Following last week’s brief posting, there might be a bit more meat on the bones this week, so to speak. Given the size of my right leg, there’s plenty to go around as the swelling reminds me on a minute-by-minute basis that someone has been using an electric saw on my bones and then sewn something metal inside my body. My consultant cheerily left me with the phrase “Now comes a couple of months of hell” as he discharged me. I content myself with the thought of using the repaired leg and attached foot to kick him soundly in the arse a la Father Ted and Bishop Brennan once I’m actually able to do such a thing without passing out.
So currently my day revolves around exercises, medication time and lots of TV and books. The Ashes only provided 2 days of radio relief, so the quest is on to find diamonds lurking in the morass of content that is available via streaming services. Never have I had so much time just to watch stuff and a couple of recommendations have bubbled to the top.
“Train Dreams” is Clint Bentley’s latest film, and it’s available on Netflix. An elegiac narrative about the life of one Richard Grainer, a woodsman, at the turn of the century ( 1800/1900) until his death. A beautiful, measured thing of quiet beauty and humanity. Moving and full of grace.
“Marshland” is a gripping murder mystery on Amazon Prime set in a remote part of Spain in the 1980s as the country moves forward following Franco’s oppression. Two detectives try to get to the bottom of some awful murders whilst negotiating their own pasts as the country stumbles into modernity. Shot in the beige colours of the period, this is classic European cinema verite with strong scene setting and gritty production.
There’s also been lots of time to listen to stuff, and I spent a very agreeable hour with Norah Jones and Jason Isbell, as well as the new Laney Jones and the Spirit album. The radio show features Courtney Barnett, Flypaper, Jesse Sykes, Brett McKensie, Night Flight and much more. As ever …
Hope your recovery continues to go well, Keith. Must check out Laney Jones and Train Dreams is on the ‘to view’ list. Marshland looks good, too.
A truly terrific album is ‘Wildflower’ by Zandi Holup: dark topics but delivered in an absorbing manner.
Take care.
Thanks Mike both for your wishes and recommendation
K