Latest news with #TheFall
The Age
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Age
This is fine: An existential guide to Australian politics
Albert Camus would have been a lousy goalkeeper. Think about it. The French-Algerian standing between the posts, his head in the clouds. Reports say the writer excelled for Algiers Racing Uni's First XI, but I have my doubts. Imagine relying on Albert as your last line of defence, the bloke spouting stuff like, 'The only real progress lies in learning to be wrong all alone'. Or: 'An intellectual is someone whose mind watches itself'. Wake up, Albie! The ball is coming! Tuberculosis intervened, sadly, the goalie trading gloves for philosophy, plus those olive-green novels – The Stranger, The Fall – that ask the big questions. Each title has been a staple of high school and Existentialism 101. Not that Camus used the term. Indeed he rejected the e-word, preferring instead to forge fables around the incomprehensibility of existence. As that's the central plank, that irksome query about why we're here, and what we should do about it. 'Man is the only creature who refuses to be what he is,' as Camus said. Which makes you wonder what we're meant to be. Precisely the conundrum heard in Canberra this month. Is it any wonder? How can a power bloc of two parties implode into a rabble, losing seats like musical chairs, going from Coalition to Noalition? Cartoonist Cathy Wilcox depicted a bisected couch, one parent per half, both insisting 'Mummy and Daddy still love you very much'. Question being, are Mama Ley and Papa Littleproud going through a break-up, or merely a break? Either way, whether this new reunion lasts, the existentialism burns deep, fanned by those pesky Camus questions. 'I can't go on, I'll go on,' as Samuel Beckett said, a handy left-hand opener for Trinity College, and another writer besotted by existentialism. Macquarie Dictionary defines the ideology as 'a group of doctrines – some theistic, some atheistic – deriving from Kierkegaard, which stress the importance of existence, and of the freedom and responsibility of the finite mind.' Existential first emerged about 1693 as an adjective for existence. A century on, Soren Kierkegaard co-opted the ism to refute the divine logic that Georg Hegel fancied, where the rational is actual, and vice versa. Lort, thought Soren: Danish for bullshit. In his milestone work Either/Or, the philosopher writes, 'There are two possible situations – one can either do this or do that. My honest opinion, and my friendly advice is this: do it, or do not do it. You will regret both.' Loading Remind you of anyone – federally, I mean? Hence the e-word's rise. Existential now applies to politics, the arts, deconstruction cuisine, eco-anxiety, and anywhere you look. Last year Flinders University revealed how doomscrolling – surfing online between Gaza and La Nina – breeds existentialism. Reza Shebahang, the study's lead, claimed the custom has 'dire consequences on our mental health, leaving us feeling stress, anxiety, despair and questioning the meaning of life'. Smart machines and AI inroads only deepen the abyss. Pushed to existential extremes, we feel like adjuncts to this thing called life. Avatars. Daydreamers in the goalmouth. Or characters living life forwards so that we might understand what we're doing in hindsight, to paraphrase Kierkegaard. If it's any comfort to party leaders, doomscrollers and general AI alarmists, remember that 'the key to being happy isn't a search for meaning. It's to just keep yourself busy with unimportant nonsense, and eventually, you'll be dead'. Camus? Beckett? Try Mr Peanutbutter, the easygoing labrador from BoJack Horseman.
Sydney Morning Herald
3 days ago
- Politics
- Sydney Morning Herald
This is fine: An existential guide to Australian politics
Albert Camus would have been a lousy goalkeeper. Think about it. The French-Algerian standing between the posts, his head in the clouds. Reports say the writer excelled for Algiers Racing Uni's First XI, but I have my doubts. Imagine relying on Albert as your last line of defence, the bloke spouting stuff like, 'The only real progress lies in learning to be wrong all alone'. Or: 'An intellectual is someone whose mind watches itself'. Wake up, Albie! The ball is coming! Tuberculosis intervened, sadly, the goalie trading gloves for philosophy, plus those olive-green novels – The Stranger, The Fall – that ask the big questions. Each title has been a staple of high school and Existentialism 101. Not that Camus used the term. Indeed he rejected the e-word, preferring instead to forge fables around the incomprehensibility of existence. As that's the central plank, that irksome query about why we're here, and what we should do about it. 'Man is the only creature who refuses to be what he is,' as Camus said. Which makes you wonder what we're meant to be. Precisely the conundrum heard in Canberra this month. Is it any wonder? How can a power bloc of two parties implode into a rabble, losing seats like musical chairs, going from Coalition to Noalition? Cartoonist Cathy Wilcox depicted a bisected couch, one parent per half, both insisting 'Mummy and Daddy still love you very much'. Question being, are Mama Ley and Papa Littleproud going through a break-up, or merely a break? Either way, whether this new reunion lasts, the existentialism burns deep, fanned by those pesky Camus questions. 'I can't go on, I'll go on,' as Samuel Beckett said, a handy left-hand opener for Trinity College, and another writer besotted by existentialism. Macquarie Dictionary defines the ideology as 'a group of doctrines – some theistic, some atheistic – deriving from Kierkegaard, which stress the importance of existence, and of the freedom and responsibility of the finite mind.' Existential first emerged about 1693 as an adjective for existence. A century on, Soren Kierkegaard co-opted the ism to refute the divine logic that Georg Hegel fancied, where the rational is actual, and vice versa. Lort, thought Soren: Danish for bullshit. In his milestone work Either/Or, the philosopher writes, 'There are two possible situations – one can either do this or do that. My honest opinion, and my friendly advice is this: do it, or do not do it. You will regret both.' Loading Remind you of anyone – federally, I mean? Hence the e-word's rise. Existential now applies to politics, the arts, deconstruction cuisine, eco-anxiety, and anywhere you look. Last year Flinders University revealed how doomscrolling – surfing online between Gaza and La Nina – breeds existentialism. Reza Shebahang, the study's lead, claimed the custom has 'dire consequences on our mental health, leaving us feeling stress, anxiety, despair and questioning the meaning of life'. Smart machines and AI inroads only deepen the abyss. Pushed to existential extremes, we feel like adjuncts to this thing called life. Avatars. Daydreamers in the goalmouth. Or characters living life forwards so that we might understand what we're doing in hindsight, to paraphrase Kierkegaard. If it's any comfort to party leaders, doomscrollers and general AI alarmists, remember that 'the key to being happy isn't a search for meaning. It's to just keep yourself busy with unimportant nonsense, and eventually, you'll be dead'. Camus? Beckett? Try Mr Peanutbutter, the easygoing labrador from BoJack Horseman.
Metro
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
TV fans urged to binge 'outstanding' thriller on Amazon Prime this bank holiday
Amazon Prime Video viewers, strap yourselves in for an 'amazingly shocking ride' and rediscover a BBC crime drama classic this May Bank Holiday. If you're looking for a thriller that will leave you on the edge of your seat, then look no further than The Fall. First aired in 2013, the show follows detective Stella Gibson (Gillian Anderson), who is trying to capture Paul Spector (Jamie Dornan), the serial killer responsible for the murders of multiple young professional women in Belfast. On social media, fans have long raved about the series, hailing it as 'outstanding in every way'. And it's easily accessible, so you can either get in on the action for the first time or rediscover an old favourite during the extended weekend, as it's up on Amazon Prime for free to subscribers. Heaping praise on Gillian's performance, @Batmanpremi wrote on X: 'Gillian Anderson's performance in The fall is so powerful man, so good. The dailogues written for her hits straight like an arrow, intended where it's meant to be. Her acting is so subtle yet so dynamic.' 'I'm watching The Fall featuring Gillian Anderson. A phenomenal actress through and through', echoed @idayatjinadu_. @Amelia5Miller also noted how 'tense' the series is, describing Gillian's portrayal of Stell as 'extraordinary'. There's also been plenty of compliments for 50 Shades of Grey star Jamie, whose performance as a cold-blooded killer is terrifyingly convincing and deeply unsettling, to say the least. 'One of the best series Ive seen', declared @sylviastorm2112. 'seeing jamie dornan in the fall and then compare it to his other works i'm like 'i hate this character but mannnn does he play it good',' joked @withclairety, adding: 'the fall pilot creeped me out in such a good way like WE ARE INVESTED'. @dcblerg2015 added that Jamie is 'fantastic' as the criminal, while @cinnamon_s28471 wrote: 'only Jamie Dornan could have played this character!' The Fall was also a hit with critics upon its release, boasting an impressive 85% average score on Rotten Tomatoes' review aggregator, the Tomatometer. Sex Education actor Gillian, 56, previously revealed they actually came 'very close' to producing a fourth season of The Fall but 'couldn't quite crack it.' She told Variety: 'It was one of my favourite characters I ever got to play, and the experience was fantastic with an amazing crew like Allan Cubitt, an incredibly talented writer, who directed the second and third seasons. 'We were reopening up the idea again a few years ago. I approached them about doing a fourth season, set a few years later. We went down that distance and explored the idea but couldn't quite crack it. We came very close. 'Many people ask about it, and I believe she's the kind of character we could step into her at any time, so I don't think it's entirely put to bed.' Meanwhile, Jamie once admitted that playing Spector left him 'scarred'. Speaking at the launch of series 2, he said of the murderer, who also seeks sexual gratification from his victims in the most twisted ways: 'You can't fail to be left slightly scarred by inhabiting someone like that.' More Trending 'He had such distaste for everything,' he added. 'You do carry some of that anger and that hatred in you a little bit, especially towards the end of a few months playing him.' The Fall is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video. View More » This article was first published on May 5, 2025. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Jeremy Clarkson's girlfriend Lisa shares very revealing admission about their sex life MORE: Amazon Prime fans have just days to watch 'one of the creepiest thrillers ever made' MORE: All Neighbours spoilers for next week as major character dies
Metro
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Cancel your bank holiday plans and binge 'outstanding' Amazon Prime thriller
If you're an Amazon Prime Video subscriber, then cancel your weekend plans because there's a classic BBC crime drama you need to watch. All three seasons of thriller The Fall have been added to Prime Video, and that means you'll have a better time on the couch this Bank Holiday weekend than you will at the beach. First aired in 2013, the show follows detective Stella Gibson (Gillian Anderson), who is trying to capture Paul Spector (Jamie Dornan), the serial killer responsible for the murders of multiple young professional women in Belfast. On Google, fans have been recommending 'outstanding in every way' The Fall after it was added to Amazon Prime, free to watch for subscribers. Among them is Laura Clark, who shared: 'This impeccably acted series is worth a rewatch, even. This is my second time watching it through, and I haven't seen anything of its calibre since. If you enjoy dark, suspenseful dramas because of what they teach you about the human condition and how they resonate with deep, personal feelings, this is the epitome of that.' Gail Alkovich wrote: 'Outstanding in every way. A truly well-written and superbly acted thriller. Jamie Dornan blows you away with this character, so far removed from the engaging, charming characters he has played. Always loved Gillian Anderson, but have high regard for her talent after seeing her very deep and complex portrayal of this female detective.' Echoing their sentiment, T D said: 'Best crime show ever. ashtonishingly deep, it explores a wide range of different issues through its characters (top notch performers as well), such as mental illnesses and/or disorders (narcissism, alcoholism, depression, etc). It represents how painful it is to live through our [harmed] inner child, how essential it is to ask for help and receive it from the right people, and also, the multiple forms of one single individual. I could keep going, but I'll let you discover the rest for yourself.' Dina Brown also added: 'What a shocker of a series. Not for the faint of heart, it's brutal but very well acted. It starts out slow, but trust me, stick with it, because it becomes an amazingly shocking ride.' The Fall was also a hit with critics, boasting an impressive 85% average score on Rotten Tomatoes' reviews aggregator, the Tomatometer. Last year, Sex Education actor Gillian, 56, revealed they came 'very close' to producing a fourth season of The Fall but 'couldn't quite crack it.' She told Variety: 'It was one of my favourite characters I ever got to play, and the experience was fantastic with an amazing crew like Allan Cubitt, an incredibly talented writer, who directed the second and third seasons. 'We were re-opening up the idea again a few years ago. I approached them about doing a fourth season, set a few years later. We went down that distance and explored the idea, but couldn't quite crack it. We came very close. 'Many people ask about it, and I believe she's the kind of character we could step into her at any time, so I don't think it's entirely put to bed.' The Fall is not the only show gripping Amazon Prime Video viewers. They've also been devouring every episode of family crime drama they claim 'outshines' Peaky Blinders. Animal Kingdom even stars one of the BBC's show's actors, Finn Cole, who played Michael Gray. First aired in 2016, the thriller follows Finn's character Joshua 'J' Cody who moves in with his estranged relatives, the Codys, who run a criminal family enterprise in California, after the death of his mother. More Trending On Reddit, Turbulent-Truth-4059 urged: 'How is no one talking about how good ANIMAL KINGDOM IS🔥🔥🔥 watch it.' Agreeing, FineJellyfish4321 raved: 'Yes!!! I always recommend it and a lot of people don't even know about it. I didn't until last year, but once I started I was absolutely hooked! That is hands down one of the best shows I've ever seen!' jwC731 added: 'Highly underrated show imo.' The Fall is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. View More » MORE: Jeremy Clarkson shares sad reason he 'wasn't himself' during Clarkson's Farm season 4 MORE: Netflix viewers 'eat up' controversial new thriller watched 2,400,000 times MORE: Amazon Prime show branded 'comedically bad' by critics after season 2 drops
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Frank Skinner walks down the aisle to tune of Manchester legends after partner rejected his proposals four times
Frank Skinner walked down the aisle to the dulcet tones of legendary Manchester frontman Mark E. Smith when he married his long term partner, after she had previously rejected his proposals on four occasions. Stand-up comic Skinner, 68, revealed he has wed his girlfriend Cath Mason during a private ceremony in London earlier this week. On his podcast, Skinner said: "You'll never guess what I did on Monday. I got married. Don't be offended. We didn't invite anyone. We got married on the stairs, not in a room, but on the stairs at Camden Town Hall. READ MORE: Jacob, 14, made one silly mistake. He paid with his life READ MORE: The lies of the dedicated nurse working round the clock to cover 'overnight shifts' 'What the thing that no one ever says about getting married is it's quite embarrassing. How can I put it? It's a bit basic, getting married.' And he revealed that the pair walked down the aisle to The Fall's 1981 single Lie Dream of a Casino Soul, by the Salford institution led by the late Mark Skinner said: 'That sounds gimmicky. That sounds like getting married by Elvis in Vegas. But in fact, The Fall meant so much to me and Cath when we were in our early days, so it was actually quite an emotional thing.' In an interview last year, the comedian shared that he proposed and got rejected by Mason, a talent agent, four times. When she agreed to his latest proposal, he said Mason told him that she did not want to have a big party with lots of guests or wear a white dress but instead wore a 'flowery dress'. The couple share a son together, Buzz, who Skinner said attended the wedding as a witness. He said: 'We had our child there. I think you have to have them now to a modern marriage, it's like something old, something new, something boring, something blue and your children.' When asked why they decided to get married, he said: 'I don't know why I just thought maybe I got too much money. I'll give her half of it in about five years' time.'
