S.C. Skillman's Blog, page 38
June 26, 2018
Guest Post: Greatest Movies of All Time? by Abigail Robinson
Today I’m delighted to be bringing you a guest post by my daughter Abigail who is a Media graduate and film buff.
[image error]Tim Robbins in The Shawshank Redemption
Here’s Abigail’s article on The Greatest Movies of All Time.
Greatest Movie Of All Time? (Top Four Films Pre-2000)
How many times have you heard the term ‘greatest movie of all time’ or ‘a must-watch for all film students/buffs’? During an open day at the University of Aberystwyth several years ago I heard one such claim in regard to Citizen Kane. The wonders of the film personally fell flat on me, though I can see why some people love it. The movie was breathtaking to look at and I couldn’t stop examining the lighting and camera composition, but the story baffled me no matter how many times I watched it.
While all opinions are subjective, here are just 4 films released before 2000 that I have seen commonly mentioned in this way, that I believe are absolutely worthy of their praise.
The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Despite its simplicity, the power conveyed by this film cannot be ignored. This is a deeply moving story of resilience, loyalty and redemption and for this reason is one of my favourite films of all time.
[image error]Morgan Freeman in The Shawshank Redemption
It pulls no punches in presenting us with the horrific reality of life inside prison, complete with its truly corrupt power base. We see the full range of the human character, showing no person is black and white, and surprisingly the people locked up show more signs of decency than those detaining them.
Powerful performances from Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins carry the film from its opening to closing points, both understated, directing attention towards the colourful supporting characters, all the while cunningly distracting us from the activities that build to the brilliant and witty twist at the end. The ending may seem saccharine to some but it forms a feel-good conclusion to what could at times be a dispiriting story. For its ability to pull the heartstrings alone, I believe it is worthy of all its praise.
Psycho (1960)
This is the father of the slasher genre, and I believe, the best. This film continues to affect me as I’m sure it did people at the time of release. It’s a true innovator in the world of filmmaking. The iconic shower scene has become such a standard that it borders on cliché, but there is a reason this scene struck a chord in the first place.
[image error]Anthony Perkins as Norman in Psycho
Psycho draws the audience in through a series of ‘MacGuffins’ (narrative red herrings), encouraging us to empathise with the protagonist, Marion, and become invested in her plight over the stolen money and her wish to marry her divorced boyfriend, only to have her brutally murdered 30 minutes in. The tone changes dramatically as we suspect the seemingly innocent Norman of sinister acts. The film relies not on gore but on suspense and the genuine acting ability of the cast. Techniques may have changed, but Psycho continues to horrify and compel years later, which is why it deserves its place among the greats.
American Beauty (1999)
A satirical, and deeply cynical look at American society. Using brilliant acerbic wit this film reflects the worst of what domestic life could be. But what starts out as a hilarious cast of stereotypical characters, turns into a nuanced and emotional look at the human condition, the message being ‘nothing is ever what it seems’.
[image error]Kevin Spacey in American Beauty
The use of mise-en-scene (visual language conveyed through anything on screen) is beautiful, the red of the front door, the white of the picket fence and the deep blue of the sky embedding the concept of the American Dream into almost every image.
The end of the movie moves me deeply every time and is on a par with the end of the Shawshank Redemption, although with a more bittersweet edge. Stirring soundtracks from Thomas Newman, which contain notably similar strands of music, aptly hold both films together. There are few films that so tightly interweave haunting reflections on life and black comedy as American Beauty does and I admire it for that.
The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
The Silence of the Lambs is incredibly chilling, especially in its portrayal of Hannibal with an iconic performance from Anthony Hopkins. We feel as trapped and vulnerable as trainee FBI agent, Clarice Starling, following her mission to unearth information on the cereal killer Buffalo Bill with the help of cannibalistic psychiatrist, Hannibal Lecter.
[image error]Jodie Foster in The Silence of the Lambs
The performances are definitely the driving force, but the dialogue is brilliant and the suspense created by the subdued lighting and camera placement is intense. A giant of the crime/thriller genre.
My mission to watch as many classic films as I can is far from complete. There are many movies I would love to include in this list, from The Godfather to Fight Club, to much of Stanley Kubrick’s work. While it is very difficult to pinpoint the best film of all time, there are countless gems waiting to be discovered if only after a search.
What are some of your favourite films of all time?
June 19, 2018
Joyful Atmosphere at the Leamington Spa Peace Festival June 2018
Each year in June the Peace Festival is held in the Royal Pump Room Gardens in Leamington Spa. [image error]A colourful and eclectic mix of stallholders, different religious and activist and local community groups, musicians, street food vendors, and sellers of vibrant gypsy, bohemian and ethnic clothes, hats, bag and jewellery all converge on the gardens.
[image error]
The result is a vibrant, joyful festival lasting two days, spreading goodwill and the message of peaceful co-existence, mutual understanding and acceptance of our fellow human beings in all our diversity.
[image error]
The local community choir Songlines conducted by our enthusiastic maestro Bruce Knight sang a cross-cultural set of songs which included fantastic gospel songs Egalile, I’m on My Way to Canaan Land, and Done Made My Vow to the Lord, along with community choir arrangements of I’m Still Standing by Elton John, Like a Hurricane by Neil Young, and the uplifting and moving song Hey Brother by Avicii.
The Leamington Spa Peace Festival is run, amazingly, by volunteers, and they do a brilliant job of organising this event. Long may the Peace Festival return to Leamington Spa each year.
[image error]
June 12, 2018
Taste the Spirit of Warwickshire – A Shakespeare-Inspired Spiritual Travel Guide
My proposed new non-fiction book, Spirit of Warwickshire, is currently in the early stages of its journey into the world.
[image error]St Peter’s Church Wootton Wawen: The Saxon Sanctuary photo credit Abigail Robinson
Richly illustated with full colour photos by photographer Abigail Robinson, the book contains twenty short pieces about places in Warwickshire that I love, visit often, and believe to have spiritual presence.
I define a place of spiritual presence in these terms: “it affords us an opportunity to reflect upon the lives of those long dead, the interweaving of fate and destiny, and explore dynamic equivalents within our own lives.” As this suggests, many of the places I describe have strong historical character.
[image error]Enchanted Kenilworth Castle photo credit Abigail Robinson
Because I love Shakespeare, and Warwickshire is Shakespeare’s county, I have headed each chapter with an appropriate quotation from the Bard that I feel corresponds either in spirit or in specifics to what I have independently written about each place.
Here’s a taste of what you may find in the book, visually: a sneak peek at some of the beautiful and high quality illustrations to be included.
[image error]Milverton Hill, Warwick, in June – photo credit Abigail Robinson
June 5, 2018
Fun and Excitement on the Author Stand at the UK Games Expo
Just back from the UK Games Expo – a fun event for all ages at the Birmingham NEC showcasing creative games designers, model makers, authors, artists, cosplayers and Vikings![image error]
The authors’ genres spanned fantasy, paranormal, thrillers, history, sci fi and time travel. There was a real buzz about the event, and I enjoyed networking with fellow authors, sold a few books, gained new mailing list subscribers, and met and chatted with some lovely people.
[image error]
I enjoyed the great atmosphere and admired the imagination of the games creators and the talents behind some stunning graphics.
[image error] A love of story drew people in – for that is the one element shared by us all.
[image error]
It was also a joy to see the fantasy characters and strange creatures passing by in their magnificent cosplay outfits.
[image error]Why not put the UK Games Expert in your diaries – it’s a wonderful event which takes place over a weekend in early June each year at the Birmingham NEC.
Thanks to Richard Denning, author, games creator and UK Games Expo organiser, for the opportunity to exhibit there on the Author Stand.
May 29, 2018
A Lost Garden Rediscovered and Given New Life: Guy’s Cliffe Walled Garden, Warwick
I love gardens which once were lost, but have now been restored.
[image error]View of Guys Cliffe Walled Garden with poppy installation
How poignant and symbolic they seem, and how inspiring when they are recovered and given new life.
A famous example is The Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall; but we have a rediscovered garden just down the road from us.
Just off the road between Warwick and Kenilworth you will find Guy’s Cliffe Historic Walled Garden. It used to be the kitchen garden for Guy’s Cliffe House, the atmospheric mansion about which I have already written on this blog. You can read my post here. But after the last heir to the estate, Sub-Lieutenant Algernon Percy, died in the First World War, the estate was broken up. For years this walled garden was lost beneath thick undergrowth, but in the last few years, the garden has undergone restoration by a team of devoted volunteers.
[image error]Guys Cliffe Walled Garden Fernery
I’ve visited the garden a few times, sited behind Hintons Nursery off the Coventry Road, Warwick; and my son Jamie, a horticultural student, has also spent some hours volunteering in the garden.
[image error]Guys Cliffe Walled Garden, Warwick
The garden now is testament to the dedication of those who’ve freely given their time and expertise and hard work to bring it to its present state. It’s an ongoing project and has been featured on Gardeners’ World.
Recently the gardeners have installed a new poppy wall mural to commemorate the Battle of Jutland, in which Algernon Percy, the last heir to the estate, died.
What an inspiration this garden is; and it is also full of atmosphere, invoking a strong sense of the lives of those who worked here and loved the garden and nurtured it in the past.
How to find it:
The Walled Garden is at the back of Hintons Nursery.
Access & parking via:
Hintons Nursery, Coventry Road, Guy’s Cliffe, Warwick CV34 5FJ
May 22, 2018
GDPR Compliance on SC Skillman Blog
[image error]SC Skillman author at Fair in Nuneaton 20 May 2018
It’s been a busy few days as I have been listening to successful woman writers speaking at two exciting events – a visit to Ingram Spark (book printers and distributors) and a tour round their digital printing facility in Milton Keynes; and the following day I was in London at the George IV pub in Chiswick, on the day of Harry and Meghan’s wedding, to attend a fabulous networking event “The Bloggers Bash”; and finally I attended a fair in Nuneaton to sell signed copies of my books.
Here below I give my statement about this blog, as required by the GDPR which comes into effect on 25th May 2018.
This is a short post re: GDPR which comes into effect on May 25, 2018.
Any cookies on my website are used to ensure normal website functions. These cookies cannot be switched off because the website wouldn’t function properly without them. However, it is my understanding that these identifiers do not store any personal data.
When you leave a comment on this blog WordPress will automatically store your gravatar name, IP Address, comment, and email address. Therefore, leaving a comment is considered a definite intention, as defined by the GDPR giving me consent to store this information, and permission to contact you in the future.
But please rest assured that your personal information will not be sold or shared with any third parties under any circumstances. If you wish me to remove your data for any reason please get in touch.
If for whatever reason you do not consent to the above, please don’t leave a comment on my blog.
May 14, 2018
Book Review: “Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine” by Gail Honeyman
A very thought-provoking novel told from the point of view of a woman who is “different” from others in her daily life and therefore arouses uncomfortable feelings in others, leading to alienation and loneliness.[image error]
Yet as we progress through the novel, learning more about Eleanor and her life, there are times when we cannot help agreeing with, and being amused by, her observations about those around her, as she misses social cues, communicates with people in a strange, over-formal manner, and shows a lack of knowledge of her own culture.
I found myself totally captivated by the story and by the development of her relationship with the wonderfully patient and kind Raymond, which does give plenty of opportunities for humour, especially as she reports his responses to her. At times their relationship and their conversations reminded me of those between Don and Rosie in the brilliant comic novel “The Rosie Project.”
While Eleanor makes progress in her life, suspense builds as we long to find out the truth of the traumatic events in her childhood which had such a devastating effect upon her. The novel has many moments of wisdom and discernment. I thoroughly recommend this novel for its psychological insight and its wry humour.
May 7, 2018
Inspiring Archbishop Justin Welby in Brilliant Celebrations at Coventry Cathedral for #Cov100
Between 3rd and 5th May 2018 Coventry Diocese celebrated their 100th anniversary – and the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby played a key role at the centre of the celebrations.
[image error]Archbishop Justin Welby at Coventry Cathedral 5 May 2018
Over the course of the three days I attended three events – the first in a Warwickshire farm, the second in the Nuneaton church where Justin was curate 1992-1995, and finally the Centenary Festival at Coventry Cathedral on Saturday 3rd May.
During all these events I was enormously impressed by Archbishop Justin. He engaged his audience with warmth and self-deprecating humour, telling several funny anecdotes; he answered questions with compassion, humility and wisdom; he told some astonishing stories about dangerous situations he has entered into around the world, during his reconciliation work.
[image error]Bishop of Coventry and Archbishop of Canterbury at Coventry Cathedral 5 May 2018
He has visited some of the most dangerous places in the world and put his own life at risk (incuding an occasion when he was kidnapped). Above all, throughout these three days, he has been inspiring, encouraging and uplifting.
During the event on Friday 4th May Justin answered questions from people in their 20s and 30s and the first event of the day at the Cathedral was a Q and A session with teenagers.
It is so difficult to pick out any one thing among all the things I’ve heard him say during those three days, but one answer struck me in particular on Saturday morning. He had been describing his travels in countries torn by brutal conflict, who are in desperate need of the reconciliation work for which Coventry’s Cross of Nails ministry is famous. He was asked, “What is the greatest spiritual threat you’ve ever faced?”
[image error]Motionhouse dancers at Coventy Cathedral 5 May 2018
He replied, “Sometimes I have met bad people – deeply evil people. And I have found that often these people can also be deeply charming, delightful and interesting. The danger then is that you might find yourself sucked into a collusive relationship. That’s why you need to be in a team, to guard against that – to ensure compromise doesn’t go too far.”
He said risk is essential to reconciliation. And certainly he has often taken extreme risks in his own reconciliation work. He also said that sometimes he is overwhelmed by the sorrow of the situations he encounters. His wisest word on the subject of reconciliation work? “You must start by reconciling yourself to God.”
[image error]Drama at Coventry Cathedral 5 May 2018
April 30, 2018
New Book: Spirit of Warwickshire
Now I’ve begun work on my new book Spirit of Warwickshire, here’s a taster of what you’ll find in it.[image error]
The book, which I plan to release later this year with Luminarie, will contain a selection of articles about places in Warwickshire which I’ve visited and which have spiritual resonance. These will be places which carry meaning, places which have power, and places which set off chains of reflections, memories, dreams.
Each of my articles will be accompanied by a full colour original photo of the location by my photographer daughter Abigail Robinson.
This will not be a traditional tourist guide, but an individual take on various places that visitors to Warwickshire may well want to include on their itinerary. This is a guide for travellers of spirit, not just tourists. Here’s a glimpse of just some of the places that will be on my list of contents:
Holy Trinity Church, Morton Bagot: Water, Rock, Moon & Ancient Stone
Guys Cliffe House: Romantic Ruin
St Peter’s Church, Wootton Wawen: Saxon Sanctuary
Upton House: A Watered Garden
The Saxon Mill, Warwick: a Writer’s Delight
The Saxon Mill, Warwick: A Snowy Walk
Enchanted Kenilworth
Kenilworth Castle: Boxing Day
Kenilworth Castle: Queen Elizabeth’s Privy Garden
Kenilworth Castle : Christmas Wreath Making
Kenilworth Castle: A Dream Arising from Ruins
Kenilworth Castle: Elizabeth and Dudley
St Mary’s Church, Warwick: Inspiration from the Tower
Spring at Baddesley Clinton
Shakespeare’s , New Place, Stratford-upon-Avon: Garden of Curious Amusements
The Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon: Sir Antony Sher and Shakespeare
Folk Festival, Warwick
St James’s Church, Old Milverton: Country Graveyard
House of Bread, Shipston-upon-Stour: Sheep and Lamb
Compton Verney: Capability Brown Landscape
The Castle Inn, Edgehill
April 23, 2018
Oxfordshire Place of Inspiration: Castle Inn, Edgehill
A place of inspiration is any place which arouses strong emotions, or perhaps memories, dreams, or reflections. The Castle Inn at Edgehill Oxfordshire is one such place.[image error]
A tavern was first built in this high location in 1742 – one hundred years after the date of the Battle of Edgehill which took place in the valley below. There, on 23rd October 1642 the forces of the Parliamentarians and the Royalists faced each other in the open field between Kineton and Radway. The English Civil War was just beginning. The King’s forces had been on their way to London via Birmingham and Kenilworth. The Parliamentarian forces had been heading for Worcester. And they accidentally came together in this bloody battle. The Civil War should have ended there. But it didn’t. The battle ended indecisively, but if the royalist forces had marched straight to London they would have gained the advantage, and the war would have been over.
Instead, they made one of those fateful wrong decisions upon which English history so often turns. The Parliamentarian forces got to London first, and a cruel war ensured. King Charles I had lost his best chance to win. His own personal story ended when he paid the highest price for his errors and bad choices, by being beheaded.
[image error]One of England’s most evocative and compelling ghost stories lingers around this place too. Since the time of the battle, haunting sounds and apparitions have been reported by many, at night, and particularly around the anniversary of the battle.
Above all this, the Castle Inn sits with its folly in the form of a castellated tower (in which you may book an overnight stay), a picturesque and intriguing attraction at Edgehill, offering refreshment, delicious meals and excellent service in its delightful beer garden, refurbished dining room and historic bar.
It’s one of my favourite pubs to visit, here in the heart of England. Though its attendant history is very sad – see the exhibition now on display at St Peter’s Church Radway – being a story full of tragedy and cruelty and fate, of the kind we love to reflect upon from our safe distance of centuries: until we start to compare it with several current situations of conflict in the world today.
Such, to me, qualifies it to be a place of spiritual resonance, because it affords us an opportunity to reflect upon our own lives, and upon the human story and its twists and turns of fate, from our perspective of centuries after the original historical events. When a place evokes strong feelings of pity, poignancy, compassion, to my mind, that makes it a special place.
[image error]And by the way the interior is delightful, the views are magnificent, the service excellent and the menu thoroughly enjoyable!
