Australia, the Film

I have no TV as you know, I'm in between providers, I really must get on the blower and sort something out.  Anyway, it hasn't been too much of a hardship although I am missing the Paralympics which I'll have to try to catch up on the iPlayer.

I've been watching / semi watching my DVDs, last night and then tonight, it's been the turn of "Australia," the Baz Luhrmann epic.  I really love this film.  It really is an epic story, I love that Nicole Kidman is so comedic in this role, in the beginning anyway.  I don't think she plays for laughs, she is so totally over-the-top straight, it's comical and she's obviously not afraid to be laughed at, she is brilliant.  Hugh Jackman is a sight for sore eyes, not only his physical presence, but he is a throw back to the "leading men" of the golden age of cinema, he reminds you of the Gregory Peck's, the Cary Grant's, the John Wayne's, it's refreshing to watch and gee whiz, they are in short supply these days.

And I know I've said it before, but the film ends with Elgar's "Nimrod," pure perfection.

Speaking of the art of film, I was really saddened to hear that Michael Clark Duncan had passed away at the age of 54 years.  I remember watching "The Green Mile" at the cinema, and I sobbed, and I mean sobbed, my heart out.  His career did not span decades but it didn't need to.  I think his role in "The Green Mile" was equally memorable, defining and immortalising.  He will not be forgotten.