Geek Syndicate Issue 8 | Page 8

Geek Syndicate
Matt
TV -Justified

Why I Love It: I’m constantly amazed Justified
doesn’t get more attention in the age where
everyone is on the lookout for quality modern
crime drama. Based on a character created by
Elmore Leonard, Justified must be the coolest
show on TV, its cast always ready with the right
move and the right quip at the right moment.
The script unfailingly sparkles, and the ensemble surrounding Olyphant’s just-on-the-rightside-of-the-law lawman frequently upstages
him (no mean feat). Add to this a series of
storylines with thematic depth and emotional
resonance; this is one of the highlights of my
viewing year.

Image © FX, 2010

Overview: Federal Marshal Raylan Givens
(Timothy Olyphant) is posted back to his home
state of Kentucky after gaining a reputation as
a hotheaded gunslinger with a nose for trouble. Once home however, he is unable to escape being drawn into the old feuds and rivalries of the county he grew up in.

Marshal Raylan Givens is Justified!

Casey

Image © Bulbul Films, 2005

Film - Factotum

Bukowski: Writer, Drinker, Gambler.

8

Overview: A film based on the writings of
Charles Bukowski, starring Matt Dillon as Bukowski’s alter-ego Henry Chinaski. He is a
“man of many jobs” but whose heart lies in his
writing, drinking and gambling, whilst being
averse to having others dictate his life.
Why I love it: On the surface, it looks like a
film about a waster self-destructing on alcohol, sex and wasting his talents. On a deeper
level, I think it shows a strong willed character
living the life that he wants to live while only
giving serious effort to his writing. I am definitely not a drinker and have zero interest in
gambling but something about Henry Chinaski
resonates with me even though our lives are
very different. Maybe I envy his single-minded
drive towards his writing and his desire to experience life on his own terms, yet still being
open to and embracing the unpleasant side of
it all.