"American Hustle", directed by David O Russell

Movie, 2013

One of those films, of high quality and excellent production values, which looks like a number of other similar films and whose plot is overly fiendish and involved. Let these twists and turns wash over you and it's still  visual treat, with a hard hitting cast and period visuals and soundtrack helping make this film enjoyable. A few curious features, such as the ambitious FBI agent's rapid descent into what looks like a drugs problem, swiftly forgotten from one scene to the next. But, overall, an entertaining film.

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"Going into a Dark House", by Jane Gardam

Fiction, 1994

Short story collection in which poignancy, sadness and frequently strange and strained family relationships are, usually, written with some flair and delicacy. These are stories with often fairly slight incidents and narratives, but pretty significant descriptive and emotional impact. As a result, some of the stories can feel a little unfulfilling and the writing can overshadow what's being written about. However, the descriptions - for example in Zoo-Zoo and The Damascus Plum more than compensate.

"When Worlds Collide", directed by Rudolph Maté

Movie, 1951

Rather slight and occasionally toe-curling science fiction, saved by wonderful technicolor effects. Otherwise, this is lame, looking like propaganda for an American super race in the making, but showing compassion towards children and animals. Cliches abound and dull characters barely brought to life by listless acting. For all that, it's quite watchable, even if the Noah references, wheelchair villain and hammy love story are enough to send most people reaching for the remote control.

"Book of Clouds" by Chloe Aridjis

Novel, 2009

Story of a Mexican transcriber and her time spent and work in Berlin. This is a really skillful piece of writing, full of ideas and packing a dramatic and emotional punch when they're needed. History and drama hang heavily around Berlin which is beautifully presented and shown to contain a number of self-absorbed, damaged characters, possibly including the narrator herself. Some great scenes, mystery and surreal situations, which never feel ploddy or tired. Highly recommended - a real warmth and quality rise up from the pages.

"His Bloody Project", by Graeme Macrae Burnet

Novel, 2016

Interesting and old-fashioned feeling book about a crime, told through different (fictional) documents relating to a murder, near Inverness, in 1869. While the use of the murderer's journal, court and medical records and like give the book a pep and vitality through their tight, controlled writing, and while the story is nonetheless told in a linear way, the end of the book feels ever so slightly unsatisfying. All those sides and angles, somehow not pulled together. But still, a wonderful read with some great detail. Definitely recommended.

"The Power", by Naomi Alderman

Novel, 2014

Science fiction vision of women taking over the world, but taking it in some fairly depressing and rather familiar directions. A book that kicks off at pace, although the jumpy narrative looking through to different characters' points of view and shifting in both time and geography make for what can be a disjointed read. Hugely powerful in places, mind, even if and when a few descriptions seem to gleefully slip into genre, perhaps too knowingly, and certain a little noticeably. A book that feels written for filming. 

"Gone Girl," directed by David Fincher

Movie, 2014

Genre inspired, slightly sprawling film which delivers plenty of solid entertainment and thrills despite its length and despite being a little stretched in places with regards the plot and a sprinkling of wooden acting, here and there. Credit, however, due to pulling something in that ultimately feels quite tight, even if some of the initial build up feels a little lethargic and could perhaps have been edited down, just a little. The twists and turns are reasonably effective, with a big message about appearance, truth and the media bought home with a bang.

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