entertainment
Films
Movie of the Month
by tom b r ow n e a n d l au r a d e a n - osgo o d
■■period: Far from the madding crowd This lovely retelling of
© 20th century fox / © studi o ca na l / © LIONS GATE
Thomas Hardy’s novel is up there with the best of such adaptations, easily bearing comparison with the classic 1967 version. Carey Mulligan plays Bathsheba Everdene, who inherits a Bathsheba (Carey Mulligan) is wooed farm in the village of Weatherbury and by Sergeant Troy (Tom Sturridge) tries to establish herself while juggling her feelings towards three diverse suitors: the repressed William Boldwood (Michael Sheen), the loyal Gabriel Oak (Matthias Schoenaerts) and the dashing Sergeant Troy (Tom Sturridge). The top-class performances director Thomas Vinterberg—famous for the low-budget Festen—coaxes from these leads is crucial to the success of this adaptation, as is the low-key but beautiful cinematography. Highly recommended. ■■romantic comedy: man up
Despite the best efforts of friends and family, confirmed singleton Nancy (Lake Bell) despairs of finding true love until a blind-date mix-up introduces her to newly separated Jack (Simon Pegg), with chaotic consequences. There’s nothing new about the plot, but the chemistry between the leads and a sharp script elevates this way above the average rom-com— and, at a crisp 88 minutes, it never outstays its welcome.
■■drama: A Royal Night Out Set in London
on V E Day in 1945, this semi-fictional drama follows the escapades of Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret (Sarah Gadon and Bel Powley) as they set about joining the victory celebrations in Trafalgar Square, to the despair of their royal parents (fine supporting turns from Rupert Everett and Emily Watson). Plenty of liberties are taken with the truth in this undeniably silly romp, but there’s still a lot to fun to be had. 05•2015
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e n t e r ta i n m e n t
a Ruth Rendell story, this quirky French film is difficult to categorise. Following the death of his wife, David (Romain Duris) turns to his friend Claire (Anais Demoustier) for support, then shocks her with his habit for cross-dressing. This identity-crisis drama combines black comedy farce, romance and tragedy, although it’s not for everyone.
is an aspiring, bespectacled musician who’s watching all the cool kids get the glory at school. When he discovers his mysterious neighbour (Luke Perry) is a legendary guitarist who supposedly died eight years ago, the two strike up a deal: Nick will keep schtum if Steve teaches him all he knows.
watching the passage through history from the first series to the current one. Reading: Chocolat by Joanne Harris It was a bit slow to start with,
but I’m getting into it now. I haven’t seen the film yet.
■■Poldark
Online: Word games
I play a lot of online Scrabble. It’s good for my brain and broadens my vocabulary. Listening: BBC Radio 2
I have a very eclectic taste in music. At the moment, I turn the radio up really loud when Taylor Swift’s “Style” comes on—it’s very catchy!
05•2015
* TO BUY DVDS FEATURED HERE, GO TO SHOP.READERSDIGEST.CO.UK
Album of the Month
Hot Chip open their sixth album with a mantra: “Replace us with the things that do the job better,” the disco-infused “Huarache Lights” urges. This seemingly disparaging lyric is actually a challenge: go ahead, see if you can! Fifteen years into their career, Hot Chip are still funny, layered, sensual, intelligent and perfectly able to fill a dance floor. Postmodern in their approach, they bring all kinds of noises to the mix: 1990s hip hop; robo voices; unapologetic synth; and nostalgic bleeps and blops. So why bother replacing something that does the job perfectly well? Key tracks: “Huarache Lights”, “Dark Night”, “Easy to Get” Like this? You may also like: Kraftwerk, LCD Soundsystem, Metronomy
The modern-day, more muscly remake of the TV classic set in 18thcentury Cornwall.*
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Why Make Sense? by Hot Chip
DVD of the month
On Your Radar Dawn Vanstone, horse-riding instructor Watching: Call The Midwife (BBC1) I’ve loved
by ma n di goodi er
Overlooked Record from the Past Live in 1960 by Sister Rosetta Tharpe
© Tom Oldha m/REX
■■foreign language: the new girlfriend Although adapted from
Music
■■COMEDY: THE BEAT BENEATH MY FEET South London teenager Nicholas
© B.CALMEAU / © BBC/Ma mmoth / © SCOOP FILMS
Identity crisis: Romain Duris as the loving but troubled David
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Reader’s Digest
Otherwise known as the “Godmother of Rock ’n’ Roll”, Sister Rosetta Tharpe rode a wave of popularly during the 1940s with her unique and soulful blend of gospel and guitar. It’s easy to see her influence on the likes of Elvis, Little Richard and Chuck Berry. Nowhere was her energy and presence more apparent than when she played live—she could sing until you cried and keep going until you smiled. This stripped-back album gives you just her guitar, her vocals and a light bass drum, and you’ll need nothing more. listen to these albums at READERSDIGEST.CO.UK/LISTEN
On Our Radar London Craft Week, May 6–10, A
seven-day celebration of craftmanship. World Hunger Day, May 28, Hold an
event to help end hunger and poverty. Doctor Who Symphonic Tour, May 23–29,
Orchestra tour hosted by Peter Davison.
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