On page 8 of their Winter Magazine 2011, Coles makes the rather patronising claim that they are “encouraging their customers to try different types of seafood in an effort to address the issue of dwindling stocks in our oceans.”
Well, who takes any notice of the Duopoly when it comes to this stuff, anyway? We all know it’s only branding. It’s stating the bleeding obvious that neither Coles nor Woolworths give a shit about anything other than their bottom line. Environmentalism is the new black, innit? And therefore, highly marketable. But really, if you’re gonna come out with the sort of preachy-toned claims Coles have made above, better be sure you don’t betray yourself as the bullshitters we all know you are. Check out the following ad in their current sales brochure (Thursday 23rd June to Wednesday 29th June 2011): Continue reading Coles’ fishy environmentalist claims→
This outrageously ambitious film from director Terrence Malick begins modestly enough: a mother (Jessica Chastain) receives a telegram from the military advising that her son has been killed in action (presumably in Vietnam). Flashback to earlier days, the ill-fated child but a babe in his doting mother’s arms, and an unwelcome intrusion in the world of his first-born toddler brother, Jack. Continue reading ‘The Tree Of Life’ – Movie Review→
Going by the reactions of the people around me at the preview screening, this film is going to polarise its audiences. Well, I say that as the sole defender of the movie in my vicinity. “What a mess!” one vocally prominent woman bawled as she sailed out on to the street, her own wind gusting in her sails. “So pretentious!” exclaimed another.
I’m usually tersely dismissive of pretentious cinema. One whiff of arty indulgence and my hackles raise. And yes, I can see why the sorts of accusations I overheard on the preview night might be levelled at Sleeping Beauty. It’s a lyrical piece that dares to take itself seriously without the usual safety net of irony – very ‘arthouse’, if you like. Aussies have a low tolerance for this mode of cinema when it issues from within. If it’s French, or German, or Spanish… well, somehow we’re a lot more comfortable with the exotic when it’s actually exotic. Homegrown stuff has to be self-effacing, or tough, or quirky and seasoned with plenty of wry humour, right mate? Continue reading ‘Sleeping Beauty’ – Movie Review→
