Matchpoint - nul point
 

What on earth was that all about???

Saw 'Matchpoint' last night - inspired as much by older son's declaration that it was 'all set in Headley' than anything. It wasn't, but I can understand how he might have missed that the script mentioned Headley as a place that son Tom might like to live as opposed to where the family actually lived.

Found the film generally more than a bit slow, and yawn-stifling at times. The ending was a killer, as much in the sense of being incredulous as for the literal sense. How did we get to this point so suddenly (and unconvincingly). And if you think Brit cops would act this way then think again (certainly no basis for considering a life of crime in the UK). Plus Woody seemed to think it OK to bury/lose key facts (which he did by the bucket-load) than otherwise see the ending he had concocted fall by the wayside.

Still, just about watchable for the stunning Scarlet, the glorious English countryside and grand family country home, but not much else.

And this has four (or is it five) Golden Globe nominations.....??? No wonder the film industry is bemoaning record falling cinema attendances...

I will probably see it anyway because Steve Pemberton & Mark Gatiss from The League of Gentlemen are in it.... Although I am aware they may have blink-and-you-miss-it roles.

I can easily overlook and tune out a lame story if the movie has stunning visuals. Thanks for the head's up on both counts.

English Countryside - doesn't get much better than that. You are very lucky to have that awesome house situated right in the middle of it. One of these days, I'm going to get over there and take a tour of Edwin Lutyens country homes - hopefully get to stay in one for a night or two.

If/when you do, besides popping by for a cuppa tea chez-Headley, it would be worthwhile visiting northern France for a day to take in the Somme area around Thiepval in France. If you like Lutyens work then you will probably already know about his monument to the Battle of the Somme. Picture here if you need one, but it has to be seen to be appreciated. Also Reuters head office (where I worked for 8 years) was designed by Lutyens - 85 Fleet Street - call by there and ask nicely and I reckon someone would show you around....