Badlands - 1973

I don't think I've ever *discovered* a movie before, but if there is one it's Badlands with Sissy Spacek and Martin Sheen. I only came across it as I'm working my way through Sissy Spacek's career, and it gets so few mentions in contrast to its startling quality, I feel I've uncovered a gem.

If you're an old git like me that was too young to enjoy this or just missed it on the film map in the 70s and onwards, but now looks to relax and enjoy good movie making with great screen presence and credible scripts, I think this might work.

I had a lot of enjoyment watching this last night and I'm looking forward to seeing what other work Terence Malik has directed.

There's an amazing Youtube of Martin Sheen telling the story of how he came to be cast in the lead role of Charles Starkweather who was possibly the the United States' first charismatic serial killer.

Creepy Simon Cowell

Some people say Simon Cowell isn't the charming and friendly face he appears to be. 

I found his donation to the IDF after they targeted and bombed 500 children to death in Palestine most repugnant.

Closer - 2004

For some reason I feel we were regulars down the Pickle Factory in Bangkok when I watched this first. I may be wrong on that as the memory plays tricks.

Those were among the best Pizzas I ever ate, though I did subsequently review many in Jomtien many years later.

What struck me watching this 13 years later is how contemporary it all seemed at the time. 

30 somethings getting to grips with pre social media and aging rapidly as we progressed or otherwise professionally and emotionally.

The movie isn't as polished or flawless as these actors could make today, though Natalie Portman, Jude Law, Clive Owen and Julia Roberts are still professionals with a legacy that has not tarnished.