Five For Your Radar: Poor Things, Frankie Boyle, True Detective...
Poor Things is out this week and Frankie Boyle brings his Lap of Shame to Cork
Director Yorgos Lanthimos has given us some of the most wonderfully unique films of recent years and Poor Things is no different. Having picked up the Golden Globe for Best Film and Best Actress (Emma Stone) in the musical or comedy category, this film is already basking in critical acclaim. Oscar-winner Stone's performance has been touted as one of her best and most daring. The period sci-fi follows Bella Baxter whose life only truly begins after she dies. It's also backed by Irish producers and was filmed by Dublin director of photography Robbie Ryan.
Artist Dominic Thorpe has spent a number of years exploring the condition of 'perpetrator trauma' in an Irish context, namely in relation to the Civil War in Cork city. There is an argument that perpetrator trauma is needed to fully understand the societal trauma in the aftermath of violence. Dark Dark Mouth is a body of performance, drawing and installation work which delves into the murky depths of perpetrator trauma and challenges us to view our history and its impact through another lens. Thorpe will also host a symposium on the topic on Saturday, January 27.
Ten years since the first instalment of True Detective and the beginning of the McConaissance, the series has been resurrected. If we're honest, the second and third chapters of the anthology failed to reach the level of the first. But perhaps the five-year hiatus means that we will be treated to a fresh take. With Jodie Foster at the helm and Cork actress Fiona Shaw also among the cast, it does feel promising. Our shiny new detective duo are based in Alaska faced with the task of solving the mystery behind the disappearance of eight researchers.
The Scottish comedian is bringing his Lap of Shame tour back to Cork, as well as Killarney and other Irish venues, this week. It's the gig that just keeps on giving. His fans aren't complaining though. Boyle has carved himself out a nice spot in the stand-up scene since he first arrived all anger and accent. His shtick is the same as it always was but if it's not broke, don't fix it. The state of the world — and I mean the state of it — means that Boyle has no shortage of material to draw from. His scathing commentary offers respite and a glimmer of cop on at a time when both are in short supply.
Look, the man needs no introduction. Christy's a legend and an icon. He has been delivering consistently fantastic tunes and live shows for decades. It's January, we are all deep in recovery mode after the festive season. We want a night out that we know will be great. No energy for any messing about. A drink and a good singsong down the pub but...elevated. It's the perfect tonic as we face more long dark evenings and three weeks until pay day.
