Mary Queen of Scots (2018)

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After watching this splendid modern version of Mary Stewart's brave fight for her rightful claim for the English throne you realise the similarity between big Theresa May and Elizabeth 1^st, conniving, nasty and self opinionated except that Elizabeth does not quite seem as bad even if she did have Mary’s head removed. You’re also notice that the English attitude towards Scotland and its people has not changed very much in the interim period.

Based on the John Guy award winning historical biography My Heart is My Own: the Life of Mary Queen of Scots and directed by Josie Rourke on her feature film debut, (Rourke background is in theatre direction) This version is a lot more detailed than the 1971 film of the same name but it has its critics and historical faux pas. As we all are aware the Queen of the Scots never actually met the Queen of England and although Saoirse Ronan’s Scottish accent is absolutely pitch perfect, Mary was said to have a French accent but neither detracted from my enjoyment of the movie, a little poetic licence is always allowed in historical movies.

Alongside some cracking Glencoe scenery is some notable acting. Not just Saoirse Ronan as Mary and Margot Robbie as Elizabeth but also David Tennant who played the evil Protestant cleric John Knox and Martin Compston as Marys protector and eventual third husband. Its a very enjoyable slice of history where the two hour running time speeds to its conclusion, in my opinion, far too quickly.

Mary, Queen of Scots (1971)

Compared with Kings and Queens of yesteryear the current royal usurpers have it very easy. The odd expenses paid trip, interference in the odd referendum, right off an expensive Land Rover. No cold and bleak castle for them, a warm and rather large council house in a popular part of London, and they don’t pay for their extra bedrooms. You always know when they’re at home because there a Glasgow Ranger’s flag flying from the roof. You only have to watch a queenly costume drama to prove my point. Your life constantly at risk from some relative who wants your job, army’s to raise, wars to fight, and the expenses paid trips take a lot longer.  

With the recent release of the 2018 Mary Queen of Scots I thought it would be the ideal time to revisit Charles Jarrott 1971 version. It’s quite an enjoyable royal romp that’s crowning glory is the acting of the two leads, Vanessa Redgrave, who plays Mary and Glenda Jackson, in the role of Queen Elizabeth of England, were both nominated for acting awards. The worst part of the movie was the Scottish accents that were varied and unconvincing.  Following this viewing I await to see how the new, highly award nominated version, stands up.

Hector (2015)

Starring Scotland very own Peter Mullan, Hector is a movie that could easily be directed by Ken Loach but is not. Instead it’s the directing and writing debut of Jake Gavin who makes a grand job of it.

Hector McAdam (Mullan) has been homeless for best part of 15 years. Following a hospital appointment in Glasgow he decides to try and reconnect with his estranged sister in Newcastle while on his trip to his regular Christmas shelter in London, where as well as a bed and warm food for a few days he can catch up with old friends and acquaintances.

We eventually get some idea why this deeply secretive man is on what seems like a personal dead end journey but in the meantime we follow the ups and downs of his life thumbing lifts on the UK's motorways, and sleeping in service stations. Although I would recommend this movie, mainly for the convincing performances from its grand cast, I would suggest that the kindnesses received by our homeless is not quite as positive as those portrayed in this movie.

Bad Day for the Cut (2017)

A tense thriller about a middle-aged mild mannered Irish farmer Donal (Nigel O’Neill) who becomes a violent revenge driven assassin following the death of his mother with whom he shared the farmhouse. First thought to be a home invasion the film gradually unfolds the reasons behind her murder. Set and filmed in Northern Ireland the film also stars the great Susan Lynch as the ruthless Frankie. All though a pretty standard British gangster movie it does warm up in its latter stages but beware there is some rather nasty realistic violence. Can be viewed on Netflix.

Three and Out

My interest in this British movie came about because it starred Mackenzie Crook who I had enjoyed in the brilliant BBC TV series Detectorists where he plays opposite Toby Jones as one of two metal detecting friends Andy. This award winning comedy has been a great joy to watch and all 3 series are highly recommended.

In Three and Out (2008) Crook plays Paul Callow a dreamer who is a driver on the London Underground system. He wants to move to Scotland (who in there right mind would not want to) and right a novel. But the sticking point is a lack of funds. After he has two fatal accidents, while driving his train, in less than a month he finds out that if he can manage a further fatal accident within the same month London Transport will give him early retirement and 10 years salary, which would allow him to live out his dream All he needs to do is find a volunteer to jump in front of his train!

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I enjoyed the rather black humour of this twisted story, but I realise that I am in the minority. The critic hated it and ASLEF the train drivers union organised a protest at the movies premiere accusing the films plot of being ‘insulting and foolish’. They pointed out, quite rightly, that any train driver involved in fatal incidents could be traumatised by it.  Although I can see where the Union are coming from, I don’t agree with the critics.