Square Eyes

Television Reviews

Movie of the week, Clockwork Orange, SBS, Weds, 10pm:

It's both a reflection of Kubrick's genius and the sad lack of alternatives that we once again see his movie. What's amazing about this disturbing adventure in hyper-violence, sex and satire is that it remains - and looks - as contemporary today as when it was made 34 years ago. The story is grist to the political law and order mill and fickle public opinion. Alex (Malcolm McDowell) is a mindless thug 'reformed' into an equally mindless zombie unable to cope with the world. It's a devastating combination of black comedy, drama and allegory, with a memorable soundtrack. And like Alex it whacks you hard, right between the eyes.

City v Country, NBN, Fri, 8.30pm:

If you didn't get a ticket to Oakes Oval, sit back, relax, grab another beer from the fridge and watch the big boofy blokes bash into each other in downtown Lismore.

Big Brother, Ten, Sun, 7.30pm:

To borrow from Sam Neill: we can only hope that Coalition forces eventually triumph in Iraq so that one day the marvellous democracy of a show like this may flourish there and bring joy to the lives of all. This is series five. Hopefully, it has the X Factor and rates just as well.

North & South, ABC, Sun, 8.30pm:

This four-part adaptation of Elizabeth Gaskell's classic love story across the social divide marks the return of ripping, lavish costume drama. Margaret (Daniela Denby-Ashe) enjoys a posh life until her family ends up in industrial northern England where she locks horns with the locals, including mill-owner John (Richard Armitage) and his family.

The Closet, SBS, Sun, 8.30pm:

Accountant Francois (Daniel Auteuil) leads a boring, quiet life - so dull his wife and son leave, then he discovers he's about to be fired too. To become interesting, he pretends to be gay and a comedy of errors unfolds in this sweet yet silly French farce that spoofs political correctness.

Pizza does Nimbin, SBS, Mon, 8.30pm:

A squalid, juvenile show goes to the squalid, facile MardiGrass. Nuff said.

Federal Budget, ABC, Tues, 7.30pm:

Right kids, election over, and time for Treasurer Pete to present the bill hoping it's his last and that you'll forget in three years when the next ballot rolls round. Meanwhile the commercial stations show the nation's real priorities: Survivor, Big Brother and a Riverdance 10th anniversary special.

Jenin: Massacring Truth, SBS, Tues, 8.30pm:

This doco demonstrates how badly wrong the media can be, putting the case for the much-maligned Israeli forces, who were branded war criminals for the 2002 Jenin "massacre" that never happened. It's also a sad tale of ingrained European anti-Semitism.