Notes from the sketch book

Let's begin with what's truly striking in 'Killers of the Flower Moon.' Martin Scorsese, that iconic maestro of American cinema, may have outdone himself with his latest epic. This film sits at the end of his illustrious career, but it's one of his best. It's a true MASTERPIECE that beckons you into a realm of storytelling that's both haunting and mesmerizing. The visual symphony conducted by cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto and orchestrated by production designer Jack Fisk is nothing short of magical. Their meticulous attention to detail and their ability to transport us to another time and place craft some of...

In the mysterious world of Alfred Hitchcock's Vertigo, we are introduced to the enigmatic Scottie Ferguson, a retired police detective played with captivating vulnerability by James Stewart. Scottie's life takes a plunge into obsession when he's hired to follow the beguiling Madeleine Elster, portrayed with mesmerizing allure by Kim Novak. What seems like a routine surveillance job turns into a psychological labyrinth as Scottie becomes ensnared by the enigma that is Madeleine. Hitchcock, the master of suspense, intricately weaves a narrative filled with uncertainty, illusion, and the blurring of reality. We journey with Scottie through San Francisco's atmospheric landscapes, steeped...

In Sycamore Gap, once a sight to behold, A lone tree stood tall, its story told. But with a heavy heart, we must confide, That this symbol of beauty and history died. The chainsaw's cruel buzz echoed through the air, As the sycamore, majestic, met its despair. It fell, leaving behind a void so vast, A reminder that all good things cannot forever last. Gone is the tree that once graced the land, A chapter closed by the vandals hand. Yet, in our memories, it will forever reside, A symbol of nature's beauty, impossible to hide. Though Sycamore Gap's guardian...

Just last week, as September was but in its infancy, I stumbled upon the curious sight of mince pies for sale. One must wonder, is it ever truly too early for such delights? With this curious notion in mind and bearing in mind that Halloween remains over a month away, our subject matter once more finds itself in the realm of horror. Having recently plumbed the depths of Shelley's "Frankenstein," this week, let us embark upon a nocturnal journey, not toward Dracula, mind you (cough), but rather, into the haunting embrace of "Nosferatu." Max Schreck, the German actor, was born...

Ink and parchment meet, Mary Shelley's world complete, "Frankenstein" we meet. Mary Shelley, born on August 30, 1797, in the heart of London, is a name that resounds with significance. A novelist of audacity, she left an indelible mark on the landscape of Gothic and science fiction. Her most renowned creation, "Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus," is not just a novel but a testament to her life's tapestry, woven with both personal loss and literary achievements. Shelley's lineage was one of intellectual luminaries, being the progeny of William Godwin and Mary Wollstonecraft. This exposure to intellectual discourse was foundational to...