Tarracone

Michael Mann captures the essence of Italian and Mediterranean life in the 50s (and early 60s) in this sumptuous movie. From discussions around the kitchen table to the cemetery prayers and the church settings with the priest granting godliness to the car design culture for which Italy is famous, Mann has done his research well. Even the beautiful landscape photography in conjunction with the racing car 3/4 shots and driver close ups a la 60s racing movies (Grand Prix, Le Mans) reek of the era. The acting is good making it difficult to discern who the actors are unless already told. The few crashes are brutal making one gasp and hold breath at the same time. No OTT no music and done in the context of Ferrari's racing personality and motivations in 1957. For myself who lived in Nice and near Monte Carlo (La Turbie) as a kid in the early 60s, this movie was totally captivating. Well done Michael Mann.

This is a weirdly brilliant tv series. Shot in a greenish hue where only red stands out as any contrast, the European cityscape shown is devoid of any of the great pieces of art and architecture for which France and England are renowned. Instead the viewer is treated to a bleak desolate world of concrete and concertinaed cars as seen though an old pair of Ray-Bans with the smoky green lenses. Against this background, the characters emerge in both French and English groups that on occasion intertwine to show their almost seamless similarity putting Brexit to shame. The acting is first class. The various characters face up to both fighting the invaders and inward removal of all pretenses while experiencing catastrophic loss and associated grief. The action is sporadic and brutal with main characters and minors being killed and maimed at any moment but realistically not OTT. Once the viewer drops into this background apocalyptic low key rhythm, they will find themselves hungering for the next episode to find out if humans can survive.

Well crafted movie detailing a young girl's struggle to avoid suffocation in a small town while still being true to herself, relationships and her yet unknown ambition. The legitimacy of violent and destructive action in relationships is tackled here with aplomb and probably no better portrayed than since the water fountain was tossed in One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest. Also soundtrack is good with riveting improvisations from the guitar man as well as the WD-40s (what a good name for a band) numbers while use of Crimson and Clover song anywhere seduces me every time.