Film: Two Prosecutors

Last night, headed to the cinema - to see Two Prosecutors, a Russian drama set during the Stalinist era. Described as a Kafkaesque satire on bureaucracy, it did look good.. I headed to the Curzon Bloomsbury. I had used all my free tickets that membership entitles me to, though.. bought their "bundle" offer to "buy" more free films. Not cost-effective for documentaries, which are cheaper, but then, this isn't a documentary.. had the usual problems with the app, which didn't even give me the option, so had to buy on a browser, then log out of the app and in again for it to register..

Wow, it turned out a hectic evening, with the last post to finish! Was doing it on the buses on the way in, and still finishing it in GBK, where I went to eat, as usual. I'd left a bit later than intended, but knew I'd be served quickly here - and I was. Wow, they didn't skimp on the sauce either - lovely, I do like it. And I was finished just in time to go to the cinema.

It was funny to watch the time count down on the booked ticket in my app.. it had got to 20 seconds left as I paid for my wine and chocolate. I got in just after the trailers had started - and unfortunately was right on the inside, but then Curzon is one of those places that refuses to let you leave a single unoccupied seat! which somewhat restricts your options. And the couple I had to push past, who were seated right beside me, had not only left both coats on my seat, but had a walking stick I had to walk over, and apparently all sorts of stuff! All I can say is, it's a good job the film hadn't started, it took some time for me to get to my seat..

The lead actor, our protagonist, is a compelling watch, with striking blue eyes and a nose he apparently broke boxing (IRL, not in the film - I don't think this character would be into that). In the film, he's a rookie lawyer, just graduated, and comes to the local prison after a message is smuggled out. There, he discovers a political prisoner, beaten by guards, whom he knows from law school - he used to be an honoured politician, came to the university to give a speech to the graduating students! Well, now he has a tale to tell, of a purge of the old guard - and the idealistic young lawyer finds himself on a mission to root out corruption in the local secret police..

It's 1937, it's pretty bleak. People wear muted colours, the economy class of trains is as crowded as you'd expect, and everything's just a little bit depressing. And the bureaucracy? Well, you know how infuriating it can be, even unintentionally - and in this film, everyone seems dead-set on being as obstructionist as possible. Our young protagonist finds himself constantly waiting around for his superiors.. the entire day, in general. Prison warders, unsmiling, obstruct his path - no need for words, they just look intimidating. And of course, a million and one reasons can be found as to why something can't happen just yet..

And into all of this springs our bright-eyed and bushy tailed young idealist. Oh my. Sticks out like a sore thumb. And it's that contrast between him and his environment that prevents the film from getting too depressing.. and the environment that prevents it from being too upbeat. He's compelling, as are a number of the characters, and the film is really enthralling. But just remember - this is 1937, Stalin is in charge, and secrecy is the name of the game.. trust no-one..

Highly recommended. But not a very cheery film, so maybe don't watch if depressed.

I was too tired to blog last night. Had some trouble finding something to do tonight, then CT came up with cheap tickets to Teeth n Smiles! It's had mixed reviews, which I think is all the more reason to see it. The story of a rock n roll star. Showing in the Duke of York's Theatre, and I've booked for Cote St. Martin's Lane beforehand. Handily enough, they're doing a different dish for £10 every day this week- and today it's steak frites, which I usually have anyway! So, that's £9.50 off then..

Tomorrow, back with London Social & Cultural Detours for an evening late event at St. Paul's. Now sold out.

Then it's three days of film. On Wednesday, I'm thinking of heading to California Schemin' at the Curzon Aldgate. Its' a comedy about two English youngsters trying to break into hip hop, who discover it's much easier if they pretend to be from California! Looks funny.

Then two days with my somewhat neglected horror film group, The Hideout! On Thursday (first of three days with Meetup), we're seeing I Saw the TV Glow, a psychological horror that I was disappointed to miss at the time, now showing in the Prince Charles. Meeting in Victory House beforehand as usual - and yay, I've booked for Bella Italia before that. Leaving an extra hour for eating, after the rush last time, and the organiser is joining me again. And again, I have a £15 voucher for there, lovely..

And on Friday, we're headed to see Lee Cronin's The Mummy - details TBA, but we're apparently having a mummy quiz beforehand!

Finally, on Saturday I'm on another walk with Laurence Summers and the 45+ Not Grumpies -this one is The Backstreets of Islington. And no, the issue where the event demands prepayment with PayPal has NOT been resolved! So he's just keeping an offline list of who's going. 

And that evening, finally back with La Isla Flamenco (having had to miss a couple of theirs) for A Sip of Spain: Flamenco, Folk & Copla at Pulse & Pickle CIC.. tickets from Humanitix.