Why I Am Scared To Write What I Think

The usual calm and informative atmosphere of the website I write for called Inter:Mission Bristol was recently unhinged by a controversial article that split opinion. My first reaction was that it was fantastic that people are putting these contentious opinions out there for the world to read and I was hoping that interesting comments would gradually materialise to further my knowledge on the topic. To be fair, concerned parties wrote their thoughts eloquently below to argue the other side of the coin, but I was taken aback by the other comments such as, ‘terrible article’ and ‘[Is Inter:Mission] just looking for page views’. 

This isn’t the first time that I’ve come across hostility where I believe hostility is undue. As the editor of the theatre section, I regularly find people who want to review shows but are simply too scared to review anything less than perfect in fear of the onslaught of criticism from readers, especially within the student circle. I therefore beg to ask the question, is the access to instant responses that the internet gives us making us think less and type quicker? 

I have always been one for formalities, but I believe that, ‘terrible article’ shows a lack of respect for the writer and doesn’t offer much information either. I can’t help but think that when people had to write letters to newspapers in order to comment on a controversial piece, the slower method of structuring the correspondence and physically putting something in the post may have allowed for a deeper thought process, and presumably less irrational half sentences of disapproval.

I have always had respect for writers who write what they think and I thoroughly enjoy reading an article when I totally disagree with it. The writer took their time, structured their points and hopefully did some research, shouldn’t the commenters do that too?

We shouldn't make writers feel like this

The Places of Bristol: Vincenzo's

TripAdvisor

For those who like Italian food, not the Anglo-Italian of Pizza Express or ASK, but the authentic, messy, ‘no cutlery allowed’ style of real Italian pizza, then Vincenzo’s is for you. With 44 years’ worth of postcards covering the walls from across the globe and bottles hanging from the ceiling, it’s the kind of place you go when in want of something a bit heart-warming. 

I have to be honest, from outside the restaurant I was a little worried about what to expect. They have clearly turned their attention to the indoor décor and left a little to be desired outside. However, despite the unwelcoming front door (which on our visit was accompanied by a chef having a cheeky cigarette) the restaurant is adorably welcoming. The food is fairly cheap for large portions and incredibly tasty and the service is quick and friendly. Although it seems more a haunt for the regular customer, we were made to feel very at home as well. What’s more, if you’re so inclined, it even has a view over Park Street! 

Vincenzo’s manages to take you away from the Café Rouge/Jamie’s Italian repetitive nature of Park Street and welcomes you into a tiny bit of Italia only a few yards away. Don’t expect Michelin stars, but do expect a smiling waitress with an Italian accent and a lot of (2006) Italian footballers pinned on the walls.   

Image: VirtualTourist

How much? £7-£15

Where? 71a Park Street, Bristol, BS1 5PB

Why You Should Go To The Theatre

Image: JuiceBar Gambit

Being a student, I often find we are happy to sit around apathetically doing the minimum amount of work we can get away with and going to the same three clubs over and over again. The sheer number of people who seem to fit this category almost allows it to become an excuse. I have recently discovered that things are much more fun if you do the old fashioned technique of ‘mixing it up’. Here are some reasons why you should go to the theatre, even if X Factor is on. 

Your friend is in a show. Have you ever noticed a friend has changed their profile picture to some poster of some production? It’s probably because they’re in it. Why not support your mate and go along and see what it is that they seem to enjoy so much. Even if the play is pants, you’ll still enjoy seeing your friend make a complete fool of themself.

It’s cheaper than pub golf. It really is not an expensive activity to do as a student, most shows will be around £5 and some are often free. Take advantage of cheap theatre while you still can, taking a date to the West End to impress is going to dig a much bigger hole in your pocket than seeing your uni’s annual musical. 

You can still go out after. Most plays tend to finish around 10pm, perfect timing to make your way to the local pub, neck a bottle of wine and then go out afterwards. This also makes it the perfect first date, if it is awkward then you don’t have to talk at all and can hurry on home right away. But if it’s going really well, you can chat about it in the pub afterwards.

It’s fun. There are so many different types of productions you can go and see. From musicals to Shakespeare to Improv to concerts- whatever you feel like, you can pretty much guarantee your university will be doing something on it within the next year. While theatre is so accessible, don’t be a numpty and miss out. 

Review: Untouchable

Les Intouchables

As I may have made evident in the past, I am somewhat obsessed with all things francophone and when I discovered that there was a French film of such prominence in the film world that I hadn’t seen (apparently the 3^rd most watched foreign languages film) I jumped on the opportunity to go and have a peek. I can say quite frankly, I have not been disappointed.

The film tells the clichéd tale of a rich invalid being introduced to the lifestyle of a rebellious black guy from the banlieue with a good heart. What starts out as a short term job that gives Driss somewhere to stay turns into a cherished friendship. Somehow despite the stereotypes, including being initiated into smoking weed and hitting shamelessly on women, this film avoids the cheese entirely and simply makes you laugh. 

The expansive disparity between class is stark and repeatedly prompted throughout this film, but it’s Driss’ frivolity when it comes to Philippe’s disability that charms an audience into seeing the funny side too. With lines such as, ‘Where do you find a disabled person? Where you left him’, you might expect to hear a collective, sharp intake of awkward breath in any cinema, but Philippe’s acceptance of his disability (and indeed, the joke) settles us into a calming sense of security. In this film, you are allowed to laugh. 

With a beautiful soundtrack by Ludovico Einaudi only ever interrupted by either Philippe’s choice of Vivaldi or Driss’ Boogie Wonderland, this film manages to find a perfect balance between its sombre subject choice and its optimistic ‘live in the moment’ atmosphere. 

Fancy a Good Read?

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo- Stieg Larsson, translated by Reg Keeland

            

The first of the Millennium Trilogy, this crime fiction novel was anything but predictable. Even if crime fiction isn’t your thing, the novel touches upon corruption in the modern financial world, contemporary Swedish culture and emotionally disturbed computer hackers, perfect for an ordinarily mundane Sunday afternoon. From fascinating story-lines to totally unique characters, ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’ certainly keeps you guessing right through to the end. 

The Atheist’s Guide to Christmas- Arlene Sherine

Probably my most controversial choice, I chose this book not because I am an Atheist but because I’m interested in the impact of Christmas on others who are. A combination of 42 atheist celebrities, comedians, scientists and writers including Simon Singh, Derren Brown and Charlie Brooker came together to create a selection of different opinions and stories about our festive season. Whether you’re unsure of your beliefs, interested in how science claims to disprove God or just intrigued as to what Derren Brown has to say, this book is easy to dip in and out of throughout the year. 

A Long Way Down- Nick Hornby 

A much quicker read than my other choices, ‘A Long Way Down’ follows four protagonists as they tell their story as to why they are at the top of a building, ready to jump on New Year’s Eve. Depressing as it may sound, in typical Nick Hornby style, this novel provides regular laughs as we learn each character’s story from the morning TV presenter accused of being a paedophile to the failed American rock star turned pizza boy. Although it’s not the greatest novel I’ve ever read, it is certainly interesting to follow Hornby on his challenge as he attempts to use wit and comedy to describe a most sombre subject matter.