"Raw, impassioned and provocative, German drama Head-On lives up to its title in its opening minutes, as angry alcoholic Cahit deliberately drives his car into a wall. This failed suicide attempt brings him together with Sibel, the equally desperate daughter of strict Muslim Turks, who begs Cahit to join her in a marriage of convenience. Soon enough, though, faked feelings turn real in a film that's part comedy, part tragedy and filled with a sense of edgy surprise." BBC review.
Saw this brilliant and hedonistic film last night. Head-On tells the story of two self-destructive Turkish immigrants in working class Hamburg, who meet in a psychiatric hospital and embark on an intense and fraught relationship of emotional resuscitation. A great Goth soundtrack too, featuring the likes of Sisters of Mercy and Depeche Mode.
Tonight we ate at the French restaurant Boulevard Brasserie in the heart of Covent Garden's theatre district. Relaxed and informal, with impeccable service -- they didn't quibble when we wanted to move tables; they didn't rush us between courses, allowing us to chat at leisure; and they even went out to buy a pack of cigarettes for one of us. The decor was a little bistro-twee (lots of mirrors and cane chairs) but the food was simple and fresh.
For starters we had baked goats cheese on a mashed potato cake with a rocket salad, and a duck liver parfait with cherry and madeira compote and toasted brioche. For main courses we had a roast salmon steak with parsley mash and a watercress sauce, also a mixed mushroom risotto with parmesan and truffle oil. I ate the duck confit with cassoulet beans, with the duck meltingly tender and falling off the bone. For desserts it was creme brule and lemon tart. Oh yes, and red wine and complimentary glasses of champagne!
A great evening, catching up on work and families.
Other links today:
+ A taste for violence and death starts young for Colombian boys, writes Martin Amis. "On the streets of Colombia, young boys cripple or murder each other just for showing disrespect or for winning at a game of cards. Is the taste for violence opening up a wound that can never heal?"
+ Society is dead, we have retreated into the iWorld. "iPod people walk down the street in their own MP3 cocoon, bumping into others, deaf to small social cues, shutting out anyone not in their bubble."
No comments:
Post a Comment