Textised! : Jonathan Flint - Testing Woes - LRB 6 May 2021

Perhaps the real problem is hubris. There have been so many things we thought we knew but didn’t. How many people reassured us Covid-19 would be just like flu? Or insisted that the only viable tests were naso-pharyngeal swabs, preferably administered by a trained clinician? Is that really the only way? After all, if Covid-19 is only detectable by sticking a piece of plastic practically into your brain, how can it be so infectious? We still don’t understand the dynamics of virus transmission. We still don’t know why around 80 per cent of transmissions are caused by just 10 per cent of cases, or why 2 per cent of individuals carry 90 per cent of the virus. If you live with someone diagnosed with Covid-19, the chances are that you won’t be infected (60 to 90 per cent of cohabitees don’t contract the virus). Yet in the right setting, a crowded bar for example, one person can infect scores of others. What makes a superspreader? How do we detect them? And what can we learn from the relatively low death rates in African countries, despite their meagre testing and limited access to hospitals? That we are still scrambling to answer these questions is deeply worrying, not just because it shows we aren’t ready for the next pandemic. The virus has revealed the depth of our ignorance when it comes to the biology of genomes.

Rope (1948) ***

Hitch goes minimalist and it pays off.

The Owl and the Pussycat (1970) ***

It's Babs' movie, we're just enjoying it.

The Hard Way (1980) ***

Gritty, effective, low budget Celtic noir showcases Pat McGoohan's ability to carry a picture.

A Rainy Day in New York (2019) ***

Highly entertaining fairytale of New York from Mr. Allen. Sparkling script, strong performances and interesting directorial choices that work very well.

On the Rocks (2020) ***

Modern screwball à la Sofia with Bill Murray in perfect form. Rashida needs to be in more features.

Sister (2012) ***

Strong leads in this uncompromising look at the have nots at a ski resort. Beautiful scenery, bleak tale.

Always Shine (2016) ***

Strong leads, a layered script and tight direction propel this indie slasher.

Godzilla vs. Kong (2021) *

Poorly directed rehash of every monster movie trope imaginable at bone shaking volume. If you like close-ups you'll enjoy it.

The Earrings of Madame De... (1953) **

Well made costume melodrama ultimately fails to engage.

Dial M for Murder (1954) ***

Sir Alfred demonstrates how to adapt a stage play for film. Very talky but still manages to be engrossing.

Young and Innocent (1937) **

Wrongfully accused man on the run flick with a few compelling set pieces. Jazz band in blackface is a jarring part of the finale.

5 Card Stud (1968) *

High concept western might have single-handedly killed westerns for a while. Awful script, direction.

360 (2011) **

Watchable sort-of-connected tales never seem to add up.

The Lost Boys (1987) **

Takes the comedic route too often but has some moments of 80's awesomeness. Ms. Rice has nothing to worry about.