This year has been huge for Bong Joon-ho. Not only is the South Korean filmmaker responsible for one of 2019's best movies in Parasite, this same thrilling flick nabbed the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, took out Sydney Film Festival's top prize and has been named as its country's Oscar contender in the Best Foreign-Language category — all deservedly so. Parasite isn't just a one-off, either. For nearly two decades, the acclaimed director has been making smart movies that continually surprise and delight — and continually defy categorisation, too. Bong delved into real-life murder mysteries in 2003's Memories of Murder, reinvented the creature feature with 2006 standout The Host, and used 2009's Mother to explore an unnerving family relationship. More recently, Bong forced the remnants of humanity to fight for survival on a speeding train, with Snowpiercer enlisting Tilda Swinton, Chris Evans and Jamie Bell among the locomotive's scrambling inhabitants. And, in Okja, the filmmaker introduced the world to a cute super-pig, the girl who adores it and the ruthless corporate executive (Swinton again) looking to profit from it, as well as one incredibly offbeat TV zoologist (Jake Gyllenhaal). If you're keen to rediscover these highlights, or perhaps catch them for the first time, the Korean Film Festival in Australia and Sydney Film Festival are joining forces for a two-day Bong retrospective. Screening at Dendy Opera Quays across Friday, September 27 and Saturday, September 28, it's free to attend — but you'll want to nab an online ticket in advance, as sessions are already booking out.
When Skyfall initially hit cinemas back in 2012, it did so in a big way. The 23rd film in the Bond franchise picked up two Oscars, two BAFTAs, a Golden Globe, two Grammys and a wealth of critical acclaim. The response was understandable. As well as the usual espionage antics, shaken-not-stirred martinis, suits and new standout theme song — all Bond trademarks — Skyfall ranked among the long-running franchise's best films so far. Simply put, it's a pretty stellar film. So, if you've been hankering to revisit it again, you're in luck — Skyfall is returning to Sydney on the silver screen. And this time it's got a live score. Following in the footsteps of the Star Wars and Harry Potter films, as well as Bond's own Casino Royale, Skyfall will grace the Sydney Opera House with help from the Sydney Symphony. The orchestra, led by Australian conductor Nicholas Buc, will perform composer Thomas Newman's award-winning score, plus the franchise's classic theme track (obviously). With three screenings happening across Friday, November 22 and Saturday, November 23, this latest Sydney Symphony film and orchestra pairing is giving you the chance to hear the music behind one of the best films in history like it's never been heard before. Plus, relive Daniel Craig's third stint as 007, as well as Javier Bardem's memorable turn as the resident villain. The Sydney Symphony Orchestra's live Skyfall in Concert performances will take place at 8pm on Friday, November 22 and at both 2pm and 8pm on Saturday, November 23.
Sitting down to non-stop meze plates is most folks' idea of a great feast, and it's on the menu at Stanbuli on Tuesday, November 12. But that's not all that's on offer at this dinner. While you're munching away, the Enmore restaurant's executive chef and owner Ibrahim Kasif will take patrons through the wonders of raki — aka Turkey's aniseed-flavoured spirit. If you're a newcomer to the tipple, this is your chance to learn more. If you feel like you've sipped every other drink on offer across Sydney, this is your opportunity to try something new, too. And even if you're well acquainted with the beverage that's considered Turkey's national drink, you'll knock back more than a few tastes — including different styles — that are all paired to your food. The last time that Stabuli put on this Raki Dinner with Bottomless Meze, it proved rather popular, so nabbing a $90 ticket sooner rather than later is recommended. The evening runs from 7pm, with raki and oh-so-much meze included in the price.
Have you been watching Netflix's Big Mouth, remembering your adolescent years and laughing at the all-round awkwardness of puberty? If so, you've been enjoying the work of Nick Kroll. The comedian and actor co-created, writes, produces and performs a whole heap of voices on the hit animated series — and, given that he's popped up on everything from Parks and Recreation to Sausage Party to the US version of What We Do in the Shadows, you'll recognise him from elsewhere as well. Indeed, Kroll's resume runs much, much deeper. Over the years, he's also starred on The League, taken his Oh, Hello comedy double-act with John Mulaney to Broadway (with one of the shows recorded and released as a Netflix special) and played plenty of different characters in sketch series Kroll Show. Plus, he's been in Brooklyn Nine-Nine, The Simpsons, Bob's Burgers, Portlandia and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, as well as movies such as I Love You, Man, Knight of Cups, Loving and The House, too. Yes, the list goes on. On Saturday, January 4, 2020, Kroll will add something else to his name: a live gig in Sydney. Catch his his comic talents at the Enmore Theatre, with the comedian bringing his Middle-Aged Boy tour to town (and maybe too much tuna as well). Tickets go on sale from 1pm on Tuesday, October 29 — with Live Nation pre-sales available now. Image: Storm Santos
In good news for local residents and workers, Darlinghurst's craft beer haven Bitter Phew has just expanded to the ground floor, giving you yet another place to head for an after-work tipple. Dubbed Phew, the space has been revamped into a minimalist wine bar and kitchen, headed by chef Jack Fitzhenry and with a natural wine list created by Jordan Blackman (ex-Chin Chin, Ananas Bar & Brasserie). And it's open five nights a week, from 5pm–late every Wednesday through Saturday. And, in celebration of its opening, the restaurant now has a $10 and under menu of seasonal snacks, which is available until Saturday, November 23. It's not just your regular ol' parmas and schnittys, either. Instead, expect dishes like Hiramasa kingfish ceviche with juniper and black lime, along with morcilla sausages with white bean and globe artichokes for just a tenner each. Even cheaper are the pork jowl ragu loaded on Iggy's thick cut sourdough ($9), the sardines with nduja on brioche ($6) and the shiitake pickle with onion cream on a chickpea pancake ($7). Or, you can level-up your snack game and get the 'Feed Me' set menu for $38. Luckily, you still have time to get the crew together for a cheap-but-sophisticated feed — plus a couple of brews, of course.
If you want to add some culture to your Tuesday night pub feed, head in to Paddo Inn next Tuesday, October 29. The Oxford Street local is presenting its series of expert-led panel discussions accompanied by cocktails, canapes and networking. On the bill for the final talk of the year is a panel discussion with and about female artisans. One of those artisans is rockstar flower artist Dr Lisa Cooper. The Sydney-based florist, author and Doctor of Philosophy has decked out the pub with flowers for spring thanks to a collaboration with Hendrick's Gin. Joining her is cult homewares label Maison Balzac's founder Elise Pioch Balzac and brewer and distiller Carla Daunton of Young Henrys, plus fashion journalist Rosie Dalton, who is hosting the talk. The women will discuss their craft, passion, trade and being a female artisan in this day and age. As part of the $55 ticket, you'll be handed a Midsummer Solstice Spritz on arrival — a delightful concoction featuring the limited-edition Hendrick's Gin, tonic water and sparkling wine, garnished with orange and cucumber. The event run from 6–8.30pm and each ticket includes canapes. This female-led Inn Talks is being held to support Two Good, a not-for-profit organisation that helps feed and employ women in refuges, meaning your Tuesday night out is all for a great cause.
UPDATE, August 19, 2020: Birds of Passage is available to stream via Stan, Google Play, YouTube Movies and iTunes. Thanks to Narcos, Blow and plenty of similar films and television shows, the term 'Colombian drug drama' conjures up a particular image. But that's not what viewers will find in Birds of Passage, a movie that falls into the same broad category while carving its own niche. Forget Pablo Escobar, piles of cocaine and cartels fighting against the US. Forget the genre's usual slick and shiny sheen, too. Instead, Ciro Guerra and Cristina Gallego (Embrace of the Serpent) immerse their feature within a highly insular indigenous tribe, watching as its way of life is forever changed after getting into the marijuana business. The result: a multigenerational crime saga that's as much a portrait of Colombia's Wayúu community as it is about dealing in illicit substances. If the above description didn't already distinguish Birds of Passage from other drug-fuelled gangland affairs, then its visuals achieve that feat. As they did with their last picture (which Guerra directed and Gallego produced and helped edit), the filmmaking duo take an ethnographic approach, as seen in each of the movie's vibrant images and scenes. Showcasing traditional locations, clothing and ceremonies, the pair don't just present these details — in every shot and sequence, they revel in them. With ample assistance from returning cinematographer David Gallego, Birds of Passage is filled with dusty plains far removed from the Colombian drug trade's stereotypical jungles, intensive rituals used to initiate courtships and striking jewellery that has more than a decorative impact. Indeed, to see the absorbing and engrossing film's frames flicker by is to walk through the Guajira region of in the country's north, bear witness to its first peoples and explore their intricacies. While it should go without saying, other dramas that do this aren't just rare — they're non-existent. It's this specificity that both marks and shapes Birds of Passage, especially as its story purposefully winds down a recognisable path. Guerra and Gallego want their audience to take in everything that makes the Wayúu who they are, but they also want to highlight that devastation can and will plight any culture, even this one, once it's steeped in a destructive cycle of power, wealth, death and bloodshed. When the feature opens in a desert village, such matters appear far from everyone's minds. Emblazoned in red from head to toe, local beauty Zaida (Natalia Reyes) is the centre of attention, with young men lined up to win her heart — and willing to dance until they drop to do so. Rapayet (José Acosta) doesn't falter; however, although Zaida is instantly smitten, her mother Ursula (Carmiña Martínez) is hardly convinced. The formidable matriarch sets a high dowry of 30 goats, 20 cows, five necklaces and two decorative mules, expecting that the determined suitor won't be able to pay. But after a chance meeting with weed-seeking American Peace Corps volunteers, Rapayet and his pal Moisés (Jhon Narváez) discover a way to make all the money they need (and all the goats, cows, necklaces and decorative mules as well). Set across a two-decade span from the late 1960s to the early 1980s, Birds of Passage charts the ups and downs that ripple throughout the entire Wayúu enclave, as seemingly simple choices have far-reaching consequences. It's not difficult to guess where Zaida and Rapayet's tale is headed across its five chapters, or that of their entire tribe — or to foresee that Ursula's fears about her possible future son-in-law will prove well-founded. That said, it's worth noting that she's also obsessed with dreams and omens, interpreting everything around her for signs about her family's future, a technique that Guerra and Gallego also deploy with their narrative. It isn't difficult to discern what'll happen at each turn, but that's the basis of this epic film's sweeping tragedy: audiences can glean what happens next, just as Ursula tries to, and yet everyone remains thoroughly powerless to stop it. The same idea bubbled through Gabriel García Márquez's landmark novel One Hundred Years of Solitude, and the same haunting feeling of inevitability, too. Tint the Colombian author's awarded and applauded 1967 tome with an extra layer of shattering bleakness, bring it to the screen with breathtakingly vivid images and set it in a unique gangster world, and that's Birds of Passage — almost. One of the wonders of this stunningly shot and performed movie is how it nods to literary greats, to on-screen crime sagas like The Godfather and The Sopranos, and even to Shakespeare's darkest accounts of misfortune, and yet remains a wholly distinctive work. In plunging viewers into a specific way of life, beholding its beauty and watching how something so fragile can crumble when plagued by corruption, Guerra and Gallego peer closely and systematically, while also seeing the bigger picture. That's what great ethnographers do — and great filmmakers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhQsCz0X4Vw
Art cropping up in everyday places and taking inspiration from mundane objects has been going on for years. Warhol loved his Campbell's soup cans and Banksy brings art to streets in every corner of the globe. So, to celebrate art, colour and creativity in the everyday, Stockland Green Hills is bringing a bit of pizzazz to the plaza this week. For four days, the shopping centre will be transformed into an explosion of colour, so you can be inspired on your next trip to the mall. First up, there'll be the Colour Hub — think loud wallpapers and mismatched patterned flooring, plus a ball pit. Each section of the hub will excite a different sense, too. In some areas you'll be encouraged to touch the various textured walls, and in another you'll be listening to upbeat tunes. There'll even be Willy Wonka-inspired scratch-and-sniff wallpaper, plus a candy-filled centrepiece, so you can suck on a gum ball while your feast your eyes on all the surrounding colour. More into getting your hands dirty? Then head to the Creation Station: a pop up where you can tap into your inner child. Channel your undiscovered Warhol with an acrylic painting class, try your hand at the 3Doolder Pen Workshop or decorate (then eat) your own doughnut. Or, if you're more into glitz and glamour, you can score a free mini makeover too. Shake the Rainbow is taking over Stockland Green Hills Shopping Centre from Thursday, October 17 through Sunday, October 20. Some activities require bookings. To nab your spot, head here.
When it rolls around each October and November, Palace Cinemas' British Film Festival, presented by MINI, serves up Australia's starriest cinema showcase. Take 2019's program, for example, which includes Keira Knightley playing a real-life whistleblower in Official Secrets, Helen Mirren facing off against Ian McKellen in The Good Liar, The Theory of Everything's Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones re-teaming for The Aeronauts, and Liam Gallagher getting the documentary treatment in Liam Gallagher: As It Was. Coming to our shores fresh from opening the London Film Festival, The Personal History of David Copperfield also ranks among BFF's highlights, too — as you'd expect from a witty flick based on Charles Dickens' novel, directed by Veep, The Thick of It, In the Loop and The Death of Stalin's Armando Iannucci, and starring Dev Patel, Tilda Swinton, Hugh Laurie and Ben Whishaw. Elsewhere, British movie buffs can catch moving social-realist drama Sorry We Missed You, with I, Daniel Blake's Ken Loach directing his take on the gig economy; Happy New Year, Colin Burstead, the latest darkly comic film from High-Rise's Ben Wheatley; and Hope Gap, starring Annette Bening, Bill Nighy and God's Own Country's Josh O'Connor. Running in Sydney from Tuesday, October 29 to Sunday, November 24 at Palace Verona, Chauvel Cinema, Palace Central and Palace Norton Street, BFF's 2019 program also features a six-film retrospective paying tribute to Helen Mirren's stellar career, plus a 4K restoration of horror classic Don't Look Now. The list goes on, including the latest unsettling documentary from acclaimed documentarian Alex Gibney (Going Clear: Scientology & the Prison of Belief) — with Citizen K focusing on Russian oligarch Mikhail Khodorkovsky and his exile in London.
If you're of an age when you can remember burning your friend's So Fresh CD so you could stay up to date with the coolest songs of the season, congrats. You're old now. But also, congrats, because you will seriously enjoy the That's So 2000s Festival. The old-school get-together to end all old-school get-togethers is coming to Hermann's Bar from 2pm on Saturday, January 25, and it'll be playing bangers of the 2000s vintage. You can expect a disturbing percentage of Channel 10 alums (Australian Idol winners/losers and ex-Neighbours actors) as well as way too much Nickelback for polite company. Also, just throwing this out there: we're desperately hoping for a timely comeback of the Duff sisters duet 'Our Lips Are Sealed'. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRfvBPkIQ9M This time around, the retro tunes will come with plenty of party fun, including a ball pit, jumping castle, face painting, and free fairy floss and lollipops. And, because of the date, there will be a slight diversion from the throwback tunes, with Triple J's Hottest 100 also getting a spin. Of course, it's obviously 18 and over — because if you're under 18 you definitely don't know what So Fresh is. Or CDs, probably.
Why drink at one watering hole, when you can head to two, three, six or more? That's always been the motivation behind everyone's favourite boozy journey, aka a pub crawl. And, it's the exact same type of thinking behind the Urban Wine Walk. Taking another wander around Sydney, it's the bar-hopping excuse every vino lover needs — if you need an excuse, that is. From 12–4pm on Saturday, February 15, you'll saunter around Surry Hills — and between the likes of Chin Chin, The Wild Rover, Button Bar, The Clock and more — sampling wines and having a mighty fine time. As for the tipples, they'll be taken care of by a heap of top labels, including Dirty Candy Wine and Mr Barval. Tickets cost $75 and places are limited. This moving cellar door will not only serve up more than 30 wine tastings, but also your own tasting glass — plus a voucher for another beverage, and a guide to help you plan your mosey between bars.
Like her relatives, Morticia Addams (voiced by Charlize Theron) is supposed to be creepy, kooky, mysterious and spooky — but in the latest version of The Addams Family, she's just creaky. Unleashing tiny spiders to build a bridge over a bottomless pit (in the family's basement, naturally) in one scene, the vampish matriarch coughs up a cringe-worthy line that everyone can see coming: "we call this surfing the web". Morticia's dad joke would prove a grim omen for this new animated take on America's most macabre family, except that it's sadly preceded by plenty of others. By the time the above dialogue is uttered, a groan-inducing town called Assimilation has already sprung up down the hill from the Addams' imposing mansion. And, within said house, sentient, unattached hand Thing has also been seen wearing a watch with an eye on it. To be honest, the pain starts in the prologue, which doubles as an obligatory origin story. As Morticia and Gomez (Oscar Isaac) tie the knot 13 years before the movie's main narrative, Fester (Nick Kroll) tells them to put the lime in the coconut and drink it all up. That's how things are done "in the old country", apparently. This opening gag doesn't nod to the 1930s New Yorker cartoons that first introduced the Addams clan, or the 60s live-action TV series that followed, or 90s big-screen favourites The Addams Family and Addams Family Values. Rather, it references Harry Nilsson's 1971 novelty song 'Coconut' and serves no one — unless this iteration of The Addams Family is aimed at fans of a singer from half a century ago, Quentin Tarantino aficionados who know the tune from Reservoir Dogs, or anyone familiar with Dannii Minogue's 1994 cover (again: no one). The track is hardly obscure; however, even as a throwaway line, non sequitur or piece of absurdist humour, it leaves audiences scratching their heads instead of laughing. Really, it just smacks of the filmmakers giggling among themselves at a bad joke, without considering whether it's relevant to the story they're telling, its characters or their viewers. Alas, as the rest of the flick shows, that seems to be directors Greg Tiernan and Conrad Vernon (Sausage Party) and screenwriters Matt Lieberman (Playing with Fire) and Pamela Pettler's (Corpse Bride) approach overall. Flimsy from the outset, The Addams Family charts the predictable clash when Assimilation's residents — and celebrity interior designer Margaux Needler (Allison Janney), who financed the town — aren't happy about their odd neighbours. This revelation coincides with Pugsley's (Finn Wolfhard) swordplay-heavy coming-of-age ceremony, which brings the extended Addams crew to visit and scares the locals even further. Cue life lessons about accepting those around you, being yourself, not judging spooky-looking people by their appearances and other similar clichés. Margaux and her mob attempt to bully the Addams family out of the area, Gomez stresses over Pugsley's fondness for bombs over blades, and Wednesday (Chloe Grace Moretz) shocks Morticia by befriending Margaux's daughter Parker (Elsie Fisher) and daring to fit in. The fact that the Addams clan stands out has always been their point, ever since their cartoonist namesake created the weird and wonderful figures. In their aesthetics, interests and behaviour, Morticia, Gomez, Wednesday, Pugsley, Fester and Grandma (Bette Midler) are clearly the opposite of the stereotypical American household, and the resulting juxtaposition — and the horrified reactions to their monster-like appearance, as well as their strange and supernatural ways — makes a satirical statement. But, even bringing social media, lifestyle gurus and a few other bits of modern technology into the mix, The Addams Family circa 2019 doesn't have anything new to say. It doesn't have much to say in general, really. Given that the family-friendly film also lacks in story, jokes and creativity, the result is ghoulish, and not in a manner that'd do the fictional characters proud. It doesn't help that, although inspired by Charles Addams' original drawings, the animation is dull — including the character design. Creepy, kooky and the like can look delightful on the screen (and all-ages appropriate), as Corpse Bride, Frankenweenie, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Coraline and ParaNorman have all shown; however, this has more in common visually and tonally with the broad and bland Hotel Transylvania movies. The picture's celebrity voices can't fill in the gaps, either. Mostly, hearing Isaac as Gomez makes you wish that someone had made a new live-action version starring him instead. That would've required more effort, though, which is something this thin, generic and not-at-all offbeat film shows few signs of. Rather, it features Snoop Dogg as Cousin Itt purely so that it can play 'Drop It Like It's Hot' when he's first seen on screen, a level that even abysmal 1998 direct-to-video threequel Addams Family Reunion (no, no one remembers it) didn't stoop to. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFnn4fNsB64
It's easy to make, it tastes great and it's incredibly versatile. Garfield loves it, too. We'd keep listing reasons that the humble lasagne is one of the best Italian meals there is, but we're certain that we don't need to convince you. Here's another anyway, though: it's a great go-to when Tuesday rolls around, you have the almost-mid-week blues, you definitely don't want to cook, and you want to tuck into something both hearty and delicious. Salt Meats Cheese clearly feels the same, because it regularly dedicates a whole night to the Italian staple. And, it's next doing just that on Tuesday, January 14. Three types will be on the menu, so taste your way through the trio for $24. You will need to book in advance, given that folks sure do love this dish. SMC's Lasagna Affair is only happening at select venues — so you'll want to make a date with the chain's Broadway and Dee Why locations from 5pm. Updated January 4.
You can never have too many occasions to eat cheese, but this returning Sydney cheese festival isn't just keen to shower cheese fiends with creamy goodness. A collaboration between Bruny Island Cheese Co. cheesemaker Nick Haddow, Dairy Australia and the organisers of Pinot Palooza, Mould wants dairy lovers to explore and devour the mild, hard and soft bites that Australia's best cheese wizards have to offer. Returning for a third year, the festival will paint Carriageworks yellow on on Friday, May 22 and Saturday, May 23. Alongside unlimited tastings of Australia's best cheeses — with the lineup yet to be announced — it'll feature flavoursome fare from cheese specialists too. Think of it as a cheese tasting trip around Australia without leaving Wilson Street. Of course, snacking on samples and purchasing slices and slabs to take home with you are just two ways to enjoy cheese. The fest will have cooking demonstrations, masterclasses and talks so you can stretch your cheese knowledge as well as your cheese stomach. And it wouldn't be a cheese festival without beverages to wash it all down with, so expect a bar serving Aussie wines, whisky, beer and sake — all of which match nicely to a bit of cheese. Tickets cost $45, and there'll be three sessions: 4.30–8.30pm on Friday night, 11am–3pm on Saturday morning and 4–8pm on Saturday afternoon.
With more and more restaurants offering plant-based options, it's getting easier to cut down on eating meat when dining out. To make things even simpler, EatClub — the dining app offering real-time deals at restaurants — is running a weekly offer in November to encourage people to explore veggie-based dishes at its partner restaurants. As part of its 'Choose Veg Chooseday' campaign, EatClub restaurants that have loads of meat-free dishes will be offering 40 percent off the whole bill, including drinks, every Tuesday (geddit?) this month. There are plenty of restaurants taking part in the campaign, so you're bound to find some cheap veggie-filled fare. If you're craving vegan burgers or gnocchi, head to Brainwave Cafe or Peppe's. Or, if you'd rather tuck into some daal or a spread of Lebanese fare, Indian Paradise or Jounieh will be your best bet. All you have to do is download the EatClub app here and, on a Tuesday, search for a great deal. To make it easy, participating venues will be highlighted in green on the EatClub app. Plus, you can even win a veggie cooking class to hone your skills. To be in the running, upload a pic of your meat-free dish to Instagram.
When the year 2000 rolled around, Y2K didn't hit, and the decade that gave us Donnie Darko, Lady Gaga and The OC began, no one thought we'd be nostalgically reliving its glory days just a few years later. But we are, because what's not to love? The first ten years of this century also served up Beyonce and Gwen Stefani going solo, a little franchise called High School Musical and a whole heap of televised singing contests, after all. Whatever part of the 00s you love, expect it to get a whirl at Sydney's huge retro house party, with The Lansdowne Hotel jumping back into the past. Come 10pm on Friday, February 22, you'll be hitting the dancefloor to everything from Backstreet Boys and Britney Spears to Shaggy and Shakira. Tickets start from $10, and digging out your old 00s threads is highly recommended — there'll be a prize for arriving NSYNC with the theme.
How many dumplings can you eat in one sitting? Would you like to find out? On four Saturdays in October, Old Town Hong Kong in Barangaroo is putting your stomach to the test by offering up bottomless servings of dim sum. Here's how the Unlimited Dumpling Feasts on October 6, 13, 20 and 27 work: you arrive and you eat, with two 90-minute gorging windows available from 12.30pm and 5.30pm. Devour as many siu mai and har gow (aka prawn dumplings) as you can, plus pan-fried vegetable dumplings and barbecue pork buns as well. While it's definitely a dumpling feast, selected main courses will also be available — just in case you wanted to switch things up, momentarily. Your food-filled sitting will set you back $45, and booking a spot in advance is recommended. Old Town Hong Kong's unlimited dumpling feasts will be held at 12.30pm–2pm and 5.30pm–7pm on each Saturday in October.
Between Thursday, August 9 and Wednesday, August 15, Palace Cinemas is giving movie buffs an extra gift. It's not just the gift of great flicks — that is, their daily bread and butter — but the gift of cheap great flicks. Head to one of the chain's four Sydney locations — Paddington's Palace Verona or Chauvel Cinema, Chippendale's Palace Central and Leichhardt's Palace Norton St — across the week in question, and any film at any time will only cost you a fiver, plus an online booking fee of $1.50. Want to see Mission: Impossible — Fallout with your friends on a Saturday night? It'll cost you $6.50 in total. Keen to laugh your way through The Breaker Upperers after work one afternoon? Still $6.50 all up. We'd keep naming movies, but you get the picture. Booking in advance is highly recommended, given how much everyone loves going to the flicks for little more than the price of a cup of coffee, so you will want to nab your tickets online and pay the fee. And if you're wondering what $5 Movie Week is all about, Palace is about to launch its new rewards club. Consider this the first reward — although you don't need to be a member to benefit. Image: Palace Central
Prepare to get slurping, Sydneysiders — and slurping up a different type of ramen than usual at that. While World Square's Ramen Zundo serves up brothy bowls of goodness on the regular, for four days it'll be specifically dishing out Sapporo-style ramen. If you're wondering what that is, then you owe it to yourself to go along. Across September 6–9, the store will be handing over the reigns to chef Sakae Ishida, who is considered not only a ramen master, but the pioneer of Sapporo-style ramen. He has worked with Nishiyama Seimen Co. — who supply most of Sapporo's ramen shops with their ingredients — since 1985, taught cooking classes around the world and helped ramen restaurants open around the globe too. While telling you what chef Ishida has in store isn't the same as tasting it for yourself, prepare your tastebuds for a 'double soup', which involves both chicken and pork broth. As well as noodles and sauce imported from Nishiyama Seimen Co. — and an additional high-heat wok stove to cook everything on — there'll be wok stir-fried vegetable toppings, such as fresh bean sprouts, shallots and cabbage. Two types will be available: a regular, with miso, soy or salt bases for $16, and a spicy version with a choice of the same bases for $16.50. Ramen Zuno's usual ramen menu will be put on hold for the duration of Ishida's pop-up; however you can still pair your meal with homemade gyoza, donburi and drinks.
Cheese is always on the menu at Salt Meats Cheese, as its name suggests. Oozing on top of pizza, sprinkled over pasta, on platters with cured meat and homemade chutney — they're just some of the dairy choices. Or, you could combine a few of the above at the Circular Quay restaurant's weekly Cheese Feasts. Running on a number of Sundays until September 30, they'll turn your weekend into cheese heaven. On the menu: a selection of cheeses, meats, seasonal fruits and focaccia to share, followed by wood-fired brie filled with cheese pasta, and stuffed porchetta and roasted lamb shoulder smothered in gooey raclette. After that, dessert comes in the form of cardamon panna cotta served with smashed berries and cream. For the food side of things, it'll set you back $39 — and if you'd like to add bottomless wine, you can do so for an extra $29. That gets you an unlimited selection of Italian red, white and prosecco drops. The Cheese Feast with optional unlimited wine takes place in two two-hour sittings, between 11.30am–1.30pm and 2–4pm, on August 26 and September 9, 16, 23 and 30.
Every day could use an extra dose of adorable animals — and on Thursday, July 19 at Brett Whitely Place, there'll be cats aplenty to brighten up your regular routine. From 11am until 3pm, the North Sydney spot will be home to a Mini Meow Market. Sure, that's just a cute way to describe a heap of stalls selling cat products and kitten-themed goodies, but admit it, your interest if piqued. If you're looking for something for your own feline companion, then expect to find everything from cat toys to cat food and cat collars, meaning that you can spoil your moggy however you see fit. And if you're looking to immerse yourself in cat-shaped and -styled bits and pieces, there'll be clothes, homewares, cupcakes and more, all for humans. Plus, you can feast your eyes on a cat art show and listen to live music. Don't worry, actual cats will also be in attendance — for cuddling, as well as for adopting. Yes, taking a four-legged friend home with you is an option, because no one can resist their gorgeous little faces.
Prepare to sip your way around one of New South Wales' grapiest regions because the Hunter Valley Wine Festival is back for the sixth year. It's a completely different event to the Hunter Valley Food and Wine Festival, in case you were wondering. Here, in vineyard country, one vino fest really isn't enough. Taking place from 11am on Sunday, June 30, it's the reason you've been needing for a weekend jaunt away from the city — not that anyone really needs an excuse for that. The area's wineries, large and boutique included, will come together at Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley for a day-long showcase of the Semillon, Chardonnay, Riesling and Shiraz varieties they're best known for, plus emerging, organic and biodynamic tipples too. Also on the agenda: a wine and cheese tasting session featuring dairy from the Hunter Valley Cheese Factory, plus a blind tasting sparkling wine competition. Tickets cost $20, which includes five tasting tickets and a tasting glass. When you're not sampling wine with booze-loving abandon, you can also try out some local beer and cider, or eat your way through a selection of local cuisine.
The man behind some of Britain's best sitcoms is coming to Australia to share his expertise with the country's aspiring comedy writers. Best known for writing and co-creating Black Books, The IT Crowd, Father Ted and Big Train, Graham Linehan is heading to our shores to debut his one-day workshop Insights Into The Art Of TV Comedy Writing. In a world first, the six-hour sessions will give eager funny folk the chance to learn from the five-time BAFTA winner, with two classes taking place on June 17 and 18 at Melbourne's Wheeler Centre, and a further two being held on June 23 and 24 at Sydney's Darlinghurst Theatre. Tickets range from $99 and $219, including both morning and afternoon tea, with limited spots available. Attendees will learn more than simply turning computers off and on again — or the fact that some ovens can cook anything. According to Lineham, figuring out comedy "is something I've been trying to do for the last twenty five years and I'm hoping that I've gained enough insights into my own process that I won't actually mess yours up too much."
On Wednesdays, you might wear pink — but breaking out your favourite not-quite-red shades on Tuesday, May 22 is going to be perfectly acceptable. You'll need to look the part at Made by the Hill's Mean Girls trivia night, after all. And the venue will be setting the mood by decking out the place in the right colour, right down to an 'On Wednesdays We Wear Pink' cocktail. Yes, not being there would be social suicide. Yes, revisiting the correct usages of 'fetch', 'grool' and 'ESPN' is just part of the fun too, as is channelling your inner queen bee. Yes, pretending it's the Spring Fling is encouraged. If all of the above means something to you, then this is your kind of event. Mathlete or plastic, if you're a fan of the now 14-year-old movie, then show your devotion by battling it out across five trivia rounds. It all kicks off at 6.30pm and entry is free, but registrations are essential.
Think watching a movie under the stars is a summer activity? Think again. Braving the elements to catch a film in winter comes with its own rewards: snuggling up next to your nearest and dearest, enjoying the brisk night air and sipping hot mulled wine, for example. As part of the broader Bastille Festival, the Tallowoladah Lawn outside of the MCA will become a pop-up openair movie theatre. That means settling in for a flick with a view not just of the screen, but vantages out over the Opera House and Sydney Harbour as well. Screening seven sessions over four days between July 12 to 15, Le Cinema lets attendees get cosy in 100 deck chairs (with blankets, of course), and offers up a glass of mulled wine and popcorn to complete the outdoor film-watching experience. Movies include the Marion Cotillard-starring La Vie En Rose, the animated culinary delight that is Ratatouille and sci-fi fun with Luc Besson's The Fifth Element. Or, let yourself eat cake at a session of Sofia Coppola's Marie Antoinette.
Talented pooches have been barking their way to big screen stardom since the birth of the medium, and Cannes Film Festival even gives out awards for ace pupper performances. Now, Australia has a new dog-themed cinema showcase. At the Top Dog Film Festival, doggos and puppers cement their status as humanity's favourite movie stars in a touring program of pooch-centric shorts. For two hours, dogs will leap across screens in a curated selection of heartwarming flicks about humanity's best friend. Last year, the lineup included films about dog-powered sports, dogs in space, dogs hiking through the desert, senior dogs and more. The festival hits Sydney on July 15 and July 29 as part of its national run, headed for one-day-only showings the Hayden Orpheum and Randwick Ritz respectively. Rushing after tickets the way your best four-legged friend rushes after a frisbee is recommended. Given how much we all love watching dog videos online, not to mention attending pupper-centric shindigs in general, this fest is certain to be popular.
It's the film that had to happen, honestly. Tommy Wiseau and Greg Sestero couldn't just give the world the so-bad-it's-amazing gift that is The Room and leave it at that — even if their disasterpiece became the basis for Sestero's ace behind-the-scenes book The Disaster Artist, and then the oh-so spot-on movie adaptation of the same name. No, this cinematic odd couple just had to make a second flick. Really, they had to. All those spoons thrown at cinema screens, all those screams of "you're tearing me apaaaaart!", all those "oh hi, doggy" comments: as The Room became a cult phenomenon over the past 15 years, we've all been praying to the deity that is Wiseau's long, greasy locks, and hoping that the world's most unlikely film star and his best friend would make another movie. Well, they have, and it's called Best F(r)iends. It was written by Sestero but directed by someone other than Wiseau, so it might all make some kind of sense this time. Apparently inspired by a road trip the duo took just after they'd made The Room, it's actually the first volume of a two-part flick, starring Sestero as a drifter and Wiseau as a mortician. We know — the latter couldn't sound like better casting. Maybe he's a vampire, too? Either way, the pair hatch a scheme that comes undone due to greed and jealousy, sparking a road trip as well as an exploration of friendship and loyalty. Switch out a few details, and it sounds a little like our favourite best worst film. If you're so filled with excitement that you feel like storming onto a rooftop and throwing a bottle, don't stress — Best F(r)iends is coming to Sydney, screening at the Hayden Orpheum at 7pm on Monday, June 25. Even better, Sestero will be in attendance to answer all of your questions. Just don't ask him how his sex life is, obviously. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTu9N40E_MI
UPDATE, August 15, 2020: I Used to Be Normal: A Boyband Fangirl Story is available to stream via DocPlay, Google Play, YouTube and iTunes. For many teenage girls, love has a name. It's not their schoolyard crush, or that boy who keeps teasing them in class. Depending on the decade, it's Harry Styles, Nick Carter, Robbie Williams or Paul McCartney. Their great loves sing to them, stare back at them from posters on their walls, and soulfully look their way at packed-out concerts. They croon tunes about holding hands, wanting them back and inner beauty, and — crucially — declare they'll never break any hearts. Whether it's The Beatles in the 60s, the Backstreet Boys in the 90s or One Direction earlier this decade, such is the power of boy bands. Many come together in the most calculated of manners, specifically engineered to appeal to as many swooning girls and sell as many records as possible. But the sentiments they're uttering feel real to their fans. Take 16-year-old Long Island resident Elif, for example. When she talks about One Direction, her face could light up Zayn Malik and company's world like nobody else. She screams at their videos, calls them "the boys" like they're kids that she goes to school with, and bursts into tears when a friend suggests that a band member might deliver their pizza. Alongside 25-year-old San Francisco journalist Sadia, 33-year-old Sydney band strategist Dara and 64-year-old Melbourne TV producer Susan, Elif is one of four boy band aficionados featured in I Used to Be Normal: A Boyband Fangirl Story. Each has fallen hard for a different group and it's changed their life, with the documentary exploring, analysing and celebrating their fandom. Well aware that loving a boy band is so often seen as the domain of silly young girls, filmmaker Jessica Leski examines the phenomenon with joy, affection and irreverence, and with an open heart and mind. She knows a thing or two about the topic herself, having become a devoted Directioner at the age of 31. Cue a delicate balancing act, but one that I Used to Be Normal manages with the skill of a carefully choreographed *NSYNC dance routine. As the bright, upbeat, quick-paced film delves deep into its subjects' thoughts, emotions, hopes and desires, it also dissects the broader allure of manufactured male pop groups and the catharsis they can offer. Dara gives viewers a Boy Band 101 lesson to help cover all angles, however its her own personal story — and Elif, Sadia and Susan's too — that comprises the beating heart of the doco. Set to an appropriate soundtrack, their love of cute men belting out pop ballads is always intimate and genuine, and handled with thoughtfulness and insight. For Turkish immigrant Elif, One Direction connects her to her adopted country and helps unleash her dreams of becoming a musician. Growing up in a conservative Muslim household, Sadia's obsession with the Backstreet Boys helped her explore her teenage urges — and still helped when she suffered from depression in college. Dara's affinity for Take That's Gary Barlow shaped her identity and her sexuality, while Susan's Beatlemania has been a crutch to lean on through decades of ups and downs. Even if you don't know New Kids on the Block from East 17, and even if you'd never want to, these tales are instantly relatable. It's passion that unites I Used to Be Normal's four women, and unites them with everyone watching, too. On good and bad days alike, these ladies filter their lives through something that feels larger than life, which is exactly what sports nuts, comic book-lovers, Game of Thrones tragics and Potterheads do as well. While exposing this truth, Leski acts in much the same way from behind the camera. That's a key aspect of her documentary: she doesn't judge or dismiss or play up stereotypes, because everyone is a fangirl (or boy) for something, including the director herself. There's humour in the film, but it comes from someone who knows what her subjects are going through — and knows that everyone watching knows the same loving feeling. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSQBPzGL8EI
Every year, when October rolls around, Palace Cinemas hosts an all-night movie-watching extravaganza. 'Tis the season for bumps, jumps, screams, creepy celluloid dreams and getting scared while sitting in a cinema, after all. But there are halloween marathons, and then there are Halloween halloween marathons. No, we didn't accidentally repeat a word in the last sentence. For the Chauvel Cinema's venue's 2018 spooktacular, it's dedicating an entire night to the frightening film series that John Carpenter started 40 years ago. Expect the writer/director/composer's famous piano-filled score to echo throughout the building as Michael Myers dons his mask, grabs a knife, bursts through wardrobes, stalks babysitters and terrifies his hometown of Haddonfield, all on the titular occasion. And, expect Jamie Lee Curtis to cement her credentials as the ultimate big-screen scream queen. From the iconic first film — one of the best horror flicks ever made — to the not-so-iconic late 90s and early 00s sequels, all eight original Halloween movies will screen from 7pm on Saturday, October 27. The Halloween onslaught couldn't be better timed, and not only due to the date, with the all-new ninth film in the franchise hitting cinemas everywhere just a week earlier.
Fancy yourself the next Agatha Christie or Arthur Conan Doyle? Spend your days listening to My Favorite Murder and watching Making a Murder? Have a morbid fascination with true crime? If you answered yes to any of these, this festival might be right up your dimly lit alley. Bad is Sydney's only festival dedicated to all things crime writing, and it's back for its second year with a morbid — and fascinating — lineup. Kicking off the three-day fest — running from Friday,August 31 to Sunday, September 2 — is a huge true crime-themed 'pub trivia' quiz, hosted by award-winning author Candice Fox, where you'll battle it out against some of the nation's top true crime writers (and maybe all those Netflix binges will finally pay off). Over the next two days, you'll be able to head to a host of conversations and Q&As with ex-armed robber Carl Synnerdahl — who successfully convinced prison officers that he was blind — investigative journalist Joanna McCarthy, forensic psychiatrist Donald Grant, former judge Brian Knox and former detective and author Duncan McNab, among others. Authors Adam Shand and Mark Morri will also discuss and compare the underworlds of Sydney and Melbourne, while Nerida Campbell and Michael Duffy will explore Australia's prohibition era.
Alpine resort Thredbo has been making some serious tracks in the fields of environmental awareness and sustainability this year. Earlier this month, it announced that 100 percent of its lifting and snowmaking electricity will be offset for this winter season thanks to a partnership with Arnhem Land Fire Abatement Project (ALFA), a not-for-profit company owned by the Aboriginal people of Arnhem Land. It has also been named as the inaugural partner of advocacy group POW (Protect Our Winters), which has recently launched its Australian chapter. POW is all about protecting winter and the alpine environments in Australia, with initiatives targeted at protecting slopes like those at Thredbo and reducing human impact. To celebrate these new partnerships, Thredbo is hosting an educational celebration this weekend. There'll be talks from the board members at ALFA, as well as Hike for POW happening on Friday, July 27: a hike to the top of Mt Kosciuszko, open to all backcountry snow goers and led by US free skier Chris Davenport. If hiking a mountain sounds a little too intense, the weekend will celebrate National Tree Day as well. Since 2014, Thredbo guests have offset almost 8000 tonnes of carbon emissions by planting more than 30,000 trees. So, why not join them? Over the weekend, attendees can purchase a tree friend and be assured it's doing extra good — Thredbo is matching all donations throughout the time. Thredbo's environmental weekend will take place from Friday, July 27 to Sunday, July 29. For more information on its environmental initiatives, register for the Hike for POW or buy a tree, visit the website.
Cheese is always on the menu at Salt Meats Cheese, as its name suggests. Oozing on top of pizza, sprinkled over pasta, on platters with cured meat and homemade chutney — they're just some of the dairy choices. Or, you could combine a few of the above at the restaurant's regular Cheese Feasts. Next taking place at SMC Broadway from 6pm on Saturday, January 12 and at SMC Circular Quay from 6pm on Tuesday, January 15, they'll turn your day into cheese heaven. On the menu is a selection of cheeses, meats, seasonal fruits and focaccia to share, followed by wood-fired brie filled with cheese pasta, and stuffed porchetta and roasted lamb shoulder smothered in gooey raclette. After that, dessert comes in the form of cardamon panna cotta served with smashed berries and cream. For the food side of things, it'll set you back $39 — and if you'd like to add bottomless wine, you can do so for an extra $29. That gets you an unlimited selection of Italian red, white and prosecco drops.
The best film festivals offer something for everyone — different genres, a variety of stories and an array of events. Returning for its 13th year, the Sydney Latin American Film Festival ticks all of those boxes and jumps between different countries in the process, showcasing the latest cinema efforts from Chile, Cuba, Uruguay, Peru, Panama, Brazil, Venezuela, Argentina, Colombia and Mexico. Across September 6–15 at Dendy Opera Quays, Addison Road Picture House and PYT Fairfield, movie buffs can enjoy ten films, a collection of shorts, and huge opening and closing parties, all while sampling the best new flicks that the region has to offer. On the bill: a true tale about teenage girls breaking into the apartments of the wealthy; a documentary about Grammy winner, actor, lawyer and Panama presidential candidate Ruben Blades; and an animated comedy about a foosball player who's trying to protect the object of his affection — with the latter screening including street fútbol and traditional food. Or, viewers can watch a selection of shorts from Latin American female directors, catch the first Venezuelan film to make it to the prestigious Cannes Critics' Week competition, or laugh through a mockumentary about a secret presidential mission to supply cannabis to Uruguay. Other standouts include a revenge drama from Melbourne film graduate Laura Mora, plus one of our picks of this year's Melbourne International Film Festival: Issa López's enchanting and empathetic Tigers Are Not Afraid, which explores the Mexican drug war through the eyes of the children it leaves orphaned.
Add some zest to your Monday night at Chin Chin, all thanks to the Surry Hills restaurant's Curry Club. Launched back in August and returning at 6pm on September 10, it's your chance to feast through a delicious banquet cooked up by head chef Graeme Hunt — and, obviously, curry is on the menu. The details change with each outing, so if you just can't get enough spice in their life, you won't be eating the same thing twice. This time around, the evening's menu includes fried squid with crispy shallots, then two types of the titular dish: a rich beef rib massaman curry and a Penang chicken curry. There'll also be rice and roti, plus — because each Curry Club sees Chin Chin team up with a brewery — a beer on arrival from Fury & Son. The last event sold out, so anyone that's already salivating is advised to book their $49.50 ticket asap.
Rosebery's The Cannery has almost everything: a pizzeria, a distillery, a patisserie, a butcher, a baker and a candlestick maker. Well, you'll find the last-mentioned at its new market, launching this Sunday, September 2 To be held on the first Sunday of the month, the market will feature a huge range of food, homewares, fashion and art. Regular stallholders will include The Little Florist, Maethorani Plants and Amber Drop Honey while a slew of others will rotate each month. On the first weekend, you'll find natural perfume and essential oils from Amacyn, sustainable threads from Aulieude, Eggpicnic's environmentally conscious art and Lisa Sanasi's ceramics. While you're there, check out the permanent fixtures, too, which include Archie Rose Distillery, Black Star Pastry and Da Mario.
Spring is in the air, the greenery is blossoming — and it's time to sip a beverage that shares its name with a flower (well, the spelling of its name). That's not the only thing on the menu at Bistro Rex's Languedoc Long Lunch, but it's one of the attractions every Saturday between 12–5pm. Food-wise, you'll be feasting on a menu that will make your tastebuds think they've gone to France, all thanks to beetroot crackers with pickled eshallots and créme fraîche, cauliflower and gruyére pastries and confit chicken with eggplant. The list goes on, as does the rosé. For two hours, the latter is bottomless. Bookings are essential, and this lazy lunch — for you while you sit there and eat, not for the chef's cooking it up at the Potts Point restaurant — will set you back $75 per person.
Your must-see movie list just keeps growing, but your wallet doesn't want to play ball. Call Dendy Opera Quay's latest special a case of great thinking, then, with the chain offering up discount tickets that'll solve your problem. Every week up until December 19, you can catch up on a recent flick from the last month. The selected movie changes each Thursday, but you head along to see it any time across the next seven days — and you'll only pay $7. A wide variety of films are getting the cheap treatment, from The Meg to BlacKkKlansman to Crazy Rich Asians, and including Searching, A Simple Favour and the upcoming The Girl in the Spiders's Web too. Check Dendy's Did You Miss It? page to keep an eye on what you should see each week, with online bookings taken from two weeks in advance. Your budget will thank you.
A brand new food festival is coming to Sydney's west. Liverpool on a Roll showcases the community's multicultural vibes with a night of tunes, entertainment and a whole lot of food. It'll all happen in West Hoxton's Greenway Park on Saturday, March 30 from 5–10pm. The food truck lineup features heaps of international cuisines, with all dishes capped at $12. Expect Indonesian-inspired soft shell crab and pork belly kimchi baos from Bellbird Dining & Bar, steak subs and deep-fried Oreos from Cross Roads Hotel, Vietnamese street food from Bun Me Baguette, meatball sliders from Mac Street Diner, and pork belly eggs benedict from Black Elk Espresso. For dessert there's fairy floss burritos, Thai-style ice cream rolls, doughnut balls and deep-fried baos. For drinks, head to the pop-up beer garden, which will be slinging Pimm's cocktails and local beverages aplenty. Grab a seat by the pond as live entertainers serenade you throughout the evening, or join in on the garden games and giveaways. There'll be market stalls selling fresh seasonal produce to take home, too.
UPDATE: December 4, 2019 — If you missed this special preview, Ritz Cinema is screening Sorry to Bother You daily, until Wednesday, December 12. Head to the website to check times and purchase tickets. When Hollywood's annual awards season rolls around, it often brings period pieces and sombre dramas along with it. This year, it's bringing Sorry to Bother You as well. The talk of the Sundance Film Festival back in January — and the talk of the film industry ever since — this Oscar hopeful is the debut feature from rapper-turned-filmmaker Boots Riley. Certified fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, it's also a provocative and highly original absurdist comedy that's smart, sharp, satirical and more than a little savage. Featuring an all-star cast of Tessa Thompson, Terry Crews, Danny Glover and Armie Hammer, as well as the voices of Patton Oswalt, David Cross and Lily James, Sorry to Bother You is set in an alternative version of present-day Oakland. Here, Cash Green (Get Out's Lakeith Stanfield) works as a telemarketer with little success, until he's advised to adopt a 'white' voice on the phone. Following Cash's sudden rise through the ranks by these morally dubious means, Riley doesn't hold back when it comes to making a statement. Tackling everything from race relations to capitalism, his film is being called this year's Get Out for a reason. From Thursday, November 29, Sorry to Bother You will screen in Sydney at the Ritz Cinema for a limited time — and before the movie opens for its exclusive season, the Randwick picture palace is hosting a sneak peek screening. Grab your ticket for the preview screening at 7pm on Tuesday, November 27, and you'll be among the first in the country to see one of 2018's hottest titles. For most of this year, it looked like this unique and highly amusing comedy mightn't even reach Australian cinemas, so catching it on the big screen (and catching it early) is a mighty fine treat. Tickets to Ritz Cinema's sneak peek screening of 'Sorry to Bother You' cost $17 per person (or $11 for members). To nab yours, visit Ritz Cinema's website.
UPDATE, March 4, 2021: Can You Ever Forgive Me? is available to stream via Disney+, Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Amazon Video. Can You Ever Forgive Me? takes its title from Lee Israel's memoir, but like much in her life, the words aren't completely her own. Israel first penned the phrase in the guise of Dorothy Parker, forging a letter by the famous American poet and writer, and selling it for a handsome sum. For a brief period in the early 90s, that's how Israel made a living. After establishing her career as a celebrity biographer, and earning praise for channelling the voice of her subjects, she couldn't get another book published. So she put those skills to other use, starting with a genuine but embellished thank you note, and segueing into outright — and highly lucrative — counterfeiting. Still, Israel was proud. "I'm a better Dorothy Parker than Dorothy Parker," she boasted. Based on Israel's confessional account of her crimes, Can You Ever Forgive Me? tells this heist-like tale, however it also tells so much more. Directed with an eye for quiet detail by Marielle Heller (The Diary of a Teenage Girl) from an evocative and insightful screenplay by Nicole Holofcener (Enough Said) and Jeff Whitty, it's an examination of everything from loneliness to the limits of celebrity worship — the things we do to fill our lives, and the need we have to connect with our idols. The film also charts a complex friendship that acts as a temporary balm for two unhappy souls, and portrays a tender, tentative and troubled romance, neither of which follow any formula. Of course, first and foremost, it's a portrait of the movie's central figure. Even if Israel hadn't dabbled with literary fraud, she could've spawned numerous character studies. Played with a hard veneer and begrudgingly vulnerable centre by a career-best Melissa McCarthy, Israel is passionate about chronicling the lives of great women. With her agent (Jane Curtin) continually brushing her off, she's also vastly under-appreciated. She drinks whisky at the thankless job that pays her bills until she's fired, and at her favourite bar every chance she gets. She refuses to temper her personality to please anyone, or simply get along with anyone for that matter. As becomes clear whenever Israel interacts with the world, she loves her cat more than people — even bookseller Anna (Dolly Wells) on their awkward dates, and even fellow outcast and barfly Jack Hock (Richard E. Grant), who becomes her only friend. Then her beloved feline falls ill and Israel can't afford to take her to the vet, so she gets into the forgery game. Many of Can You Ever Forgive Me?'s delights come from McCarthy, both when she's alone and also sharing scenes with Grant. While Israel was real and her story as well, the screen versions of both come to life in the actor's hands. It's a compelling, awards-worthy performance, one that's played close to the chest to capture Israel's closed-off nature, while remaining expressive in every inch. McCarthy paints Israel as someone who's always herself, even when she's pretending not to be — and when she pals around with Grant's rambunctious, resourceful, up-for-anything drinking buddy, the duo feel like they could walk out of the film and into any dank New York watering hole of their choosing. On the surface, McCarthy's switch from garnering laughs to evoking deep empathy might sound familiar, with plenty of comedians following that path before. And yet, nothing about her work as the misanthropic and purposefully thorny Israel feels routine, which is another of Can You Ever Forgive Me?'s great charms. Heller knows how juicy Israel's tale is, and firmly proves that fact is stranger than fiction. She also knows that this story is a product of a fascinating, complicated and distinctive woman, who both committed the details to the page and actually committed the crimes. Heller may only have two movies to her name, however she's a perceptive, probing and generous director, giving her characters the space they need to shine and fail and experience everything in-between. Indeed, in bringing Israel's life to the screen, Heller and McCarthy have clearly taken her words to heart. The real-life writer bragged about stepping into someone else's shoes so easily and convincingly, and the women leading this fantastic film achieve the very same thing — just without perpetrating a sham. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvJIaNsf_bY
Australia's Cine Latino Film Festival is back for 2018, and in a big way. Returning for its third year, the annual showcase of cinema from Central and South America boasts two of the most notable flicks not just from the region, but from the international scene in general over the past twelve months. The first, Roma, is the latest feature from Gravity director Alfonso Cuarón — and this gorgeous, moving black-and-white tale of a domestic worker in Mexico City comes to Sydney straight from winning the top award at this year's Venice Film Festival. The second, Birds of Passage, is a sweeping Colombian drug tale; however this Indigenous story is unlike any drug war flick you've seen before. In total, 26 movies from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic and Paraguay are on the CLFF's 2018 lineup, with Cuarón's work bookending the fest. Not only is Roma the opening night pick, but the filmmaker's 2001 Gael Garcia Bernal and Diego Luna-starring effort Y Tu Mamá También will close out proceedings. Other highlights include Bernal in The Accused, a drama about a 21-year-old woman on trial for murder; Westworld's Rodrigo Santoro in A Translator, playing a professor helping child victims of Chernobyl; and this year's Sydney Film Festival prize winner The Heiresses. Running from Thursday, November 15 to Wednesday, November 28, CLFF screens at Sydney's Palace Norton Street, Palace Central and Palace Verona.
Aren't book fairs dandy? I love being able to show up with a collection of gold coins and leave with a fat stack of fiction. The good folk at Double Bay's Woollahra Library believe all books were created equal, and are hosting a big book fair to help you prepare for a solid three months of summer reading. Running across two days, Saturday November 24 and Sunday, November 25, the sale will have works from all genres and types, so if you're a fiend for romance, sci-fi, drama, young adult, philosophy, archaeology or practically anything else, you should be well catered for. There will also be a shedload of novels and magazines. The best part? Everything is priced between 50 cents and $5. That's cheaper than a few days of overdue fees at the public library. BYO bag. The Spring Book Fair will run from 10am to 4pm on both days.
How do you get a rocket to the moon? You point the rocket at the moon and press the big red button, right? Most of us have a rather oversimplified view of space travel; it's not our fault, they made it look easy enough in Star Trek. Fortunately, the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences is not here to facepalm at our lack of knowledge. Instead, it's delved into the archives and hauled out a fascinating array of astronomical tools and space-related oddities for an exhibition at Riverside Theatres during Sydney Festival 2019. From astrophotographs, Copernican gadgets and lunar-inspired ceramics, this is a collection designed to press home the complexities of galactic gallivanting. If you've just finished one of Aerialize's trapeze classes in the theatre's courtyard and you feel a little woozy, stick your head in the door and meander through MAAS and the Moon. MAAS and the Moon is part of Sydney Festival's dramatic and diverse 2019 program. Check out the full lineup here. Image: Destination NSW.
Sure, we might be zipping through summer at lightning speed, but at The Shuckery Oyster Bar, indulgent holiday vibes are fervently persevering right through January. Taking over the plush surrounds of the InterContinental Sydney Double Bay's Stillery bar, the pop-up will be open for oyster devouring every Thursday and Friday night this month. Bivalve buffs can indulge in oysters from the likes of Pambula Lake and Smoky Bay, which will be shucked before your eyes. The best part? This chic little feast needn't break the bank — oysters will be $2 each, while a half-dozen teamed with with a flute of Perrier-Jouët Champagne will set you back $30. Keep this one in mind for date night, we reckon. The Shuckery is open from 5–8pm, every Thursday and Friday night in January.
Just because your bank account's looking a little light post-Christmas and New Year needn't mean resorting to an entire month of Mi Goreng. Not when you've got the legends at Brick Lane offering what might just be the dinner deal of the year. On Tuesdays through Saturdays until March 11 you can book a table at the cheery Darlinghurst restaurant and enjoy an eight-course feast, with bottomless wine and beer, for the blisteringly affordable price of just $50. If you've ever wrapped your mouth around some of Brick Lane's mod-Indian fare, you'll know that's an offer not to pass up. The special edition menu will feature a mix of Brick Lane favourites and exclusive new creations, including the likes of masala tostadas, crunchy wonton poppers and a coconut chicken curry with cabbage slaw. You can view the whole menu here. Teamed with an hour and a half of free-flowing beers and wines, this is exactly the kind of food situation you need to banish those last remaining post-holiday blues. Brick Lane is open for dinner Tuesday to Saturday, but can open for lunch if you have a large booking. Just enquire through the website. UPDATE MARCH 28, 2018: Due to overwhelming popularity, Brick Lane has made this $50 deal permanent.
Are you the kind of person who starts plotting your next meal before you've even finished the last? Love eating more than anything else? Well, you can get right to the guts of our global food obsession when culinary legend Nigella Lawson hits Sydney, joining social psychologist and author Hugh Mackay this January. Hosted by The School of Life on Monday, January 22, Nigella Lawson On Why Food Matters will have audiences diving deep into the concepts surrounding food and its links to pleasure, creativity and belonging. The renowned celebrity chef will share insight into her philosophies on life and food while Mackay dishes up some of his own research finds, exploring rituals, our dependence on fast food, and the idea of food as a sort of therapy — whether that involves cooking up a storm, sharing a feed, or simply stuffing your face. Sink your teeth into some enlightening chat about social food trends and learn a little something about your own eating habits in the process. Those feeling inspired will also be able to grab a copy of Lawson's new book, At My Table.
The Rizzeria is moving into Surry Hills' Brand X Studio. For three summery months, you’ll be able to drop in to watch artists at work and maybe even snap up a unique artwork. On Thursday, November 12, the residency will kick off with a free, official launch party — and you’re invited. Unfamiliar with The Rizzeria? It’s a collective of Sydney-based creatives who love self-publishing and printmaking. They’re clever enough to whip up pretty much anything — from prints to tea towels to zines. And they’ve pooled their cash to buy a Risograph, an ingenious contraption that creates amazing, multi-layered prints. Members of the public can have a go on it by booking a session. Brand X Studio, located at 180b Campbell Street, is just one of Brand X’s many spaces, providing artists with places to work, expand their audience and sell their creations. Others include the TWT Creative Precinct at St Leonards, Tempe Jets Music Business Hub and Camperdown Bowling Club. The Rizzeria’s pop-up will open Thursday–Saturday, 11am–6pm, and Sunday, 12–4pm. Book yourself a spot at the launch over here.
Everyone's heard the adage that life is about the journey, not the destination — and as cheesy as it sounds, sometimes it rings true. Take Christmas, for example. All of the browsing, buying, wrapping and celebrating that takes place in the lead up to December 25 is just as jovial and enjoyable as the main event. Many a store and venue in the Darlinghurst area certainly thinks so, which is why they've banded together to throw the ultimate festive shopping shindig. That'd be the DoDarlo Xmas Party, a day of activities and happenings that'll take care of your Christmas list, shower you in specials and discounts, serve up free drinks and nibbles, and just generally give more reasons to be merry than you thought possible. You'll learn how to make your own presents, knock back a few Christmas cocktails and win prizes at the Darlinghurst Design Quarter — just completely escape the usual Yuletide rat race. And as an extra special bonus, every attendee will receive a super-limited artist series sticker sheet of gift labels designed by local legend Jodee Knowles. That's right, you won't be leaving DoDarlo empty handed, or lacking in the spirit of the season.
When it comes to annual traditions, the release of a new ensemble Christmas movie is among the most reliable. That doesn’t mean that it’s good — it just means that another festive feature seems to reach screens every year, overflowing with star power as well as predictability. This year's entry is Love the Coopers, and if you've seen a holiday flick before, you can probably already guess the storyline. On Christmas Eve, a dysfunctional family has to overcome their differences and learn to appreciate each other — and yes, the film really is that routine. That's not the only dash of formula director Jessie Nelson (I Am Sam) and writer Steven Rogers (P.S. I Love You) sprinkle throughout their big screen attempt to deck cinemas with some yuletide cheer. There's nothing like a last chance at happiness, aka a potentially final Christmas together as a group, to up the stakes. And, when following a big group getting into the spirit of the season, why not flit between individual stories before weaving them all together in the manner of Valentine's Day and New Year's Eve? Indeed, on the checklist of standard elements in occasion-oriented offerings, Love the Coopers ticks all the boxes. The characters continue the trend, including bickering, long-married parents Sam and Charlotte (John Goodman and Diane Keaton), and troubled adult children Hank and Eleanor (Ed Helms and Olivia Wilde). Sam and Charlotte are about to separate, but haven't told anyone yet. Hank has just divorced from Angie (Alex Borstein), struggles with sharing custody of his three kids and can't find a job, while Eleanor is sick of being judged for being single, so she convinces Joe (Jake Lacy), a soldier she meets in an airport bar, to pretend to be her boyfriend. Throw in a few other stragglers — Charlotte's jealous sister Emma (Marisa Tomei), who spends her day dispensing amateur counselling to a closeted cop (Anthony Mackie); Aunt Fishy (June Squibb), the requisite eccentric elderly person with a failing memory; and family patriarch Bucky (Alan Arkin), who's closer to the waitress (Amanda Seyfried) at his local diner than his family — and the scene is set for the usual festive hijinks. Arguing and hugging ensue, and then more of the same. Presents and food are often in the frame. It's all as predictable as eating too much at Christmas dinner, only not at all filling. Narration links what are essentially intertwined short films; however the feature falls victim not just to cheesy clichés, but to blandness. Wilde and Lacy's segment invests a little energy into proceedings, and Arkin and Seyfried share the sweetest story, but they're the highlights of an average-at-best lot. The performances meet the same fate, with the rest of the high-profile cast largely squandered. Wasted, too, is any sincerity and good cheer, as an overdose of sentiment and contrivance leaves the bulk of the movie veering in tone and feeling forced. Sweeping camerawork can't improve matters, nor can a schmaltzy soundtrack. The end result: Love the Coopers isn't a seasonal gift, but a holiday chore.
Bell Shakespeare’s latest production of Hamlet, directed by Damien Ryan with Josh McConville in the lead role is a technical triumph. Ryan’s direction is impeccable, with each obscure line made clear by a physical explanation (the most direct is Hamlet squarely eyeballing Ophelia’s navel as he delivers the line, “Do you think I meant country matters?”). Ryan’s crystal clear rendering of a 1603 text into modern sensibility is remarkable. It’s also remarkable, however, that there is no vision for the production. But more on that later. First to the force of nature that is Josh McConville. From his first “too too solid flesh” monologue, McConville is on fire. The last Bell Shakespeare production of Hamlet I saw was in 2008 with Marion Potts directing and Brendan Cowell playing a very sad Hamlet indeed — his heavy melancholy verging on lethargy. McConville’s embodies what Dame Francis Yates describes as Hamlet’s “inspired melancholy”; contemplative, yes, but also electric and dangerous. At ease and present throughout, he cuts through each of the over-famous lines as if the thoughts had come to him just that second. The production has been touring Melbourne and Canberra already, so the ensemble works like a well-oiled machine, aside from apparent boredom on the part of some of the supporting cast. Ivan Donato playing Horatio is a trustworthy, honest presence throughout, and his mourning of Hamlet’s death is very moving. The production could have done without most of Steve Francis’s sound design, which tends towards the obvious. As Hamlet and Laertes duel, a wave of strings crescendo to inform us that things are tense between two men trying to stab each other. Similarly his sound design sentimentalises Ophelia’s demise, which detracts from Matilda Ridgway’s frank, believable interpretation of madness. There’s nothing wrong with this production. McConville’s performance is virtuosic and Ryan’s direction immaculate, but the tidiness of the production means there’s also nothing much wrong in this particular state of Denmark. The overlay of a surveillance state by Polonius’s constant spying seems bumbling and unlikely (microphones hidden under tables) rather than speaking to the current surveillance state we live in. Hamlet is a political play. The Prince of Denmark’s unrest stems from the moral quandary of how to act when his society has become corrupted. To stage it in an apolitical tundra is a missed opportunity.
