Notes from the sketch book

In the mysterious world of Alfred Hitchcock's Vertigo, we are introduced to the enigmatic Scottie Ferguson, a retired police detective played with captivating vulnerability by James Stewart. Scottie's life takes a plunge into obsession when he's hired to follow the beguiling Madeleine Elster, portrayed with mesmerizing allure by Kim Novak. What seems like a routine surveillance job turns into a psychological labyrinth as Scottie becomes ensnared by the enigma that is Madeleine. Hitchcock, the master of suspense, intricately weaves a narrative filled with uncertainty, illusion, and the blurring of reality. We journey with Scottie through San Francisco's atmospheric landscapes, steeped...

In Sycamore Gap, once a sight to behold, A lone tree stood tall, its story told. But with a heavy heart, we must confide, That this symbol of beauty and history died. The chainsaw's cruel buzz echoed through the air, As the sycamore, majestic, met its despair. It fell, leaving behind a void so vast, A reminder that all good things cannot forever last. Gone is the tree that once graced the land, A chapter closed by the vandals hand. Yet, in our memories, it will forever reside, A symbol of nature's beauty, impossible to hide. Though Sycamore Gap's guardian...

Just last week, as September was but in its infancy, I stumbled upon the curious sight of mince pies for sale. One must wonder, is it ever truly too early for such delights? With this curious notion in mind and bearing in mind that Halloween remains over a month away, our subject matter once more finds itself in the realm of horror. Having recently plumbed the depths of Shelley's "Frankenstein," this week, let us embark upon a nocturnal journey, not toward Dracula, mind you (cough), but rather, into the haunting embrace of "Nosferatu." Max Schreck, the German actor, was born...

Ink and parchment meet, Mary Shelley's world complete, "Frankenstein" we meet. Mary Shelley, born on August 30, 1797, in the heart of London, is a name that resounds with significance. A novelist of audacity, she left an indelible mark on the landscape of Gothic and science fiction. Her most renowned creation, "Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus," is not just a novel but a testament to her life's tapestry, woven with both personal loss and literary achievements. Shelley's lineage was one of intellectual luminaries, being the progeny of William Godwin and Mary Wollstonecraft. This exposure to intellectual discourse was foundational to...

"The Big Sleep" is a classic noir film directed by Howard Hawks. It's known for its black and white visuals and sharp dialogue. Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall play the lead roles—a private eye named Philip Marlowe and the client's daughter. The story revolves around Marlowe being hired by a wealthy family to protect a young woman from her own mistakes. Along the way, there's murder, blackmail, car chases and gunplay, all adding to the suspense. Despite the chaos, Marlowe finds time to fall in love with his client's eldest daughter. Adapted from Raymond Chandler's novel, the story's labyrinthine web...