Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Film
The last film I saw was Ralph Fiennes' Coriolanus, which I raved about to anyone who would listen. It was an incredibly powerful, unsentimental, intelligent film and his direction was done with real rigour and imagination. Vanessa Redgrave's performance was simply magnificent – every word she utters is said as if it has just occurred to her and it was a real acting lesson for me. She commands the screen with a performance that is just so compelling.
Television
I loved Homeland – it's such an intriguing, intelligent piece of television and I am fascinated by them making a hero and heroine that are so odd, so flawed and so complicated. It is a programme that really draws you in. My other favourite is the divine Mary Beard, whose programmes including the latest Meet the Romans are incredible. I'm just one of her many, many worshippers. I even have a red duster coat that I want to wander around in and wear as a homage to her.
Books
I picked up Pure by Andrew Miller, which is wonderful. It is set in 18th-century Paris and about a young engineer commissioned to clear a cemetery literally overflowing with corpses. I am now reading Vile Bodies by Evelyn Waugh about the Bright Young Things of the 1920s which is utterly and just deliciously hilarious.
Music
I've been listening to a new band called Wolf Alice, courtesy of my son. The vocalist, Ellie Rowsell, has a gorgeous voice.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments