"My Best Fiend", directed by Werner Herzog

Documentary, 1999

Recollections and clips of Klaus Kinski, mainly from Herzog, though occasionally balanced with other acquaintances involved in the films the two men made together. Kinski comes across as damaged and deranged, a method actor to beat all method actors and as self-obsessed and violent as a documentarian could wish for. On the one hand, this film has the feel of a hatchet job - we hear nothing from Kinski himself who had died long before the film was put together. There are, however, times when Herzog is more generous, not in giving Eva Mattes and Claudia Cardinale time to praise Kinski, but also in describing his own working relationship and admiration.

"In a Lonely Place," by Dorothy Hughes

Novel, 1947

Gripping thriller, with an unreliable narrator, stakeouts, murders and a Los Angeles full of noir and women who would comfortably fit the femme fatale trope were the narrator not so warped and wrapped up in himself. This is a book with a small number of characters and a gloomy trajectory whose mystery is hinted at then revealed in short notice, with the rest of the book moving its characters round with the inevitable consequences playing out. This is a book where the psychology and tension of noir and mental imbalance play out splendidly. The book rattles along at a good pace and though gloomy, rewards the reader with some really atmospheric suspence.

"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.

Image by Fair Source, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=40944043

"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.