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A Note From the Editor Hey Everyone,
Cover by: Ciara Karagianni Issue 42 February 2011
Editor: Oscar Finn Sub-Editor: Jonathan Keane Design: Oscar Finn Contributers: Adeel Mukhtar Chandio Breda O’Flaherty Brendan Beagon Brian O’Donoghue Cathal Murphy Ciara Karagianni Conor Ryan Darren Cleary Elliott Doak Fauve Louise Chapman Faye Bollard Gabbi Steel Grainne Stone
Ian Donnegan Ian Fleming Lionel Finn Maiken Woll Eide Nicola Byrne Piaras O Midheach Po Kwan Shane Cunnane Sue Fitzpatrick Wayne Doyle Advertising Enquiries: (01) 4150463 Printed by: Speciality Print Griffiti Magazine Griffith College Students’ Union South Circular Road Dublin 8 Ireland Ph: (01) 4151463 Email: griffiti@gcd.ie www.gcd.ie/griffiti Griffiti Magazine is a publication of Griffith College Students’ Union established in 2004. All contents copyright of Griffiti, Reproduction of any part of the magazine without permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. The views expressed in Griffiti do not necessarily reflect that of the college or the Students’ Union
By now I hope you are all settled in to Semester 2 and that all went well with your exam results. So far the Semester has gotten off to a great start with house parties, nights out and the best SHAG week this campus has seen in a long while. Graham, Joe and Paul have all been working very hard to ensure that this semester is the best yet with lots of events planned and of course the Griffith Ball which II hope everyone is getting excited about. In the magazine this month we have a fashion shoot (p14) which Maiken Woll Eide and myself shot, if you are interested in getting involved there are still two more issues this semester and it would be great to see what you can create. Darren Cleary met up with Pierce Brosnan for a chat at the IFTAs and you can check it out on page 30. Wayne Doyle has a great feature on the plight of Dublin’s homeless community on page 28, and as ever we have the usual round up of gigs, movies and telly as well as another fine contribution from the guys over at the Genuine Article. Next month we would like to feature a dedicated sports section featuring college events as well as national and international news so if you are interested in writing or taking photos get in touch as soon as possible as there is lots coming up. And finally this month’s portraits of Graham, Joe and myself were taken by Faye Bollard, a 3rd year photography student. Hope ya enjoy the magazine and I’ll talk to you all next month. Oscar Finn - Editor
Contents
4 state of the union 6 students union news 12 party people 14 copy & Paste - Fashion Shoot 18 In Focus: design 21 music reviews 22 griffiti at the movies 24 Why i love fade street 26 the genuine article 28 the sleepers - Feature article 30 For your eyes only - pierce brosnan interview 3
StATE OF THE UNION
Theme took place in Purty kitchen and on Thursday, we had a screening of the hit movie ‘Knocked Up’.
H
i guys,
Thank you for picking up this, the 42nd issue of Griffiti. It’s been quite a while since the Christmas magazine so I’ll do my best to update you on everything that has been happening. At this stage everyone will hopefully have received their exam results and I am optimistic that everyone is happy with them. As everyone knows, last week we had Sexual Health Awareness and Guidance Week on campus which was a great success. First of all we had in the region of 3,000 condoms and SHAG packs to give out to students over the first two days. We then mimicked TV3’s “Take Me Out” by creating our own “Bring Me Out” on the Monday night in Arthurs Bar. On Tuesday we had a Sexual Health Magician make people very embarrassed on stage while others ate their lunch and that evening, the LGBT Society took over the SU Building to have a grand card game. On Wednesday the SHAG Ball which had a Mexican
All in all, it was a fantastic week enjoyed by all. Next up is Raise and Give Week from 7th – 11th March. This year, the Student Council has chosen Our Lady’s Hospice in Harold’s Cross as the RAG Week Charity and they will be the sole beneficiaries of all the money raised from our events and activities during the week. I’d like to ask all students to make a special effort to participate as it’s the first year in a while that the Students’ Union is raising money for a local cause in the community. For those that have made use of the Students’ Union since the beginning of 2011, you’ll have noticed some changes that have taken place in the Meagher Building. First off the Common Room has been totally revamped to be more student friendly, we’ve gotten the walls done, rearranged the furniture, got a new flat widescreen TV and a Nintendo Wii. We’ve also got the kitchen in the basement room painted and got a vending machine installed selling hot drinks, minerals and bars. The new Book Exchange has also been finally setup with a ‘Leave One, Take One’ policy. The old stairwell has also been given a new lease of life thanks to photography student Maiken Woll Eide.
With the General Election being called on a student-friendly Friday, we launched a campaign to get students registered to vote for the General Election (which will have already happened by the time this goes to print!). We had Gardai on hand with us to assist students in getting them on the Register to they can vote in their home constituency, whichever of the 43 they may live in. Between the RFA2 and RFA3 forms, we got many students signed up who had never had the opportunity before. It’s more important than ever that students go out and cast their vote, many for the first time and I hope many of the students we got signed up on the day will exercise their right for ‘#ge11’. I firmly believe that young people must come out in force on polling day to play their part in deciding on the direction of the future of Ireland. For everyone who hasn’t picked up a Griffith Ball ticket yet, do so before 11th March as they’ll be increasing in price after that. They’re on-sale from the Students’ Union or online at www.gcd.ie/griffithball for just €35. All the event details are there or on the back cover of this magazine. As always, I’ll be in my office in the Meagher Building if you need me! Your Students’ Union President,
The Students’ Union has reaffirmed the discount at the local doctors. Previously there has been some discrepancy in regards to what the discount available at the ‘Poly Clinic’ on South Circular Road was. I can confirm that by showing your Griffith student card or SU Membership Card, a
Office Opening Hours: Monday - Thursday: 09:30 - 19:30 Friday: 09:30 - 17:30 email: su.president@gcd.ie Ph: (01) 415 0418 4
visit is available for just €30. In another development, the ‘morning after’ pill has gone on-sale over the counter in Ireland and is available and will cost just €9.99 - a more than four-fold price decrease that previously expected which is good news.
Graham Butler
Graham Butler President Students’ Union
StATE OF THE UNION
H
i guys,
I’d like to first of all thank all those who participated in all Students’ Union events this semester. As it stands, all our clubs, sports and societies are doing well and for those of you who aren’t aware, be sure to check out our posters around college detailing the schedules of all venues and contacts of personnel involved with all clubs, sports and societies. This semester has seen a lot of progress in terms of sports. First of all our football team has done better than previous years by making it further in the CFAI League and Umbro Cup. I would also like to acknowledge three outstanding players; Kahn Lee (Captain), John Ojo (Defender) and Simon Gleize (Defensive Midfielder). Following up on this, there has also been a major improvement in basketball with the introduction of coach David Baker the team has been able to reach its goal of getting to a final after an impressive win over Trinity College Dublin. The next issue is the rugby team. I would just like to remind everyone that the super rugby tournament is in April and as usual, Griffith seeks to go far in the tournament. For those interested feel free to come into the Students’ Union to sign up. We hosted a ‘street’ basketball tournament which saw the final between Team Bosnia and Team Nigeria which was a very competitive game, with both teams winning a match before Team Bosnia claiming victory in the deciding final round. The winning team consisted of Dino Bojcic, Jasmine Nukic, Damir Causevic, Nadir Abaza and Mahir Omerhodzic. Societies this year have really grown this semester with a great turn out from students every week. Currently we host six societies: Creative Writing, Salsa, Yoga, Choir, Hip-hop and the Christian Union. Each society has its own unique benefits once you become a member. Creative writing: An opportunity for students who interested in homing their writ
ing skills for plays, short films, books, or song lyrics. Salsa: For those who appreciate this form of dance salsa is a great way to express yourself or simply a great way to exercise. Salsa is a great opportunity for those who simply seek improve fitness via dance. An added benefit for those who sign up for the society is the Latin themed night out, strictly for members of the society. For those interested in this society it runs every Wednesday in the Students’ Union from 6pm - 7pm. Hip-hop: The dance society is still a major addition to the college. This society would be appealing to those who like choreography Brake dance: For this society we encourage dancers of all level as you would be put through a bump and grind which will see you busting moves by the end of the semester. The break class is every Thursday in conjunction with the dance class. Yoga: This society to promote healthy living is an ideal society for all. Yoga is run every Mondays from 7pm till 9pm so be sure to come down to the Students’ Union. SHAG Week As you all know there were several very successful sporting events held on campus during SHAG Week including the Pool, G-League and Street Basketball tournaments. All events went very well with record breaking numbers, the pool league had 23 entrants with a gruelling league stage leading up to a knock out stage and a semi final. The tournament was won by Ed Sweeney, Taimoor Hassan Khan and David. Next up we had the G-League which was held in the Iveagh Grounds on Wednesday, 16th February. This was a very exciting tournament which saw a new star to the team Collins Heksin. Collins stood
Joseph Uzah Clubs & Societies Officer Students’ Union
head and shoulders over every player in the tournament. He scored a total of 14 goals in the tournament a new record for the G-League. There are plenty of events scheduled for the coming weeks include the following: Horseback Riding Paintball Poker Pre-7’s Super Rugby tournament Super Rugby 7’s Pool League G-League 2: “The Comeback” Street Basketball “The Return” Table Tennis tournament For all information on all societies be sure to check Facebook as regular updates on all events will be posted on the Griffith College Students’ Union wall. Clubs and Societies Officer, Joe Uzah
Office Opening Hours: Monday - Thursday: 09:30 - 19:30 Friday: 09:30 - 17:30 email: su.sports@gcd.ie Ph: (01) 415 0460 5
Students’ Union News Suggestion Box
Chinese New Year
Available now in the SU building is a suggestion box where students can leave suggestions on how the SU is ran. It’s anonymous or you can leave your name if you wish. Of course, you can still pop into the office to speak with the President, Sports Officer or Manager.
On January 29th, Griffith College celebrated the Chinese New Year by releasing 16 Chinese Sky Lanterns into the night sky. Students were out in their droves to witness the spectacle. Griffith College President Diarmuid Hegarty and the Chinese Ambassador to Ireland were also present at the event.
Kildare Day Trip Register to vote On February 2nd the Student’s Union launched its voter registration drive by arranging for members of An Garda Síochána to be present in Arthur’s restaurant to register people to vote for the general election on February 25th. Gardaí Jeff White and Joanna Rankin from Kevin Street Station registered people and the turn out was great.
Griffith students travelled to Kildare Village shopping outlet on February 4th. The day trip was organised by the Students’ Union, and students were accompanied by President Graham Butler. The students enjoyed a further 10% discount and a great day was had by all.
Book Exchange Currently running downstairs in the SU is the newly setup book exchange. The book exchange operates a ‘take one, leave one policy’ and has already built up a diverse selection. Check it out, you never know what you will find.
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Students’ Union News Christmas Photography Exhibition
“All in all I say it was very successful”, commented third year student Maiken Woll Eide. “A lot of people came and the feedback was very good, which, in my opinion, was only fair as the works exhibited were very good as well, a great teaser for what is to come in the final year exhibition in the end of May, which I think will be even better.” The Photographic Media students will host one more photography exhibition in May, at the end of this semester. Meanwhile, another third year student Shane Cunnane has entered his photograph The Absence Of Gravity into the Actimel Full of Life winter photograph competition. Visit actimelfulloflife.com to see the photo, as well as other entries, and vote.
The final year BA in Photographic Media students treated us all to an end of semester photography exhibition just before the Christmas break. The exhibition was an opportunity for both full time and part time third years to display the fruits of their labour, after a semester’s toil. Students presented their work on Thursday, December 16th in the Academic Facilities buildings. The evening was a huge success with a great attendance to see what was on display, with much of the response being highly positive.
“The photo was taken at Urlaur Lake & Abbey in Urlaur, Co. Mayo; it's one of six images I submitted for an Action Photography project last semester”, says Shane. “In order to achieve the acquired aesthetic, I asked my model to jump on the spot and twist in mid-air, before landing on her feet again. It was during this mid-air twist that I captured The Absence Of Gravity. The aperture was f4 and the shutter speed was 1/4000 of a second. I think it's a great contender for the most Full Of Life Winter Moment on the Actimel Full Of Life website.” Voting remains open until February 27th and only takes a second.
Global Game Jam
Griffith College hosted the Global Game Jam on the final weekend of January. The competition was an international event in which teams from around the world are given 48 hours to create a computer or board game based on this year’s theme of ‘extinction’. Other colleges such as DIT, Trinity and UCD were represented with their own teams over the weekend. The GCD team comprised of Edgars Birladjans, Mariano Di Murro, Zafer Balbous, Danylo Chabanenko and Tariq MidHat who created the game SEXtinction.
Eoin Carroll, course director of the Computing Faculty, was involved in the running of the event in Griffith and commended the work of all the teams – “I am amazed at the commitment from these guys. Everyone is calm and working.” Some jammers resorted to nocturnal labour and worked through the night in a bid to finish their game by deadline. Team GCD’s game, SEXtinction is available to play now. Visit globalgamejam.org/games/2011 and search for SEXtinction to play. Website: http://www.gcd.ie/JAM/index.html http://www.flickr.com/photos/eoincarroll/with/5397690001/
The jammers were also visited by key note speaker for the event, Japanese game designer Keita Takahashi.
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Students’ Union News Tranquilo Restaurant Equestrian society
Tranquilo, Griffith College’s very own training restaurant, re-opens its doors beginning 1st of March, with first-year hospitality students providing a lunch service every Tuesday and Wednesday, between 12.30 pm and 2 pm in AF301 (Executive Boardroom) throughout the second semester.
The new semester saw the launch of the Equestrian Society. They took part in the WIT National Intervarsity Championships in Kilkenny, which gave them a chance to show off their skills and to check out what the competition is like. If you are interested in joining contact Joe in the SU.
Griffith invades Republic of telly
The restaurant is open to both college faculty members and students. Guests can enjoy a two-course lunch with tea/coffee priced at €8 or a main course with tea/coffee, priced at €6. While the main courses are prepared by Arthur’s Restaurant, participating students will prepare a daily starter course as part of their training. Please do come and support the students while they perfect their hospitality skills. To make a reservation, please email tranquilo@gcd.ie. We would ask that any reservation be made for between 12.30 pm and 2 pm. We would also ask that all reservations be confirmed by 10 am at the latest on the day. Please bear in mind once again, that this is a Training Restaurant. For the majority of the students, this is their first hospitality work experience. As a guest, please make sure that you are able to accommodate any potential delays and inaccuracies during service. We will endeavour to ensure these are few and far between. We look forward to having you as our guest!
A few weeks back a group of students were invited to take part in a new music video for RTE’s Republic of Telly following on from the success of the Rubber bandit’s ‘Horse Outside’ video. Filming took place in St.Mary’s Rugby Club in Templeogue giving students a unique insight into the production of a music video as well as a bit of craic. We look forward to seeing the results coming to a telly near you soon.
Student council Meeting The first student council meeting took place on February 1st. One of the issues discussed included proposed changes to the functions of the SU officials. The proposals present were that the Sports Officer would become a part time position. The role of Vice President would be amalgamated with Griffiti Editor and would serve under the title of Communications Officer. Current the student body only elects two representatives, under this new system three representatives would be elected – SU President, Communications Officer and Sports Office. Other changes proposed included an amendment to the constitution that would entail SU officials being subject to a confidence vote if they are under performing.
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The ongoing issue of USI (Union of Students Ireland) was discussed also. USI will liaise with HETAC and the Griffith College board about potential funding from the college for Griffith affiliation with USI. The Student Council members voted on the RAG Week charity for 2011. Our Lady’s Hospice in Harold’s Cross will be this year’s beneficiary. It was also confirmed that media class reps can now sit in on faculty meetings. Other issues raised included the price of meals in Arthur’s and complaints with new timetables, all of which are being seen to by the Students’ Union. If you have issues, complaints or recommendations, please contact your class rep and have your voice heard.
Students’ Union News shag week revisited Tuesday Once again on Tuesday, more SHAG packs were available. It almost got to a stage where condoms were being flung at passers-by. There was a free show by the Sexual Health Magician in Arthur’s. Meanwhile, college counsellor Carole Wardlaw presented her Life Coaching event – Maintaining Your Mojo.
Monday
That night the LGBT society held their own night out with Ultimate Kings in the SU building SHAG Week 2011 kicked off, appropriately followed by a jaunt to Glitz at Dandelion. so, on Valentine’s Day. The Students’ Union and the Ents crew were handing out SHAG packs for all, throughout the day. Monday’s highlight was that night though with Arthur’s bar being transformed for Bring Me Out, a mimic of the dating show Take Me Out. The night was hosted by Will McCreevey, of The Apprentice note, and On The Edge’s Darren Caffrey. 15 girls and 15 guys all took part in the show, with all proceeds going to Autism Ireland.
Wednesday The SHAG Ball was on Wednesday night in The Purty Kitchen with a Mexican theme. Unsurprisingly, Tequila shots were the preferred poison. A great crowd was out to avail of free sombreros and maracas too.
Friday While some people were beginning to crawl into weekend hibernation, the SU was still ploughing on with the SHAG Week street basketball tournament on campus. Thanks to everyone that came out to all the events at this year’s SHAG week. We hope you all had a great time. Now, roll on RAG week!
Thursday Thursday had a slightly more chilled atmosphere in the Griffith environs as people were presumably nursing heads from the nights prior. There was a pool tournament held upstairs in the SU. That evening also, the SU opened open another movie night, screening the rather suitable, Knocked Up. The free food was well received.
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Students’ Union News College Front Gates
College Gym Facilities
We’ve been inundated with queries from students who have come to us in the past two weeks about the new night time security policy which has been implemented. The gates are now locked at 11pm every night which has caused some inconvenience to students.
Several students and class reps have brought to our attention on many occasions of the ongoing problems they face with the gym and the lack of maintenance on the machines and broken items. The Students’ Union appreciates these concerns and is currently working on a solution.
Complaints: - People returning from home on a Sunday evening and unable to park on campus - Residents returning from their part-time jobs late to a locked down campus - They’re unable to get their suitcases through the turnstiles - Students are being treated like children - Paying high rent for very inconvenient procedures - People stating the new system is almost prison like - Security following people to their apartments with flashlights after hours - Clamping occurrences directly outside the campus As Graham mentioned in State of the Union there has been a - A fire and safety hazard if no security are stationed at the gate if lot of work done on the SU Building below is just a taste so they’re locked drop in to see what else We have done. - The Students’ Union in conjunction with the relevant parties is working actively to seek a reversal of these new measures.
SU face lift
griff FM takes over Dublin Griff FM was officially launched in Arthurs’s on Monday January 31st, the first day of broadcast for the two week radio station ran by second year and MA journalism students. Radio lecturers Anne Daly, Catherine Cullen and Pat Proctor were present and spoke highly of the work put in by students. Mr. Justice Clarke, a Judge-in-Residence at the Griffith’s School of Law also spoke, praising the practical work of students and discussing the relationships between lawyers, judges and journalists. Griff FM broadcast throughout the south of Dublin city and was a testament to the hard work and many hours put in by the students.
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Neklace: Marc Jacobs Everything else: models own
COPY & PASTE Fasion without a budget. With people constantly reminding us that times are tough Oscar Finn & Maiken Woll Eide wanted to see if they could put together a fashion shoot with zero budget. Using a projector and the internet they looked for clothes and with the help of Fauve Chapman and Lionel Finn they discovered what the world wide web has to offer.
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Dress: Topshop 16
Jacket: google Images
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music Reviews Feeder The Academy February 5th 2011
n a disgustingly grey day that frequents Dublin this time of year, one often loses inspiration. Let’s face it; one loses content. But alas, my mental satisfaction would be saved by Feeder’s gig at The Academy. Although I’ve seen them on five occasions, they prove to be uplifting every time.
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the Moment’, a song that’s sure to make the hairs stand up on the back of your neck; as does the sound of 400 or so people singing along with it with exceptional fervour.
The crowd seem to have the same feeling as many of its members arrive damp and dishevelled from queuing in the wet weather outside. Feeder seem to have a legion of loyal fans standing in awe of the empty stage alone. A lot of them aren’t even talking to others, suggesting they came alone which always gives off a chilled and relaxed vibe – somewhere people forget about image and focus on their love of music.
A lot of the material from last year’s album Renegades is noticeably more intense than that of 2008’s Silent Cry, with an absence of acoustic songs that have dotted their last few records. Having said this, both times I’ve seen the Renegades tracks live they’ve been overwhelmingly powerful and passionate yet nicely balanced with the older, tender classics like ‘Just The Way I’m Feeling’. The combination and contrast of Renegades (“a band within Feeder” according to the group) and the softer songs seems the perfect arc for a gig.
As the lights die for the main event, Feeder’s stage becomes beautiful with glowing cable lights outlining the coloured amps and drum kit. The room rumbles with of a segment of Morricone’s The Good, The Bad & Ugly theme. Of course for the band, this choice of intro ties in with the most recent album’s eponymous theme of ‘Renegades’.
Although they’ve only been out for mere months, songs like ‘Call Out’, and title track ‘Renegades’ in particular, are recited back stunningly by the crowd. The highlight song is ‘Down To The River’, a moodchanger compared to the other new material but one that demonstrates just how spectacular Nicholas’ voice is both on stage and on track.
Grant Nicholas, Taka Hirose and new recruits Karl Brazil and Dean Deavall take their place in front of the crowd’s adoration and cut into ‘Home’. The band look particularly comfortable as Nicholas beams for most of the set. Their sound is flawless; definitely one of the few bands who almost sound more impressive live than on record. The crowd go berserk with rupturing guitar & bass combos that tickle your ear drums and bounce in your chest.
At their Dublin show last August, Nicholas claimed; “This is kind of our pop album…”. This automatically conjured up loud boos from the audience, to which he replied “No, I’m joking! Fuck! None of you like pop music then?” The material doesn’t exactly sound ‘poppy’ at all, but they are big, heavy, slightly techy, proper ‘grungy’ tunes. Maybe that’s what he meant.
Four songs in, the manic jumping turns to mass vocals as the band begin ‘Feeling
Vintage songs like ‘Insomnia’, ‘Seven Days in the Sun’,’ Lost & Found’ and ‘Buck Rogers’ stir madness within the audience. Two punters are dragged out as they each
start elbowing pacifist fans in the head. Meanwhile, the singalongs are uproarious, much to the delight of the Nicholas in particular. Finishing their three-song encore with ‘Just A Day’, the band have flown through the songs with ease and fluidity that can only be found in true skill. These guys have perfected their craft. Everything so admirably sounds pitch-perfect, appearing effortless to the onlooker. They have mastered the art of sounding extraordinary both on their records and on stage, something that should be observed by many other bands. Take note, guys; this is how it’s done. Sue Fitzpatrick
Setlist Home Insomnia This Town Feeling A Moment Renegades Pushing The Senses Just The Way I’m Feeling Down To The River Buck Rogers Come Back Around Seven Days In The Sun We Can’t Rewind High Lost & Found Call Out Tumble & Fall Borders Just A Day 21
Griffiti At the Movies
Title: Paul Cert: 15A Running Time: 103 minutes Release Date: Out Now ight years after their last cinematic expedition together (the mega Hot Fuzz), comedy super-duo Simon Pegg and Nick Frost thankfully return to the silver screen this month with Paul.
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Logically, expectations for this film are high. Written by Pegg & Frost who are undoubtedly one of the best comedy duo on our side of the Atlantic, it hosts a stellar cast and directed by Greg Mottola who was responsible for Superbad. The plot follows Brit comic book geeks Graeme Willy (Pegg) and Clive Gollings (Frost) on their pilgrimage to the States for ComicCon and an alien-locations roadtrip in the mid-west like Area 51 and The Black Mailbox. Along their travels, they run into a cursing, smoking, extra-terrestrial who needs to get home to avoid being caught by the US authorities. Hot on his heels is Special Agent Zoil (Bateman), they also gain pursuit from the father of a woman they’ve unintentionally kidnapped. This film could have easily been just another ‘alien-tryingto-get-home’ movie but the writers have described it as a love letter to Stephen Speilberg. E.T., Close Encounters and Star Trek references dot the script, the references are
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sharp and there are plenty for sci-fi fans to keep an eye out for. Paul (voiced by Rogen) is absolutely the most brilliant, charming and hilarious alien creation brought to screen. Double Negative, who created the animation, have produced an absolutely stunning fabrication that is heart-warming to watch. Rogen’s gruff and distinct voice fits the character perfectly. Being Class A geeks in real life, Pegg and Frost work flawlessly at taking on the role of comic geeks. Their characters differ from previous roles, Frost is far more conscienscious and sensitive in this film which is quite nice to see. Together they are utterly wonderful as are the characters they meet along the way (note the fantastic cameos from Jane Lynch and Sigourney Weaver). Paul is a new take on alien flicks and one of the few comedy flicks of the extra-terrestrial kind in recent years. It could easily have been boring, tacky and predictable but Pegg and Frost were the perfect people to have done such a film and to ensure it gave a fresh twist to an otherwise clichéd genre. Sue Fitzpatrick
Title: Big Mommas; Like Father, Like Son Cert: PG Running Time: 107 mins Release Date: Out Now he third instalment in the painfully unfunny series of Big Momma films sees awful acting, worse writing, an absence of direction and a bag of African-American stereotypes sloshed together to create one of the worst films of modern times.
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Martin Lawrence reprises his role as FBI agent Malcolm Turner. During an operation his son and budding rapper, Trent (Brandon T. Jackson) due to some lazy writing, and direction from John Whitesell (whose should never be given a film again in his atrocious career), inadvertently witnesses a murder and is forced to go inexplicably undercover with his father as a pair of irritating, overweight women. Hilarity ensues! ….actually it doesn’t. Perhaps there is light at the end of the tunnel with respect to this diabolical series coming to an end. With the comic genius of Martin Lawrence’s character running dry, this instalment focuses more on the young stepson Trent and his infatuation with Haley, a girl from the school of arts the two mommas are hiding out in. He loves rap, and she loves to sing, oh how they bond. She is of course, of mixed race. This series wouldn’t dare to undermine the age old assumption in
American cinema that an interracial couple is a no-no. This really is a terrible film on so many levels. It perpetuates so many discouraging traits in today’s film-making. It must be so discouraging for AfricanAmerican actors. To find that the serious parts in cinema for black actors are monopolised by a few, Morgan Freeman being the behemoth, hording numerous roles even now, into his 70’s. The scraps that fall off his table are the Big Mommas of this world, with the only role being as a stereotypical African-American, typified by the characters in this film fondness of fried chicken, racial slang and rap. The worst thing about a film like this is that quite simply, it sells. The first two films in the series had a combined worldwide gross of around $350 million. That’s the truly sad part of all this. The public wants what the public gets. So please, stop feeding this bloated beast of a franchise Francis Coppola said in 1996 “Wall Street’s got interested in film and communications, and these are the people who brought you the Big Mac. In the past twelve years, I can't think of one classic they've made”. Well they’ve made three Big Momma films since he said that. Elliott Doak
Griffiti At the Movies
Title: As If I’m Not There Cert: 16 Running Time: 109 mins Release Date: 4th March uanita Wilson is amassing an impressive CV. Producer of Inside I’m Dancing and nominated for an Oscar for her short film The Door, the nature of her feature début however, with its low budget and harrowing subject matter, will be consigned to independent film anonymity. Nevertheless, As If I’m Not There is undoubtedly impressive in almost every way. Samira leaves her happy middle-class family in Sarajevo to take up a temporary teaching position in a small village in the Bosnian countryside just as the war is beginning to heat up. Within a day the town is overrun by armed forces. The men are murdered and the town is burned. The remaining women are transported to a remote airstrip far from their town. The elderly are kept as labourers while the young are kept in a brothel-like building, where they are sexual and physically assaulted, repeatedly.
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Wilson’s picture is interesting in its composition. It has all the hallmarks of a low-budget film, underwhelming sets, lots of close-ups. Yet she has managed to create a viewpoint which uses these techniques as fundamental expressions of the message of the film, which is that ultimately, love is more powerful than hate.
This is an unrelenting film, the only moments in its two hour duration which are easy on the eye are the poignant stills of the countryside and the end credits. Unlike many films whose main characters find themselves in traumatic circumstances, this film is conscious of dealing with not only the events but also the unimaginably deep psychological harm the protagonist has to the deal with for the rest of her life. Of course the film is not perfect. The story runs dry with Samira befriending the soldier’s captain- a sort of minidrama begins, with the viewer already somewhat numbed by the brothel scenes, it means that our hero’s reluctant sexual relations with the man don’t seem nearly as bad as her existence when she was held in the brothel. The film is nevertheless an impressive first feature outing for Wilson. Equally as thought-provoking as the film itself is the promise shown by the young Dubliner in her work. Those who have seen her first short The Door will be familiar with her Bresson-like style and this film is of the same ilk.This film is a harsh dose of war-time reality reminding us that a film dealing with such a sensitive topic doesn’t always have to be drowned in sentimentality. As for Wilson - watch this space. Elliott Doak
Title: Black Swan Cert: 16 Running Time: 108 mins Release Date: Out Now really want to talk about this movie with someone, but doing so would ruin the ending for them. That’s bad form. So instead, I’ll get it out of my system and ruin some others; he was dead all along, he’s Luke’s father, Snape kills Dumbledore, Tyler is his alter-ego, it was all a dream. Black Swan can no doubt be added to such list of notable twists.
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Nina Sayers (Portman) is a 20something ballerina, living a somewhat childlike and sheltered existence under her mother’s guidance (or, possession). She is a ballerina; simply, it defines her. Her body has clearly suffered for her art, as well as her mind. They are both just another barrier to her success that she has no qualms in beating through. Aurally, every strained breath, every toe crack, every landing thud, emphasises this. When Thomas, the director of the New York ballet company, casts Nina as the Swan Queen in a production of Swan Lake, shit gets real. Nina must essentially play two roles; the virginal white swan and the contrasting, sensual black swan.
swan inside her causes Nina to, both literally and metaphorically, fall to pieces. Competition from the lovely Lily (Kunis) further accentuates her descent to madness. Lily is the perfect black swan, with an alluring style of dance that causes everyone in the room to take notice, or be threatened. Lily, for Nina, becomes the embodiment of everything she isn’t. Here we have yet another fantastic movie from director Darren Aronofsky, and with a record of the likes of the disturbing Requiem for a Dream, Black Swan will leave an aftertaste in your mouth that rancid cinema-nachos can’t even disguise. Every scene engulfs your senses, every paranoid panic and every flicker of insanity has you right there along with it. We’re not given any privileged information as an audience. We’re right there with Nina, and it’s a tense ride. In the words of Nina; “I just want to be perfect.” Don’t we all Nina, don’t we all. You might not be, but this film as close to perfect as they come. Nicola Byrne
Nina is the perfect white swan, innocent and pristine. But this doesn’t scream ‘sexy’. The pressure of finding the black
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WHY I LOVE FADE STREET
was 16 when I first saw an episode of Laguna Beach - The Real O.C. I automatically hated it. I hated their stupid tans, their tacky designer clothes, their bleached-blonde hair, their oversized and impersonal mansions. They were all a pack of dopes. There’s no way their lives seemed better than mine. Not more glamorous, easy going, thrilling or entitled.
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The fictional O.C. TV series was the business. Now that, that was a show with some longevity. Fast forward past a few bad haircuts and failed teen ‘relationships’ and I’m 18. I flick on MTV and foolishly expect to see a music video. I don’t, but I do see a new show they are promoting called The Hills. That girl from Laguna Beach is in it. She’s a dope. But I watched it anyway. I watched it so much, I found myself sitting in front of a television set at 5am on a Tuesday morning eating a lasagne while watching a Hills marathon consisting of episodes I had already seen a dozen times over. I remember this night/morning in great detail as it was the exact moment when I realised I was a dope myself. The Hills, whatever you say about it, is horribly addictive. I like to think of it as a mind vacuum (or Hoover, if you’re, like, a loser that doesn’t watch the Hills). Whatever you have stored away in your little mind there, the Hills will suck it all up for a while during your viewing experience. This is particularly helpful when your mind contains unsavoury thoughts or emotions. It is less intrusive than locking them away in that little black box that your therapist warned you about, yet less humiliating than downing 2 bottles of red wine and leaving recordings of Dido songs on your ex’s voicemail. The Hills is no more real than your average TV drama, but it lets you believe that it is, and you know what, you let yourself be-
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lieve that it is too. “Why don’t they ever talk about how annoying and intrusive the cameras are in their lives?” I asked a friend. “Em, it’s not REAL,” she replied. Oh yeah.
I just can’t help but indulge their attention seeking needs. So what about The Hills? Why are you writing this article? It’s over, let go, move on, maybe try get into The City. No, don’t. In case you’ve been living under a rock (or not, it’s actually not a very popular programme) you’ll have heard of Ireland’s answer to The Hills; Fade Street. God. Even the name causes my eye to twitch in boredom. The Hills is catchy, it says glamour, it says ‘yes, see those big sun-drenched humpy things covered in grass? I live on those and it’s fucking fantastic.’ Fade Street says, ‘well yeah it’s kinda grey and foggy around here, but see that dingy window above this religious relic shop? Why yes, I did pay a hundred grand more than I should have for that. Cider?’ Fade Street centres around its very own female protagonists. Well actually, their personalities have evidently been genetically engineered to match those of their U.S. counterparts. Louise and Vogue have internships at a magazine, sound familiar? While Danielle is the rebellious rock-chick with friends in bands. Ringing any bells, Audrina? Fade Street basically tells the story of how they’re getting on in Dublin. You care. You watch, waiting for something amazing to happen. But it never does. You comment to your viewing partner that they’re ‘crap actresses’ or that would never happen or that was soooooo set-up. You already fucking know it, but feel the need to re-instate the fact that you’re not the one being conned here. You’re onto them. The credits roll and essentially a good 30 minutes
of your life have passed you by, while you watched a fictional representation of someone else’s. Jesus, that was brilliant, the only thing that could make that better is if the subsequent episode was to come on straight after it an ‘omnibus’ fashion, you know what would go well with all this TV watching right now? Lasagne. It annoys me when people say the best thing about these shows is that they’re so bad they’re good. That’s not it at all. When I’m not being anything exciting (slouched over my sofa in a onesie) I take a simple pleasure in watching other people be. You guys just don’t understand me. Whether they’re tame and vanilla like Fade Street, glamorous and wealthy like the Hills, or outrageous and a lower form of humanity like Jersey Shore, I just can’t help but indulge their attention-seeking needs. However, Fade Street has some admirable virtues. Each episode is adorned with a quality home-grown soundtrack. No I’m not talking about Danielle’s mates’ ‘bands’. The girls ponder their drama and thoughtfully exit the scene to music from bands such as Adebisi Shank, Ham Sandwich, Villagers and Bell XI, as well as Irish gems Cathy Davey, Roisin Murphy and Gemma Hayes. I also just love to see Dublin on camera. The camera sets the scene to a tee, and somehow manages to make Dublin look almost… desirable, as a place in which to reside. While it’s not as glamorous or as hip as the Hollywood Hills, it is home. I watch it on camera in a similar fashion to which I imagine I’ll watch home-videos of my children when they’re older (and exist). Adoringly.
Nicola Byrne
THE GENUINE ARTICLE
POTTY TRAINING INITIATIVE LAUNCHED IN SU
SHAG WEEK MESSAGE PENETRATES STUDENT BODY
By Hugh Jass Sexual Health Awareness and Guidance, yes, that’s what SHAG week stands for, I know it’s crazy, right? Thanks to SHAG Week there has been even less sexual activity than usual involving Griffith students. The reason behind this shocking story is largely due to the free condoms disappearing from their packs and poor upset students being left with nothing but leaflets on why not to have sex. One poor accounting student has been quoted as saying “I’ve seen the pictures of some of the
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STD’s and it just didn’t add up”. The student in question, we can exclusively reveal, has since been seen wearing a chastity belt by her roommate.
tally discourage students, the most sexually active group of people in the world (according to www.definitlytruefacts.com) from actually having sex.
Also, security on campus has been extra happy lately with the decrease in noise coming from students rooms at night and indeed during the day. Redmond Barry was even found helping an old lady across the street but categorically denies the rumour saying “ I categorically deny the rumour”.
Griffith College as a result, has become the angriest college in Ireland with so many students flipping out unnecessarily due to sexual frustration. There is light at the end of the tunnel however as huge plans have been made to reverse all of these facts during RAG week, in other words things should be back to normal soon.
It’s a strange thing for a week named after intercourse to to
CONFRONTATION WITH PIGEON ARMY ESCALATES Dr. Edward Dennehy identifies the ‘cool dudes’ in Strategic Management South Circular road converted to carpark after new gate policy unveiled Bernard White gets liberal and goes shopping in Urban Outfitters. “next week, hotpants” In the days after SHAG Week shares in Durex By Jenny Tull have tripled in value Butler tries to extend SHAG Week, enjoys new After the devastating attack by pigeons just title of ‘Condom King’ before Christmas, the Students’ Union has begun to fight back. Superbad house party goes off without incident. Honestly Since the attack the Meagher Building has
Under the Spotlight
gone through some major changes to fortify its position and be prepared to deal with further onslaughts by these flying rodents or as Griffiti Editor Oscar Finn calls them “little flying shit demons”. SU Manager Paul McCormack has gone to great lengths to ensure the devastation will not happen again. “We have really got the place nailed down, especially the windows, the kamikaze pigeons just bounce off the windows which drives them mad as they can’t get in.”
Name: Hector Heathwood
Dislikes: Election canvasers
The dynamic duo of Butler and Uzah have even launched a pigeon hunting society in the hopes of keeping the threat at bay. A member who did not wish to be named said “I spend most of my days in the SU chasing birds, so this was an obvious way to hone my skills.”
Interesting fact: When God needs advice he asks Hector
Can the SU survive or will the pigeon invaders be victorious? We shall wait and see.
Occupation: Photographer / Party Animal Hobbies: Badmington, Antiquing Likes: Justin Bieber, a good cup of tea
The contents of this section are satirical and may offend. The views expressed do not represent the views of the SU
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The Sleepers Homelessness is something that all of us witness regularly, maybe even daily. Wayne Doyle takes a look at how some people who roam Dublin’s streets cope with homeless life. lone and afraid they sleep. With their bodies shaking vigorously, their bodies numb, they toss and turn in the hope of gaining some warmth from their actions. Being homeless means a lot of depravation and hardships, many of which we as a society can prevent.
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When you finish up in work this evening and return home, see friends and family, spare a quick thought for those on the streets. We all take so much for granted, even the smallest of things like placing your feet in front of the fire whilst you eat a warm meal. But for many people in Dublin and the surrounding areas, this is a dream; something which unfortunately eludes them time and time again.
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man often comes into my workplace, guilt and sadness spreads like wildfire throughout my body. Complaining about the bus being delayed puts this person’s problem into context for me. Whilst I give the man a coffee, I feel a little bit better, but not much. For me it is easy to return home to a warm house. But what will become of him? What will be the implications of him sleeping in this doorway tonight?
I didn’t commit any crime or anything like that, just unlucky
mixture of laughter and chesty coughs emerge. The deprivation in this man’s eyes was frightening, his eyes are reflective and filled with sadness for all to see. It is hard to imagine there are many more men and women in the exact same situation as Paul around the city tonight. “I would love to be able to start all over again, like to be able to go to college and wear nice clothes like, people think that I am doing this because I am lazy or something, I’m not.
In Dublin City alone there are an estimated 70 people without a bed tonight. In dangerous conditions, particularly like those seen in December just past, someone could lose their life.
“I didn’t commit any crime or anything like that, just unlucky. I had a fight with my da one night when I was about 13 and the rest is history I suppose”.
“Man, this is my last Christmas on the street, I swear to god. Sometimes I can make a few quid begging and I would choose drink over smokes like because with the drink you can sleep a bit better. Getting a smoke of someone is handy enough as well, you might as well forget about getting a drink off them though”, he states as he manages another unhealthy chuckle.
It’s Friday night in Donnybrook village. A man who sits on the compacted ice with only a thin blanket and piece of cardboard gives me the sharpest look, a look which won’t be forgotten. This look made me feel his pain. We have spoken before as the
We share a conversation as my bus hasn’t arrived yet and is delayed for some time. Plumes of smoke pass my face and my nose starts to run. The cold is nasty. It’s -7 and it’s only eight o clock. “I have slept everywhere in Dublin to be honest”, as a
The Department of the Environment estimates that in 2005, there were 2,399 homeless in Ireland, with a further 9,212 households living in unfit accommodation, overcrowded accommodation or involuntarily sharing accommodation.
The Department of the Environment also estimated that 25,045 people were not reasonably able to meet the cost of their accommodation. In Dublin the number of homeless adults in March 2005 was 1,552 with 485 homeless dependents (22 of these dependents were over 18 years of age) across 1,361 households. 43 per cent reported being homeless for more than three years. There were 185 rough sleepers with the remainder staying in emergency or insecure accommodation. In this assessment there was a ratio of 2:1, men to women, among those who reported themselves as homeless. 46 per cent reported their age as between 26 and 39 years old. Single persons form the vast majority of those experiencing homelessness.
I would love to be able to start all over again Philip is an alcoholic but has been in permanent accommodation for over two years now. “Ah, it’s great having my own place around family and all; I still have a problem with drink, which I’m trying to sort out at the moment. This drink racket isn’t easy, people think it is, but it’s worse than most addictions.”
Philip was sleeping rough in Dublin city for over five years until a family member decided to help him clean himself up. “I talk to a lot of the lads I slept with on the streets, there all great people like, just unfortunate”. “I travelled to Dublin a couple of days ago and seen a couple of people I knew. It’s so cold at the moment and I know what it can be like out there so I offered them a place to stay. The County Council won’t be to happy if they find out, but I don’t care, I feel sorry for them and I know what they are going through, it’s a tough life out there on the streets and dangerous.”
ness such as Focus Ireland, The Simon Community and Merchants Quay. However with the budget, these institutions and the work they do is under serious threat. These agencies are pivotal in combating homelessness which is currently on the rise. As a society, we should all make a special effort to help out the homeless. It doesn’t have to be large sums of money, or giving up all your time. All types of help is positive help, let it be big or small. Wayne Doyle
There are many agencies which are available to a person experiencing homeless
€5 From Each Hoodie Sold During RAG Week Will Be Donated To The Our Lady’s Hospice
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for your eyes only. Griffiti’s Darren Cleary chats to Pierce Brosnan at the 8th Annual Irish Film and Television Awards. e’s been Bond, James Bond, Remington Steele, and the subject of countless fervent female fantasies. Not to mention being named People Magazines ‘Sexiest Man Alive’ in 2001. But after Pierce Brosnan polished off his final Martini, many thought that last orders had been served on the glory days of the Navan native’s career. But currently, the actor is as busy as ever, happily taking on a challenging variety of characters. A brave centaur in Percy Jackson and the Olympians, a duplicitous politician in Roman Polanski’s The Ghost, the obdurate father of Robert Pattinson in Remember Me - and most recently, a grieving parent in The Greatest, a film he produced.
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But it’s his portrayal of Adam Lang, a former British Prime Minister, in Roman Polanski’s excellent thriller The Ghost that has garnered him critical acclaim as well as an IFTA for Best Supporting Actor. Anyone that has seen the film or indeed read the novel will instantly see the very blatant similarities to Tony Blair, something that Brosnan isn’t shy in talking about. “It’s kind of tongue in cheek in many ways, Roman Polanski certainly had his tongue firmly in
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his cheek when he cast an Irish actor as the British Prime Minister.” Brosnan continued, “I asked him am I playing Tony Blair he said no certainly not, however all roads lead to one man, so I watched footage of Tony Blair as Prime Minister and then gave my performance based on that.”
“I asked him am I playing Tony Blair he said no certainly not, however all roads lead to one man” His post James Bond exploits are not limited to just starring in movies, the 57-yearold has also been playing a more prominent role of environmentalist over the last few years. His support for environmental matters has spanned several decades, beginning with his involvement in 1990s Greenpeace nuclear disarmament news conferences and his efforts to prevent a salt factory from being erected in Califor-
nia’s San Ignacio Lagoon, to his successful campaigning which prevented a natural gas facility from being constructed off Malibu’s coastline. “The oceans are in dire need of respect and our vigilance and protection” he says. “I live by the ocean and when I grew up here as a little boy, going to Galway was one of my happiest memories. I live in Malibu and in a way the seaside reminds me of home with my grandparents.” He paused nostalgically for a moment before continuing, “I love the Ocean, and I want my children to be able to enjoy it and their children.” His passion for the environment has transcended into Brosnan’s film work. He recently narrated a documentary called Oceans, which was filmed in over 50 different places and took four years to produce. The documentary highlights the need to respect nature and demonstrates the negative aspects of human activity on animals. This isn’t a cause that the actor merely pays lip service to; he’s even written an open letter to American President Barack Obama, on the plight of whales. “I wrote to the President because his government wanted to lift the moratorium on the
Whales which had been in place for many years.” Brosnan continued “But their is no moral, scientific or economic justification to slaughter whales, so my wife and I wrote to him and it was an open letter to say, please reconsider your stand on this issue. And we won, for now”. I probed, was Obama’s response a personal one, he said. “No it wasn’t a personal response, but there was an immediate cease and desist in whaling so that’s very positive”.
“The oceans are in dire need of respect and our vigilance and protection”
Pierce Brosnan is also confirmed to be in the cast of the film adaption of the Edward Wortis novel The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle. Written and directed by Danny DeVito, the movie has been held up in pre-production for the last four years because of a pricey lawsuit brought against the director. It all seems to be in the past as DeVito was in Ireland a fortnight ago scouting locations for the film. I asked Brosnan was he looking forward to working on the period drama – “We’ve been trying to do that for years, I really don’t know if it’s going to happen or not”. I interjected, informing him that his director had been scouting locations recently, he paused a moment, visibly surprised before continu-
ing. “Danny was just here in Ireland, really are you sure?” he questioned, before bursting out in a fit of laughter. “Well then maybe I’m not in the movie anymore”. Whether or not he does appear in the film isn’t likely to impact his tireless work outside the realm of acting. As he continues to fight the good fight, for those without voice in the never ending struggle to preserve and protect our environment, one thing is for sure. The world is enough for Pierce Brosnan. Darren Cleary
Even with his noble endeavours to make the world a better place, the Irishman still finds plenty of time to act, and he’s had no shortage of movie roles of late. But he insists a break, however short is always welcomed. “I’m delighted I got on the plane to Ireland, I’ve been on the road for the last six weeks doing a movie in New York called I Don't Know How She Does It with Sarah Jessica Parker, but to come home to Ireland is always rewarding, even though it’s a brief visit, I fly back to New York in the morning.”
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