First The Substance - the Demi Moore film that is sending audiences into the toilets to be sick (four people left the movie during the show and all toilets were blocked up with vomit). I actually found it not too gruesome at all but very funny. It's not a horror film; it's a comedy. The standouts were NOT the effects (which I'd seen before in many better films) but the superb use of SOUND and CAMERA. Both visually and audio outstanding. Other than that - pretty good but don't go if you're squeamish.

Then walked across to the National to THAT Van Gogh exhibition. My favourite painter but I found this rather limited (it only really covers the Arles years). Still some wonders - you really DO have to see the real thing in paintings and sculptures - example... DAVID whose statue by MichelAngelo actually breathes in marble.

The National was packed and it's not cheap. Worth every penny though and great to see how truly great art can pack out events. This show could be sold out every single session every day until the next century yet he could hardly sell a painting during his lifetime. There's a bit of Vincent in JK.

People fear what they do not understand. Van Gogh was often mocked and ridiculed. Still believe he lost his ear in a sword fight with Gaugin.

Downing Street Cat wrote:


Still believe he lost his ear in a sword fight with Gaugin.

Oh I hope that is true! Even if it isn't I will decide to believe it.

Greatly looking forward to my trip in Nov. I have yet to be in the same room as his work.

Like virtually every great artist personal contact is totally different to copies. A dear friend of mine wanted to give me a large statues of David as he knew it is my favourite work of art. I explained to him - NO - copies and photos, no matter how well done - are TOTALLY different to the real thing which actually breathes. You can see the marble move if you look at ot long enough. Vincent's paintings are the same. The real thing moves. Waves tumble; breezes blow; potato eaters munch.

JK2006 wrote:


You can see the marble move if you look at ot long enough. Vincent's paintings are the same. The real thing moves. Waves tumble; breezes blow; potato eaters munch.

Very well put and so true.

I don't understand people who look bored at the idea of art exhibitions or think they are "dry".

I went into a strange little trance at a Blake exhibition once. I had to be nudged back to reality by Mrs Wyot who looked slightly alarmed by my demeanour...

Some of that strange visionary's magic dust entered me that day; for a few sacred minutes.

Last time I went to a Van Gogh exhibition with my friend Tommy. We split up (I hate going with someone - if affects my - and their - view "What do you think?") - I was standing in front of a lesser known painting of his (Autumn Trees on a horizon done in shades of brown - extraordinary) and tears started pouring down my cheeks - so much so that others became alarmed and Tommy rushed over to me to ask if I was OK.

Incredible art. Stunning use of colour. Not just capturing the scene but his mood at that moment and his sadness and confusion in life. I have never experienced anything like it before or since (I didn't find any other in THIS display that affected me in similar fashion). DAVID did similar to me. First time I think I actually got an erection (well I was a teenager - I nearly always had an erection).

I really liked the substance, one of the best films I have seen this year. I don't usually like Sci-Fi which I think this is, but it is so obviously over the top and tongue-in-cheek that you can't take it seriously and aren't supposed to, unlike the very earnest Matrix, which I didn't enjoy at all.

JK2006 wrote:


I have never experienced anything like it before or since

I also have only had the on trace like experience with paintings (before anyone - GM! - suggests I had had nothing more than an Earl Grey tea..) at the Blake. It was so powerful. Lasted just a few minutes.

I think great art can overpower us sometimes because it makes life more real than life. And I think can raise emotions in us we simply didn't know were there.

Come to think of it, I had another comparable experience when I watched Anthony Hopkins in the film Shadowlands. I was on my own and simply burst into uncontrollable tears at the end.

And at college my A level Classics tutor came to ask if I was okay as I had gone "trance like" reading the poetry of The Odyssey.

Wyot wrote:
JK2006 wrote:


I have never experienced anything like it before or since

I also have only had the on trace like experience with paintings (before anyone - GM! - suggests I had had nothing more than an Earl Grey tea..) at the Blake. It was so powerful. Lasted just a few minutes.

I think great art can overpower us sometimes because it makes life more real than life. And I think can raise emotions in us we simply didn't know were there.

Come to think of it, I had another comparable experience when I watched Anthony Hopkins in the film Shadowlands. I was on my own and simply burst into uncontrollable tears at the end.

And at college my A level Classics tutor came to ask if I was okay as I had gone "trance like" reading the poetry of The Odyssey.




You and your trances Wyot. Are you a secret stoner? There's Early Grey tea and there's Earl Grey tea?

I might be seeing another Pink Floyd tribute show next year, what 'tea' do you suggest I should drink first prior the show?

Green Man wrote:
[quote]Wyot wrote:
[quote]JK2006 wrote:


I might be seeing another Pink Floyd tribute show next year, what 'tea' do you suggest I should drink first prior the show?

Drink The Tea GM and the enjoy The Set; as PF were briefly called The Tea Set in 1965. Then make your way directly home because Supper will be Ready!

Wyot wrote:
[quote]Green Man wrote:
[quote]Wyot wrote:
JK2006 wrote:


I might be seeing another Pink Floyd tribute show next year, what 'tea' do you suggest I should drink first prior the show?

Drink The Tea GM and the enjoy The Set; as PF were briefly called The Tea Set in 1965. Then make your way directly home because Supper will be Ready!


When I saw Steve Hackett last year, he played Supper's Ready and Foxtrot in full. It was mesmerising to watch. I guess Steve Hackett is my Van Gogh.

Next year, I will drink the special tea and go home to a club sandwich waiting for me in the fridge.

Shadow of the Hierophant is something else, especially feeling the breeze from the speakers when it gets louder.