Showing posts with label Love My Way. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Love My Way. Show all posts

Monday, August 1, 2011

Always Trust Claudia Karvan

When I first read about Spirited, the new show from the makers of Love My Way, I thought it sounded a little silly. A woman in the 21st century having a love affair with a ghost? I was pretty sure I'd read a book with that premise in my earlier teen years and it was silly then, so why would it be any different now? But hang on, I thought, the lead is played by Claudia Karvan. As my beloved Frankie in Love My Way, she was so brilliant that I couldn't imagine her in anything unwatchable. I didn't want to imagine it. Luckily, after giving Spirited a try I can say with confidence that my worst fears were unfounded.

Karvan plays a wealthy dentist, Suzy Darling, who is quietly dissatisfied with her life. One night, after a particularly humiliating dinner party, she changes her life just as quietly. Leaving her husband behind, she buys a penthouse with a view of the Harbour Bridge. While settling in, Suzy is startled by a fairly unique intruder- Henry Mallet (Matt King), an eccentric ex-rock star who just happens to be... well, dead.

Suzy then launches into a totally different phase of her life. She juggles kids, her job, potential friendships with her neighbours (though they might think she's a little bit crazy) and dealing with her insufferable husband, while also getting to know Henry and researching who he was when he was alive. As Suzy helps him figure out his identity, I get the feeling that Henry might just be doing the same thing for her. I have instantly fallen for both these characters, as they form a unique relationship that is somehow very believable.

Karvan really shows her acting and producing chops in this series (not that anyone ever had any doubts in that regard). It's sometimes difficult to watch an actor you loved as someone in particular play someone else, but here, it is effortless. The character of Suzy is completely different to Frankie, while still retaining those great Karvan facial expressions and that undeniable Karvan heart. Three episodes in, I can say without a doubt that this show is funny, warm and sweet, but it is not in the slightest bit silly.

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Box Sets Make The World Go Round

Dedication is a beautiful thing. I may not show much commitment to learning to drive or keeping my room clean, but I am unfailingly diligent in spending time with my box sets. You should, therefore, be able to trust me when I tell you that if you like your pop culture, you will like at least one of these shows!

LOVE MY WAY
One of those brilliant Aussie dramas that I wish there were more of, Love My Way is the perfect mixture of funny, edgy and heart-wrenchingly sad. The events of the first season will stay with you long after you return the DVD (overdue, no doubt), so be prepared for some heavy viewing. As each character developed I grew to love them more and more, especially the effortlessly cool Frankie Paige (Claudia Karvan). Ben Mendelsohn is brilliant as quirky ex-drug addict Lewis, and I challenge you not to love his angry but caring son Dylan (Sam Parsonson). The extended familythat Frankie has created will become your favourites for their humanity, their flaws, their humour and their guts. Absolutely worth every second.

DAWSON'S CREEK
The nineties was a golden era for pop culture- the Spice Girls, Savage Garden, Britney Spears (the early days) and of course, Dawson's. It might seem a bit dated now, but its story is timeless- girl next door loves boy next door. Dawson Leery (James Van Der Beek) is a dorky, idealistic teenager, an aspiring filmaker, and best friend (or as he would say, soul mate) to Joey Potter (Katie Holmes). They've known each other forever, and loved each other for just as long- though Dawson is just starting to realise it. The show was a pioneer in its day- it shocked parents everywhere with its frank discussion of sex and gay storylines- but looking at it 2011, it is endearingly wholesome. It might be a teen show, but you're never too old to start watching it- there'll be something there you can relate to. After all, every Dawson has a Joey, and every Joey has a Dawson.

GILMORE GIRLS
I've saved the best for last. Guaranteed to fix any bad mood, Gilmore Girls is the perfect mix of humour, love, junk food and family. Rory Gilmore (Alexis Bledel) is every parent's dream- sweet, innocent, diligent and successful. Lorelai Gilmore (Lauren Graham) is every daughter's dream- fun, understanding and stylish enough to lend you her clothes. I once read Gilmore Girls described as a utopia, and I can't think of a better way to put it. The boys are cute and almost always interested, the burgers aren't fattening and the man who cooks the burgers might just be the love of your life. You should hate these women. But you don't, because Gilmore Girls doesn't inspire cynicism or jealousy- it just inspires heart.