It's only skin deep: "Tattoo"

Being a huge fan of the darly inventive "Se7en" (sorry, force of habit) I approached the 2002 film "Tattoo" somewhat hesitantly. When things are described as "the best since...." or "for lovers of...." there's a high chance of it being bait to make an average film be more than it actually is.

Still, when the DVD is re-released for £5.99 (albeit without extras as such) there comes a time to bite the bullet, slap the money down and hope for the best. Sometimes you wish you'd had a little more faith and done the buying thing sooner. Luckily, this was one of them.



Firstly, sometimes subtitles put people off a movie but in a case like this they're a positive plus point. Being a German movie (which it is) the language suits the subject matter in the same way that the band Rammstein get a harder edge to their vocals. Nothing fits the seedy underbelly like that hard sound of the language. Not an indication on the country, more on the phonetics. Either way, within about 5 minutes you cease to even notice. Good films are like that.



Secondly, let's get the similarities out of the way. It's not flashy - rather the sort of thing you'd call gritty or urban or just plain dark. It rains a lot in frequent parts of the film too. It's heavy, pounding rain and it adds a wonderfully oppressive mood to the tone of things.

Goodness knows that's something that needs no help, as this gives the aforementioned reference point a very good run for it's money in terms of building a mood, holding it and taking you along downhill with it. Whether you like it or not. I'd be very surprised if anybody could fail to be hooked after even the first scene. There are enough surprises and plot twists - though fortunately nothing unbelieveable - that if the mood doesn't get you then the story will.



You will like it though, as long as you don't expect kittens, sunshine or anything resembling a positive emotion. If, however, you fancy obsession, revenge and the collision of where these meet art on skin then dive in. One thing you'll never do is look at a tattoo the same way again.

If you do then just be thankful you're looking at it while it's still attached........

These chairs are more comfortable than I recalled.......

If you go and read the comments to the previous post you'll find I'd received a little welcome from Onkroes in the form of an idea for a music related post. I could have linked you there but I have to drive my hit count back up, ok ? It's cheap but, ah, why not ;o)

As they know (only too well) I'm a sucker for challenges music wise, on here or anywhere else. Rest assured that a post about the odd ways I discovered bands I love will appear. I have to write it though, of course. That kinda comes first.

Otherwise it's nearly the end of the week and I'll have managed a huge two (yep, that's 2) posts during that time. It's a start I guess. I'm consciously trying to let myself post when the unconscious desire in me tells me too. God, that last sentence was pretentious, wasn't it. Sorry.

Rather than panic that my dates aren't consecutive I'd rather continue with letting myself rush here when I have a 'blogging idea' moment. That way you get the fun of wondering if there's a new post or not. See, aren't I good to you ? :o)

I have a few ideas for posts building, so I'd imagine you'll get a few coming along bus-wise, somewhat nose to tail.

I have one, for example, which is about the wonderful design of the new Young Gods compilation album. I know it's odd to trail a post...in a post....but it's just something that may cause you to wonder who The Young Gods are and go and find out in the meantime. That, to me, is reason enough for the odd self-advertisment.

Other than that, though that's pretty great, there are a few things putting a smile on my face at the moment. If any of the below catch your eye I may be tempted to post on it. Comments make prizes, my lovely viewers, though they are also a time-wasting exercise for you. Ah, the dual edge of the interest sword. Great, isn't it ;o)

So, taking a deep breath:-

The new David Sylvian album "Snow Borne Sorrow", picking up "Trouble Every Day" and "Tattoo" for £5.99 each on DVD, the new Depeche Mode album being one of the best they've done after all these years, listening to the 21mins of the Can track "Yoo Doo Right" from 1969 and realising it's still near perfect, seeing Goldfrapp live close enough to most likely drool a little at Miss Goldfrapp herself, buying an old Sega Saturn console and a few games and them still being fun.

Actually, amongst everything else going on in my life, there's obviously been plenty of reason to not be around. You'd think I'd set this post up to explain that, wouldn't you ;o)

How quickly dust settles in this place !

So, morning all.

what's that ? You're surprised to see me ?

Well, I was in the neighbourhood and thought I'd drop in and check the locks etc. You know how it is when you leave properties empty for a while. I'm surprised that the windows are still in one piece, though I guess The Towers location makes it a little less prone to that sort of thing.

Thanks to those who'd dropped messages of support through my letterbox - they'll have noticed that I've collected the post from the doormat and am therefore back to where I left things. I really appreciate the interest and whilst I can't guarantee a post a day, I'm going to see about getting the covers off the furniture and settling back in. It's a nice property with good neighbours so it's too good to miss.

Oh, I did think about having a grand re-opening party but you'd have to bring your own booze....and food.....and, er, party. Hey, I'm still offering a venue though, that's something - right ?

It might take a day or two to get things into a state to be liveable again, but if you see a light on here then worry not - it's only me.