Wrapped up the London Film Festival with two great evenings. The first was the premiere of “The Savages” starring Laura Linney, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Philip Bosco. Run, don’t walk, to see this film. Three incredible performances that better bring in some Oscar nominations in the tale of an estranged brother and sister who come together to help their ailing father. I got to the theatre a bit early and ended up in the paparazzi section on the red carpet and was able to snap a few photos (though you clearly won’t find my blurry shots in US or People anytime soon). Then on Wednesday, my friend Lynne and I went to the TCM Classic Shorts event. Thought it would just be a screening of the top 6 short films selected for the competition, but it was the awards ceremony as well, so we got to see/hear the top 3 winning directors. A real good mix of UK and other European films, most of which were beautifully done and very moving or haunting. While Lynne and I were were pulling for 'Cocoon' (which has nothing at all to do with the 80s retirement village film), the winning entry ‘cleared the palate’ and was not as serious as the others. 'A Bout de Truffe 'was a funny French film (directed by a Brit) about a truffle hunter and his pig.From the French countryside to the English coastal area of Essex, I spent this past weekend in Mistley, at my friends Neil and Ashley’s GORGEOUS flat, right on the water. Mistley is this adorable village that is something right out of a film set. We stepped off the train and it was indeed like stepping back in time. And their place is just steps from the train station, which has now been turned into a cool art gallery and paint-your-own-pottery place! (which we did!) Had a lot of fun with Neil’s family for a good old fashioned Guy Fawkes night bonfire and fireworks on Saturday and did lots of walking (and good eating) in Mistley and the neighbouring bigger village of Manningtree. They are both set along the River Stour and are home to about 5,000 swans and sailboats. Great scenic views now posted online (along with the Linney pics). Another highlight was the relaxing Sunday afternoon listening to Elaine Page’s Sunday Showtunes programme on BBC Radio 2. Her guest this week listed his essential musicals as “Sunday in the Park with George,” “Into the Woods” and “Chess” – a man after my own heart!
I may be returning at Thanksgiving as the Mistley Thorn Restaurant (started by a woman from California) is having a full-on American style dinner that sounds amazing!
