Masque of the Red Death

Last night I was watching a 1964 film called The Masque of the Red Death, directed by Roger Corman and based on two stories by Edgar Allan Poe ("The Masque of the Red Death" and "Hop-Frog"). It's set in Italy in the 12th Century, where a poverty stricken village is ruled over by the evil and wealthy Prince Prospero (played by Vincent Price) who lives in a large castle nearby. The village is suffering from a contagious and fatal disease called the "Red Death". Prospero invites his wealthiest friends to his castle for a particularly debauched and cruel party, culminating in a large masquerade ball, only for an unexpected guest to interrupt the proceedings. The film is very stylish, with a particularly doom-laden and gloomy atmosphere (some of the scenes are almost like a Hammer Film directed by Ingmar Bergman). Vincent Price turns in a good performance as the satanic Prospero. The film was photographed by Nicolas Roeg, who later became a highly acclaimed director.

There was a meeting this morning at work about the accomodation and possible relocation. They said that they have not actually decided on a place yet, although there will certainly be a need for another building, and, as likely as not, it will be on the other side of the city. Apparently though, the earliest any move will happen would be early next year, and, knowing our office, it could theoretically be any time.

Work was really quiet today, even for a Friday, which is always quiet, I was feeling really bored by the afternoon. The main complainer in the office (who today claimed "I am, probably, the most interesting person you will ever meet in your life", although he's really in a minority of one there) is on holiday tomorrow for a week.