Well, well. It has been a few days. The thing about writing a movie blog is that when you can write is a bit determined by whether you've actually watched movies. So I think I might branch out a bit, make this blog a bit more open in scope. Anyway, another busy week where sleep has been a precious commodity and doco ideas have been somewhat elusive. On the plus side I have got back into writing mode, slowly but surely. I'm hoping to complete this sitcom pilot script in the next few weeks, although perhaps that's a little ambitious. I've been enjoying reading Russell Brand's book 'My Booky Wook' and got some new albums to spin on the ipod. Guided By Voices - 'Bee Thousand', The Go-Betweens - '16 Lovers Lane' and Animal Collective - 'Sung Tongs' are all on high rotation. Watched some movies too.

'Margot At The Wedding' (2007) directed by Noah Baumbach

I liked this film for the writing. The dialogue was clever and funny and the tone constantly shifted. The characters felt fresh and original, they were quirky yet offered a sense of truth. Having said that, many of the characters aren't particularly likeable and some scenes, especially those with Jack Black, are a little too farcical in tone to come across as strong emotional points in the film.

'Scarface' (1983) directed by Brian De Palma

Totally engaging film due primarily to the performance from Al Pacino. As Tony Montana, Pacino dominates the frame just as the character dominates others in the film. It's such a fascinating character amidst an epic and tragic storyline. Some of the set pieces are just masterfully played out, especially the scene of the first drug deal and the final climactic moment of the film.

'The Maltese Falcon' (1941) directed by John Huston

I'm really into these black-and-white private-eye noir films. This film is all about a bunch of characters who are all after the same thing and somehow, Sam Spade (played by Humphrey Bogart) gets caught up in the middle. While these characters all seem to be a little bit out of control, Spade is the essence of cool, even though he is the one who knows the least. This film is all about the exchanges between Spade and everyone else in the film, it's about power plays and witty dialogue. Most of all, it's good fun.

'Psycho' (1960) directed by Alfred Hitchcock

Classic thriller. Hitchcock is a master at creating suspense and what I really noticed while watching this film is the sense of the director's absolute control over the film. Every movement of the camera feels very deliberate. It's a great script too, in particular the scenes between Norman and Lila work really well to subtly build a sense of unease.