Film: Marriage Story

Last night, Anthony's Cultural Events and Walking Activities Group was off to a performance entitled Virginia Woolf - Killing the Angel, at the LSE. So I decided to go on my own, and save the Meetup fee - I haven't had that much luck with socialising with them, anyway. And that Meetup soon filled. But you know what? The day before, the LSE sent an email to all attendees, to say that they'd allocated more tickets than they have places, because it's a free event, and not everyone shows. So it was first come first served, no latecomers admitted, they'd be opening the doors at 6.. hmm. I've had bad experiences with those before - and honestly, I have way too much to do, to be queueing all evening. So I implemented Plan B - and went to a film. Top of the rapidly decreasing list was Marriage Story, with Scarlett Johansson as part of a perfectly matched couple who, unfortunately, find themselves splitting apart because their work drags them in different directions. Cue a nasty court spat over custody.. showing in the Barbican, late in the evening. It was selling out a bit, so I booked.

Found plenty to do to occupy me, then had a stroll up the road - no rush, with mainstream cinema, as there are always ads. I did get there slightly after the advertised start time - to find a massive queue to get in! They must have opened it late. Anyway, sure enough, the trailers were on, but it was easy to find my seat, over by the wall.

So - Scarlett Johansson is splitting from Adam Driver, when we join them. And yes, it's very sad, as you might expect. And yes, it's a weepie. Whenever it's focussing on them, they break out the violins, and the floods of tears come again as we look at how obviously well-suited they are (basically), and oh, what a shame. But you know what? It isn't, overall, a depressing film. Truly. The supporting cast are absolutely hilarious.. you've got Julie Hagerty as her mother, and Laura Dern, Ray Liotta, and Alan Alda as lawyers, and at one point - well, a helluva character arrives to examine the child's home environment.

After a dose of weepiness, we always get some expertly played comedy - really, the whole film is like a musical composition, the sadness rising and falling so we're gently guided to the poignant conclusion. Yes, I left red-eyed. Of course, the cast know all about the subject matter - apparently, Scarlett Johansson was on her second divorce during filming. And Laura Dern's character was based on a divorce lawyer that both she and Scarlett Johansson used.. A beautiful piece of work, and highly recommended. Mind you, it was on late, so ran too late to blog afterwards.

Tonight, back with Spooky London - the John Snow Pub. Then another weekend in Ireland.

On Monday, the Crick Crack Club is back with Rebel Children, at the British Library. Ben Haggarty & Jan Blake - ooh yeah!

On Tuesday, my annual trip to Winter Wonderland - heading to Cirque Berserk and the Ice Kingdom, as usual. Someone said he might come along.

On Wednesday, the first night in ages with North London Friends! We're at A Day in the Death of Joe Egg, at Trafalgar Studios.

And next Thursday, our ex-company's social group's Christmas meeting. We had a tiff about the venue - the organiser decided on Thai Square, which I think is overpriced and underwhelming. So he started to grumble about the difficulty of getting somewhere before Christmas - which will take a group, and doesn't cost the earth. Still though, he came up with an alternative - we've decided on the Warwick Castle pub in Little Venice. Lovely area, the pub sounds nice - with a Christmassy open fire, and a room we can book - and hey, it's a pub, which won't throw us out as quickly! Must get on to booking their wine deal.. 10% off if you order at least £150 worth. Which I'm sure, among the dozen or so that are coming, we'll manage to drink. And gee, he's had us choosing what we want off the menu. I also asked for the wine list - and now am waiting impatiently for someone - anyone - to get back to me with an idea of what they'd like to drink!