Book yourself a weekend of cinema, with three must-see films out this week. The Shape Of Water, nominated for 13 Academy Awards, came out at cinemas on Valentine’s Day. The date was appropriate, as this is a film about an unusual love affair. British lead actress Sally Hawkins [main image, above] doesn’t stand much of a chance at the Oscars, where Frances McDormand seems a nailed on certainty as Best Actress for Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri; but her brilliant performance as the mute heroine in The Shape of Water might be rewarded at the BAFTAs on Sunday night, when the pro-British sympathies of the BAFTA jury might tilt the scales in Hawkins’ direction.
Meanwhile Black Panther, Marvel’s visually gorgeous super-hero action flick, has become the most talked about film of the year because of the way its storyline breaks Hollywood racial stereotypes. You may have spotted photos of Black Panther‘s superstar black cast looking super-stylish at New York Fashion Week.
Last but not least, I, Tonya tells the darkly funny true story of skulduggery and nobbling rivals in the world of Olympic ice-skating. Allison Janney has been nominated for a supporting actress Oscar for her insult-spewing, chain-smoking, whisky-flask-swigging portrayal of Tonya Harding’s mother.
For a dark and beastly evening’s entertainment, Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde at the Rose Theatre in Kingston offers an atmospheric story and an excellent central performance by former EastEnders actor Phil Daniels. Read my review here.
Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde at the Rose Theatre
The moment when Merton finds out whether it has been named London Borough of Culture 2019 is less than two weeks away, with the result due on February 27. On Tuesday, Merton’s bid featured on the Mayor of London’s social media account @LDN_Culture. Sadly, some political activists are trying to hijack Merton’s bid to publicise their own gripes against Merton Council. Do your bit to boost Merton’s chances by posting your own positive comments on social media about Merton’s hidden cultural gems, using the hashtag #MertonCulture.
Have a great week, and keep an eye on Twitter for more news of what’s on around Merton.
About The Author
Jenny Booth
Jenny was a news journalist for The Times. An ex-teacher, mum, gardener and art lover, there’s nothing she doesn’t know about the local culture scene…