Vampires have been everywhere in 2009 and it’s not really my thing but the two highlights have probably been HBO’s True Blood series and Let The Right One In, again a Swedish movie which was truly memorable and at times disturbing.
Back on comedy and lots of the big names have Christmas DVDs out, including Michael McIntyre (currently overexposed I think), Jason Manford (decent but not very original) and Jimmy Carr.
In music, why not stay local and go for OMD’s DVD recorded with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. Alternatively the Rolling Stones Gimme Shelter records the infamous concert where a black fan was killed by Hells Angels, for many marking the end of the 60s.
But my top Christmas pressie for a loved one would be to pre-order them In Treatment, Gabriel Byrne’s brilliant therapy-based drama currently showing on Sky Arts. Byrne is in unstoppable form as Paul, the US therapist full of professional misgivings and self-doubt as he struggles to cope with patients including a suicidal 16-year-old gymnast, a guilt-ridden bomber pilot and, best of all, the beautiful but messed up Laura (Melissa George of ex-Home and Away fame) who wants a lot more from him than just therapy. Available now on US import or pre-order for February 1.
