The Passion of Joan of Arc at Colston Hall

A few weeks ago, having been given complimentary tickets by my Watershed colleagues, I asked my friend Nicola to accompany me to the one off screening/concert of Carl Theodor Dreyer's The Passion of the Joan of Arc at the Colston Hall. I've brushed by the historic figure of Joan in some readings about women in history but I really didnt know much about her, the film nor the score that was to echo the images. I knew the event had a big buzz as Adrian Utley from Portishead, and Will Gregory from Goldfrapp were the musical geniuses behind the music.

Colston hall's glittering gold belly was packed with so many people from the 'Bristol' scene. I knew it was going to be a special night. Nicola and I started light hearted joking and posing (see Nicola as Joan no. 2!) but, trust me, we left the concert hall with tears in our eyes.

I don't want to glamourise this event with what might be assumed hyperbole, but this was one of the best cultural events I have ever been to. I will openly admit I get bored at a lot of plays and gigs but this entranced me. It was sublime. From the moment the old school projector whirred to life I was drawn to the mesmerising pools of Joan's eyes. I have never been a follower of silent films (in fact I have been ignorantly dismissive) but this echoed through me, reminding me why I love film so much. It also stirred me on a deeper level, making me think about the flaws of humanity and the thin line between insanity and passion.

The music was a revelation. Harps blended with electric guitars and the voices of the choir caused many around me to be visibly moved. This visuals, message and music caused a sense of melancholy and euphoria. As I left the hall, I blinked as if emerging from another world. It is such a shame, but yet adds to the sublimity, that this was a one night only.

On a humorous note here is Hugh and Nicola (again) recreating some of the key scenes...

The end of a BTEC era...

What a week!

Today I took my fantastic BTEC (and the amazing Adibah - key contributor to Electric December) group during their last session down to the Watershed to be given their final grades and a spot of lunch followed by a film. The students were really pleased to see Maddy (from the Watershed - far right) again and George proclaimed her as 'amazing'. 

Nachos were also welcome but the film, 'The Scouting Book for Boys' (no, not the crappy indie/pop band) didnt bring so much joy. I think all enjoyed it and were carried away by the majestic, British cinematography but, dear me, the ending was grim. Stephen King's Misery, teenage stylie to sum it up.

To cheer ourselves up, as the students left to pick their prom dresses out in town (remember prom?! my was on a boat with the sound track from Luhrman's 'Romeo & Juliet' soundtrack playing too loud), me and Mr. Lee Mead decided to catch a showing of 'Four Lions' - the first suicide bomber comedy in history ( I assume). Having watched the amazing 'Zombieland' the night before (Bill Murray?) I expected as many belly laughs but though I felt pretty ready for the 'Jihad' jokes, I still felt sorely sad at the end. I think this was the point of the film, and certainly less people were laughing by the end.

This film doesnt deserve any of the criticisms it has had heaped by a pile of steaming tabloid 'intellect', but rather is brave and upsetting and highlights that in any culture and religion, we as humans are tragically falilble and ridiculous. Surely, that is the essence of humour?

To end on a humourous note, I wonder whether George (the marvelous George, who gained a merit in his BTEC certificate today!) realised that the background gave him Mickey Mouse ears?