firth, Coma) from their San Francisco existence — where Charlotte is an investigative journalist and loving it, Blake is a doting dad but adrift in his surroundings otherwise, and strain already stresses the pair's marriage. While it takes some convincing, soon they're in rural Oregon, where Blake grew up and where the film opens. As a child (feature first-timer Zac Chandler) in the 90s in an area where a strange virus has been linked to wildlife, his survivalist father (Sam Jaeger, The Handmaid's Tale) isolated the family from the rest of the world. Blake has now inherited the property, sparking his comeback decades later, as well as the use of impressive practical effects by Whannell's team to make good on the movie's moniker. First coming to fame at home as the film critic on beloved 90s Saturday-morning TV show Recovery on the ABC, and with acting credits in The Matrix Reloaded, Death Sentence, Dying Breed, The Mule and more to his name, Whannell did indeed wish when he was starting out to be where he is now. His path that also spans bringing both the Saw and Insidious franchises, two of the biggest sagas in horror of the 21st century, to audiences with fellow Australian James Wan (Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom) — and starring in them. But he steadfastly appreciates his journey and, as he notes, "that luck plays a massive part in film-industry success". While he's been doing big things as Aussie filmmaker, Garner keeps working with Down Under talents. See also: Kitty Green's The Assistant and The Royal Hotel, plus Rosemary's Baby prequel Apartment 7A from Relic's Natalie Erika James. We chatted with Whannell and Garner about their routes to Wolf Man, how the film continues trends in each of their careers, casting and the movie's fresh interpretation of the Wolf Man story. The figure is no stranger to the screen, after all, with 2010's The Wolfman also going the remake route, and focusing on werewolves at the heart of films as varied as 1935's Werewolf of London; the 80s trio of An American Werewolf in London, The Howling and Teen Wolf; and Wolf in the 90s (and others). Part of our interview, too: Whannell's recurring themes, Garner's reunion with Abbott and more. On Whether Whannell Ever Dreamed That He'd Be Modernising Iconic Movie Monsters Back When He Was a Film Critic on 90s ABC Series Recovery Leigh: "I think I did dream. I mean, 'dream' is the right word, because they were very much daydreams. I don't think I took it past the daydreams. Once you start actualising a daydream, where you're drawing up plans and charts, and thinking about the chess moves that you're going to make to get there — I was just wishing for it. So I think that the fact that I actually am doing it is a literal dream come true, but it's also surprising to me. Because I think if I hadn't met the right people at the right time — and it's a very particular path I had to walk. One wrong move and this all goes in a different direction. On Garner Engaging with a New Way Into a Horror Classic in Wolf Man Immediately After Rosemary's Baby Prequel Apartment 7A — and If That's a Daunting Task Julia: "With this one, I feel like a lot of it is just that's what people want to see now. I feel like most of the movies that come out in this day and age are horror in a way, so I think that's what's popular now. And I'm just an actor that that needs to work — what can I say? No. But that's what's popular. The thing with Wolf Man that's interesting is that I actually didn't watch any — I've watched the previous Wolf Mans before, even before I was attached to this movie, but I didn't rewatch any of the previous Wolf Mans because I always felt like it felt very different and it wasn't connected to the previous Wolf Mans at all. So I wasn't going to take that as reference, movie reference. I found other places that were more beneficial for this Wolf Man than the previous Wolf Mans." On What Motivates Whannell to Make New Versions of All-Time Horror Greats Leigh: "I think they're iconic characters that people know. They're known around the world. The Wolf Man, Invisible Man, Dracula, Frankenstein — these characters are truly global, and people have a firm idea in their head. You say 'Frankenstein' to somebody and they have a picture in their head, probably the classic Boris Karloff image of the square green head with the bolts in the neck. There's that, but having said that, they're not locked in. People have done many things with these different characters. You can take the Wolf Man and plug it into a teen comedy. They did with Michael J Fox in the 80s. You can take a werewolf and plug it into a children's film. My kids watch animated movies with the Wolf Man running around, and Adam Sandler's doing the voice of Dracula. They're very malleable. They're so entrenched in pop culture that they don't even have to sit in one lane anymore. [caption id="attachment_788088" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Invisible Man[/caption] That's what's exciting to me, because getting people into movie theatres these days is difficult. If you can take a really known character like that and create essentially an original film inside of it — like with The Invisible Man, I was essentially creating my own story. I wasn't adapting a novel. I was creating this character of Cecilia, her inner world. So it's a way of having my cake and eating it. I get to write an original movie that's based on an iconic character, and the fact that it's so well-known means that studio has a way in. They can sell it to people. It's an equation you have to think about, I think, when making movies these days, because getting people into theatres is tough." On Why Whannell's Approach to Horror Monsters Appealed to Garner, and What She Was Excited to Dig Into Julia: "That it felt very real and very grounded. I thought that was a super-interesting combination, with the supernatural element of a monster movie, like Wolf Man. So, that contradiction — well, any contradiction always interests me. I think playing a mother, but not only playing a mother, playing a working mother — a mother that is struggling with what her identity is. I interviewed a lot of working mothers separately, and they all had similar responses, in a way. And the pressure of being a woman in this in this day and age — there was different pressure being a woman in the past, but there's now this different pressure of this day and age, and they all had similar responses. But then to add on top, something that was also just interesting was the sense of acting, how I approached it, too, was the seven stages of grief taking place in one night. And I think that was a really interesting challenge as an actor, because playing anything that takes place in one day is very challenging, let alone having the stages of grief — that's very challenging as well." On Wolf Man Combining Its Monster-Movie Setup with Musing on a Marriage Breakdown, a Family Strained by It, and Grief and Loss Leigh: "I think it is a balancing act, but it's one of the things I love about screenwriting is calibrating it. You're shaping something. You're making this sculpture. And to me, there's something very musical about writing a film, because there is a rhythm to it — and it's a rhythm that you just feel, you kind of feel it in your bones. You're just like 'okay, I need a chord change here. It's time for a big moment, and then I'll pull back'. I love doing that. I love being the god of my own little world. So much of life is out of our control — but when you write a screenplay, you create these people and you can treat them badly, you can treat them well, you can give them victories, you can rip the rug out from underneath them. There's something very cathartic about that, about controlling the fate of these imaginary people. And so I do enjoy that calibration. I do enjoy deciding — and so I'll give them a moment of connection, and I'll give them an emotional moment, and then I'll be vicious to them. You really are putting these characters through the wringer and you just have to use yourself as the barometer of 'when do I get emotional and when do I write things up a little bit?'. On Elements of Horror, Tension, Unease and Discomfort Simmering in Garner's Last Four Films in a Row — Including The Royal Hotel and The Assistant Julia: "I think it's funny. I look at those two movies, I don't look at them as horror movies so much, Royal and The Assistant. I look at them more as movies that have a lot of tension, and movies that have more of a grey area — and that's what feels like horror, a grey area is sometimes scarier because it feels more real. But this movie is different from anything that I've done, because this is actually the most of an action movie from out of anything that I've done, so that was one of the things that I also wanted to do. There was a lot of physical just running and all the things that I'm doing this movie. It was like an action horror movie it felt like, this film." On Why Whannell Keeps Telling On-Screen Tales About the Loss of Control and Agency Leigh: "That's interesting. A lot of times I treat interviews like free therapy, where I'm discovering in real time what the hell it is I do with my life. The old saying 'a fish cannot describe water' applies — I'm so inside of my films and so close to them that I'm not always the best person to tell you what they're about. Someone like you, who's coming in with a fresh set of eyes, you have a better Google Maps-view of this thing that I've done, and you maybe can pick up things. So I'm surprised a lot of times. Hearing you say that, I'm like 'okay' — and thinking about it, I'm like 'yeah, you're right'. There is this throughline through Upgrade and The Invisible Man and Wolf Man, and a lot of stuff I've done. I think that — just unpacking this in real-time here for you — I think that feeling like being out of control is something I'm afraid of in my own life. I'm somebody who wants to know what the plan is. I'm trying to keep a lid on the chaos of life. Some people are better at going with the flow. I definitely need that and I've always been like that. So maybe it's a fear of mine that's coming out. But also I think it just makes for good drama when you have someone who is being stripped of their agency and who they are. That's just great drama, especially when the person doesn't deserve it, when they're a sympathetic character. They say the key to screenwriting is to put your main character up a tree and throw rocks at them. I guess I enjoy torturing these fictional people because that makes for a good screenplay." On the Importance of Key Surroundings in Garner's Recent Films, Such as Wolf Man's Oregon Farm Setting Julia: "Surroundings in general, I think, is — and this is actually not on the actor, but I think if a director is not using the surroundings, that is not good for the film because it's a character on its own. So you're not getting to know another character in the film." On How Whannell Knew That Abbott and Garner Were His Wolf Man Leads Leigh: "I knew both of their work and knew how talented they both were. With Chris, the final straw was seeing him do a play in New York where he was just so great. And he was just ball of energy on stage, just raging — and then I went and saw him backstage and he's just chilling out with a glass of wine. And I was like 'okay, this guy, this guy is amazing that he could do that and then this'. I could see that he could switch it on and off. And with Julia, I already knew what she was capable of. So a lot of times with actors, unless you're a Christopher Nolan or Steven Spielberg, you really are just fishing for a yes. You don't always get that. I've written plenty of impassioned letters to different actors trying to sell them on a film I'm writing and gotten the rejection. Even directors can get rejected. Actors face a lot of rejection, but directors do too. So I'm just so happy that these particular two people responded. I was waiting for Julia. I was like 'uhhh, I haven't heard anything for a couple of days'. I'm reading into it. 'I guess she's going to pass'. And then she texted me a little wolf emoji. And I was like 'all right'. It was just one of those happy times when two people you know can do it both said yes." On Garner Working with Christopher Abbott for the Third Time — and How They Drew Energy From Each Other in Their Wolf Man Performances Julia: Well, it definitely didn't feel like the first time I met him. So that was easy. And Chris is such a great actor, so I was very excited to attach myself to this. Chris met me when I was 16 years old, which is crazy — there is history. Just being real, I think is so important. Being real and being open, because if you have just open behaviour, then that makes your scene partner hopefully more open. So that openness is contagious, and then you get a real response. On What Whannell Makes of His Journey From Australian TV to Co-Creating the Saw and Insidious Franchise, Then Upgrade, The Invisible Man and Wolf Man Leigh: "A lot of it's been surprising. So much of the movie industry is gambling, and you the old saying 'nobody knows anything' applies, I think. Certainly in Hollywood, where you've got these big studios spending lots of money and it's a profit-driven industry. Unlike Australia, it's not a a government-supported art form. It's a deluge of capitalism, and you stand or fall on that box office. And there are detours you can take, i.e. spend less — well, then you're not on the hook as much; the less money you spend, the less you're expected to make. So anyone who manages to scrape out a career, it's kind of a surprise — because when James Wan and I did that first Saw movie, we never expected that people would actually go to see it, and never expected to turn into this huge franchise. And it was a total bonus prize. So it's surprising more than anything. And I think when luck is involved, it can keep you humble — or it should. If you start believing that you're there because of destiny, that you were chosen by the hands of fate, that's when you're in trouble. That's when your ego's talking. But if you have a healthy awareness that luck plays a massive part in film-industry success, it does keep you god-fearing. It keeps you humble in the face of that luck. Here I am again talking to you, I'm rolling the dice again. I've made a film. I'm hoping it does well. But I have no idea how it's going to connect with audiences. That part isn't up to me. There's nothing I can do or say to make this film connect with people. It either will or it won't. So yeah, I'm just very well-aware of that." [caption id="attachment_927986" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Royal Hotel[/caption] On How Garner's Run of Working with Australian Directors Came to Be Julia: "I don't know. Well, Kitty is one of my closest friends, so I will do anything with her. I literally was just like 'I need to call her'. I love Australians. I think you guys are awesome. And you guys have great, great directors and art coming out of there, so I'm always intrigued by what an Australian has to say." Wolf Man opened in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, January 16, 2025. Leigh Whannell will chat about the film at the 2025 AACTA Festival, which runs from Wednesday, February 5–Sunday, February 9, 2025 at HOTA, Home of the Arts, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast.
From six nominations, Sydney Theatre Company's Sarah Snook (Memoir of a Snail)-starring international production of The Picture of Dorian Gray is now the winner of two Tony awards. At American theatre's night of nights for 2025, the Broadway take of the show earned its leading lady another accolade, after she also won a 2024 Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress for its London version. Also adding a Tony to her mantle alongside her past Olivier Award: Marg Horwell, who emerged victorious for Best Costume Design of a Play, just as she did for The Picture of Dorian Gray's London season. "This means so much for a little Australian girl to be here on Broadway," said Snook in her acceptance speech, as the Australian Succession star nabbed another huge accolade. On the small screen, her turn as Shiv Roy sparked an Emmy, two Golden Globes and a pair of Screen Actors Guild Awards. "It is billed as a one-person show, but I don't feel alone on any night that I do this show. There are so may people onstage making it work, and so many people behind the stage making it work — in particular, a huge thank you to Kip Williams, who is incredible to create this." When the Tony nominations were announced, The Picture of Dorian Gray already made history before the winners were revealed. Becoming the most-nominated solo production in the awards' history will do that. While Snook was the only actor from the production to earn recognition because she's the show's sole cast member, Horwell was also up for Best Scenic Design of a Play with David Bergman, while helmer Kip Williams was nominated for Best Direction of a Play, Nick Schlieper for Best Lighting Design of a Play and Clemence Williams for Best Sound Design of a Play. Before The Picture of Dorian Gray saw Snook score a Tony and make her Broadway debut playing all 26 of the play's parts, it was a smash in Australia with Eryn Jean Norvill (Love Me) in the lead. When it made the leap to the UK starring Snook, it became the talk of West End. It's also been picked up by Cate Blanchett's (Disclaimer) production company Dirty Films to get the film treatment. Not only does the show feature just one performer playing every single character but, to make that happen, it uses video to help. The work of writer/director Williams, it's groundbreaking, and it's been understandably earning audiences raves and winning accolades. On the page, The Picture of Dorian Gray is also exceptional, as well as astute and unnerving, as it follows the selling of its namesake's soul in order to keep indulging every corporeal whim, urge and desire. There's a reason that it just keeps getting adapted for the screen and in theatres, after all. But there's never been a version like Sydney Theatre Company's, which the Tonys clearly appreciate. "Sarah Snook's Tony Award win is a deeply deserved honour. Her performance has captivated audiences night after night, and this recognition is a celebration of her extraordinary artistry," said Michael Cassel, producer of both the West End and Broadway productions. "It is also a proud moment for our entire creative team, whose vision and talent have also been recognised tonight. From its beginnings in Sydney to standing ovations on the West End and Broadway, the journey of this show has been nothing short of phenomenal. This accolade is not only a testament to the brilliance of everyone involved, but also to the courage of Sydney Theatre Company and Kip Williams, whose creative genius, ambition and innovation made this groundbreaking piece of theatre possible. I am so proud to be a part of Australian theatre being shared on the global stage." Williams' Dracula is the next Sydney Theatre Company hit that's heading abroad, with 2025 Tony Awards host and Wicked Oscar-nominee Cynthia Erivo set to star when the also one-performer-show heads to London from early 2026. Check out the trailer for the Broadway season of The Picture of Dorian Gray below: The 78th Tony Awards took place on Monday, June 9, 2025 Australian time — head to the accolades' website for more details and winners. The Picture of Dorian Gray has been playing Broadway in New York since March 2025 — for more information and to join the waitlist for tickets, head to the play's website. Images: Marc Brenner.
It’s time to dust off your rastacap, plait your dreadlocks and practise your Caribbean accent: the second annual Bob Marley Chowdown is coming to town. That’s right, next Wednesday, 12 March, Queenie’s, inner Sydney's favourite Jamaican eatery, will be celebrating all things Bob. There’ll be positive vibrations, mellow moods and a constant stream of Marley tunes. But the centrepiece is undoubtedly the menu. This comes as no surprise: last time Queenie’s presented us with a new dinner concept, its epic combos caused at least one of our intrepid reporters to fear for her life. This time, however, with Bob’s laidback influence, things are looking a little more restrained. Each of the five courses is named after a Marley track. So there’s ‘Chant Down Chicken Cackle’, ‘Movement of Duck People’, ‘I Shot the Snapper’, ‘Turn Your Lamb Down Low’ and ‘Mellow Mood Brownie’. "But hold on!" the real Rastafarians are yelling. "Wasn’t he vegetarian?" Yep, he was indeed. Like he said, "I-man say don't make jah body a graveyard for de dead animals!" In this knowledge, Queenie’s has a parallel vegetarian menu on offer: ‘Get Up Fried Yam Up’, ‘Kinky Pancake Party’, ‘Rastaman Stew Down’ and ‘Positive Vibration Pattie’. Tickets are $50 per head, inclusive of all five courses, and there’ll be two sittings: one at 6.30pm and the other at 8.30pm. Drinks specials will run all night. Bookings are essential — reserve a spot by emailing bookings@queenies.com.au or calling (02) 9212 3035. You’ll find Queenie’s above the Forresters, Level 1, 336 Riley Street, Surry Hills.
If you've ever entered Yayoi Kusama's surreal 'Infinity Mirror Room', stuck polka dots on surfaces in her series Dots Obsession or taken a photo with her giant pumpkin when you visited Naoshima, you probably exclaimed at least once (giddy with the joy only polka dots can bring) that holy shit, I want to live here. It seems this is a common expression as London's Tate Modern and Airbnb have teamed up to transform the spare bedroom of one lucky, art-loving Londoner into a literal work of Kusama's art. Those living in the Greater London area with a private room or entire home listed on Airbnb will be able to enter the competition, the prize of which will see their spare bedroom transformed into a genuine Yayoi Kusama art installation — that is, a vibrant, polka dot paradise. The Japanese artist and writer is known for her polka dot and mirrored art installations. You could actually never be sad again if you scored this room. To win, entrants have to tell the organisers why they want Kusama to transform their home in 300 words or less, and the prize also includes two tickets to the opening party of the Tate Modern's new building on June 16. It's not the first time this year that some prime art property has become available on Airbnb — the Art Institute of Chicago created an IRL replica of Gogh's famous work The Bedroom back in February. Unfortunately, unless you're some some sort of property mogul who's remotely running an Airbnb leasing ring in the Greater London area, you won't be eligible for this prize. However, you can only hope this room is available on your next trip to the UK. Alternatively, you can get a little Yayoi-y and stick polka dots to the wall of your bedroom yourself. Your landlord will love it (or else kick you out immediately).
"You ever dance with the devil in the pale moonlight?" Jack Nicholson's (How Do You Know) version of the Joker asked in 1989's Batman, just because he liked the sound of it. Here's another question: have you ever seen the Tim Burton (Wednesday)-helmed, Michael Keaton (The Flash)-starring classic caped-crusader movie on the big screen with a live orchestra playing its score? Whatever your answer to the first query, you can soon respond to the second with a hearty yes. To celebrate 35 years since the superhero classic initially reached cinemas, Batman is making a silver-screen comeback Down Under to see out 2024 and start 2025 — and in each of its six stops, beginning in Melbourne then heading to Adelaide, Perth, Brisbane, Hobart and Sydney, it's giving the film's tunes the symphonic treatment. It's Batman in concert, with the movie playing, plus John Foreman's Australian Pops Orchestra, Southern Cross Symphony, Perth Symphony Orchestra, Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra and The Metropolitan Orchestra picking up their instruments as the flick screens. They'll be busting out Danny Elfman's Grammy-nominated score, which is just one of the feature's music highlights. The other: songs by the one and only Prince. As well as marking three-and-a-half decades since the picture debuted, these concert screenings also commemorate 85 years of the character on the page — and have been announced just as Burton and Keaton reteam again for Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. For the Batman Live in Concert sessions, audiences can follow the bat signal to Melbourne's Regent Theatre across Thursday, October 24–Saturday, October 26; AEC Arena in Adelaide across Wednesday, November 13–Thursday, November 14; Perth's PCEC Riverside Theatre on Friday, November 29–Saturday, November 30; the BCEC Great Hall in Brisbane from Tuesday December, 3–Wednesday, December 4; MyState Bank Arena in Hobart over Friday December, 13–Saturday, December 14; and ICC Sydney Theatre on Friday, January 10. Keaton's stint in Bruce Wayne's slick suits by day and Batman's cape by night kicked off a big-screen four-movie series that ran from 1989–1997, and also saw Val Kilmer (Top Gun: Maverick) and George Clooney (IF) inhabit the role — a character played elsewhere by everyone from Adam West and Christian Bale (Amsterdam) to Ben Affleck (Air) and Robert Pattinson (The Batman). As part of a global tour of events, only Batman going the concert route so far, not Batman Returns, Batman Forever or Batman and Robin. If you're keen to dress up to attend, that's encouraged — and there'll also be merchandise on sale. Batman Live in Concert Dates: Thursday, October 24–Saturday, October 26, 2024 — Regent Theatre, Melbourne with John Foreman's Australian Pops Orchestra Wednesday, November 13–Thursday, November 14, 2024 — AEC Arena, Adelaide with Southern Cross Symphony Friday, November 29–Saturday, November 30, 2024 — PCEC Riverside Theatre, Perth with Perth Symphony Orchestra Tuesday December, 3–Wednesday, December 4, 2024 — BCEC Great Hall, Brisbane with The Metropolitan Orchestra Friday December, 13–Saturday, December 14, 2024 — MyState Bank Arena, Hobart with Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra Friday, January 10, 2025 — ICC Sydney Theatre, Sydney with The Metropolitan Orchestra Batman Live in Concert is touring Australia from October 2024–January 2025. Head to the event website for tickets and further details.
It's not everyday that you hear the words 1000 litre pool, inner-city backyard and theatrical garments uttered in the same sentence. Yet this is exactly what artist Meg Cowell does. Inspired by the forgotten pieces of clothing strewn about the footpath from somebody’s big night, she set about recreating these pieces of women's clothing (with the addition of couture). She did this through the use of a pool of water to allow buoyancy and an unusual method of display. They end up as illuminated pieces of fabric, which exist in blackness, with only a hint of the water that they are floating within remaining. The result is ghost-like, and the viewer is left with a tactile and emotive image. The pieces of fabric end up looking as if they are “inhabited” by bodies, with movement being created by carefully arranging the clothing with balloons, and being sewn into place. The yellow bustle Girclee print Lens Mist in particular took a few days to position before it was able to be photographed with such a long exposure. While shooting this series, Cowell, who graduated with honours in photography from the University of Tasmania in 2007, had to overcome the difficulties of photographing fabrics in water in her small inner-city backyard. She says this is because the “water adds its own organic force and shifts the fabric in ways that are impossible to control. Because of this, each shot takes about a week to make.” She was “constantly up and down the scaffolding manipulating a collar or adjusting a piece of lace to be "just so". There was “also a certain aspect of mischief in my productions as many of the hired garments are 'dry clean only'," says Cowell cheekily. This added an “element of drama to my process, especially as the owners took my credit card details as bond against damage. My methods for getting around this involve a hair dryer, tissue paper and a pair of straitening irons.” Which are hardly the usual concerns for the average photographer. But luckily it paid off and no bonds were lost. See more of Meg Cowell's photography on her website. Her exhibition, To the Surface, opens at Sydney's Dickerson Gallery opens on July 24 and runs to August 15.
Every Christmas movie is meant to put a smile on your face and a warm feeling in your soul but there's one that stands on a special pantheon: Home Alone. It's a heartwarming tale of family, Christmas and guerrilla warfare on home invaders. It also has one of the best film scores of all time, by the master himself, John Williams. You can get into the festive spirit with a screening of this family favourite at the Sydney Opera House, with the iconic score performed live to screen by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. With five performances taking place across, Thursday, December 5, Friday, December 6, Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 8, it's the perfect excuse to level up the annual rewatch tradition. If it's been a while between screenings of Home Alone for you, allow us to refresh your memory. Kevin McAllister (played by Macaulay Culkin) is enjoying the childhood dream of getting his huge family home all to himself. One issue: It's Christmas, and his family left him behind when they departed for Paris. Oh, and there are two bungling burglars trying to break into the house. Whether it's your first or 50th time seeing the film, watching it live at the Sydney Opera House with the Oscar®-nominated score performed live by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra will be a truly merry Christmas experience. Home Alone Live in Concert will take place on Friday, December 6, Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 8, at the Sydney Opera House. For more information or to book tickets, visit the website.
It's winter. The nights are getting longer, the cold is getting colder, and there you are with two perfectly good ears and nothing to do. But we've got you covered with some Scottish hip hop and four excellent Aussie acts: Big Scary, back with their second album; Ash Grunwald, who has teamed up with two-thirds of The Living End for some huge, riff-heavy blues-rock; OXBLVD, who kinda sound like if Boy & Bear had shot a man in Reno; and some dark, angular, multiple-guitar-having rock from Sydney's Service Bells. So snuggle in with that special someone – you're in for a wild ride. 1. OXBLVD - Gotta Get Away First off, it's pronounced 'ox blood'. Second, I almost didn't include this when I couldn't find a Soundcloud or YouTube clip to embed, but I figure you're all smart enough to find your way over to the band's Unearthed page. And besides, this is way too cool to ignore. There's a serious spaghetti Western vibe to the new single, and you can almost see the band as outlaws, riding across the deserts of the Wild West. There's a real swagger to the guitars, and singer Ed Worland sounds like a man possessed as he wails 'run away' over and over on the coda. These boys can play, and I have no doubt they will be playing stadiums before too long. And when they do, you'll be kicking yourself if you don't catch their residency at Sydney's Oxford Art Factory this Friday, June 14, as well as June 28. 2. Young Fathers - 'Rumbling' When you think of Edinburgh, hip hop groups aren't usually the first things that spring to mind. But Young Fathers are going to change all that. With three distinct, unique MCs, Young Fathers take the influences from their African homelands (Nigeria and Liberia), the grime of the housing projects of their adopted Scotland and all manner of hip hop and electronica influences to end up with something quite striking. 'Rumbling' comes from their first mixtape — imaginatively titled Tape One — but they've also just dropped Tape Two for free on Soundcloud. If there were any justice in the world, these guys would be huge. As it is, it's probably a question of when, not if. 3. Ash Grunwald – The Last Stand Ash Grunwald is one of those 'best-kept secret' kinda guys. He's been around for a decade, playing thousands of shows all over the country and leaving audiences totally enraptured wherever he goes. But he's done all this on independent labels and off his own bat, and he's never reached been able to reach as big an audience as he should. He's an extraordinary guitar player, with (at least) a four-octave voice, and to hear him in full flight is a real treat. On his new album he has joined forces with two more of Australia's greatest musicians — Scott Owen and Andy Strachan, better known as The Living End's rhythm section. And they just cut loose, with huge, crunching riffs and incredible musicianship. https://youtube.com/watch?v=K_EjSuYWzxA 4. Big Scary - Luck Now Big Scary are one of the great success stories of Australian music in the last couple of years, proving once again that even a two-piece can make it big with great songs and a little bit of luck. Their piano ballad 'Falling Away' was a huge smash, and the heavy piano chords that open 'Luck Now' remind you immediately of their earlier hit. But this one has a halting, skipping backbeat and noises swirling all around it, and the production on singer Tom Iansek's voice sounds almost exactly like Bon Iver. It's a really interesting direction for the band to take, and proves that Iansek and drummer Jo Syme are just as versatile, creative and talented as bands with five times the members. Their new album, Not Art, is out at the end of June (pre-order here), and I can't wait to hear what the rest of it sounds like. 5. Service Bells – Prospector's Waltz Queens of the Stone Age have just released an excellent new album, but where do you go after that if you want some pure, unfiltered rock and roll swagger? Sydney's Service Bells, that's where. Rising from the ashes of the criminally under-appreciated Cameras (RIP), Service Bells are all about thick riffs, good times and dark clothing, like all the best parts of QOTSA and Interpol combined, but with David Bowie singing. Yeah, I thought that would get you to hit 'play'.
This Saturday, October 29, what will you be doing? If the answer isn't celebrating the Mexican Day of the Dead holiday, then you might have to re-evaluate your plans because Espolón Tequila is having a party on the last Saturday of October. The traditional Day of the Dead holiday actually runs over two separate days on November 1 and 2, when it's believed that the souls of those who have passed to the underworld can come back to visit. Families in Mexico and Latin America (and around the world) come together to welcome their loved ones back with their favourite food, drinks, candles, flowers and incense to celebrate the meaningful holiday. Espolón tequila is handcrafted and distilled by artisans in the Los Altos region of Mexico, which makes it the perfect drink to celebrate the Day of the Dead with. The celebration at the Manly Wharf Hotel kicks off at 8pm with a complimentary Espolón margarita on arrival; after that, they're $10 all night. It's free to attend — and they'll have Day of the Dead face painters on hand to help you out with an authentic costume.
The last month of summer may have come and gone but mark our words, the tropical vibes are showing no signs of slowing down at Carbòn — especially when half-priced margaritas are involved. The hacienda-inspired Mexican restaurant in Bondi is joining forces with Tequila Ocho to keep the summer dream alive for another month by slashing the cost of every single margarita on its menu. With boutique Tequila Ocho as the boozy base, you can take your pick between a classic drop, Tommy's margarita, a jalapeño version or even a frozen watermelon one — and not one will cost you more than a tenner. This cheeky deal is available between 5–7pm, every day throughout March. Whether you stop by on the after-work wind-down or head there for a solid weekend session, we suggest pairing these affordable beverages with some of Carbòn's wood-fired Mexican fare — from grilled corn to build-your-own tacos with chargrilled octopus, confit pork or roasted lamb shoulder. So, to get in on this margarita-fuelled madness, grab your mates and reserve a table online here.
Every kid dreamed about stepping inside their favourite TV show or movie, whether you were an 80s child who wanted to dance magic, dance through Labyrinth, a 90s teen saying "as if!" to life outside of Clueless — or keen to stake vampires with Buffy — or a 00's Gossip Girl wannabe. Now that we're all adults, those kinds of fantasies keep becoming a reality, in a way, thanks to the seemingly non-stop array of immersive pop culture-themed installations and experiences that keep popping up around Australia. So if you've recently been wishing you could scope out Middle-earth thanks to The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, you'll soon be able to. Break out the lembas bread, because Prime Video is taking Melburnians — and everyone who happens to be in Melbourne between Friday, October 7–Sunday, October 9 — to a JRR Tolkein-inspired realm. You might recognise those dates as PAX Aus' next festival, with the gaming and gaming culture event taking over the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. That's where you'll find Prime Video Corridor of Curiosity: See Where It Takes You, too, complete with a room dedicated to the streaming platform's new Lord of the Rings series. On offer in that dedicated hobbit-, elf- and dwarf-loving space: a celebration of Middle-earth, naturally, as well as a heap of costumes from The Rings of Power. You'll be able to scope out outfits worn by Morfydd Clark as Galadriel, Ismael Cruz Córdova as Arondir and Sir Lenny Henry as harfoot community leader Sadoc Burrows. (And yes, it is a great time to marvel at threads from big franchises in the Victorian capital, given that ACMI is currently displaying Thor: Love and Thunder costumes, too.) The Prime Video Corridor of Curiosity: See Where It Takes You also includes two more rooms dedicated to two of the service's other shows — which is ace news for The Boys aficionados. In that space, you'll enter The Vought Boardroom in The Seven Tower, and you'll be tasked with a mission. This challenge room-style setup will have you solving clues to find missing vials of Compound V within a set timeframe (and working out how you feel about supes, probably). Lastly, a third room will be based around Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan, which'll involve entering an interrogation, finding a hidden entrance to a shooting gallery, then hitting targets — for bragging rights and a spot at the top of the leader board. Also up for grabs: limited-edition pins, which you'll nab for completing each room. You'll need to buy a badge to enter PAX Aus, however, if you're keen to head along. Prime Video Corridor of Curiosity: See Where It Takes You will pop up at PAX Aus at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, South Wharf, Melbourne from Friday, October 7–Sunday, October 9 .
Follow is a new design concept store huddled in the warmth of a heritage-listed former pharmacy at 380 Cleveland Street, Surry Hills that has just opened its doors to the world. The store is the work of the same duo who produced the Finders Keepers Market, who we are very much a fan of, through which they have been supporting emerging design since they began back in 2007. At the moment, shop doors will be open Wednesday to Saturday from 11am – 6pm, and Sundays from 11am-4pm. Follow showcases a carefully curated selection of over 40 independent designers from all over Australia, featuring products from art prints, contemporary jewellery, clothing, textiles and homewares. The designs and limited edition products will be continually rotated, so you're sure to always find something new and exciting, particularly if their amazing work with Finders Keepers in anything to go by. ‘But,’ you are saying, ‘this place is all the way over in Surry Hills and that’s an entire bus ride away and not only is it raining outside but I have had three colds in two months and every time I get on a bus I get sneezed on by someone who clearly hasn’t learnt sneezing etiquette.’ (This may or may not be a projection of my state of mind on to you). However, allay your concerns - they are also working on an online store. And you know how I feel when I hear things like that? Unconditional love and a fierce impulse to accept the bank's offer of an increase on my credit card limit. Check them out below.
Whichever Disney theme park sits on your must-visit list — the original Disneyland in California, Florida's Walt Disney World, or sites in Tokyo, Paris, Hong Kong and Shanghai — you won't be heading there while Australia's borders are closed to international travel. So, the Mouse House has brought some of its magic our way. Now open at Melbourne's newly revamped Australian Centre for the Moving Image, Disney: The Magic of Animation showcases the company's considerable animated prowess across the past century. Whether you've always been a fan of Mickey Mouse, can remember how it felt when you first watched Bambi, are able to sing all of Genie's lyrics in Aladdin or fell head over heels for Moana more recently, you'll find plenty worth looking at among ACMI's halls and walls. And in its doors, too, actually — because walking beneath mouse ear-shaped openings to move from one area to the next is all part of the experience. Of course it is. Displaying from Thursday, May 13–Sunday, October 17, marking ACMI's first big exhibition since it reopened after its $40 million transformation and making its only Aussie stop at the venue, Disney: The Magic of Animation explores everything from 1928's Steamboat Willie — the first talkie to feature Mickey Mouse — through to this year's Raya and the Last Dragon. Obviously, a wealth of other titles get the nod between those two bookending flicks. Fantasia, Alice in Wonderland, Lady and the Tramp, The Jungle Book and The Lion King also feature, as do Mulan, Frozen, Big Hero 6 and Zootopia. And yes, many of these movies have been remade in live-action or photo-realistic CGI; however, ACMI's showcase is only about the animated films. The big drawcard: art from the Mouse House's hefty back catalogue of titles, and heaps of it. More than 500 original artworks feature, spanning paintings, sketches, drawings and concept art. The entire lineup has been specially selected by the Walt Disney Animation Research Library, and will let you get a glimpse at just how the movie magic comes to life, how some of Disney's famous stories were developed, and which animation techniques brought them to the big screen. "The exhibition features behind-the-scenes production artworks which were created during the development of our Disney animated films," explains Walt Disney Animation Research Library Art Exhibitions and Conservation Manager Kristen McCormick. She notes that visitors will "see how the filmmakers and artists develop our stories, and work through different ideas and concepts along the way to creating the films we know so well". And if you think the 500-plus piece collection on display is sizeable — which is is — it was chosen from more than 65 million works in the Walt Disney Animation Research Library. Get ready to peer at hand-drawn dalmatians (which is timely, given that Cruella hits cinemas and Disney+ at the end of May), stare closely at Mickey Mouse's evolution, examine Wreck-It Ralph models and pose next to Snow White. Wall-sized artworks pay tribute to a number of movies, too — The Little Mermaid piece is particularly eye-catching — and feeling like you're stepping into a Disney movie is an unsurprising side effect. Arriving on our shores after past seasons in cities such as Paris, Tokyo, Seoul and Singapore, Disney: The Magic of Animation is clearly designed to appeal to Mouse House fans of all ages. You, your parents, today's primary school kids — you've all grown up watching Disney flicks. So, while you're pondering tales as old as time, being ACMI's guest, contemplating the animated circle of life and definitely not letting your nostalgia go, prepare to be accompanied by aficionados both young and young at heart. Disney: The Magic of Animation is on display at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image, Federation Square, Melbourne from Thursday, May 13–Sunday, October 17 — open 12–5pm Monday–Friday and 10am–6pm on weekend and during school holidays. For more information or to buy tickets, head to the ACMI website. Images: Phoebe Powell.
Can you really say you've seen the American South if you haven't explored the region's rich musical history and culture? After all, the South is the birthplace of some of the world's most influential, enduring and popular genres of music. Rock 'n' roll, bluegrass, blues, country, gospel, jazz, soul, zydeco — the list goes on — are all genres with deep roots in the South and wouldn't sound how they do today without the region's musical influence. Whether you want to trace the history of music in the Western world, experience the South's rich musical culture and traditions firsthand or simply see an unforgettable show that only the South can put on, then you won't want to skip any of these music destinations when you visit the South. In partnership with Travel South USA, we've taken on the trip planning and handpicked the most unmissable music destinations and experiences in each of the South's nine states so that all you need to do is focus on having the trip of a lifetime. Carnegie Hall — Lewisburg, West Virginia There's no question where you'll find the beating heart of West Virginia's creative culture. It's in Lewisburg, one of the state's prestigious certified arts towns, at Carnegie Hall. The West Virginian landmark hosts musicians, exhibitions and special events year-round. The venue is also home to the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame exhibition, which showcases the impact of the state's musicians, including Bill Withers and Little Jimmy Dickens to name just a few, over the years on the American music landscape. Grand Ole Opry: Nashville, Tennessee Nashville is not only the home of country music — it's also where you'll find modern music's past, present and future. The extent of Nashville's musical impact and influence can make it hard to decide how best to explore the city's music culture. After all, the city's countless studios, cafes, bars, halls, stages and venues always have something on and there are more musicians, shows and history than could possibly be covered in a lifetime. That's why Grand Ole Opry is the best place to start. The legendary show, which started as a radio broadcast in 1925, is country music's biggest stage. To celebrate a century of country music, head to Opry House for Opry 100. Running over the course of the year in 2025, the celebration showcases an unprecedented lineup of country music's rising stars, superstars and legends through a series of spectacular live shows. Carolina Country Music Fest: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina South Carolina's Myrtle Beach is a haven for music lovers. With venues ranging from beachfront bars to intimate lounges, the coastal city boasts a thriving live music scene that's sure to strike a chord with every visitor. One of the best times to experience Myrtle Beach is when Carolina Country Music Fest is on. The annual summer festival takes place outdoors at the boardwalk along the beach and always features a stacked line up with over 40 of country music's hottest artists. MerleFest: Wilkesboro, North Carolina When you can't decide which artists to see live, music festivals are the obvious solution. Instead of tossing up between experiencing just one of the region's many musical genres, head to North Carolina — a state that straddles both the South and Appalachia — for MerleFest, one of the country's major festivals. Held annually in Wilkesboro, the music festival celebrates "traditional plus" music, covering traditional music of the Appalachian region including bluegrass and old-time music, as well as Americana, country, blues, rock and more. Kansas City Jazz: Kansas City, Missouri America's Prohibition era saw music clubs across the country shutter — but not in Kansas City. The city's clubs were run by the mob, not only continuing to serve alcohol, but also giving musicians a platform where they could keep performing. Soon, musicians were flocking to the city known as 'Paris of the Plains', where different musical styles merged and evolved. The legacy of this long musical history in the city lives on today with countless jazz clubs, including the Mutual Musicians Foundation which hosts midnight jam sessions on Friday and Saturday nights and has done so since 1930, and the American Jazz Museum which allows visitors to dive into the history of the state's soulful music. GRAMMY Museum® Mississippi: Cleveland, Mississippi The GRAMMY Museum® Mississippi isn't just any music museum. It's the most technologically advanced music-themed museum in the South and was the second of only three GRAMMY Museums in the world, chosen in a testament to the state's musical chops, Mississippi has more GRAMMY winners per capita than any other state in America. The influence of the Mississippi Delta on the development of American music can hardly be overstated. So much so, the state claims the title of "the birthplace of America's music". If Elvis Presley, B.B. King and Eddie Willis of The Funk Brothers — to name just three — ring any bells, it might be because they're all Mississippian musical greats. [caption id="attachment_987473" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Morgan Petroski[/caption] Frenchmen Street: New Orleans and Shreveport Municipal Auditorium: Shreveport, Louisiana What do the musical genres of jazz, Cajun, zydeco and swamp pop have in common? They all hail from the great musical state of Louisiana and the impact of the state's musical history cannot be overstated — with blues, country and rock 'n' roll all being shaped by artists from this Southern state. The list of artists hailing from Louisiana reads like a history book of American music and includes: Louis Armstrong, Jerry Lee Lewis, Aaron Neville, and Mahalia Jackson, as well as Jon Batiste, Lainey Wilson and Trombone Shorty more recently. Head to Frenchmen Street in New Orleans for a taste of live music as it can only be experienced in the South. Here, you'll find jazz clubs like The Spotted Cat, while Lafayette is home to Cajun dance halls like Blue Moon Saloon. To get even deeper into the South's music scene, head to north Louisiana and stop by Shreveport Municipal Auditorium. The performance venue is a National Historic Landmark, a designation that recognises locations of outstanding historical significance. Today, live performances continue to take place and the venue offers history tours about the Louisiana Hayride, a music show that not only featured artists like Hank Williams, Johnny Cash and other major artists, but was instrumental in launching the career of the king of rock 'n' roll himself, Elvis Presley. Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame: Owensboro, Kentucky It's difficult to pinpoint where exactly bluegrass originated, but it's easy to quickly brush up on your knowledge of the genre at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Owensboro, Kentucky. The museum is a must-visit for music lovers who also want to explore Kentucky's cultural heritage. It celebrates the rich history of bluegrass music with engaging exhibits, live performances and a Hall of Fame honouring influential artists, including Bill Monroe, the "father of bluegrass music." FAME Recording Studio and Muscle Shoals Sound Studio: Muscle Shoals, Alabama The small town of Muscle Shoals, Alabama is one of those must-visit destinations for music lovers in-the-know. Located in the state's north-west, about equidistance from Memphis and Nashville, the town is home to FAME Recording Studio and Muscle Shoals Sound Studio. Many of the greatest hits by Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, The Rolling Stones and countless others were recorded in these two studios. Across the Tennessee River, about a ten-minute drive away is the town of Florence. It's the birthplace of W.C. Handy, the "father of the blues", and where a museum in his name stands today. Also nearby is Huntsville, where a state-of-the-art, 8000-seat amphitheatre built by Mumford & Sons' member Ben Lovett stands, after being inspired by the Muscle Shoals music scene. Find your next adventure in the South. Discover more unforgettable destinations and start planning your trip with Travel South USA.
Long-awaited prequels to huge fantasy franchises: everyone's doing them. Within less than a fortnight, HBO has stepped back into the Game of Thrones with House of the Dragon and now, weekly from Friday, September 2, Prime Video brings The Lord of the Rings back to the screen. Yes, it's a great time to be a fan of the biggest names in the genre, and of two of the most popular page-to-screen sagas ever printed then filmed. It's also quite the moment for anyone keen on mammoth power battles between good and evil, and the historical-looking but purely fanciful worlds in which they unfurl (and of oh-so-many expensive special effects as well). In The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power's case, JRR Tolkien's stories make the move from Peter Jackson's six LoTR and The Hobbit cinema releases onto streaming, courtesy of the show's initial eight-episode first season. It's no less breathtaking to behold than the first three movies, however (the headache-inducing high frame rates used in the latter three flicks made New Zealand's stunning landscape look like any old ordinary hills, rocks and grass, and made for awful viewing). Is such astonishing spectacle enough to recapture the magic of Middle-earth? The answer is right there in every image. This debut batch of instalments reportedly cost US$465 million, and the visual splendour all that money has bought goes a long way. That said, sumptuous sights aren't the only drawcard that The Rings of Power boasts. Like knowing that House of the Dragon was coming, and winter as well, it's been impossible to avoid news about The Rings of Power. The series has been in the works for five years, and is already locked in for five seasons, all jumping back to Middle-earth's Second Age. That's a period of elves, men, dwarves and harfoots — precursors to hobbits — and of the lurking evil of Sauron, plus orcs, trolls and more. It's also when the titular jewellery is forged. On the page, it's largely been covered in an appendix to Tolkien's Lord of the Rings books, taking this new series into previously unseen on-screen territory. And, as The Rings of Power focuses on, it's where Galadriel and Elrond's tales truly kicked in, with Morfydd Clark (Saint Maud) taking over from Cate Blanchett and Robert Aramayo (The King's Man) doing the same for Hugo Weaving, with their characters thousands of years younger. Showing how history repeats by repeating a past hit's scenario but setting it further back in history: everyone's doing that, too. The young Galadriel narrates The Rings of Power's explanatory introduction, setting the scene for the show's fight against Sauron — and slowly putting the pieces in place for the compilation of a fellowship to do so. She tells of the dark lord Morgoth and his defeat in wide-ranging wars. She notes that the elf Finrod (Will Fletcher, The Road Dance) was convinced that Sauron, Morgoth's apprentice, still lingered afterwards. And she advises that such a belief and the search to prove it right cost Finrod his life. He was Galadriel's brother, and now she has taken up his mission. Alas, a time of relative peace, as Middle-earth has been under since Morgoth was vanquished, isn't a prime time for Galadriel's quest. She's still scouring far and wide for Sauron, but High King Gil-galad of the Elves (Benjamin Walker, The Ice Road) wants to bathe her in glory for past victories instead. If that's the path she took, there wouldn't be much of a series — although it's not The Rings of Power's only narrative strand. Elrond, Galadriel's closet friend, has been tasked with seeking help from the dwarves of Khazad-dum to build a new forge, but Prince Durin IV (Owain Arthur, A Confession) is wary. Fellow elf Arondir (Ismael Cruz Córdova, The Undoing) follows strange happenings in a human village, where he also warms to single mother Bronwyn (Nazanin Boniadi, Bombshell). And harfoot Nori Brandyfoot (Markella Kavanagh, True History of the Kelly Gang) and her fellow diminutive creatures get drawn into odd occurrences, too, after a ball of fire tumbles from the heavens. As overseen by showrunners and executive producers JD Payne and Patrick McKay, with filmmaker JA Bayona (A Monster Calls, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom) directing the first two episodes, The Rings of Power spends its opening double instalments setting the scene and building its world. More subplots and characters are weaved in — including a bearded stranger (Daniel Weyman, The North Water) and the stargazing of Sadoc Burrows (Lenny Henry, The Sandman) among the harfoots, elf-prejudiced human Halbrand (Charlie Vickers, Palm Beach), plus Durin's relationship with his king father (Peter Mullan, The Underground Railroad) — and more will follow given the show's hefty cast. A sense of scale shimmers through at every moment, whether via all of the faces gracing the screen or the locations such as Elvish home Lindon, the dwarves' Khazad-dum or the Sundering Seas that they traverse. And it's that grandeur, unsurprisingly, that's one of The Rings of Power's biggest early strengths. While Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit fans will have had The Rings of Power on their must-watch list since it was first announced — it's the franchise's equivalent of second breakfast, after all — it doesn't just take that loyalty for granted. It isn't as content to blatantly tread in its predecessors' footsteps either (not as much as House of the Dragon, with the two destined to be forever compared), even if it's clear that it likely won't deviate too far either. The Rings of Power feels lived in from the outset, but also excited and eager, as if it too wants to roam far and wide rather than merely return to beloved confines. Among the dazzling spectacle, there's a sense of adventure and discovery about the series as well, leaving its audience as keen as a dwarf with a pick to keep digging into more. Tolkien's prose and the films that've sprung from it have always glistened with earnestness and sincerity, and favoured a poetic take on its noble-versus-wicked fray; that gleams again here, thankfully. Perhaps that's what makes The Rings of Power's familiar parts shine with possibility — and makes it seem like anything could follow, even when viewers already know that Sauron won't be toppled no matter how much determination pumps through Galadriel's veins. The first episode doesn't completely find its pace, but by the time the second wraps up, the show has established both an enticing starting point and a firm foundation to keep building upon. Proving epic in all the expected ways, and yet also thrilling via its own surprises: yes, that's powerful. Check out the trailer for The Lord of The Rings: The Rings of Power below: The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power streams weekly via Prime Video from Friday, September 2. Images: Matt Grace / Ben Rothstein.
This week, NASA has been peering further than it has ever peered before, with dazzling results. But if you're fond of staring at the heavens with your own two eyes to see a stunning sight, you can also just look up until Friday, July 15. A supermoon is upon us, officially hitting at 4.37am AEST today, Thursday, July 14, Down Under — and if you train your peepers towards the sky this evening, you'll still be in for a glowing show. While super full moons aren't particularly rare — several usually happen each year, and one occurred just last month — there is a good reason to peer upwards this time around. If you're wondering why, we've run through the details below. [caption id="attachment_769713" align="alignnone" width="1920"] NASA/Joel Kowsky[/caption] WHAT IS IT? If you're more familiar with The Mighty Boosh's take on the moon than actual lunar terms, here's what you need to know. As we all learned back in November 2016, a supermoon is a new moon or full moon that occurs when the moon reaches the closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit, making it particularly bright. They're not all that uncommon — and because July 2022's supermoon is a full moon (and not a new moon), it's called a super full moon. It's also a buck moon, too, which doesn't refer to its shape or any other physical characteristics, but to the time of year. In the northern hemisphere, July is around the time that new antlers grown by a deer buck each year start to show. Of course, that doesn't really apply in the southern hemisphere, but the name still sticks. Also, this supermoon happens to the biggest and brightest of 2022. WHEN CAN I SEE IT? As mentioned above, the buck supermoon officially hit at 4.37am AEST today, Thursday, July 14, Down Under — but thankfully it is still visible until Friday morning Australia and New Zealand time. NASA advises that this moon appears full for a few days, from Tuesday through till Friday — so if you already thought that the night sky looked a little brighter this week, that's why. Still yet to catch a glimpse? You'll want to peek outside when it gets dark to feast your eyes on a luminous lunar sight. Head over to timeanddate.com for the relevant moonrise and moonset times for your area, with the moon rising at 5.37pm AEST on Thursday, July 14 and setting at 7.58am AEST on Friday, July 15. WHERE CAN I SEE IT? You can take a gander from your backyard or balcony, but the standard advice regarding looking into the night sky always applies — so city-dwellers will want to get as far away from light pollution as possible to get the absolute best view. Weather-wise, the Bureau of Meteorology advises that Sydney's showers will start to ease tonight, Melbourne will be cloudy, showers will develop in Perth and Adelaide will be partly cloudy. In Brisbane, though, clear skies await. If you miss out on this supermoon, the next one is due on August 12. Via NASA / timeanddate.com. Top image: Andrew C.
Thanks to the pandemic, and the restrictions and border closures that've come with it, travelling further than your own city hasn't been all that easy over the past 15 months or so. But Virgin Australia is about to give you some extra incentive to travel — and to get vaccinated against COVID-19. The airline has announced that it'll be launching a new competition called VA-X & Win, which will hand out free flights and a heap of frequent flyer points to Aussie who've had the jab. That's the catch, obviously. To enter, you'll need to roll up your sleeve first. "What the latest lockdown in Melbourne and the evolving situation in Sydney has taught us is the sooner we can all get vaccinated, the sooner we can get on with our lives, without the constant fear and uncertainty that come with lockdowns, restrictions and closed borders," said a Virgin Australia Group spokesperson in a statement. "Most importantly, the sooner all Australians are vaccinated, the sooner our most vulnerable members of society will be protected," the statement continues. "We are proud to have served the Australian community in so many ways over the past 20 years. The VA-X & Win competition is just the next instalment of our service, and is our way of helping boost vaccination numbers to protect the lives and livelihoods of all Australians." A few different prizes will be on offer, including millions of Velocity Frequent Flyer Points and dozens of free flights — in Business Class, too. Also, one person will become a Velocity Points millionaire, with the lucky winner then able to put those points to plenty of use. Most of the details are still quite vague — including how you'll prove you're eligible, how to enter and exactly what prizes will be on offer — given that the competition won't launch until COVID-19 vaccines are made available to all Australian adults. Exactly when that'll happen hasn't been made clear by the Federal Government during its delayed vaccination rollout. At present, adults aged between 16–39 still aren't eligible to get vaccinated unless they're are of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent; work in quarantine, border or healthcare roles; are an aged care or disability facility worker or resident; work in a critical and high-risk job such as defence, fire, police, emergency services and meat processing; have an underlying medical condition or significant disability; or participate in the NDIS, or care for someone who does. Virgin's VA-X & Win competition will launch once COVID-19 vaccines are made available to all Australian adults. For further details about the contest, head to the airline's website.
Australia's picnic baskets have had quite the workout so far in 2021, but one of their biggest moments to shine is about to arrive for another year. When Moonlight Cinema starts setting up its outdoor screens in parks and gardens around the country from late November, it's officially cheese, snack and openair movie-viewing season. The end-of-year mainstay has already revealed its dates for summer 2021-22, and now it's unveiled the first batch of films that'll be gracing its outdoor setup. Get ready to catch a heap of recent blockbusters, a smattering of brand new flicks and a lineup of Christmas movies. You can't run an openair cinema at the jolliest time of the year without the latter, obviously. Moonlight Cinema's program varies city by city, with The Suicide Squad opening the bill in Brisbane on Friday, November 26, and Cruella doing the same in Adelaide on the same date, for instance. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings launches the season in both Melbourne and Perth on Thursday, December 2, while The Suicide Squad also airs first in Sydney on Thursday, December 9 — and Free Guy opens Western Sydney's run on Thursday, December 16. That said, all of the above films pop up in each city at some point, and so does Black Widow, Jungle Cruise, A Quiet Place Part II, Eternals, Red Notice and The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard. Also screening: Edgar Wright's new movie Last Night in Soho, animated sequel The Boss Baby: Family Business, Disney newbie Encanto, stage-to-screen musical Dear Evan Hansen and the family-friendly Clifford the Big Red Dog. Among the retro fare, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, The Greatest Showman and Dirty Dancing are all on the lineup; it would't be a Moonlight Cinema season without them, either. And, for your merry outdoor movie-watching pleasure, the Christmas selection includes Love Actually, The Holiday, Elf, The Grinch, Die Hard and Home Alone. It's also worth remembering that every city is BYO except Brisbane — but, wherever you're settling in for an outdoor cinema session, there'll be food, snacks, a bar and (if you'd like to pay for them) bean bags as well. And, in great news for movie-loving pooches, you can bring them along to all venues except Perth, too. MOONLIGHT CINEMA 2021–22 DATES Adelaide: Friday, November 26–Sunday, January 16 (Rymill Park) Brisbane: Friday, November 26–Sunday, February 20 (Roma Street Parkland) Melbourne: Thursday, December 2–Sunday, March 27 (Royal Botanic Gardens) Perth: Thursday, December 2–Sunday, March 27 (Kings Park and Botanic Garden) Sydney: Thursday, December 9–Sunday, April 3 (Centennial Park) Western Sydney: Thursday, November 16–Sunday, January 30 (Western Sydney Parklands) Moonlight Cinema kicks off in November 2021, running through until April 2022. For more information and to buy tickets, visit the cinema's website.
Yellowjackets wants viewers to be its bloody Valentine in 2025 — and more cannibalism, more haunting reminders of what it takes to survive in the wilderness after a plane crash, and more hunting in both of the hit thriller series' timelines are in store. In November 2024, not only was a Friday, February 14, 2025 return date locked in for the show's third season, but fans scored a first glimpse. Now comes a proper trailer, complete with chases, the faces of the dead popping back up and pondering who should be eaten (or should've been by now). Two years after its second season, Yellowjackets will make is comeback on Valentine's Day to kick off its latest round, again following its characters both in the immediate aftermath of their traumatic accident and when the past keeps intruding on their present after decades have gone by. As viewers discovered when it debuted in 2021 and became one of the best new shows of that year, the instantly intriguing (and excellent) series follows a New Jersey high school's girls soccer team in the 90s after their plane plummets into the forest, and also checks in with everyone that's made it out alive 25 years later. Across two seasons so far, life and friendship have proven complex for Yellowjackets' core quartet of Shauna (The Tattooist of Auschwitz's Melanie Lynskey as an adult, and also No Return's Sophie Nélisse as a teenager), Natalie (I'm a Virgo's Juliette Lewis, plus Heretic's Sophie Thatcher), Taissa (Law & Order's Tawny Cypress, and also Scream VI's Jasmin Savoy Brown) and Misty (Wednesday's Christina Ricci, as well as Atlas' Samantha Hanratty). The latest trailer for season three puts it this way: "once upon a time, a bunch of teenage girls got stranded in the wilderness — and they went completely nuts." The full setup: back in 1996, en route to a big match in Seattle on a private aircraft, Shauna, Natalie, Taissa, Misty and the rest of their teammates entered Lost territory. The accident saw everyone who walked away stranded in the wilderness — and those who then made it through that ordeal stuck out there for 19 months, living their worst Alive-meets-Lord of the Flies lives. Thanks to the new sneak peek at what's to come, get ready for howling, masks, more fighting, ghosts and the present-day crew trying to work out who is after them. After swiftly getting picked up for a second season because its first was that ace, Yellowjackets was then renewed for a third season before that second group of episodes even aired. In Australia, viewers can watch via Paramount+. In New Zealand, the series streams via Neon. In season three, the returning cast — which includes Simone Kessell (Muru) as the older Lottie and Lauren Ambrose (Servant) as the older Van, characters played in their younger guises by Australian actors Courtney Eaton (Mad Max: Fury Road) and Liv Hewson (Party Down) — will be joined by Hilary Swank (Ordinary Angels) and Joel McHale (The Bear). And from season two, Elijah Wood (Bookworm) is also back. Check out the latest trailer for Yellowjackets season three below: Season three of Yellowjackets will start streaming from Friday, February 14, 2025 via Paramount+ in Australia — and streams via Neon in New Zealand. Read our review of season one and review of season two, plus our interview with Melanie Lynskey. Via Variety.
Longer than a movie but shorter than an ongoing TV show that stretches on for seasons and seasons, television limited series — otherwise known as miniseries — don't always get enough love. But they're a perfect format for unfurling tales patiently and in a detailed way, while also recognising that some stories do have a clear end point. If you've ever seen a film and wished it had been given more room to breathe and unspool, or kept watching a show that's gone on and on long past its natural conclusion, you'll know exactly what we're talking about. Thankfully, HBO loves miniseries. And, it's pumping them out quite regularly at the moment. For the US cable network, there's another big drawcard — because they can attract big-name stars like Oscar Isaac, Riz Ahmed, Nicole Kidman and Hugh Grant to lead programs such as Show Me a Hero, The Night Of and The Undoing, and not force them to take a huge timeout from their film careers. The next limited series on HBO's radar is Mare of Easttown, and it'll screen in Australia from April via Binge (and in New Zealand at a yet-to-be-confirmed date). Starring Kate Winslet as small-town private investigator Mare Sheehan, it follows the ups and downs of her life while she's looking into a local murder case. As well as plunging into the darker side of the community she lives in, the series will examine the way the past affects the present and the future. This isn't Winslet's first TV stint — or first with HBO on a miniseries, in fact. She won an Emmy, Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Award for leading 2011's Mildred Pierce, and deservedly so. And, she starred there opposite Australian actor Guy Pearce, who also features in Mare of Easttown. Joining Winslet and Pearce this time around are The Outsider's Julianne Nicholson, Watchmen's Jean Smart and Spider-Man: Far From Home's Angourie Rice. Behind the lens, Mare of Easttown was created and written by The Way Back's Brad Ingelsby — which feels evident from the just-dropped trailer if you've seen that film — and directed by The Leftovers and The Hunt's Craig Zobel. Check out the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwaLLEZO6FM Mare of Easttown will start streaming in Australia via Binge from Monday, April 19. The streaming date for New Zealand is yet to be confirmed. Top image: Michele K Short/HBO.
Supermarkets are phasing out plastic bags, venues and even McDonalds are ditching plastic straws, Hobart is eradicating plastic takeaway containers and cutlery, and a store in the Netherlands has launched a plastic-free aisle; however the world's beaches and oceans are still feeling the impact of humanity's decades-long love affair with the single-use plastic. According to a 2010 study, around 12.7 million tonnes of the substance goes into the ocean each year. That's an enormous problem that can't be cleaned up quickly, but the Surfrider Foundation Manly is joining forces with 4 Pines Brewing and a heap of Sydney cafes to do encourage folks to do their part. Running for the month of April across Manly, the Rubbish 4 Coffee Initiative gives locals an extra incentive to collect litter from the shore — if they fill a bucket and bring it to one of eight venues, they'll receive a free brew in return. Roma & Co, Hemingway's, Havana Beach, The Bower Restaurant, The Boathouse Shelly Beach, Manly Wine, Hakan's and Bluewater Cafe are the places taking part, and offering up Single O Coffee Roasters and Grinders coffee to. To get a caffeine hit without spending a cent, Sydneysiders first need to drop by one of the venues to collect a Surfrider-branded bucket. Once they've been to the beach and filled it with trash, they can return to the cafe for their free beverage. Of course, a coffee buzz isn't the only thing they'll be feeling afterwards — there'll also be the buzz of doing the environment a solid. The Rubbish 4 Coffee Initiative runs until the end of April. Visit the event Facebook page for further details.
Art exhibitions always point to ideas larger than themselves, and the discussion series MCA on the Rocks operates on the brilliant notion of exploring these ideas in a format inspired by the talk-show. A panel of thinkers from diverse backgrounds will weigh in on topics chosen by the host, teasing out the themes of exhibitions at the MCA as the catalyst to a wider conversation that promises to be both enlightening and raucous. This summer the show everyone's been talking about is Anish Kapoor's (who could miss the gargantuan Sky Mirror standing outside the museum?), and it'll be the focal point when MCA on the Rocks' inaugural season debuts on March 21, with a panel aptly titled "Bigger is Better." This first session is hosted by the fabulously-named Fenella Kernebone, homegrown journalist, radio and television presenter, who poses the questions: Why do we love to hate the suburbs? Is bigger always better? And is it okay not to like contemporary art? Her selection of panelists will approach the topic with a broad range of perspectives, coming as they do from the disparate spheres of architecture, art and comedy: Jeff Khan (co-director of Performance Space), Tarsha Finney (senior lecturer at UTS School of Architecture), and Brendan Maclean (actor, musician, and radio host). Other exhibitions to be discussed in relation to this issue are the group show South of No North and Canadian artist Jeff Wall's photographs.
If you have dreams bubbling away of swanning about on the French Riviera and downing cocktails as a gentle wind caresses you, and then an irresistible French person arrives and sweeps you off your feet, we've got good news for you. Well, on the first bit — we can't control the weather or your love life, unfortunately. Grey Goose, purveyors of very fine vodka, have whipped up a very European-style summer pop-up for you: the Fountain of Goose. For five days this November, a white marble fountain will be set up in Circular Quay's First Fleet Park and it's going to be offering more than just a beautiful summer aesthetic. It'll be serving up complimentary vodka, lime and soda mini-cocktails — a classic, summery and simple concoction that requires the best quality ingredients, starting with the vodka. At the bar, you can also catch a glimpse at Grey Goose's collaboration with French fashion label Maison Labiche for its limited-edition 'Riviera' bottle. Plus, at the pop-up, you'll enjoy spontaneous entertainment and other experiences. Better yet? You'll have the chance to try the limited-edition espresso martini gelato, which Grey Goose has created in collaboration with Gelato Messina, on Friday, November 22 . You'll also be able to pick up a specialty cocktail coupon which you can redeem at Quay Bar and Maybe Sammy — which was recently named one of the best bars in the world — to keep the good summer vibes going. The Fountain of Goose pop-up bar will be open from Wednesday, November 20 through Sunday, November 24. It'll be open from 2–6pm on Wednesday; from 2–6pm on Thursday; from 3–7pm on Friday; and from 1–5pm on Saturday and Sunday.
The Queen would want you to celebrate her birthday with flair. Here's how. The Jake Stone Breakdance Spectacular Unsurprisingly, the Vic Hotel is promising one of the Queen’s birthday’s biggest, longest and most energetic shindigs: the Jake Stone Breakdance Spectacular. Yes, it’s that Jake Stone, of Bluejuice and assorted fame, and he’s putting together an eight-hour-long affair. You’ll be treated to non-stop dance moves, a revolving program of special guest DJs, a smokehouse barbecue straight out of the United States of America, and beverages from the Batch Brewing Company, served in a beer shack in the car park. Sunday, June 8 at 2pm. Free. Strictly Vinyl In Jack White’s eyes, “Vinyl is the real deal. I’ve always felt like, until you buy the vinyl record, you don’t really own the album. And it’s not just me or a little pet thing or some kind of retro romantic thing from the past. It is still alive.” a href="http://www.undrctrl.com">UNDR ctrl thinks so too. That’s why they’ll be ushering in the Queen’s Birthday in style, with Strictly Vinyl 002, the B-Side to the inaugural event, held at Easter. Crowds at The Cliff Dive, Darlinghurst, will be treated to six hours of vinyl spinning — not a CD, laptop, USB or touch screen in sight. Sunday, June 8 from 9pm. Free. The Norfolk's Puerto Rico Day Party It’s time to brush up on your espanol and start memorising the lyrics to early '00s reggaeton, because The Norfolk are holding their Puerto Rico Day Party on Sunday, June 8. The Norfolk corner of Surry Hills will turn into a mini San Juan, where you can forget about the realities of Sydney’s winter and drink $5 copal tinnies, $10 pina coladas and bloody ricos and $15 gasolinas until your heart is content. Sunday, June 8, from noon. Free entry. No Good: Winter Festival The new Sydney label/collective/party No Good have been killing it so far this year. Off the back of their monthly sessions comes the boutique festival No Good: Winter, the first in a series of quarterly events from the people who promise to bring you sounds you’ve never heard before — and all of them local. Bands, DJs, rappers and producers will come together for the full-day affair, headed up by Rainbow Chan and Maatzi. It's all happening this Queen's Birthday long weekend at the Petersham Bowling Club, and, contrary to the name, it’s a pretty good excuse to get down on a Sunday. Sunday, June 8, from 12.30pm. Colour3 at Vivid We don't mean to alarm you, but Vivid ends this Monday. Make the most of the long weekend and get to all the light works you haven't seen throughout the CBD and Darling Harbour. Your pitstop is Colour 3, a pop-up by Finely Tuned (creators of SOH’s Garden Bar by the Corner House), who have transformed Martin Place into an illuminated culinary maze that’s part fairyland, part sci-fi cityscape. An array of Sydney’s favourite street food providers will be onsite — including Eat Art Truck, Agape Organic, Poklol, Jafe Jaffles, Woofys, Cantina Mobil, Bite Size Delights and Gelato Messina — and, for drinks of the alcoholic variety, Bondi’s Panama House. Ends Monday, June 9. By the Concrete Playground team.
When Cillian Murphy first came to widespread fame two decades ago, it was for acclaimed British director Danny Boyle while pondering the end of life as we know it, with zombie masterpiece 28 Days Later the spectacular end result. Since then, he's become a regular for fellow UK filmmaker Christopher Nolan and, in their latest collaboration after The Dark Knight, Inception, The Dark Knight Rises and Dunkirk, Murphy again faces an apocalyptic scenario in Oppenheimer. Set to be 2023's most explosive movie, Nolan's first flick since Tenet explores a little thing called the atomic bomb. Focusing on J Robert Oppenheimer as the name makes plain, this biopic keeps promising a tense time at the movies — in its first teaser, initial full trailer and just-dropped new sneak peek — as befitting a situation where the world risked total annihilation in order to be saved. Yes, Nolan is going back to the Second World War again, focusing on the eponymous American physicist, aka the man who helped develop the first nuclear weapons as part of the Manhattan Project. Charting Oppenheimer's life, his part in birthing the atomic bomb and how it changed the world — and the fallout — should make for gripping viewing, as viewers will see from July 20, 2023. Oppenheimer's story also includes heading up Los Alamos Laboratory, plus observing the Trinity Test, the first successful atomic bomb detonation in New Mexico on July 16, 1945. Nolan is always in serious mode, but this is a solemn affair even by the Memento, Interstellar and Dark Knight trilogy filmmaker's standards. And, it looks like quite the sight, in no small part thanks to being shot in IMAX 65mm and 65mm large-format film photography, including sections in IMAX black and white analogue photography for the first time ever. Based on Kai Bird and Martin J Sherwin's Pulitzer Prize-winning book American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the film boasts an all-star cast, including Emily Blunt as the physicist's wife, biologist and botanist Kitty (reteaming Blunt with Murphy after A Quiet Place Part II) — plus Matt Damon (The Last Duel) as General Leslie Groves Jr, director of the Manhattan Project; Robert Downey Jr (Dolittle) as Lewis Strauss, a founding commissioner of the US Atomic Energy Commission; and Florence Pugh (The Wonder) as psychiatrist Jean Tatlock. Also set to pop up: Josh Hartnett (Wrath of Man), Michael Angarano (Minx), Benny Safdie (Stars at Noon), Jack Quaid (The Boys), Rami Malek (No Time to Die) and Kenneth Branagh (Death on the Nile). Oh, and there's Dane DeHaan (The Staircase), Jason Clarke (Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty), Olivia Thirlby (Y: The Last Man), Alden Ehrenreich (Solo: A Star Wars Story) and Matthew Modine (Stranger Things) as well. Check out the latest trailer for Oppenheimer below: Oppenheimer will release in cinemas Down Under on July 20, 2023. Images: © 2022 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.
When Our Flag Means Death arrived in 2022, earned itself a spot among the best new TV arrivals of the year and charmed everyone who watched it, it left viewers thinking the same thing: all television comedies should be pirate romances starring Taika Waititi and Rhys Darby. Only this show earns that feat, however, and it's turning out wonderfully so far — for audiences, that is, with chaos surrounding the seafaring characters played by two of New Zealand's best-known comic names. Expect more choppy seas in store for Stede Bonnet (Darby, Home Economics) and Edward Teach aka Blackbeard (Waititi, Thor: Love and Thunder) in Our Flag Means Death's second season. The swashbuckling series was renewed for a second run in 2022, and next sails back into streaming queues in October. After a teaser in August, it also now has a full trailer — complete with Stede and Blackbeard reuniting. No, Taika's stint playing a pirate isn't over yet, in supremely welcome news for everyone who cruised through Our Flag Means Death's first season and adored it. His latest collaboration with Darby after also working together on Flight of the Conchords, What We Do in the Shadows, Wellington Paranormal and Hunt for the Wilderpeople, the show satirises the buccaneering times of the 18th century. As its first season unfurled, Our Flag Means Death also proved to be a sweet and warmhearted love story, as well as essential viewing. HBO clearly agreed, greenlighting the show's second season for its streaming service Max. You'll be able to watch the results from Thursday, October 5 via Binge in Australia and Neon in New Zealand. Spanning eight episodes, season two picks up where its predecessor left off. If you haven't hopped aboard already, Stede is a self-styled 'gentleman pirate', a great approximation of Flight of the Conchords' Murray if he'd existed centuries earlier, and a man determined to bring a bit of kindness and elegancy to the whole swashbuckling game. He's based on an IRL figure, who abandoned his cosy life for a seafaring existence. The show is a loose adaptation of Bonnet's tale, though. As for Waititi, he dons leather, dark hues aplenty, an air of bloodthirsty melancholy and a head of greying hair as Blackbeard. While the famed pirate seems like Stede's exact opposite, disproving that is a big part of the show's narrative. After sparks flew, then season one came to a memorable end, season two will follow what happens next for Stede and Edward. Also featuring among Our Flag Means Death's cast: Samson Kayo (Bloods), Vico Ortiz (The Sex Lives of College Girls), Ewen Bremner (Creation Stories), Joel Fry (Bank of Dave), Matthew Maher (Hello Tomorrow!), Kristian Nairn (Game of Thrones), Con O'Neill (The Batman), David Fane (The Messenger), Samba Schutte (Forspoken), Nat Faxon (Loot) and Leslie Jones (BMF), all returning from season one. This time around, they'll be joined by a heap of new recurring guest stars in Ruibo Qian (Servant), Madeleine Sami (Deadloch), Anapela Polataivao (The Justice of Bunny King) and Erroll Shand (The Clearing), plus Minnie Driver (Chevalier) and Bronson Pinchot (The Mysterious Benedict Society) as guest stars. Check out the full trailer for Our Flag Means Death season two below: Our Flag Means Death will return for season two on Thursday, October 5 in Australia via Binge and New Zealand via Neon. Read our review of season one. Images: Nicola Dove/ HBO Max.
Even though, officially, Apple continues to remain tight-lipped on precisely what will be revealed at its unveiling next Tuesday, September 9, a confident New York Times report suggests that we can expect two iPhones with bigger, better screens and Apple's first wearable computer, which journos and techies the world over have dubbed the iWatch. The smartwatch will be the first brand new product to have hit the Apple shelves since Timothy D. Cook took the reins following Steve Jobs' death in October 2011. Industry experts are predicting the wearable Mac will be available in two sizes, feature a flexible screen protected by tough-as-nails sapphire crystal and perform miracles via a teeny-tiny, stamp-sized circuit board. Okay, not exactly miracles, but similar tasks like displaying maps and measuring bodily movements (such as heart rate and footsteps) with frightening accuracy. What's more, speculation is rife that both the iWatch and the iPhones will take us one step closer to a cashless society: forget fumbling with cards and coins, you'll just flash your wrist at the register and your bill will be taken care of. So you’ll be able to pick up bread and milk on the way home from your morning marathon session without jingling for the whole run. This will work using what’s known as 'near-field communication', technology that powers devices within proximity to swap info wirelessly. It also looks like the iWatch (and possibly the iPhones) will be capable of wireless charging. Beyond this, most of the hype surrounding the iPhones is around the old 'size matters' adage. We’re pretty sure that, like the iWatches, they’ll come in two sizes — one at 4.7 inches and the other at 5.5. Edges are highly likely to take on the tapered design that gives iPads such a sleek look and feel. Of course, this possibility has led busy urban types to ask the big question: how will we text with just one hand? Unsurprisingly, Apple has preempted the concern and made changes to the software interface. Apparently, there'll be two different modes on offer — one that you can make work with one hand while the other's clinging to your coffee; the other requiring the commitment of both paws. You can switch from one to the other as you please. The potentially less exciting news is that you might have to get your Guns 'N' Roses on and practise a little patience. While the iPhones should be retailing within the next few weeks, the chances are that you won’t be able to buy your very own iWatch until 2015. You might as well enjoy your exercise sessions multi-tasking free in the meantime. Via New York Times. Image credit: iWatch concept based on the Nike Fuelband by Todd Hamilton.
Adrenaline junkies, meet your new action sports go-to: a massive three-level skateboarding, BMX, snowboarding, skiing, rock climbing and bouldering facility that'll also mark an Australian-first. Come late 2024, American chain Woodward is making its Aussie debut, and also opening its first-ever international site, with a 3650-square-metre venue in Castle Hill in Sydney. If it gets your blood pumping, odds are that there'll be a space for it at Woodward Sydney, which'll set up shop adjacent as part of Castle Towers Shopping Centre. Think: climbing and bouldering walls, a skate park, mini ramps and a mega ramp, foam pits, a pump track, a spring floor, trampolines and a gym. And, whether you're a professional, an Olympian, aspiring to make action sports more than just a pastime or a complete beginner, the purpose-built centre promises to cater to all ages and abilities. That includes hosting individual classes, programs that span for multiple weeks, competitions, birthday parties and events — and having casual-access passes for folks who just want to give it a go. Plus, for winding down after getting sweaty, there'll be an onsite cafe and bar. "Sydney is the ideal city for our first expansion overseas given its history as a destination that embraces sports and commitment to the action sports lifestyle," said Woodward President Chris 'Gunny' Gunnarson, announcing the Castle Hill venue. "Woodward Sydney will be our most innovative concept to date — and a model for future Urban Centres. Woodward has historically been known as the place to go if you are an aspirational professional athlete, and we want all Woodward locations to be focused on empowering athletes of all abilities and ages to safely progress on a clear path at their own pace using our unique blend of innovative environments, dynamic programming, and passionate staff. Woodward Sydney will epitomise that mission." Also set to be a big focus: encouraging women to get more involved and feel more empowered in action sports, one of the brand's key missions. Woodward started out in 1970 in central Pennsylvania, and now boasts eight venues across the US, including in California, Colorado, Utah, Oregon and Vermont. The New South Wales Government is putting $1.8 million towards the company's first Australian action sports centre, via a grant from the Greater Sydney Sports Facility Fund, with an aim to both increase opportunities for Sydneysiders to get active and support athletes. "Investing in new and existing facilities to improve the quality and quantity of sports infrastructure across Greater Sydney was a priority for the NSW Government," said Minister for Sport Alister Henskens. "The NSW Government recognises the critical role sports infrastructure plays in keeping communities healthy and active. Woodward Sydney will provide an indoor action sports facility which will improve participation and pathway opportunities for emerging and elite athletes." Woodward Sydney will open at Castle Towers Shopping Centre, 22 Showground Road, Castle Hill, in late 2024. Keep an eye on the Woodward website for further details.
There’s no doubt that music can have an intense effect on your disposition. If it’s one of those days when you’ve woken up in a fog of negativity, sometimes the only answer is to put on your favourite misery album (mine used to be Nina Simone’s Greatest Hits) and wallow. But whilst cathartic, it doesn’t often leave you bouncing out the door. If anything you’ll end up clutching a box of tissues and feeling sorry for yourself. Which is why the website Emotional Bag Check is such a brilliant idea. This new site lets you unload your worries to a perfect stranger, who will in turn read it and send you a song they think will make you feel better (or at least let you sing along to someone else’s heartbreak). And if you’re feeling the urge to spread a little cheer, then you have the chance to give back by reading someone else’s baggage and suggesting a song of your own choosing. You can even include a message if you think you have some worthwhile advice, making a real, helpful and meaningful connection over the internet. I dumped my own emotional baggage and got 'Are We There Yet' by Ingrid Michaelson, sent as a link to Grooveshark, a free music website that lets you immediately listen to your medicine. I didn’t mind the song at all, so thought I’d give back and picked up some baggage about a kid who kept getting Cs in one of his subjects and was pretty bummed. I sent back ‘Vintage Books’ by Cloud Control, not because it really had any relevancy but because it makes me pretty happy and thought it could do the same for my patient. There’s a lot of Katy Perry and Bob Marley in the list of most sent songs, so if you think you have a slightly more diverse compendium of tunes, you may be just the right person to pick up some baggage and share the blues.
It's been a while since the pop world has heard from controversial pop queen Lily Allen, but her new video proves that she's been listening in. Her newest song, 'Hard Out Here', is one that goes to town on quite a few facets of the pop world, including misogyny in music and fashion, unrealistic ideas of feminine beauty and, unsurprisingly, twerking. The accompanying music video pushes the envelope even further, tearing into the idea of 'thinness' as well as making a few sarcastic jibes at product placement and over-the-top sexualisation on our screens. As per the majority of Allen's music and videos, there is a strong flavour of humour about her latest offering, and it's not too hard to figure out what the megastar and mum of two is trying to say. In fact, she says it quite blatantly and repeatedly, especially in the throwaway line describing "a glass ceiling that needs breaking". With her slew of swears, constant crotch-grabbing and obvious confusion at the style of dancing favoured by some pop stars (Miley Cyrus will remain nameless), Allen's first musical offering in nearly four years has garnered over half a million hits in the last day. Which is quite a lot for what is essentially a great, big middle finger to the ego of the music industry. Good to have you back, Lily. https://youtube.com/watch?v=E0CazRHB0so
Staying at QT Gold Coast is a luxe experience, with the hotel chain serving up its characteristically distinctive version of beachy chic. That's one of the accommodation brand's key traits, matching each of its sites to its surroundings. QT Sydney's glorious gothic look and QT Melbourne's impeccably polished vibe wouldn't suit Surfers Paradise, after all, and the latter's coastal cool wouldn't match anywhere else either. Here's something else that mightn't quite fit at any other QT: the Gold Coast venue's new qtQT rooftop cabins. The chain has converted an otherwise unused lower-level rooftop into an urban oasis, complete with tropical gardens, firepits and six laidback spots for guests to stay — and get away from it all in the middle of the Glitter Strip. Designed by Nic Graham, a regular at working with EVT — QT's parent company — each cabin can welcome in two guests. So, you and your bestie / other half can book one for a blissful vacation, or you can gather the gang and reserve all six at once. Fancy heading along solo? This is the place for that as well. And, QT sees it as a drawcard for retreats and weddings, too. Whoever you're visiting with — or not — you'll find a stay that's designed to help you unplug, with each cabin featuring its own private balcony. They all come equipped with I Love Linen robes, a bed decked out with I Love Linen sheets and Drift candles for ambience, plus board games and coffee table books. That said, you can switch off as much or little as you like. If you still want to use the qtQT cabins as a base to explore the Goldie, the hotel's newest addition has its own 'curator of sunshine' to organise activities for you. Other onsite options include stargazing by those aforementioned firepits, enjoying an aperitivo in the same place, meditating and tucking into a meal al fresco dining area The Terrace — which'll host both bespoke feasts and communal dining experiences. There's also a lawn called The Landing which looks out over the ocean, and is touted as an ideal picnic spot, place to salute the sun with an early-morning yoga session or a breakfast hangout. And, during your stay — with rates starting at $359 per night — you'll also have access to the hotel's pool precinct. QT is launching qtQT on the first day of summer, after all, with bookings open now for trips from Thursday, December 1. Or, you can head to the onsite SpaQ, or eat cooking, eating and drinking at either sushi-making or whisky-tasting sessions at onsite Japanese restaurant Yamagen. The new qtQT concept is also QT's way of testing out a big travel trend, given how popular tiny homes and cabins have proven over the past few years. "When designing the overall QT Gold Coast upgrade, we identified a previously unused lower-level rooftop. We had been exploring the world of tiny accommodation and standing there as the sun set, we knew this would be the perfect location to trial our interpretation of this experience, the QT way," said EVT CEO Jane Hasting, announcing qtQT. Find qtQT at QT Gold Coast, 7 Staghorn Ave, Surfers Paradise. qtQT is open for bookings for stays from Thursday, December 1. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
Haruki Murakami's novel Norwegian Wood is filled with fuzziness, unreliability, landscapes that shift between the real and imagined, and the saturated sensation of tragedy. It's not the easiest thing to adapt to film, but director Tran Anh Hung (I Come with the Rain, The Scent of Green Papaya) has found a rich cinema language for it that's as affecting as Murakami's words. Concrete Playground spoke to him ahead of the film's Australian release. When did you first encounter Murakami's work? It was in '94. This book [Norwegian Wood], it was the first one. Since I really liked it, I didn't want to read other books from him and I didn't want to know anything about him. It's the way I work — I really want to keep my feelings for the book really fresh, and nothing can mix with it … I read his other books later on, during the editing of the movie. And what made you want to adapt Norwegian Wood into a movie? I loved the book because of the character and the story. Because it has to do with love and loss of love and that was a very strong thing, and something that talked to me directly, intimately. It's also about the burdens we acquire in youth that have to be left behind for us to move into adulthood. Tell us about the journey the main character, Watanabe, is on. It's someone who experiences love for the first time. It's a very strong feeling, and then the next day he loses it; Naoko just disappears. And it puts his life in suspense — like he's holding his breath. He's not breathing the same way as before. And when he meets Midori, she offers him her love and he cannot accept it because he has something unfinished with Naoko … [Where Watanabe's journey goes] is very disturbing, but behind it, there is something that is really beautiful, in terms of meaning and in terms of spiritual deliverance. Murakami's works are often regarded as 'unfilmable'. What were the challenges in adapting such a story to screen? There was one thing that was really strong in the book, and that was the feeling of melancholy ... For some scenes I need to give the feeling of something that is a little bit dreamy, that is between reality and dream ... Like the night when [Naoko] comes and kisses him and ask him if he loves her, this kind of scene is very like a dream. And this gives us the feeling that it could be something that will be later a souvenir for Watanabe; it has that texture of a souvenir. And it gives us that feeling of melancholy. And you made the story linear, cutting out the older Watanabe we meet at the beginning of the book? Yes, because if you keep that older Watanabe, then you have that structure of flashback, back and forth between the present time with the older Watanabe, 36 or 39, and the past when he was 20. It will give the audience a feeling of something that is very well known as a structure, so it was not interesting for me to use this. And also because when you go in a movie back and forth, you have to show what in the past influenced the present time. Then you need to create some events, some actions in the present time, because it's not in the book. And that doesn't make sense, because the book is so rich, too rich, I needed to get rid of a lot of things to be able to make a movie, so I'm not going to add some new scenes. And that's why I didn't keep the older Watanabe. You worked with cinematographer Mark Lee Ping Bin, known for his work with Wong Kar-wai (In the Mood for Love). What was the vision the two of you had for how the film should look? What I really appreciate in working with Mark is he has this quality of being really sensual with movement of the camera ... I really need it for all of my movies because I like people to have a really sensual feeling of the image. And I ask everyone to work in a way to make the skin of the actor very obvious — not to enhance it, not to make it more beautiful, but to make it obvious — so that the people wish to touch it, to smell it on the screen. So with Mark I really asked him to use the light in a way so we can feel the skin, because for me, cinema is the art of incarnation. We put ideas and stories, drama in blood and flesh, meaning in the actor. So we need to see the skin very precisely. That's what I'm going for, because I don't like pretty pictures; the beauty must come from the fact the feeling is right, and it's right because its right with the story, with the psychology, with the characters. If everything is right, then it's beautiful. https://youtube.com/watch?v=kYBgsyBwYso
If your daily commute involves ferrying across Sydney Harbour, you may need to find an alternative way home tonight. Thick smoke from NSW's ongoing bushfires has led to the cancellation of all State Government-operated ferry services. That includes ferries running between Circular Quay and Manly, Parramatta, Double Bay, Mosman, Taronga, Neutral Bay and Watsons Bay. The Manly Fast Ferry has also stopped, but some other private services still seem to be running ferries. Yep, the smoke's that bad. https://twitter.com/FerriesInfo/status/1204205372841615361 Replacement buses have been organised for the F1 Manly service only and will continue to run between Manly Wharf and Circular Quay for the foreseeable future. The other routes won't be receiving replacement buses, so Transport for NSW is telling commuters to delay their journeys. There's no word on when the ferries will resume just yet — but it's safe to assume that you should plan an alternative route home. The Bureau of Meteorology predicts that the smoke cover will linger until a southerly comes through, around 5pm. This is what it looks like on the harbour: https://twitter.com/UrbanFerryist/status/1204195795848687616 Today's thick smoke follows weeks of poor air quality, with a severe fire danger level (and total fire bans) declared across the Greater Sydney, Central Ranges, Illawarra, Greater Hunter and Southern Ranges areas for today. As of midday, the NSW Rural Fire Service was continuing to battle 85 fires across the state, 42 of which are uncontained. And the smoke isn't just causing issues on the water — it's wreaking havoc across the city. According to The Sydney Morning Herald, Fire and Rescue NSW have responded to multiple alarm call-outs triggered by the smoke — including the paper's own offices — and Transport for NSW is also warning commuters that alarms may be activated in train stations. During periods of reduced air quality, NSW Health suggests that everyone cuts back on strenuous outdoor activities, as well as going outside in general — if you can. Those with chronic respiratory or heart conditions are especially advised to avoid all outdoor physical activity and stay indoors where possible. It's also recommended that you carry your inhaler, follow your Asthma Action Plan, and keep your other medication with you for all breathing-related conditions. If you start experiencing symptoms, even if you're otherwise fit and healthy, seek medical advice. For those staying indoors, NSW Health also suggests turning your air conditioner on — if you have one — and using it on recirculate mode to keep the particles from outside out. With Sydney firmly in the grip of warm end-of-year weather, and temperatures expected to reach 37 in the city today, residents are also advised to be wary of the heat, as well as its combination with the hazy air. Drinking plenty of fluids, taking cool showers to keep your temperature down, soaking your feet in water and draping a wet cloth around your neck are also recommended. For the latest updates on traffic and public transport delays, head to Live Traffic NSW and Transport for NSW's official Ferries Twitter account. Image: Tim Snape.
In the past few weeks, a bunch of restrictions have come into place in a bid to contain COVID-19 in Australia. Bans of non-essential events of 500 people or larger became events of 100 people, restaurants, cafes and bars across the country have shut and all international and interstate travel has been indefinitely banned. Most recently, new restrictions on social distancing and two-person limits on public gatherings were introduced on Monday, March 30. While restrictions differ state-to-state, federal and state governments have said that Australians should only be leaving their homes for four key reasons: shopping for food and other essential supplies; for medical care or compassionate reasons; to exercise, in-line with the new two-person limit; and for work or education if you cannot work or learn remotely. Those who don't comply with these new social distancing and public gathering rules risk hefty penalties, too, with on-the-spot fines of $1652 in Victoria, $1000 in NSW (with maximum penalties of $11,000 and six months in jail) and $1334.50 in Queensland for individuals. And a heap of people across Australia have already been slapped with fines since these rules were introduced. In Queensland on the weekend, Saturday, April 5, police fined 58 people at a 150-car rally at a warehouse in Rochedale and five men were arrested for travelling to Palm Island, which is a designated remote community that can not be visited for non-essential reasons. Queensland Police also said they were disappointed with the number of people loitering at lookout points in parks and visiting large shopping centres for non-essential needs and would be increasing their presence at these locations. "If you are sitting at a lookout, having coffee in a park, loitering in a shopping centre outside the parameters of the directions, you may be fined," Acting Chief Superintendent Mel Adams of Logan Police District said. "Public safety comes first and we urged people to stay at home." [caption id="attachment_750943" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] Victoria Police issued 108 fines on Sunday, April 6, alone. While exact details of the fines have not been released, one 17-year-old L-plater was pulled over and fined $1652 while on a driving lesson with their mother, as driving lessons are deemed non-essential in Victoria. In NSW, however, driving lessons are allowed — with either an instructor or a family member — as they fall under 'education'. Last week, a Fitzroy restaurant was also fined almost $10,000 for operating, with the ABC reporting there were six staff working and customers eating and drinking on the premises. Eighteen on-the-spot fines were handed out in NSW on Sunday: one man was charged for ignoring "beach closed" signs at Bondi Beach — he also ignored directions from the police to move on and coughed at an officer; and a women was fined for accompanying a food delivery driver. While the driver was working, the women "was only there because she said she was bored being at home", according the NSW Police. Since the laws were introduced, other Sydneysiders who have been charged include two people in a vehicle who did not have "a reasonable excuse not to be at home", a man who had left his home in order to visit his drug dealer and a man who had ignored two warnings and was found a third time on a Market Street bench eating a kebab. Restrictions are changing every day, you can read more about the state-specific public gathering and social distancing laws in NSW, Victoria and Queensland. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website.
When the Australian Government announced its 2020–21 Federal Budget in October last year — later than usual due to the pandemic — it looked more than a little bare for half of the population. But in the newly arrived 2021–22 Budget (which was announced last night, on Tuesday, May 11), $3.4 billion has been committed to supporting women. This time around, Aussie ladies aren't being told that they can just take advantage of new roads and infrastructure. The new Budget does obviously include funding for roads, rail and infrastructure projects — $15.2 billion, in fact — but the money allocated to women's health, safety and financial security isn't insignificant. And, it's being directed towards key areas, including cervical and breast cancer screening programs, endometriosis support, services for women and children who are experiencing violence, and childcare. In the health and wellbeing space, $351.6 million will be spent on maternal, sexual and reproductive health, as well as ageing, chronic conditions, preventative health and mental health. Of that, $100 million will go to cervical and breast cancer screening programs, and $47 million to perinatal and postnatal anxiety and depression services. Endometriosis, which effects at least one in nine Aussie women, will be covered as part of a four-year $5 million package for education and pain management programs targeting the condition. Women's safety is also a big, important and well-deserving focus, with $1.1 billion allocated to initiatives to support victims of domestic violence, and to tackle workplace harassment and online abuse. That includes general support for women and children leaving violent situations, emergency accommodation, and legal assistance services. $20.5 million has been committed to preventing and addressing address sexual harassment in the workplace, $6 million to boost the Workplace Gender Equality Agency, and $26.2 million to online safety — the latter of which covers awareness campaigns, support for children being bullied online, and software that will investigate intimate images that are shared without consent. And, because women in the workplace and childcare are interconnected topics, an extra $1.7 billion will be put towards the latter. It'll cover an increase childcare subsidies for families with more than one child, to become effective from July 2022. Obviously, childcare really shouldn't be badged as just a women's issue — it's a matter for all parents, regardless of gender — but the aim of the funding is to increase women's participation in the workforce. For more information about the 2021–22 Federal Budget, head to the government's website.
If you think 'the quarter acre block' and 'Sydney' are about as laughable a pairing as 'affordable housing' and 'the inner west', then think again. Art & About is upon us, and to kick off the three-week festival of public art is the Quarter Acre Block Party in Martin Place, a new incarnation of launch event Friday Night Live. This year's program for Art & About focuses on things that are 'at risk' or endangered. And what better way to reminisce about the surely extinct Australian dream of the quarter-acre block than to spend an afternoon soaking up the ole fashioned neighbourhood barbecue vibe as you drink up thanks to Cake Wines and dig into a spread by Barrel and Beast owner and sustainable chef extraordinaire Jared Ingersoll. With free entry, it all takes place in one of the CBD's most stunning acreages, Martin Place. Shaun Parker & Company's brilliant new work Trolleys will keep BBQ-goers entertained with performances at 5.30pm and 7pm. Expect breezy tunes from The Morrisons, Bustamento and Hot Potato Band. Even Double J is helping a neighbour out with a special mixtape — cue the awwws. And when the smell of slightly burnt-but-still-good sausages is no more, art can be your dessert, with the City of Sydney providing free 'vintage' shuttle buses from Martin Places to various galleries, who are also staying up past their bedtime. You can duck into the Art Gallery of NSW to finally check out the Archibald Prize, buy some locally crafted knick-knacks at the Artists Market at the State Library of NSW or drop in to the Late Night Library at Customs House for some tactile, architectural learning. The Quarter Acre Block Party is on Friday, September 19, from 5pm - 10pm. The festival continues in Sydney's public spaces until October 12.
Back in July, it was revealed that Byron Bay was getting a brand-new festival that's all about food and culture. That event: Caper Byron Bay Our Food and Culture Festival, which has undergone a name change since it was first announced, but features a hefty program filled with eating, drinking, checking out art, listening to tunes and being merry in gorgeous surroundings. Taking place between Thursday, November 10–Sunday, November 13, Caper boasts a hefty culinary component as curated by Chef David Moyle, who has been Chief of Food at Harvest Newrybar since 2020. Highlights include bottomless oysters and bellinis at Balcony Bar & Oyster Co, natural wine-fuelled degustations at Supernatural, distillery tours at Brookie's Gin and a sourdough workshop with Bread Social. Soon-to-open newcomer Bar Heather is doing a five-course dinner with Palisa Anderson, while 100 Mile Table at Stone & Wood is hosting a backyard barbecue — and Treehouse on Belongil is opting for a mix of beats, bubbles and brunch. A farm-to-table feast with The Farm and Three Blue Ducks and The Hut's Spanish fiesta are also on the bill, alongside pop-up yum cha — with the Brunswick Picture House being taken over by Melbourne Chinatown diner ShanDong MaMa on the Saturday and Sunday. Also making the journey, but from Brisbane: Louis Tikaram from Stanley, who'll be part of a cabaret takeover at the same space. Another standout: celebrating embrace Bundjalung Nation's Indigenous culture via a walk on Country tour led by Explore Byron Bay owner and Arakwal woman Delta Kay, then a five-course lunch curated by Karkalla chef and owner Mindy Woods. An 'anti-bad vibes circle' with OneWave Fluro Friday; free exhibitions at Yeah, Nice Gallery, art salon Gallery 7, Gallery 3 and ThomGallery; and horse-riding followed by brunch or lunch at Zephyr Shack are also on the wide-ranging agenda, with more than 30 events filling out the program If you're keen to see where the day takes you in-between the official activities, head to the Caper Village, aka a massive food, beverage, music and art precinct that's set to sprawl across the whole North Byron Hotel in the Byron Arts and Industrial Estate. It'll host live music, DJs and art installations, as well as workshops, panels and talks. Images: Jess Kearney.
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, too — because 15-time Tony Award-nominated musical Jagged Little Pill is heading to Australia. The acclaimed production is making its first trip beyond Broadway, in fact, when it hits the Theatre Royal Sydney in September. And, when the curtains are raised, it'll help mark another milestone, reopening the Theatre Royal five years after it closed its doors in 2016. 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. [caption id="attachment_807910" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jagged Little Pill the Musical original Broadway cast, Matthew Murphy.[/caption] Just who'll be starring in the show is yet to be revealed, along with the exact season dates. But, narrative-wise, Jagged Little Pill the Musical tells the tale of the Healy family. They struggle 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 tale about social issues relevant to today, but with an overall message of hope, healing and togetherness. Whether Jagged Little Pill the Musical will be a Tony-winner by the time it hits our shores, rather than just a nominee, isn't yet known. Its 15 nominations were all announced in 2020 for the pandemic-delayed 74th Tony Awards, which won't be held until Broadway reopens. Australians keen to see the musical can sign up for the ticket waitlist, and can look forward to watching it in a venue with quite the history. The 1100-seat Theatre Royal is one of Australia's oldest theatres, dating back to the 1870s. But most folks will know it in its current form, after it reopened in the 1970s with a design by famed Australian architect Harry Seidler as a replacement for the old theatre that was demolished when the MLC Centre was built. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vh49oFfh1Bw Jagged Little Pill the Musical will play the Theatre Royal Sydney at 108 King Street, Sydney, from September — with exact season dates yet to be announced. For further details and to join the ticket waitlist, head to the musical's website. Top image: Jagged Little Pill the Musical Broadway opening night curtain call, Bruce Glikas.
New Year's Eve is a time to toast the year that was and look to the one ahead surrounded by your mates and plenty of booze. And what better way to experience this magical night then at a classy cocktail party on the literal edge of the harbour. This year, Park Hyatt Sydney is inviting you to celebrate in style at its New Year's Eve Cocktails on the Harbour event, running from 7.30pm until 1am. Tickets may be a cool $550 per person, but for that you'll get unlimited cocktails, canapés and a front row seat to the Sydney Harbour happenings — minus the crowds. You'll also be able to watch the hotly anticipated fireworks display from the venue's private boardwalk. The waterfront venue is collaborating with Moët Hennessy to bring you unlimited cocktails served up alongside all the canapés your belly can fit. There'll also be a Belvedere Vodka cocktail bar, plus Cloudy Bay wine and beer on offer. Plus, a live DJ will be soundtracking the evening as you celebrate the beginning of 2019. Nab a ticket here and hop on down to the harbour front to say "cheerio" to 2018 and "what up" to 2019, cocktail in hand.
Is there something you need to get off your chest? As part of the UK-based Deloitte Ignite Festival, curator Mike Figgis is asking you to confess your hidden thoughts, desires, hopes, fears and pet peeves. And like all good confessionals, it is completely anonymous. Running over three consecutive days, the Deloitte Ignite Festival is a annual festival of contemporary arts and ideas, which are all loosely linked by the festival's theme, 'Just Tell The Truth'. Dazed Digital, in partnership with the festival and inspired by its theme, have set up a completely anonymous online confessional, which allows participants to upload their secrets. It's easy. Just go to the website, upload your text, pick your photo and the colour of your font, et voila: instant online absolution. Even if you have nothing to confess, it's worth checking out to see what others have and to see the great selection of photography which accompany the confessions. By clicking on the photo you get access to the photographer's profile and work. Fessing up has never been easy but at least now it can be fun.
I'm sure that many of you may have left that Facebook friend request from your boss to 'pending' for the last two years for fear of them seeing photos of you on some disgraceful drunken rampage. Indeed, the vast expansion of Facebook means that virtually anybody can have a splendid visual tour into your weekend behaviour and extra-curricular activities simply by searching your name on a social media website. The clever folk down at Cerveza Norte, a South American beer company, have launched a product that will soon solve these first-world problems faced by many party animals. Named the 'Norte Photoblocker', this little device not only keeps your beverages cool, but detects camera flashes and reflects them back, effectively ruining the photo and leaving your face unidentifiable. The product has been developed to "defend drinkers against unwanted interference from amateur paparazzi and day-after embarrassment." Keep one of these handy devices in your jacket pocket, and whip it out when you feel you've had one too many beverages. Check out the advertisement below for the hilariously melodramatic commentary and potential instances where the Photoblocker would be of use. As stated in the video, you don't want to labelled a "floozy" or "dirty old man." This Photoblocker will allow you to get your creep on without any possibility of solid photographic evidence. [via PSFK]
What do Elvis Presley, Yayoi Kusama, Pablo Picasso and Ancient Greece have in common? In 2022, all four will have items and objects on display across Victoria. Accordingly, if you're looking for an excuse to spend the cooler months in a museum or gallery, you have several — including peering at 44 ancient works dating back to the early bronze age. Those historic pieces will hit Melbourne Museum courtesy of Open Horizons: Ancient Greek Journeys and Connections, a new exhibition that's set to open on Saturday, April 23. Co-created and presented with the National Archaeological Museum in Athens, the Australian-first showcase will feature pieces from the Greek organisation's collection — which happens to be the richest range of artefacts from Greek antiquity worldwide — all of which will be making an appearance Down Under for the first time. In the case of two of the exhibition's big highlights — the gold Theseus ring, which dates back to the 15th century BCE, as well as a 2500-year-old marble sphinx that depicts a female head with the body of a winged lion — they'll make their debut outside of the National Archaeological Museum, too. Also coming our way: a collection of artefacts depicting Greek hero Heracles, as well as pieces that date through to the Roman period. Overall, Open Horizons: Ancient Greek Journeys and Connections will focus on not just Ancient Greece itself, but how the trade of ideas and goods influenced its culture — and how the Greeks also influenced the rest of the ancient world. [caption id="attachment_845125" align="alignnone" width="1920"] One of a pair of antefixes Clay Representations of Chimaera and Bellerophon mounting his winged horse, Pegasus. From Thasos. 550-500 BC. Credit National Archaeological Museum and Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports. Photographer Magoulas.[/caption] Top image: 'Open Horizons: Ancient Greek Journeys and Connections' at Melbourne Museum, installation shot by Tim Carrafa.
Attention all modern-day Don Burkes — this one's for you. Get ready to build the garden of your dreams, all for just a few shiny dollars. The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney's stunning All About Flowers display is wrapping up, and they're putting all the plants from it on sale to the public. All it will cost you is a gold coin donation (or $10 if you're after the orchids). Curated by the Garden's award-winning design team, All About Flowers is a colourful selection of more than 18,000 plants housed in the Garden's new horticultural display centre, The Calyx. Think striking arrangements of hydrangeas, garvineas and begonias, as well as a 50-metre-long green wall (the largest in Australia). You'll get your chance to take home the floral stars of the show and kick-start your backyard homage to Monet from 8am on Saturday, August 5 at The Calyx. Get ready to empty your piggy bank.
This month Alaska Projects offers The Carpentry of Speculative Things: An Art Experiment, an exhibition where philosophy meets art. Both writers and artists are gathered to respond to the mind-bending concepts of Speculative Realism. Topics up for visual discussion include the role of art in a new age of interactive technologies; philosopher Quentin Meillassoux's ideas about a virtual god yet to exist; the independence of objects from human consciousness; and other similarly lightweight stuff. Results will range from Rochelle Haley's paintings of ancient crystals "comprehending" one another, to David Eastwood's miniature models of Morandi bottles and Jacquelene Drinkall's UFO exploring Object Oriented Ontology. Writer Stephen Muecke seeks to pose the question, "What if?" while Baden Pailthorpe's "Radar" deposes humans from their usual, central place of priveleged observation. Artists Prue Gibson and Amy Ireland are also featured.
Unleash your inner badass by tagging local walls, sans spray paint or legal consequences. Wallit is a new app that allows users to leave their digital mark wherever they may be. This 'graffiti' exists only in the virtual world, but the wall in question is connected with an actual, physical location. It's the self-proclaimed "only geo-social app connecting people to places through one-of-a-kind multimedia messages on augmented reality walls." Equipped with location awareness, Wallit lets you record a 'tag' (including text, or video or audio clips) on the virtual version of the actual place you left it. The tag is only visible to other app users when they arrive at the location themselves. With the upgraded 1.1 "super walls" version of the app, tags may also be visible to other users in a similar area; for instance, if you tag a McDonald's, other users will be able to see it as they munch on their burger at another McDonald's. Other users may choose to respond to your original tag, sparking interaction, or, in true street artist style, leave their own two cents to outdo yours. [via Fast Company]
Located at the very northern tip of New Zealand's South Island, Marlborough has something for everyone. The region is famously home to the Marlborough Sounds, a winding and picture-perfect network of sea-drowned valleys which encompasses one-fifth of New Zealand's coastline. It also happens to be the oldest winemaking region in the country with more than 35 cellar doors, so there's no question that one of your main objectives should be sampling local varietals. And now, we have it on good authority that locals will be breaking out the good china next time you pay a visit — the region has just been named as one of the ten most welcoming regions on earth for travellers. Known predominantly for its epic sav blanc and stunning walking and hiking trails, Marlborough is also the only spot in the southern hemisphere to make the list from international travel site Booking.com, coming in at number six. It was beaten by fellow friendly spots La Rioja in Spain and Epirus in Greece — but came in front of Ninh Binh in Vietnam and Limon, Costa Rica. The votes were tallied from a pool of over 240 million customer reviews – and yes, only customers that have actually stayed at an accommodation, rented a car or rode in a taxi can leave a review of their experience on the website. This award is coming straight from the road well-travelled. If you're the type of traveller that books holidays based on word of mouth, you'll probably want to start putting together that itinerary ASAP — check out our Weekender's Guide for more inspiration. And while you're travel planning, head to Concrete Playground Trips to snap up some epic international travel deals. Booking.com's Top 10 Most Welcoming Regions on Earth for 2023 1. La Rioja, Spain 2. Epirus, Greece 3. Oberosterreich, Austria 4. County Down, UK 5. Mures, Romania 6. Marlborough, New Zealand 7. Ninh Binh, Vietnam 8. Limon, Costa Rica 9. Newfoundland & Labrador, Canada 10. North Dakota, US Marlborough has come in at number six on Booking.com's list of the top ten most welcoming regions in the world — the only destination in the southern hemisphere to do so. For more information on the famous wine region, head to Marlborough NZ.
