FIlm Review
Film Review: The Captain
Chaos reigned on the German side towards the end of the Second World War. With soldiers separated from their groups, communications down or sporadic and the Allies pushing through at random different points across an ever-shifting front, it became every man for himself. All this confusion allowed senior officers to flee; slip into the background …
DVD Review: The Eyes of Orson Welles
There are few, if any, film-makers or cinephiles doing more to promote, enlighten and educate than Mark Cousins. The adopted Northern Irishman was responsible for introducing a whole generation to the delights of outsider cinema in his ‘90s TV series Moviedrome. His documentary The Story of Film: An Odyssey re-wrote film history and remains the …
Blu-ray Review: Who Killed Teddy Bear?
Whilst the last century has seen a whirlwind of scientific, technological and medical advances, human ‘evolution’ has been much more sluggish. The recent outing of predators like Harvey Weinstein and Louis C.K., along with the #metoo movement, have shown that when it comes to misogyny and everyday sexism we still live in a distinctly patriarchal …
Blu-Ray Review: The Nun
Whilst there will never be a consensus regarding who was the most important or influential director of the French New Wave, there’s no debate about who was the leading lady. Anna Karina is best-known for her work with Jean-Luc Godard. She became his muse, starring in many of his films including Alphaville, A Woman is …
Venice Review: The Announcement (Anons)
There’s a lot to be said for the maxim that the truth is often stranger than fiction. Given the unbelievable events taking place in American politics at the moment, it’s fair to say that no author would claim ownership of that book. Sadly, the US is not alone. Madness seems to have infected politicians in …
Blu-ray Review: Salvador
One word you would never use to describe Oliver Stone is ordinary. He’s made a reputation for his wild, crazy and testosterone-driven antics, both behind the camera and in real life. Never too far from controversy, his films are often abrasive, angry and purposefully confrontational. The Vietnam War veteran first came to prominence for writing …
Blu-Ray Review: Last Year in Marienbad
Very occasionally, a film will come along which defies expectations and logic. A film which plays with the very texture of film and storytelling to create something which is simultaneously ambiguous, perplexing and profound. Between 1959 and 1963 Alain Resnais made three films which all dealt with fragmented memories and clouded history. Whilst both Hiroshima …
Film Review: Down to Earth
We live in a connected age, where at the touch of a button we can communicate with our fellow humans all across the world. Globalisation has led to a whole new arena of opportunity, with our work, leisure, fitness and social lives intrinsically linked to the internet and digital technologies. However, whilst more and more …
Blu-ray Review: Witness for the Prosecution
Whilst Charles Laughton is now probably best-known for the only film he directed, Night of the Hunter, he was a versatile an indominable stage and screen actor. He made over fifty films across five decades and is probably best known for his performances in The Private Life of Henry VIII, Hobson’s Choice, Mutiny on the …
Film Review: The Seagull
Russia has a rich and diverse history when it comes to literature and the arts. One of the greatest playwrights to hail from the ‘motherland’ is Anton Chekhov. His greatest works are considered to be The Cherry Orchard, Uncle Vanya, Three Sisters and The Seagull. However, after the negative reaction to the premiere of the …