Powerhouse Films
Blu-Ray Review: The Swimmer
In a career which began after World War II and spanned five decades, Burt Lancaster proved beyond a shadow of doubt his range and ability as an actor. The former circus performer made his name by playing tough guys with a heart of gold, and it was this mix of malice and humanity which made …
Blu-Ray Review: The Day of the Dolphin
Mike Nichols began his career behind the camera with a bang. Like his former improv partner Elaine May, he immediately made a big splash when he swapped the stage for the screen. His debut, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, was nominated for thirteen Oscars, eventually winning five. He went on to make a number of …
Blu-Ray Review: Carla’s Song
Ken Loach is undoubtedly the most influential social issues filmmaker working in British cinema today. In his feature debut, Poor Cow, the Englishman tackled poverty. He has gone on to address a number of pressing topics including homelessness, labour rights, migration, unemployment and alcoholism. Another focus has been conflict, from the Spanish civil war to …
Blu-Ray Review: The Chalk Garden
Enid Bagnold’s writing career did not get off to the most propitious start. Whilst working as a nurse during World War I, her critical writings about the hospital administration landed her in trouble. Which ultimately resulted in losing her job. However, the writing stuck and she went on to pen a number of plays and …
Blu-ray Review: Columbia Noir #2
Film noir made up a large part of Hollywood filmmaking during the 1940s and 1950s. Whilst these stylish, cynical and melodramatic crime dramas were popular at the time, it was only decades later that many were critically reappraised. This is especially the case with the many ‘B’ movies released during the era. For every big …
Blu-Ray Review: Devil in a Blue Dress
Since the late 1980s, Denzel Washington has proven time and time again that he’s one of the best American actors working in cinema today. In 1987, he received his first Academy Award nomination for Cry Freedom, following it up a couple of years later with a win for Glory. He has subsequently gone on to …
Blu-ray Review: Columbia Noir #1
Film noir played a large part of Hollywood filmmaking during the 1940s and 1950s. Whilst these stylish, cynical and melodramatic crime dramas were popular at the time, it was only decades later that many were critically reappraised. This is especially the case with the many ‘B’ movies released over the era. For every big Bogart …
Blu-ray Review: The Triple Echo
The art of disguise is one of the elements which has made cinema so popular. This doesn’t just stop with film-makers keeping their cards close to their chest and throwing in twists which awe, inspire and enrage. It’s also a key element in those characters who stay with us. Taken literally, that could be Tony …
Blu-Ray Review: Night of the Demon
The occult has played a pivotal role in the evolution and development of genre cinema. The essence of evil, broken down into its component parts. The idea of demons, witches and magic has been prevalent in different societies around the world for hundreds and thousands of years. Films which focus on the dark arts (Rosemary’s …
Blu-Ray Review: The Collector
Whilst his name may not be as familiar today as some of his contemporaries, there’s absolutely no doubt that you’ll know many of William Wyler’s films. Whether it’s a blockbuster (Ben-Hur), romance (Roman Holiday), drama (The Best Years of our Lives), musical comedy (Funny Girl) or Western (The Big Country). In his 1965 film The …