Students on De Montfort University’s Music, Film and Entertainment Journalism module pick the films, plays, music, TV shows and books that shaped them
My favourite film
Anyone that knows me knows that I have two films firmly settled in my heart and I’m not sure I could pick a winner. It would be like choosing my favourite child and I don’t feel comfortable with doing so. So, it’s either High School Musical 3 or Titanic. You might be thinking they couldn’t be more different. One about a group of teenagers singing and dancing, dramatically. And one about a boat that sank more than 100 years ago.
Despite the differences, they’re both cinematic masterpieces. High School Musical was a cultural reset. The first Disney musical film. And yes, I was only two years old but even at that age, I could smell talent. And Titanic, Leonardo Di Caprio – the man you are. What a beautiful love story in such tragic circumstances. I could talk about these films all day, if anyone would listen.
The last film I saw
Whenever someone new enters my life, I force them to watch one specific film, and my boyfriend was the latest victim. There will be no surprise that the film of choice was the High School Musical trilogy. We have only made it to the first one, but it was a success. He actually enjoyed himself rather than just trying not to fall asleep while judging how dramatic it all is. But that is what makes it so enjoyable. He enjoyed Stick to the Status Quo so much that he even added it to the shared playlist. I think I’m winning at life!
My favourite TV show
As someone who prefers TV shows over movies, this is a hard question. I prefer the longevity of a series. You have more time to develop the characters, more time to get to know the characters and more time to tell their stories. But once again, indecisive Jess means that she can’t just pick one, she has to have three. The Crown, Bridgerton and Gilmore Girls. I think my favourite changes on a daily basis, but let’s get into what it is that I like about them so much. The Crown… what a show. Six seasons, three casts and one family. Season three and four will always be my favourite. The way that cast portray the Royal Family and play their parts is exceptional. Olivia Colman – I love you with my whole heart. Bridgerton, it’s a romance. That’s all I have to say. Practically perfect in every way. And finally, Gilmore Girls, I enjoy the show for the wit, the love and the feeling it has. It is comfort, and no matter how many times I watch it, it always has the same impact as it did the first time I watched it.
My favourite band/song
Finally, a question where I only have one answer – Little Mix. A female band that writes songs about female empowerment. The way they all instantly gelled together was perfect. They bought me through the latter of my teenage years. And you may have noticed that I’m speaking in the past tense, and I am because they are taking break. I may be crying right now… just shows that I’m not completely over the whole thing. But I’m holding out hope that one day they will reunite, and I will finally be able to see them live.
In terms of songs, I have too many. Woman’s World: as a raging feminist, this song hits different. The message behind the song is a perfect portrayal of being a woman. And second place award goes to She’s the One by Robbie Williams or Blowin in the Wind, by Bob Dylan. Both songs having a special place in my life and both always bring a tear to my eye whenever I listen to them.
The lyric I love
‘Don’t want to live if the thought of loving you is dead’. The first time I heard that made me stop in my tracks. It’s a perfect line and will forever be my favourite lyric.
The first gig I saw
I’m going to preface this by saying I was with my mum. It was Steps. We will leave it there…
The instrument I can play
I can play the recorder. How many people can say they can play Hot Cross Buns on the recorder? Quite a few actually.
Overrated
How to Lose a Guy in 10 days. It was predictable and I know it’s a romcom, but I could tell the ending a mile off.
Guilty pleasure
Keeping Up With The Kardashians. It’s an awful TV show and we all know it, but when I want to watch something that has no storyline or importance, I turn to this monstrosity. It’s just how far their world is from normal people’s lives.
I’m even ashamed to write this.
