I want to take The Substance that makes me Margaret Qualley

Henry Clarke on 26 September 2024

On paper, a 2.5-hour body horror featuring Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley was destined for my Letterboxd top 5. I expected body horror, but my god- this one would send anyone who found Saltburn too extreme to an early grave.

It was an innocent 8pm volunteer shift at the Hyde Park Picture House. “Enjoy the film!” I said to my fellow brave soldiers who unknowingly embarked on the journey that is The Substance. The film focuses on Demi Moore, who plays Elisabeth Sparkle, and Margaret Qualley—who, in some ways, also plays Elisabeth Sparkle. I won’t spoil the plot too much, as I think it’s best to go in fully blind, but all I can say is if you’re squeamish—sit this one out hun x.

Image Credits : MUBI- The Substance

The shrieks and squeals from the audience made the whole experience even more enjoyable, and the long runtime feels like five minutes due to the film’s fast pace and increasingly shocking visuals. The first two hours reel you in whilst simultaneously keeping you quite disturbed and unsettled -like dating a Hyde Park man. It’s the last 30 minutes that stop it from being a five-star masterpiece in my eyes, but I do feel this is a particularly subjective opinion—so see it for yourselves and decide what you think. Demi Moore gives the performance of her career, and Qualley continues to establish herself as a movie star. Her character, Sue, is perfectly written and constructed to represent the horrors and desperation of fame today and is perfectly accompanied by Demi Moore’s Elisabeth in a narrative that literally switches in and out of these characters in a nearly-three-hour anarchic horror ride.

The film is playing at the Hyde Park Picture House until next week, and then will be streaming on MUBI—but this is one that should be seen on a big screen, surrounded by equally traumatized viewers.

I personally want to take The Substance that makes me Margaret Qualley, and you should too. I’ll make sure to switch back in time, I promise!

Shutting the Lights: How Urban Development Could End a Beloved Charity Club Night

Sophie Fowler on 20 September 2024

As Freshers’ approaches, Leeds student nightlife wakes up from its summer slumber and venues start coming back to life. There’s no shortage of events in Leeds, but one that’s not to be missed is Cosmic Slop, a regular night for all those who love funk and vinyl.

Cosmic Slop is the regular fundraising event for MAP Charity, which supports and provides education to young people aged 11 to 16 at risk of exclusion from mainstream schooling. The charity offers music and arts qualification for these children in the Grade II listed Hope Foundry just south of Leeds city centre. The venue, which is also home to Cosmic Slop, hosts local DJs and creatives, putting on musical events throughout the year aided by their bespoke custom-built sound system. 100% of profits from such events go towards the running of MAP Charity, ensuring they can continue to provide creative education to local young people.

However recent planning permission put forward by Global Investment fund Cheyne Capital is putting these nights at risk. The plans include building 310 flats next door to the Grade II listed Hope Foundry which houses Cosmic Slop, with balconies overlooking the courtyard. This courtyard is an integral part of both the daily running of MAP education, providing vital outdoor space to students, and to Cosmic Slop itself. The space has proven popular for Slop-goers on such nights, acting as a space for fresh air and expansion outside of the walls of the Hope Foundry. This development of onlooking balconies opens up the door for potential noise complaints from future residents which, in turn, threaten the very future of Cosmic Slop and its accompanying events.

Outline permission for this development has already been granted, however the specifics – including these balconies – are to be determined in the coming weeks.

The team at Cosmic Slop and MAP Charity are working to alter the planning permission in its current state as the balconies pose a significant threat to the future of Cosmic Slop and, in turn, MAP Charity. Their petition calls for a Deed of Easement between the developer and venue which allows for noise to be made within certain parameters without fear of complaints. The team are also calling for the balconies overlooking Hope House to be abandoned and replaced with a brick wall; and for the planning department to review the wider implications of what this application means for the Grade II listed building, the historical character of the area, and the provision of a safe space for the charity’s service users use of the courtyard.

Speaking to the Gryphon, Will from the team at Cosmic Slop emphasises the threat this planning permission poses.

“We run Cosmic Slop to fundraise for MAP Charity and their education program. It’s important for us to show the students who are at risk of mainstream education, an alternative pathway to work via the creative industry. Our current campaign is set up to oppose development plans which include balconies that overlook not only the outdoor area for our events, but the Charity’s school provision. This area is a safe space for our students and we really want to keep the classrooms out of sight as it can be easy for some of the students to get distracted. 

Our petition has had the support of many international artists such as Four Tet, Floating Points, Mafalda, Charlie Dark, Coco Maria, plus many more who have donated their time and effort to DJ at Cosmic Slop, helping us fundraise for the Charity. We hope to continue to run our events in the years to come, just as we have over the past 14 years. If these balconies go forwards, it’s likely we will receive noise complaints that affect our operations.”

This threat to Cosmic Slop highlights the start of a disturbing pattern in Leeds, as new building developments continue to threaten the local arts scene. Just last year local music venue Sheaf Street shut its doors for good after six years, citing the rising cost-of-living and local developments as main causes, as new construction dramatically decreased foot traffic in front of the venue. And so it begs the question – is the biggest threat to local arts in fact these new building developments?

Nights out in Leeds are not hard to come by, but Cosmic Slop is a unique gem in the local arts scene, providing both a space for funk and vinyl lovers and essential fundraising to MAP Charity. To save Cosmic Slop, and in turn MAP Charity, head to cosmicslop.org to sign the petition.

Unlocking the Love of Literature with Leeds Book Club Society

Ioana Gradinaru on 22 May 2024

The University of Leeds is home to over 300 student-led clubs and societies. One of them is the Book Club Society, an innovative and engaging book club that has become a home for thought-provoking discussions with an inviting atmosphere that welcomes readers of all types. I sat down with the committee members, Emily, Emma, and Molly, to discuss reading, being part of a book club and what they think about trends among young readers.

Emily emphasised their preference for books under 250 pages, tackling deeper societal issues. This ensures the diversity of subjects talked about and voices being represented. The society hosts bi-weekly Wednesday night discussions in the Common Ground of the Union. They also organise events like bowling nights or mystery-solving during off-weeks, creating a dynamic space for literary enthusiasts.

The girls encourage everyone to come to the book club meetings, even if they haven’t finished the book or they didn’t like it. “We don’t necessarily want people to love them, we want to bring interesting conversations to the table,” Emma said. Every session starts with a quick quiz on the book and the winner receives a prize at the end. Afterwards, the discussion begins, aided by questions asked by the girls. This is a great way to share your opinions and find different perspectives on what you read. 

Attending these regular book club sessions has consistently been a source of intellectual stimulation for me, extending beyond the literary content discussed. Everyone is incredibly welcoming and it’s always interesting to talk about something you’ve read with someone who may not have received it the same way. As Molly pointed out, it’s these diverse opinions that make conversations more engaging and insightful.

When discussing the role of books in today’s digital age, the girls were quick to acknowledge the impact of platforms like TikTok. They believe that TikTok has significantly helped the publishing industry by promoting books in an entertaining and accessible manner. However, they also recognize that the constant influx of online book recommendations can lead to a sense of competition and anxiety about not reading enough.

In the context of the Leeds Book Club Society’s commitment to maintaining a vibrant reading culture, it’s crucial to reconsider prevailing assumptions about attention spans, especially in the age of digital distractions. Recent research challenges the commonly held belief of universally diminishing attention spans, revealing a more nuanced reality. A study conducted by the University of California, Irvine, and published in the journal Nature demonstrated that fluctuations in attention spans are influenced by various factors, including age, culture, and the nature of specific tasks. This insight counters the narrative of a one-size-fits-all decline in attention spans, emphasising the importance of considering diverse factors when evaluating cognitive abilities in the modern era. By fostering an inclusive environment and encouraging discussions on a variety of literary genres, the Book Club aligns with the notion that attention spans are not inherently shrinking but are shaped by a multitude of factors, highlighting the multifaceted nature of contemporary reading experiences. The girls recognise the fact that Tik Tok has had a huge impact on our generation’s reading habits through the vast recommendation videos. However, these communities can sometimes foster negative opinions about certain genres. The girls expressed that in the end reading is reading and that there is no need to judge people’s preferences.

In this regard, the Leeds Book Club Society seeks to counteract this pressure by creating an inviting atmosphere. They encourage people to attend even if they haven’t finished or read the book, fostering a sense of inclusivity and acceptance. By doing so, they create a space where everyone can contribute and learn from one another, regardless of their familiarity with the book in question.

Where reading is often regarded as a solitary activity, the Leeds Book Club Society is a catalyst of communal intellectual exploration. Their motto, “Come and unlock your love of literature with book club,” encapsulates the essence of their mission. The club provides a space for like-minded individuals and curious readers to come together, share their thoughts, and expand their horizons through the power of literature. It’s not just a book club; it’s a community that celebrates the beauty of reading and the rich discussions that follow.

As the world continues to evolve in the digital age, the Leeds Book Club Society remains a steadfast advocate for the joys of reading and the depth of thought that literature can inspire. They invite anyone with a curiosity for books and a desire for engaging discussions to join them so come and unlock your love of literature with the Leeds Book Club Society!

Protests and Partnerships: Examining the University’s Role in Global Political Conflicts

Ioana Gradinaru on 22 May 2024

Across the US, protests in response to the October 7 attacks and the ongoing conflict have been cropping up at various Universities. Starting at Columbia University with a peaceful protest that was broken up by the police force on 17 April, a quickly spreading movement began. Students from universities all over the US are organising protests in support of Palestine, with some taking over campuses and organising encampments. At present, over 1,000 people have been arrested after demonstrations that ended in police intervention.

Several pro-Israel counterprotests were organised, demanding the release of hostages. Columbia professor Shai Davidai has accused Palestine supporters of being “pro-terror” and advocated for the clearing of the university’s encampment.

The movement has now reached the UK, where several universities are starting to see an increase in protests on campus. Students in Leeds, Newcastle, Bristol and Warwick, among others, have organised encampments outside university buildings. As of 2 May, UCL started the first London-based encampment and are demanding that the university divest from companies that uphold the system of apartheid, that they condemn Israeli war crimes and they pledge to assist the rebuilding of Gaza’s destroyed universities. A Newcastle student spoke to the BBC about their demands and was quoted saying that “What’s happened at Columbia has obviously inspired us to a degree but we have been thinking about this for a while” and that they have similar goals to US students, but will be “less heavy-handed generally than the US”.

In March, a group of students occupied the Parkinson building for 2 weeks. The occupation was led by the Leeds Socialist Worker Student Society (SWSS), Student Rebellion Leeds and the University of Leeds Palestine Solidarity Group (PSG). Following multiple requests to the University to end their partnerships with BAE systems and Israeli Universities, to stand with Palestine, and to suspend rabbi Zecharia Deutsch, who served in the Israeli army; the groups decided to occupy the main building on campus in order to protest against the lack of communication from the university. The occupation ended on 21 March after university management agreed to negotiate with their demands.

On 2 May, The Union of Jewish Students, representing over 9,000 Jewish students in the UK and Ireland according to their website, issued a statement claiming Jewish students are angry and tired of the antisemtic hatred on campuses since October 7th. They claim that “While students have a right to protest, these encampments create a hostile and toxic atmosphere on campus for Jewish students.”

The 75 year old conflict between Palestine and Israel sits on the cusp between politics and human rights. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Criminal Court (ICC) have engaged in separate legal proceedings involving Israel. The ICC, which prosecutes individuals for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide, has started an investigation into alleged war crimes in the Palestinian territories in 2021. There is now growing suspicion that the UN’s ICC might seek arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu and other political leaders on suspicion of war crimes. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has been involved in a significant case brought by South Africa against Israel concerning allegations of genocide in the Gaza Strip. In January, the ICJ issued provisional measures instructing Israel to refrain from committing acts that could fall under the Genocide Convention.

University of Leeds currently has several industrial partners that provide training, placements, hardware and software for Fluid Dynamic research. One of these partnering companies is BAE Systems, a British multinational defence, security, and aerospace company. A report by Action on Armed Violence (AOAV) claims that the company has supplied F-35 fighter jets to Israel, which have been used in their attack on the Gaza Strip, which has, as of March 2024, killed over 31,000 Palestinians and injured over 70,000. BAE’s client list is very secretive, thus accurate information on how their arms are being used is uncertain. The university also currently partners with two Israeli universities, Reichman University and The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. The president of Reichman University, Boaz Ganor, has written several highly political articles following October 7, some of them quoting: “Their lives [Palestinians] in Gaza, which were difficult already, will now become unbearable for many years to come,” “The prevailing issue on US campuses today revolves around the ignorance of useful idiots who align themselves with both modern and classic antisemites,” the latter in response to student organisations announcing their support for Palestine.

Universities have long stood as pillars of knowledge and debate, where the exchange of ideas is not only encouraged but essential for the academic and ethical development of students. As global conflicts like the Israeli-Palestinian issue persist, an important question arises: do universities hold a moral or ethical responsibility to address these international political issues? Universities are faced with the dilemma of remaining impartial platforms for open debate or taking active stances on political issues such as war, with opinions divided on whether neutrality preserves academic freedom or if engagement is necessary for advocating human rights. The ongoing campus protests and partnerships with corporations and foreign universities are central to this debate, highlighting deep divisions within the academic community on the appropriate role for educational institutions in global politics.

The ongoing conflict challenges universities to define their roles in an interconnected world: should they remain detached observers, or active participants in advocating for global justice and human rights?