All our lives are symbols. Everything we do is part of a pattern we have at least some say in. The strong make their own patterns and influence other people’s, the weak have their courses mapped out for them. The weak and the unlucky, and the stupid.
The astonishing debut novel The Wasp Factory (1984) by Scottish writer Ian Banks. Dark, twisted and perverse, the controversial story tells of a 17 year old and his violent tendencies.
After such a long gap before my recent William Shakespeare quiz, I thought I’d better not leave long before my next one. And I wanted to do an actor who I’ve long respected and admired. I remember Jake Gyllenhaal well from when I first saw him, in the first film in this quiz. I could neither spell or pronounce his surname, but remember thinking just what a future this guy had. I’ve been delighted to see how far along he has come. Do you have a favourite role of his? How did you do this time around?
Film 1 (1990s)
Film 2 (2000s)
Film 3 (2000s)
Film 4 (2000s)
Film 5 (2000s)
Film 6 (2000s)
Film 7 (2000s)
Film 8 (2010+)
Film 9 (2010+)
Film 10 (2010+)
Film 11 (2010+)
Film 12 (2010+)
Answers below
And now it’s just gone after dark
And we move to the other part of it
Secret part of your restless heart
To glide past every city light
Like a satellite careering through the sky
This colour, this summer night.
Taken from the song This Orient by English indie band Foals, from their second album Total Life Forever (2010). The single was one of three released from the album.
It’s been a truly rotten year for the untimely passing of outrageous talents within the entertainment industry, and we haven’t even reached April. Added to the sad roll-call of David Bowie, Alan Rickman, Glenn Frey and Terry Wogan, is the comedy genius that was Garry Shandling (1949 – 2016).
So little time.
Try to understand that I’m
Trying to make a move just to stay in the game
Taken from the song Everybody’s Changing by English band Keane, from their debut album Hope’s and Fears (2004). Known for using the piano as a lead instrument, the group achieved particular success with their first three albums.
We all fear death and question our place in the universe. The artist’s job is not to succumb to despair, but to find an antidote for the emptiness of existence.
Gertrude Stein (Kathy Bates) in the charming romantic comedy fantasy Midnight in Paris (2011). Written and directed by Woody Allen, it tells of a writer who at midnight is able to travel back in time to the 1920s.
I’ve been reading a bit of Shakespeare recently and as I haven’t done a film quiz for a while thought I should combine the two for a bumper post. His impact on literature, English theatre and popular culture has been extraordinary, so this film quiz was never going to be conventional. I’ve decided to break it into into two parts, faithful adaptations and those that were loosely based. Which half will you do better on? Do you have a favourite Shakespeare play?
Film 1 (1940s)
Film 2 (1990s)
Film 3 (1990s)
Film 4 (1990s)
Film 5 (2000s)
Film 6 (2010+)
And the loosely adapted
Film 7 (1950s)
Film 8 (1990s)
Film 9 (1990s)
Film 10 (2000s)
Film 11 (2000s)
Film 12 (2010+)
Answers below
To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.
The literary genius that is Oscar Wilde (1854 – 1900).
An awards post now. My thanks to the ever awesome Vinnie who continues to entertain, educate and impress on his stylish blog, for the nomination. You should definitely hop on over if you haven’t already.
I’ll have to skip the 11 fun facts for reasons of time, but I’ll happily answer Vinnie’s questions and provide my own for nominees.
These photographs, supposedly discovered from an old camera, capture famous moments within history and just how different the world used to be.
Alex Raphael 