Still think you suck Qantas

Never got round to writing this entry a few weeks back. Aaah, the instantaneity of the internet and the blog. Just quickly type in your thoughts they say. All you need is a  functioning dialup internet connection and computer. Easy as that.

Anway, Whitebait made a sudden executive decision at that time to carry out a (not so) random equipment test on a data projector belonging to his workplace. It seemed crucial to add to the greater knowledge of how similar devices function not only in the institutional settings but in the rigorous environs of domestic space. And the first sample dvd to grace Whitebait's lounge wall: none other than Collateral (2004). Whitebait did of course know it would be great - a useful technique called 'having actually seen the film before'. Crucially, he had watched on an international flight on one of those back-of-the-airline-seat-type screens and it was absolutely enthralling (not usually an adjective that would come within 5 million miles of the airline known as Quaint-ass). Re-watching the film again worked wonderfully. Los Angeles and night just go together so well.

Whitebait directs your attention to the great, early scene in the film in which Max (Jamie Foxx) and Annie (Jada Pinkett Smith) start talking and getting interested in each other despite the improbable taxi driver/lawyer-getting-it-on scenario. Mann really is good enough to make you think yeah maybe just this once something might get going in this ordinary encounter. The music especially  is so perfect for this scene (and what a surprise to find out that the track playing is actually Groove Armada's 'Hands of Time' which I hadn't heard before). It so completely says sexy evening drive happening. And the best thing is that when Annie asks Max to turn the music up (how cool is that as a tentative expression of interest - 'lend me some sugar, I am your neighbour'), he replies along the lines of 'so... you like the classics'. So postmodern LA.