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Tuesday, 26 January 2021

A movie that influenced my life

This topic from Long and Short Reviews was a tough one. I read a lot of books and watch a lot of films, but struggled to think of one that had been particularly influential. Eventually I came up with a film which has been my favourite for many years - Heavenly Creatures.

I first discovered the film when I was 13 and became fascinated by both the film itself and the backstory behind it, to such a degree that I started researching the Parker-Hulme murder in depth. It's a shocking case, both in its startling violence and also in the attitudes of the time - the attitude towards the close friendship between the girls, which would be viewed quite differently now, and also the disgusting comments made by journalists when they discovered Pauline Parker's younger sister was institutionalised (claiming this proved she came from "bad stock"). 

The film also introduced me to Melanie Lynskey, one of my favourite actors, and made Peter Jackson one of my favourite directors. The passion he brought to the project shows in every shot.

So what has influenced your life?

 

20 comments:

  1. That one slipped by me. I'll have to check it out. I like Kate Winslet. https://pmprescott.blogspot.com/2021/01/wc012721-book-that-most-influenced-my.html

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  2. I love that movie...in part, I think, because Hulme grew up to become one of my favorite authors. My post is here: http://jhthomas.blogspot.com/2021/01/wednesday-weekly-blogging-challenge_27.html

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    1. I've never actually read any of hers. I keep meaning to try one.

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  3. Heavenly Creatures does sound good!

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  4. I've not seen this one, but I think I should. Thanks for the recommendation!
    My post is here: https://wendizwaduk.wordpress.com/2021/01/27/a-show-that-influenced-me-with-meganslayer-shows-tv-nightcourt/

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    1. I hope you like it - it's an acquired taste but I love it.

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  5. I remember hearing about this movie and thinking I'd like it... then I saw something shiny and forgot, lol. Thanks for reminding me!

    I'm here if you'd like to stop by: http://www.mariannearkins.com/wednesday-weekly-blogging-challenge-a-book-movie-tv-show-that-influenced-my-life/.

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  6. Good movie, Tanith. Intriguing how it led you onward to Peter Jackson--a great talent! Here's mine:
    https://www.marymorganauthor.com/single-post/long-and-short-reviews-weekly-blog-challenge-bonny-scotland

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    1. He's an amazing director and it really shows in that one.

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  7. I have never actually heard of this movie before but I am glad you mentioned it! I love putting good movies on my "to watch" list.

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  8. Heavenly Creatures, huh, I seemed to have missed that one. I'll have to check it out. Thanks for sharing. Here's mine. https://www.tenastetler.com/a-book-movie-tv-show-that-influenced-my-life-lsrs-blogging-challenge/

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  9. I was not aware of the film. But I do love Peter Jackson. Thanks for sharing.

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  10. I've never heard of this movie, but I do like Peter Jackson movies. My tastes run more to action/adventure/sci-fi movies. But I'll remember your rec.

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    1. I like those too, but it's good for a change of pace.

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