Film: My Old School

For today, I thought film - and after much consideration (and removal of films from the list), what came up was My Old School, a documentary about a student called Brandon Lee, who attended a Scottish school. So far, so ordinary - except he wasn't what he seemed at all! He refused to be filmed for this, and his voice is lip-synched by Alan Cumming. By this stage, only showing in the Curzon Camden. Handy thing is, my Curzon membership is also valid there, and I'm still entitled to free films!

Went to bed decently early, allowing me to get out in time for this. Cooler day today.. and rainy, but at least (unlike yesterday) I was dressed for rain! Well, drizzle. Took the bus from around the corner, then it was a short walk. (I was perplexed that the bus' destination is Paddington, but it seems it's one of those that goes in a loop.) Thought I'd been here before, but no - so, Google Maps was invaluable. I don't think I'd have found it otherwise. Turns out they open at 11.45am - so, I timed it well, as it was now 5-10 minutes after that; my film was at 12.15.

Entry is through the bar, and the nice man again wanted to scan my membership card - you don't have to have it, but if you don't, you have to give your email address, which can be complicated to spell out. So, while I was waiting for the film afterwards, I hunted down my membership card and screenshotted it, for future reference. Got my usual meal - a glass of NZ sauvignon blanc and a tub of moreish chocolate honeycomb bites - but you can actually have hot food too, here; he pointed me to the menu. And then offered to bring everything through to me, including my ticket, 

if I wanted to go and wait in the lounge - I had plenty of time, as he pointed out. So that's what I did.

And he duly came through with drink, tub of goodies, and ticket on a tray. Assured me I didn't have to rush the drink, I could take it in with me. Well, I didn't quite have it finished in time - but there was only a gulp left in it, so I gulped it, rather than have the hassle. Now, I did ask the usher where we went for the screens - turns out they're all locked! The cinema is housed in a set of railway arches, and each houses a screen, with one for the lounge / till / toilets. So, for each screening, the usher actually has to lead the patrons out to the screen and let them in! Fancy. You press the button to get out again. I dunno what happens if you need the toilet during the film - suppose you have to get the usher to let you in again.. Anyway, there were three of us at this.

Plenty of film trailers beforehand - the film had started before I quite finished my chocolate, but as the guy in my row was clinking a cup and saucer (he'd had tea), I wasn't so bothered. Got talking to him afterwards - well, I could hardly avoid it, this was one of life's talkers, it transpired! From Glasgow himself, where this is set - although he wasn't personally involved in the incidents depicted, he felt a connection.

It's a fascinating story.. which I probably heard of before, but forgot, as towards the end, when everything has been revealed, one of the clips is from the imposter's appearance on the Late Late Show! Probably saw that - although not necessarily - but it wouldn't have meant anything to me, anyway. The film is beautifully balanced between animation - to depict past events - and real life. Ex-pupils who knew the subject are interviewed - indeed, one of them is making the film! I particularly liked how they are compared, both to their animations, and to their old school photos, at the end, so we can relate. And I should mention, it's quite funny!

The story is taken as they would have lived it - so we find out the truth when they do. And one good technique used is the reshowing of interview scenes from the first half, where we would have taken one meaning from them, in the second half, once we know the truth (or some version of it) and they take on a completely different connotation! Cleverly done. Mind you, throughout the whole film, it's difficult to tell truth from fiction - some interviewees are pictured trying to explain it to each other, layers of different facts and fictions are revealed, and after the film's release, the subject seems to have denied any collaboration in it! Even in the course of the film, interviewees don't always remember things accurately - so, a combination of deliberate mistruths and honest mistakes leads to one of the most confusing stories I've ever heard. Not to mention people lying after the fact, trying to cover up their part in it. But if you get down to the nitty-gritty, this is the sad story of a man who felt he had no other course of action but this cockamamey one. Anyway, one of the more fascinating documentaries I've seen.

The Glaswegian with the tea was also delighted with it. Felt he had to tell me this at length - I was glad to get away in the end. Lovely fellow, I'm sure - but there's a limit to how much I want to chat to a complete stranger..

On the way home, was distracted by Ivan forwarding me a job ad. And didn't realise that while I was waiting for my bus, the #168, several of which had already passed, would do just as well! Better, in fact, given that my original choice wasn't due for ages.. Ah well, made it home eventually.

Tomorrow, I'm finally back with London Classical Music and Theatre Group - we're headed to the Barbican, where the London Symphony Orchestra is playing Ravel and Debussy, in the "Half Six Fix". I bought a cheap wildcard, so shall find out my seat on the night - CT subsequently advertised it too, even cheaper, rats.

On Thursday, Over 40 Living the Life is - again - headed to the Vauxhall Comedy Club, on a "special deal for regulars". And I am - again - headed there on my own. Because, if you book direct, tickets are cheaper than the price quoted for this group - regardless of whether you're a regular. Now I just need to figure out how to access the online loyalty card I got from them, last time.. and I should probably donate something, this time! They're very good at guilting people.

And then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend. Film-wise, they are showing Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, a Journey, a Song - a biopic, which I'd love to see. But it's only in the evening, which I can't manage! (sob) Which leaves the (joint) highest rated as Bodies Bodies Bodies! Set at a teen country house party, in the middle of nowhere. Opinion is divided as to whether this is a horror or a murder mystery, but everyone agrees it's a comedy - and it sounds right up my street. FYI the other at the top of the ratings is See How They Run, which is a murder mystery comedy, with Saoirse Ronan as the overenthusiastic young copper, striving to assist the detective, Sam Rockwell, in 1950s London. Also stars Adrien Brody as the victim, and Harris Dickinson and David Oyelowo among the suspects. Gee, as it said in the paper, this type of film is regaining popularity! Both showing in Ennis.