"The Nice and the Good", by Iris Murdoch

Novel, 1968

A real lesson in engaging the reader with a hefty cast of characters, including more than a few conflicts and clashes. This is a book which really grips from the off and drives the reader through ever an more chaotic and unlikely plot, which keeps the pages turning even as more and more incredulity sets in. Shades and echoes of all sorts here, from country house whimsy to Black Magic to some almost classical aspects. A real rollicking read which twists between grim intensity and more more lighthearted trickery.

"The Internship", directed by Shawn Levy

Movie, 2013

Enjoyable comedy, which is almost over cloyingly American, but which nonetheless just about gets away with its over-sunny disposition with some near inter generational and cross cultural horseplay. The premise and story are both pretty thin and everything ridiculously predictable, but along the way, there are some funny set pieces and asides, even if a few of the set pieces outstay their welcome. Maybe not the most memorable film, but big and good enough not to have to be particularly bold. 

"The Prisoner of Second Avenue", directed by Melvin Frank

Movie, 1974

Comedy about power and work relations in a married couple suddenly exposed to economic hardship. Some excellent acting and a few decent scenes, although this film rather skates over some hefty issues in a way which suggests there's no problem with, say, metal illness. Things feel a little rushed and insubstantial as a result, although the film's perfectly entertaining if you can look past these niggles. A movie which feels as if its been lifted from a play (it was) and a little claustrophobic with it.

"The Comforters," by Muriel Spark

Novel, 1957

A novel it's difficult to describe without making it sound much better than it actually is. This is a tale of polite post-war society getting snagged up in witchcraft, insanity, affairs, diamond smuggling and all sorts besides. The trouble is that addressing all these themes and incidents with a cast of what feels like dozens of characters is tricky, especially when there's a huge proportion of the writing in dialogue. Some great writing, but overall, things just don't seem to have any real coherence. Some great moments, but the sum is difficult to be wholly favourable towards.

"Nocturne", directed Edwin L Marin

Movie, 1946

Moody whodunnit-cum-thriller, which feels a little restrained in terms of its settings and action, but which nonetheless puts over some good ideas and looks great in places. While the action and the film swiftly slip into formulae, the central character just about keeps the interest, despite George Raft not being 100% convincing in the role. Some good expressionistic lighting, noir atmospherics and pretty entertaining overall, though never really hitting the absolute pinnacles of similar films of the time and genre.

"THX 1138", directed by George Lucas

Movie, 1971

Brutal, good looking dystopia from a student film re-shot by Lucas, covering similar ground to "1984", though doing so by stripping even humanity out of the nightmare world he's created. What this gives us is a film it's hard to engage with or immerse in, which isn't helped by the slow narrative pushing along a rather opaque, threadbare script. Undeniably a visual stunner with an equally bleak soundtrack. A film to admire and ponder rather than enjoy.

"The Guest", directed by Adam Wingard

Movie, 2014

A film which flits between thriller, horror, mystery and teen romp but ends up being none of these things. Some good atmosphere and ideas early on, though these are subverted through clumsy foreshadowing, obvious plotting and a weird sense of non-anticipation as incident follows incident with indecent haste. A film which isn't so many things, it's tricky to say what it is. Hokum and entertaining to a point, but the sort of shameless sequel baiting fodder which really doesn't deserve a franchise.