There is usually a fair bit of variety here, the idea being to encourage you to log on tomorrow when there might be something more interesting, so today you have every right to feel aggrieved. Only last month there was a post, Douglas, about acclaimed cinematographer Dougie Slocombe and now here’s another distinguished man-behind-the-camera.
Peter James has made over thirty films in forty-five years and won shedloads of awards. A film of his that you will remember is Driving Miss Daisy and one you may not recall is Black Robe. To be clear the latter has nothing to do with Wilkie Collins’ 1881 novel, The Black Robe. I have not seen Black Robe but it’s on YouTube so can rectify when I get home. Peter James reckons it is his best film. It is in the road movie genre, except it’s set in the 17th century and there are more rivers and lakes than roads. Jesuit missionary, Father LaForgue, is dispatched to heaven knows where to see how a remote missionary outpost is faring (spoiler: badly) escorted by native Indians.
It is not uncommon for film makers to claim great historical authenticity and then to be shot down in flames by historians. Research for Black Robe discovered how missionary outposts were constructed and the film was shot accordingly and accurately. Appropriately, Peter James was at Mass and lunch on Sunday when he modestly and charmingly spoke a little about the film. My host, too, is in the film business and contributed to some highly entertaining rambles down Memory Lane.
Meanwhile in the Gers, good weather, good walking and as good company as in the Tarn.
https://youtu.be/sh5ASfH66kw