The List...

Every now and then I mention putting something on my To-Watch list, or watching something from it. Said list is a scrap of old notepaper that I keep in my wallet for quick reference at the video shop or department store.

Here's what's on it right now...

In Her Shoes
Chinatown
The Ninth Gate
The Brave (I'm DYING to see this, anyone know where I can find it in Australia???)
The Pianist
Dog Day Afternoon
Magnolia
Eve's Bayou
Closer
The General
Casablanca (I know! I can't believe I haven't seen it yet!)
Raising Arizona
Connie and Carla
Donnie Darko

Also still on the list was Arizona Dream, but I have actually seen that a little while ago... weird... will see it again though to try and understand the little sucker...

(Oh and there's a title on there - "That Hideous Strength", which I have no idea about. I cannot find a film by that name on IMDB or anywhere. What was I thinking about, I wonder?
EDIT - I found a novel by CS Lewis with that title. And I have no idea why I would have wanted to read it, especially as it appears to be the third of a series. Chalk that one up to one of those odd random moments I often have...)

So, I'm thinking that's actually a pretty short list. Why are there not more films on my list?

What, dear lovelies, do I need to add to it?

Pink and Green and Chocolate all over...

So, it was Friday night. Noel was away for work, I was in a lazy don't-want-to-cook kinda mood, and the girls and I just wanted to hang out. The obvious choice: let's make chocolate cake for dinner!
Oh yes, I am the coolest mum ever; you better believe it.
Setting aside all thoughts of late-night sugar-induced madness, I rounded up the overly enthusiastic troops and got started.



I make chocolate cake just using a basic butter cake recipe. When adding the flour to the creamed butter, sugar, vanilla and eggs I just whack in however-much-looks-good of cocoa powder (I like to use lots so it tastes properly chocolatey!), and then add a little more milk to make up for the extra dry ingredient. Even better is to add some real melted chocolate too but I didn't have any around last night.
It's always an anxious moment handing over the ingredients to the small people; you never know what's going to end up all over the floor! But it's fun, and I find if you just expect them to do well, they appreciate the trust so they tend to rise to the occasion and live up to your expectations (um... mostly... more on that soon...).


See - lots of cocoa... mmmm....

So the cake was done, all baked and cooling down. Time for the icing...

Ooops! "Mummy the bowl was moving by itself!" Yes darling, of course it was. I took the photo because otherwise I was going to lose my temper! Grabbing the camera gave me a second to breathe, put on my happy Mary Poppins voice and say "oh well, accidents happen!"

Now, can you tell that we had conflict over which colour the icing should be?
And... dinner! Yum. :)

Oh and yes, the girls did go a little mental at bedtime, but a few giggles and bed-swaps later, they were asleep for the night by 9.30. Success!

And now for something *not all that* different...

I have a secret. A very important and surprising revelation.

I am interested in Other Things. That's right, my life does not revolve entirely around dreaming of being an actor and sitting around watching films. In fact, a very small percentage of my current life revolves around those things. I spend my days with my family; feeding and teaching and entertaining them, loving them, finding ways to provide for them.

In honour of that fact, and in an effort to revive this dwindling blog, I'm going to start blogging about a broader range of topics. Essentially, instead of being about "me the actor", it will be a place for "me the creative person". Anything that can concievably be called Creative will be fair game - photography (if Noel ever lets me get my hands back on the camera!) sewing, cooking, craft, kid stuff, and of course film and drama. I want this to be a happy little corner for me to just be me. And I'll try to include lots of photos.

Sound okay?
Anything you wanna hear about?

The Dark Knight

Just got back from the local (kinda crappy*) cinema after seeing the most hyped film in ages... and loving it as much as I ever love an action film.

You see, I have issues watching action movies. I tend to keep trying to see and understand what each person is up to, whereas I think you really need to watch them with a bit more of a broad mindset so that you don't get lost in the details. I tend to get quite lost and only when I realise I'm getting lost, stop and broaden my focus a little, do I start to figure out what's going on and enjoy it a bit more.

Plus, I must admit there was a bit of an emotional thing going on with me. I really wanted to see more of Heath Ledger (because he was utterly wonderful and I just wanted to drink him up!) and I kept getting annoyed when I thought there wasn't enough of The Joker.

So, setting aside my neurotic weirdness.... it's a great film. Like I said, Ledger was wonderful, totally stealing the show. Really. His every movement and sound and look screamed out his character. There was nothing missing and nothing too over the top. I'm trying not to be emotional about it and praise him just because he's now gone, and I honestly don't think I am. He deserves the praise. It's the ultimate Joker.

I enjoyed watching Aaron Eckhart as Harvey Dent, too. He keeps surprising me that guy (Eckhart I mean); one minute I think he's your typical light-comedy kinda guy, the next minute he's doing something really dramatic, then he's off doing psycho comic-book guy. I like it.

Christian Bale, well, he's Batman. What is there to say? Apparently he's one of the hot sexy guys out there at the moment... I dunno... I've never noticed... anyway, he's a lovely Mr Wayne. Maggie Gyllenhaal was her typical cute self. Nothing particularly special, but then the character didn't call for anything much.

And how cute is Alfred? You've gotta love Alfred, and his relationship with Bruce/Batman.

The most annoying thing, and this is something that has been really starting to get to me lately, was the music. As soon as some music started, I thought "ah, composed by Hans Zimmer." And I don't like that. I want the music to subtley and cleverly fill in some gaps and accentuate some great moments. I don't want it to scream "Hello!!! I was composed by Hans Zimmer!!! That's why you are suddenly, inexplicably thinking about Pirates, Lions, and kung fu Pandas!!!"

No offence, Mr Zimmer. Your music really is beautiful. Just... perhaps... a little more variation? Some new themes? Ta.

(okay, have to laugh... I just read on Zimmer's IMDB page that he apparently "plans to retire" for some years after The Dark Knight, to work on teaching and helping young composers. Perhaps he figured out his issues before I did...)

Anyway, back to the topic... The Dark Knight.... yes, lovely. A little too much "action movie" for me but hey, it is in fact an action movie - so we can't fault them on that!

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*wouldn't be so crappy if more people from around here patronised it and helped the management in their quest to afford the upgrade they've been working on for years!

*sob*

I just watched Casanova on telly - the film with Heath Ledger. I have actual tears all down my face.

Oh, Heath.

He was so beautiful.

*sigh*

Freddie Highmore rocks.

If I were 14, I would be so in love with Freddie Highmore. What a brilliant and lovely young man. Alas, when I was 14, he was 2; so for now I shall stick with great admiration. His acting is truthful and understated and seemingly effortless, and his personality is gorgeous.

I found these quotes on his IMDB page...
[Talking about his dressing room demands] Because I'm a spoiled little brat, I absolutely always insist on a table and chair and lighting. This February I'm even going to demand heating.
[On celebrity] As long as you don't stand on the corner and wave your arms about, people don't notice you too much.

Funny boy. I just think he's so mature and grounded and intelligent.

Okay, so that's enough fangirling.

As I mentioned, we watched August Rush the other night. I loved it. My girls kept looking over at me, all worried, because I kept gasping and grinning and sobbing. And you've gotta love a film that gets those emotions going! (although I have to admit you probably wouldn't find it as emotional if you aren't a parent)
I absolutely love the way that the music of this film is so integral to it. Maybe I'm just a sap but I found the concept of the music leading Evan to his parents just beautiful.
I surprised myself by being impressed by Robin Williams. I generally don't like him much (too much swearing and stupid humour for me) but as the manipulative kind of Fagan character, he was excellent. Quite scarily horrible.

Okay, I shall stop rambling. I'm typing one handed while feeding the bubba and I can't get my thoughts together. Off to entertain the troops...

Well she might do better than some world leaders I know of....

My 5-yr-old has been pretty demanding today.

Sumara: *is frustrated* Talitha! You don't get to run the world!
Talitha: *is matter-of-fact* Yes I do. It's mine.

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In other news. The girls and I watched August Rush last night. It is glorious! I will be back later to ramble about it and the gorgeous Freddie Highmore...

Hai-ya! *kick* *punch* *run up wall*

Noel and I took the kiddos to see Kung Fu Panda on the weekend. I went along because I was desperate to get out and about for some time with him and them, but I was pretty sure I would find the movie boring and/or groan-worthy.

I was wrong! To my own surprise, I really enjoyed it. At one point I realised I was just gazing at the screen with a big smile on my face and I thought "Oh, goodness, I really like this!" It's funny and gorgeous. I'm not usually much of a fan of Jack Black, but in this he is AWESOME (lol, I never use that word but sorry, I just have to. "There is no charge for Awesomeness.").

I just deleted a few sentences in which I tried to pinpoint why I liked the film so much. I can't put my finger on it. The characters are just deep enough for their story, and they and their world are beautifully drawn, and it all just works really well.

I like it. So go see it if you get the chance.

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I'm a bit excited tonight, and a bit too keen to tuck the girls into bed, because I've borrowed The Shining (hooray for DVDs at the library!) and will watch it tonight accompanied by my block of Maya Gold chocolate (Fair Trade chocolate! Buy it! Don't buy the slave-harvested stuff!).
I don't even have any idea what The Shining is about, but it's one of those classic films that has been on my to-watch list for ages... I shall report back, faithful listeners... readers... friends... you know who you are...

Mmmm... the worst pies in London....

Well, not really - they were pretty good actually. This was last Wednesday when I got the kids asleep and sat down for a bit of gory delicious Sweeney. However, I accidentally hit some button on the remote which messed up the sound and I couldn't figure it out, so I didn't end up watching very much of it. The dull stereo sound was just too depressing for such an experience.



So on Saturday night my lovely friend Hayley was visiting and we watched it with proper surround sound. Unfortunately the experience was still nowhere near as good as seeing it in the cinema... but that will have to wait until we build our dream house with a beautiful, insulated, specially-made theatre room. Still, it really is delicious, this film. I know I've raved about it before, but Johnny's "Mr Todd" is just beautiful. Really beautiful.


I enjoyed Helena Bonham Carter's performance a lot more this time, I think I paid a bit more attention to her so got the gist of her character a bit better. I love Sacha Baron Cohen too, but my gripe with him is that I struggled to understand him when he reverted to an English accent. He mumbled. I also particularly appreciated the funny bits - especially the song "By the Sea"; goodness that is so well done and so funny. I could watch it all day.


Now, for Depp fans, all that there is to do is wait for his next two appearances, in The Imaginarium of Dr Parnassus (Hmmm, I'm a little annoyed that IMDB's listed Johnny first in the credits there; he shouldn't be top billed when it's Heath Ledger's character...) and Public Enemies.

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In other news... I'm feeling the acting itch again, and, well, I'm really feeling the need for some extra cash to be flowing into this household, so once I get this bubba of mine a little more settled I'll be beginning the ring-around again to agents and casting people. Let's see if I can get myself something...

My 5-year-old daughter is starting Drama and Musical Theatre classes next week, and the 3-year-old will be starting Dance. Mwa ha ha... I'm going to be a big annoying Stage Mum....

Strong Bloody Violence

My Sweeney Todd DVD just arrived in the mail. Mmmmmm.

Meat pies for dinner, methinks!

It was Johnny Depp's birthday yesterday, by the way. Happy 45th, Johnny!

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Speaking of violence, and Johnny... we watched American Gangster the other day. It reminded us of Blow , except with murder as well as drugs.
It was a good movie, although we watched the extended edition so it kinda went on forever - almost 3 hours of gangster talk and family/political maneuvering, so I got pretty lost (I always get confused with the different connections/families/loyalties in gangster-type films). Russell Crowe was great, as he usually is, and it was nice to see him acting again rather than rabbiting on about football, which is all he's in the news for these days 'round here.

A spoonful of sugar

Miss B is watching Mary Poppins so all those fun songs are filtering through the doorway...

"A spoonful of sugar, that is all it takes. It changes bread and water into tea and cakes."

Oh I love Mary Poppins. Such lovely messages about life and value. I know there are two schools of thought about this movie though. Some people seem to think she's a very freaky scary manipulator. I can totally see where they're coming from but I just ignore the freakiness and concentrate on the cute and loveliness. :)

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No spoonfuls of sugar for me, though. I lost 1.9kg this week, woohoo! So, if I stay on track, this "spare tyre" should be gone in no time!

Comedians

Did anyone see Frank Woodley on Rove last night?

Some parts of Rove really irritate me but he always has great guests so last night I was watching it in between tidying up and baking bread (go me, little miss domestic!). I think Frank Woodley is fabulous - as is Colin Lane but I'm kinda glad they've gone their separate ways and we get to see their indivdual talents shine more.

It was a fun interview of course; quite hilarious, especially his answer to the inevitable gay question. Every answer to every question (well, almost) was funny in some way. Which got me to thinking - why do comedians have to be funny *all the time*?

Whenever we see a comedian interviewed, or on a variety show or quiz show or anywhere really, they're always constantly making jokes. Now obviously this is their job and there are times when they're expected to provide some lighthearted diversions. But really, they don't have to be doing it constantly do they? I wonder if they're like that in their everyday lives, always relating the situation they're in to some hilarious anecdote, or if it's just the "stage persona".

I have a bit of a theory (based mainly on my own experience and feelings) that actors love acting so much because they don't have to be themselves; they can be someone else for a while... yes I know, thank you Captain Obvious, but what I mean is that we are hiding in a way, covering our real self up because it's so much easier to be public if we're not revealing ourselves. If I get laughed at or strange looks or ignored, that's okay because it's not really me.

Essentially, what I'm saying is that actors are pretty insecure, and, as well as being lots of fun and requiring a bit of talent, playing a character allows us to find security without revealing too much of ourselves. That's how I feel about it anyway. Maybe other actors will say differently but hey, this is my blog and my theory. (I'm very secure with how insecure I am, thanks very much!)

So, perhaps comedians have a similar thing going on. Whenever I see Frank Woodley (and other comedians too, but Woodley in particular I think), his eyes, to me, do look pretty insecure. I know the "deer in headlights" kinda thing is part of his comedic persona, but it seems to me that if you look in his eyes there's something a bit frightened in there. And it really feels like he's making all those jokes to take the attention away from that insecurity and distract us from finding out who he really might be.

All of which is fine with me, because he's hilarious. It would be great to chat with him I think, it might be quite revealing (but hopefully not as revealing as that Rolf Harris fantasy...).

Reality TV

is taking over the world.

And it's driving me mental. Can somebody please make the evil empire of reality TV just. go. away. Please?

I shouldn't be watching television anyway, I know. However, if there were a few less hours of Crap-ality TV going on maybe I *could* watch it without frying my brain so much. Plus, if there were more good dramas or even good soaps being made, there's be more work for up-and-coming twenty-something Sydney actors... :-)

Speaking of TV, I was thinking today that soap operas (I don't follow Neighbours or any of those amazingly scary American ones, but will admit to regular viewing of Home and Away) are almost little self-contained lessons in scriptwriting and acting. You get half a dozen examples of how NOT to do it, interspersed with a few lovely talented people who provide a good contrast and carry the show... Quite fascinating sometimes, don'tcha think?

And you know what - my eldest daughter can spell, write and read the word "television". This week for her homework she wrote a story: "My dog watches television." (Yes, in Term 2 of Kindy, one sentence constitutes a story!)

Multiple viewings...

I was just pondering yesterday how interesting it is to watch a film over and over again... not in one day but over time.

I was watching Charlie and the Chocolate Factory for the bigzillionth time with my 3-yr-old B, and noticing that I watch it differently now that I'm so familiar with it. And I don't just mean the fact that I know all the Oompa-Loompa songs off by heart and joyfully sing along with them!

Yesterday in particular, I was watching Johnny's Willy Wonka very closely and really trying to take in every nuance of the character. I noticed moments where the character seemed, curiously, different. I kept thinking to myself how Johnny must have gone into so much detail with his character building (especially with all that backstory they've added to this version!). Usually when I watch Johnny films I can't help but notice mannerisms and brief moments of charcterisation that "belong" to other Johnny characters, but this time I was focussing so intently on Willy Wonka and trying to build a picture of him in my head, that that didn't happen. I was not aware of any "Johnny" or "other Johnny character" moments at all.

(by the way, I should be clear that I don't think this commonality of characterisation or the cross-evidence of mannerisms between characters and from the actor's own personality is a bad thing at all. An actor's only tool is their own self, after all. And people always have things in common with other people, don't they?)

Anyway, that was my focus on this viewing. Other times I have really focussed on the Oompa-Loompas or one or two or a group of the children. (Very rarely do I pay much attention to Charlie - strangely enough he seems quite incidental to the story to me. Except that he has a very cool name!)

Some films are fascinating to watch repeatedly - Before Sunrise and Before Sunset, for example, defintely chhange and grow with each viewing - while some I find are good in themselves with just one viewing. I haven't been able to bring myself to re-watch Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas yet because the first viewing, probably about a year ago, is still in there being digested slowly.

What films do you love, or hate, to watch repeatedly?

Oh golly gosh!

... and other choice expletives!

I just hung up from another call from a casting agent (one of Sydney's biggest) wanting me to come in tomorrow for a casting for a cereal commercial. They were even fine with me bringing the new bub with me!

But of course it's a healthy cereal isn't it, with a but of a reputation so they have strict rules about the BMI of the actors in their commercials, so she had to check my height and weight. Damnit! I knew there was a reason I should've been trying harder to lose all that pregnancy weight! Let's just say I obviously wouldn't look too hot in a red minidress right now!

Well, hah de ha ha... it never rains but it pours...

The good thing is, at least I know that my new headshot on Showcast is doing the trick. :-)

Charlie

Our bubby boy was born on Monday 24th March. It was all a bit melodramatic and I ended up having another caesarean after a non-reassuring heart trace... but Charlie was fine and is doing well. His big sisters love him with a smothering passion and his daddy is very proud to have a boy.

That photo was taken on 11th April, sleeping on Noel's tummy at the computer desk... daddy has some magic trick that gets him to sleep like that. Never works for mummy.

(Noel's tummy isn't really that big by the way, he's leaning back in his chair. Noel is of course a big gorgeous hunk.)

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When Charlie was 6 days old I got a call from a casting agent wanting me for some work. !!!! I just knew that would happen! Horrible timing, damnit. But I asked her (probably in a desperate pleading voice!) to keep me in mind in the future. *sigh*

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I would love everyone to comment if you can, or email me, because our computer temporarily died recently and I've lost all my links to blogs and my email contacts.

Yes, well.

So, I've pretty much come to the conclusion that there's not going to be any acting happening for me in the near future. And I'm okay with that. At the moment I'm, quite rightly, more focussed on being a mum and homemaker. Our little boy will be making his appearance in (hopefully!) about a month from now, and to be perfectly honest the idea of caring for three children still kinda freaks me out. I have no intention of trying to do anything other than parenting for quite a while.

I might still blog a bit, but I might not. Meh.


Meanwhile, we've hired a few movies lately... because we're totally broke and really stressed about money, and both Noel and I are the kind of people who react to money stress by spending money (credit card!) on things to make us feel better, ie movies and accompanying junk food. Sensible, I know.

Black Sheep was quite possibly even worse than I expected it to be, which was pretty bad. I only watched it because I thought Noel would like it, and so that I could say I'd watched it. It was relly horrendous and the only thing I could think was "who the hell gave this thing such a big budget?". Just a completely useless film.

Stardust was lovely. I expected it to be a bit more exciting, whereas it was more rambly adventure than exciting adventure. Still, a great story and some excellent moments.

Notes on a Scandal was very well acted of course (duh - Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett!), but I can't quite decide whether I really like it or not. I guess the story just didn't really grab me, but the performances were wonderful.

The Blade Trilogy was just kinda rambly, vaguely amusing, gory blah-ness. The first one was better than the 2nd and 3rd (isn't that always the way?). Worth watching, if you're into vampires and guns.

And there you go, my loony pregnant self has forgotten all the other things we've watched lately.
Now I'm off to eat chocolate self-saucing pudding for dinner. :-)

"We all deserve to die....."

... is the line of song I've had stuck in my head since I woke up Sunday morning. Charming, really. :-)

My darling dearest gorgeous husband took me to see Juno and Sweeney Todd in between a wedding ceremony and reception on Saturday (it was a Japanese/Chinese/Danish wedding; they had lots of traditions to complete in that time!).

Juno was cool; much better than I was expecting. Even though I'd read rave reviews, the previews hadn't really appealed to me. But I really liked it. Great performances and a really good script. (Very bad fake pregnant belly though. Oh, when will they learn?)

Sweeney, honestly, deserves *most* of the praise that's being thrown about over it. Johnny DEFINITELY deserves the Golden Globe and the Oscar nom, he's just divine. Just the perfect mixture of reality and craziness and, well, just a stunning performance. Some really scary moments from him, and some truly hilarious ones. And as usual he was entirely, bodily and emotionally, dedicated to every single moment.
I wasn't so keen on Helena's Mrs Lovett at first, but she did kinda grow on me towards the end. Her voice didn't seem quite right to me, but what do I know about singing voices.
All of the supporting cast were fabulous too. Lots of really gorgeous (and scary, and sad, and funny) moments.
And the film just plain *looked* great. Cinematography, costumes, makeup, lighting, all so rich and deep and good to look at.
Oh yes, and lots of blood. Lots and lots. More than I expected, and extracted more violently than I expected. Quite freaky, in fact.

Anyway. Yes, loved it. Will have to see it again and see if I like it as much without all the suspense and anticipation.

Meanwhile, abovementioned fabuloso husband is about to arrive home with a stash of chocolate. Must be off...

Heath Ledger!

Oh my goodness! Noel just called me to say Heath Ledger has been found dead, apparently of a drug overdose.

I can't find a news article because we're on dial-up speed at the moment and I bet half of Australia is trying to look up the same articles right now. But oh man, how awful. What a shock.

And what a stupid, stupid way to die. In the middle of a wonderful career. Damnit.

Edited.... Sorry, I probably shouldn't say "stupid". All evidence apparently points to this being an awful accident involving sickness and sleeping pills. My thoughts go out to Heath's family, and his little girl Matilda. I hope the media can keep the heck away from them now and let them mourn in peace.

Blah.

Not that anyone reads this blog anymore, but just in case... yes, I'm still alive. Not even busy or anything, just have nothing to blog about.

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I'm 33 weeks pregnant now, with this very wriggly baby boy. Everything's going perfectly and I feel really healthy and positive.

My big girl starts primary school next week. I'm so not ready to hand her over to teachers for 6 hours a day. However, she's completely set on going and won't have a bar of homeschooling, so off she goes. Maybe I'll surprise myself and end up loving the whole schooling thing.

Smaller girl (as welll as turning 3 tomorrow!) starts preschool, one day a week, the week after. She seems so much more grown up than T did at this age. It's crazy.

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Work (the casual promotions job) has totally let me down. They didn't contact me for weeks and when I emailed saying I was keen for lots of work during January the roster girl just said there was nothing available, everything had been allocated. Not a single shift offered to me for a whole month - after I was assured of two shifts per week. And just when I was really counting on it to be able to cover a few big bills coming up. Selfish sods, that's what they are. It's not like I can just go and get a new job, at 7 months pregnant.

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I went to an audition for a (non-paying) "feature film" in the city last week. They director emailed me especially, even knowing I'm pregnant, so I was feeling really positive about it. Turns out the "feature film" is more like a series of short films, with really very amatuer scripts, and they were considering me for a role as a headmistress. Now honestly, when you think "headmistress", do you think mid-twenties and heavily pregnant? I sure don't. So much for that. I haven't heard back from them anyway - I'm quite relieved that I don't have to decide whether or not to turn down a dodgy role.

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Thursday! Sweeney Todd !!! Need I say more?