Students on De Montfort University’s Music, Film and Entertainment Journalism module pick the films, plays, music, TVshows and books that shaped them
My favourite movie
I am a film SNOB. Not a MOVIE snob, a FILM snob. Therefore my favourite film is Rio (2011), an animated children’s movie about Brazilian birds.
But seriously it is.
Another option for those without childlike whimsy is The Holdovers (2023). It’s Oscar winning and on the road to becoming a cult classic Christmas film. I will watch it in June without shame.
The last movie I saw
The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants. It was extremely provocative and R rated. There were so many butts. Not suitable for children.
The book I couldn’t put down
I read a whole lot of books, but the most recent read that captivated me so intensely was Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi.
A highly relevant book for those interested in the 1979 Iranian revolution and the current conflict. It’s written in comic book style so it’s digestible for those not willing to pick up a 1500 page history of Iran (me too).
My guilty pleasure
Books with depressed female protagonists who have terrible relationships with their mothers. This doesn’t include Persepolis, if you were wondering.
The TV show I’m currently binging
The Decameron (2024). A bunch of rich Italian (really Northern Irish, American and English) nobles flee a plague ridden city to a gorgeous villa in the countryside.
They’re all horny liars who love being rich, deceitful and occasionally killing people and falling in wells.
The song that gets me on the dance floor
Mint Car by The Cure. I can thank my dad for my Cure obsession. I am convinced he played their songs to Foetus-Me through the womb when my mum was sleeping.
He was probably the reason I kicked so much. I was born with these moves.
The instrument I can play
I am currently learning how to play the guitar. I did play the clarinet for about 10 years, however.
I felt very represented by Squidward in The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants. That seems to be the only representation clarinets get.
My first gig
The one I remember being sentient for was a David Bowie tribute I begged my dad to take me to when I was 16. Best night of my life. I cried.
My desert island disc
The entire The Sundays discography. But if we’re being particular:
Wild Horses
When I’m Thinking About You
Cry
Life Goes On
Blood on My Hands
Goodbye
Here’s Where the Story Ends
Summertime
Hideous Towns
You’re Not The Only One I Know
