MIDNIGHT QUATERMASS

TRIAL 001

This is the new slice of newsletter I threatened you with in MQ 28. I’m using a different numerical sequence to differentiate these posts from the main block and while they’ll exist here on Substack alongside the regular issues they won’t be emailed out to readers.

The idea is that now QM has settled into something regular this TRIAL section will be irregular, experimental and not quite what my subscribers signed up for. Some issues will be much shorter and others may get quite long. There definitely won’t be a regular format or structure.

I’ll also assume if you’re here you’re up for anything. I’m not implying this will be the OTT to QM’s Tiswas, but I can make more of those kind of references that only three of you will get without a Google.

This week’s short story, Lord Fancypants and The Diablo Kid (MQ 28), seems to have been well received enough that I’ve had a few readers ask for a follow-up with the same characters. Christian for example:

“Please serialise this unlikely partnership. It’s got legs… and teeth. I think the boat trip would be carnage…”

Funnily enough I have been pondering whether to write a sequel for any of the many stories published here so far. This week’s was partially the result of a readers’ poll and I was wondering if another poll would help me see which characters deserved a second outing. Throw it on the To Do pile.

I’m also overdue a second part of Red Drift (QM 23), but that’s quite a different animal being a full length feature script that I’m slowly editing into a prose serial. I’ll pick that up again soon.

“Dangit, Mike. A heckuva tale. Reminds me of Fairport Convention’s Slipjigs and Reels which, despite its origins, remains the best fictional Western I’ve ever known.”

That was Misha and to be honest a comment like that makes the whole MQ thing worth it. I’m lucky that most of my writing finds an audience eventually and that I can make a living from it, but the very best part is when something I’ve written resonates with someone. That this little story also introduced me to a great piece of music that I was previously ignorant of is gravy. I only have a passing acquaintance with Fairport Convention (unlike Steve who knows everything), but Misha is spot on with this one. It’s a great song:

When writing anything I usually have a dream cast in mind which can be problematic with producers as I’m usually thinking of actors who are long dead, although that too can help set the tone. For the Vampire and the Englishman I had these guys in mind:

Dan Stevens and Alan Rickman. Although for the Duke it was tough not to think of Richard Harris in UNORGIVEN (1992) too. I talk about THE GUEST (2014) a lot so won’t gush about it yet again here. Instead if you’re the kind of person who would normally avoid something like the Netflix Will Ferrell comedy EUROVISION (2020) then I’ll bend your arm here until you load it up. I had the best time texting Dan once he popped up the first time I saw it. He’s fucking hilarious. The soundtrack is a firm favourite on the school run (“They're singing in Icelandic!”), especially Jaja Ding Dong (Hi, Hannes!), but for the love of god go watch Dan’s Lion of Love. He already did a vampire thing recently and everyone involved seemed to be having a blast so go add ABIGAIL (2024) to your watch list if you haven’t already had the pleasure.

You can read about the time I ran into Alan Rickman in the unlikeliest of places in QM 19. There are a few actors that my brain refuses to accept are no longer with us and when the realisation hits me afresh I get all melancholy again. Rik Mayal is one and Alan Rickman is another.

I’m still thinking about writing something about Kris Kristofferson who died recently. First I’m going to revisit CISCO PIKE (1971) this weekend.

Any excuse to watch a Gene Hackman movie.

Music aside Kristofferson was more than a capable actor and often held his own onscreen with some of the greats. CONVOY (1978) is a firm favourite of mine despite being often dismissed as a lesser Peckinpah movie. It was fun to watch as a kid and it’s fun now so anyone who does dismiss it can go get fucked. It’s got a great cast too. Kristofferson is at perhaps his most laid back, but that’s fine when Borgnine is on hand to chew the scenery like the pro he is.

I also adore PAT GARRETT AND BILLY THE KID (1973) of course and while not a massive fan of Marvel stuff I did enjoy the first two BLADE movies and Kristofferson was a big part of that. I’m also a HEAVEN’S GATE (1980) apologist and think it’s a beautiful and misunderstood masterpiece although I also understand why so many people hate it. Jeff Bridges though… c’mon!

I don’t usually get much work done at the weekend as the kids, and now the pup, keep me pretty busy. Jess is off to see Hamilton too so I’ll be juggling all three maniacs solo. I do plan to start picking at the new project with Rob though. Just need to clear the decks a little to make room for it properly, but I’m really looking forward to writing on film regularly again. I also have the new 4K restoration of THE THIRD MAN (1949) to watch ahead of its 75th anniversary and have already been on an Orson Welles kick, rewatching both THE STRANGER (1946) and CHIMES AT MIDNIGHT (1966).

It may be because I’ve been awash with quality movies that I was so despondent watching LONGLEGS (2024) this week. I made a decision not to rip apart the stuff I dislike a long time ago now so I’ll simply say that this wasn’t for me.

Like breathing the nitrogen carbon dioxide atmosphere of Venus is also not for me.

This is the point in a regular MQ where I’d drop the story, but instead here’s Noel Edmonds explaining how he came to commission WETA Workshop to build him a GUARDIAN which should tide you over until the next Alan Partridge drops.

TRIAL 001 ENDS