An evening with Cate Blanchett

Well, tonight I will see Cinderella. And thus, her evil stepmother, played by Cate Blanchett. What I have been looking for for a while. I haven't been to the movies in months, so it will be nice in any case, but it is particularly fitting tonight that I see this movie. I have been working like crazy today, so I feel a bit like Cinderella myself. There are days like these. Anyway, I deserve a break and a treat, so off to see my favourite actress.

Rooting for the evil stepmother

I am not a fan of Disney movies, not for a long time anyway. I don't like the way they softened classic fairy tales and turned them into candy flavored movies. Cinderella is not my favorite fairy tale. Not dark and sinister enough. All the same, I am very eager to see the new movie version of the tale, directed by Kenneth Branagh. Because the evil stepmother is played by Cate Blanchett, my favorite actress. And she is amazing even in the most derivative film. I already watched the trailers and of course she shines through every bit she is in. A story is only as good as its villain, it is said. I already love this one. So I will go and see Cinderella and I know I will be rooting for the evil stepmother.

1rst of March, Saint David, Wales

It is the 1st of March today, which means that it is the Day of Saint David, the patron saint of Wales. I have a few Welsh friends (mainly acquaintances) and I am a medievalist so I love Wales. I love their flag and the place and their folklore and I wish I could speak the language. Anyway, for me Saint David's Day reminds me of two things: fellow Welsh actors throwing daffodils at in the crowd the end of a representation on the 1st of March and this scene of Henry V by Shakespeare, played wonderfully by Ian Holm and Kenneth Branagh in his magnificent movie adaptation (you can find the dialogue near the end of the video below). I want to see Wales again.