Melbourne Insider: the talk of the Hollywood town

Thursday 22 July 2010, 9:25 AM
By The Team | Posted in Events

Noticed those queues of people outside city cinemas? Locals will know this means one thing: it’s Melbourne International Film Festival time again. This month’s Melbourne Insider takes a look at our city’s passion for popcorn, our love of that moment when the lights go down, and our fascination with flickering images.

So straighten your skivvy, get comfy in your directors chair and let’s roll the tape.

One of our hot tips for MIFF is the opening night film, The Wedding Party, starring Adam Zwar (of SBS’s Wilfred fame). You can read all about Adam’s filmic experiences in today’s City Weekly (Thursday 22 July).

Adam’s first film was a short called My Night with Ava, based on the true story of Ava Gardner’s Melbourne romance with a male journalist. (Ava was here in 1951, filming On The Beach.)

FYI, the rumour that Ava described Melbourne as ‘the perfect place to make a film about the end of the world’ is untrue. Another journo – who wasn’t in Melbourne and clearly had no idea what he was talking about – made that up.

And besides, it’s clear Ava liked something (or someone) Melburnian!

 FYI, the rumour that Ava described Melbourne as ‘the perfect place to make a film about the end of the world’ is untrue. Another journo – who wasn’t in Melbourne and clearly had no idea what he was talking about – made that up!

Obviously, Ava liked something (or someone) Melburnian – and she wasn’t alone. Melbourne is a favoured location of film makers.

The Wedding Party was shot in Melbourne, Tim Burton spent a whole week here when his exhibition opened at ACMI, both Robert DeNiro and Clive Owen have been hanging out here in recent weeks, shooting a new thriller, The Killer Elite. So while we’re quoting (NOT misquoting) film heroes, here’s what Tim Burton had to say about Melbourne’s ACMI:

 ‘…what I love about this place (is) the interactive nature of it. It’s not as stand-offish as the museum experience.  People who don’t normally go to a museum would go to the show.’

Tim Burton: The Exhibition features more than 700 Burton creations, from paintings to puppets and from costumes to cars. (That’s right, there’s a Batmobile on display.) The exhibition closes on Sunday 10 October.

And Robert De Niro, what did he have to say about Melbourne?

‘It’s a terrific city, even in winter, not like New York, which is cold and slushy.’ And:  ‘Melbourne is a real city, it’s got different cultures, it’s got a good energy, good restaurants, it’s a great city – good place to be.’

 You talkin’ to us? Aw shucks, Mr De Niro…you’ve got that right for sure.  And our film festival kicks international celluloid butt!  

The Wedding Party screens at the Melbourne International Film Festival tonight at 8pm, Saturday 31 July at 7pm and Tuesday 3 August at 7pm. (Thursday 5 August session is sold out.)

LINKS:
Melbourne International Film Festival
Tim Burton: The Exhibition

Melbourne Insider: Cosy Corners

Thursday 17 June 2010, 10:09 AM
By The Team | Posted in Places

You may have seen Shane Delia’s “Melbourne Insider” in the City Weekly about the joys of food in the heart of town. His mouth-watering account of nights spent at Bar Lourinha certainly whetted our appetite for some cosy communal dining in the city. So if you share our cravings to huddle around a table and share some soul food with your mates, we’ve got the perfect recipe for you!

Red Spice Road
27 McKillop Street

While it was inspired by the spice trails of Asia, Red Spice Road has made itself right at home in the iconic laneways of Melbourne.  A distinct blend of Vietnamese and Thai influences are littered across a menu that will have you coming back for seconds (and thirds if you can fit it).  You can get communal under Australia’s largest red lantern, which hangs over a unique circular table that can seat up to 60 – either bring all your friends or make some new ones!

Va Bene
 T10 Shed 9, Central Pier, 161 Harbour Esp, Docklands

Va Bene is the Italian phrase for  “it’s good!” and the name couldn’t be more fitting!  This pizzeria is a celebration of the European way of life, where community is the most important thing.  Take a seat at one of the long wooden tables, laugh, eat and take every moment as it comes.

The Journal Cafe
Ground 253-265 Flinders Lane

If you’re feeling a little intellectual, Journal is the stop for you.  Just next to the Melbourne City Library, it could be tempting to stock up on the latest literature and to be consumed over Journal’s fantastic coffee – but that’s not what communal dining is all about, is it?  Settle in around the vast middle table and swap tales over the latest Sicilian offering, as food here changes daily according to what is available.

Giuseppe Arnaldo & Sons
25/8 Whiteman St, Southbank

You could think of this lavish venue as a classic Roman Trattoria of the future, within the heart of Melbourne.  Confused?  Never fear, the food is fresh and uncomplicated traditional Roman fare, which makes the highly creative architecture of the venue that much easier to swallow.

Mecca Bah
55a NewQuay Prom, Docklands

There’s no need for a magic carpet to get to this waterside Moroccan eating house, though you will feel like you’ve entered a whole new world upon arrival.  Enjoy an informal, communal dining experience as you dig into a feast from the east.  Spice things up when the weather cools down, as exotic taste of Turkish Mezze and Pizzas are sure to excite your senses and make you feel all warm inside.

Melbourne Insider: The Cat Empire’s Felix Reibl

Thursday 20 May 2010, 1:03 PM
By The Team | Posted in People

When we found out that we were staging our own 12-day music festival later this year, our heart started singing in the key of Melbourne. Someone more qualified to sing in such a key is one of the city’s favourite musicians and The Cat Empire’s frontman, Felix Reibl. Here’s his take on his hometown of Melbourne.

Finish this sentence: I love Melbourne because …
I live here.  It has family, friends, music and football.

If you could describe the city as any type of music, what would it be and why?
I don’t know why, but for some reason that 80s song ‘Electric blue’ comes to mind.

Best place to go and relax after a gig in the city?
The Supper Club.  The wine list and the spring rolls are both great and it has a big round window at the front that makes you feel as if you’re in a giant ship.

Favourite corner of the city?
The North-East Corner, that leads to the Carlton Gardens.  The park is great to keep walking around, especially at night.  The Russian dome, the ponds, the crazy possums and the arching trees are all good wandering distractions.  

Best way to embrace the changing seasons in the city?
A t-shirt under a winter jacket.  A music device and headphones to change albums accordingly.  A sturdy imagination.  A love of mood swings.  

Most inspiring Melbourne moment?
Being in the middle of the MCG when the athletes came out at the Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony.  There was a sea of glittering blue lights.  It was amazing and surreal. 

What’s something that most people wouldn’t know about the city that they should?
The Forum Theatre has a secret trapdoor that leads to another world under the Yarra.

How would you describe the soul of the city? 
Curious.  Proud.  Magic.  Blue.  

Pick up this week’s City Weekly to read more about Felix’s tips to finding Melbourne heart, beat and soul.