Thinking about La Bola Negra

Thinking about: La bola negra 🍿

I went to see “La Bola Negra” - the Black Ball - at the New Zealand International Film Festival. It was one of the closing night films - along with Coward - also an amazing film about which I’ll have more to say.

I haven’t been able to stop thinking about “La Bola Negra”. Its epic scope, its amazing cinematography, genuinely moving performances, and a script to die for. But most of all, its relevance to today’s world, where hate and violence towards gay and queer people is once again on the rise. This story out of the Spanish Civil War couldn’t be more relevant, and connects us to the loss and suffering of queer people in that era.

It is so vital that these stories are told and heard. The loss of Lorca and so many other gay and queer people, the literal and figurative burying of their stories, the heartache and violence - all need to be recovered, remembered and drive us to action.

When this movie comes out in cinemas, go and see it. Then think and talk about what it is saying, and act.

‘To-morrow is Saint Crispian’

He that shall live this day, and see old age,
Will yearly on the vigil feast his neighbours,
And say ‘To-morrow is Saint Crispian:’
Then will he strip his sleeve and show his scars.
And say ‘These wounds I had on Crispin’s day.’

Watched “Maria”, a biopic of the last week of the life of Maria Callas, with many retrospectives across her life.

Set in 1977 Paris, the Paris of my childhood. 

.Maria L1090138 R-1.

A Complete Unknown

Going to see this movie tonight, and I can’t wait. It sounds wonderful


Timothée Chalamet hits right notes in Bob Dylan biopic

I think it’s kind of wonderful that someone so determined to cloud the story of his origins would become famous playing a club called the Gaslight but that’s just one aspect of Dylan’s life that continues to delight me.

Saw Nosferatu at the movies today. Very effective and stylish remake of the 1922 movie. Then read the “Children of the Night” chapter of the Queer as Folklore. Great to compare and contrast!

Film poster of Nosferatu (2024)Book cover of “Queer as Folklore”

Second movie about voting in Rome in two days !

Conclave - with wonderful performances from Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, Isabella Rossellini, John Lithgow, and many others.

At the Penthouse Cinema, Brooklyn, after dinner at Salty Pidgin.

Incredible black and white Italian feminist film - There’s Still Tomorrow. At the Lighthouse Cuba with Bill.

Super delicious post movie dinner Supra restaurant.

Back where it started 27 years ago, on our first date at the Embassy cinema. “LA Confidential” then, “Gladiator II” this time.

Dinner and a movie with my father, who would barely consider himself elderly #mbnov

Went to see “Baby Done” at the fabulous Lighthouse Cuba Cinema last night:

One of the most remarkable things about Baby Done, other than Rose Matafeo’s glorious performance, is that Zoe’s edges aren’t sanded down at all. She’s unashamedly ambitious and stubborn; she suffers no bullshit. She’s the kind of character you can imagine making producers nervous, the kind of person you’d either warm to at a party or walk away from immediately.

She’s totally someone I’d warm to - and the movie is amazing.

How Sophie Henderson got Baby Done done | The Spinoff

A Monster Calls - moving, picturesque and truthful exploration of grief and acceptance - and the power of stories. #NZIFF

I endorse this review of Dunkirk: www.facebook.com/KylieKlei…

Interesting take on “Baby Driver” - another film I’m keen to see: www.newsroom.co.nz/2017/07/1…

#NZSL #diversity

Excited to be going to see Dunkirk this evening on the big screen at the Embassy… Trailer: www.youtube.com/watch