Classic Cinema
Blu-Ray Review: One-Eyed Jacks
Marlon Brando was one of a kind. As an actor, no one else possessed the talent, charisma and sheer presence of the man. Along with James Dean and Montgomery Clift, he made up a posse of 1950s American actors who exuded a mix of sensitivity and raw violent emotion. His performances in On the Waterfront, …
Film Review: Der Müde Tod
Undoubtedly one of the most influential figures in early cinema, Fritz Lang’s work defined many genres. Metropolis is the most important science-fiction film ever made. M became a forerunner to film noir. Spione remains a benchmark for espionage drama. His earlier films oscillated between expressionism and populist thrillers. Whilst nowhere near as well known, this …
Blu-Ray Review: Diabolique
In today’s cinema, M. Night Shyamalan is synonymous with plot twists. It has become expected. So much so, that it often detracts from the film itself with audiences trying to figure it out instead of enjoying the entertainment. The past master was of course the late great Alfred Hitchcock. However, Hitchcock knew how to mic …
Blu-Ray Review: Spotlight on a Murderer
A title sequence can give you an insight into what is likely to come. Gaumont is the first and oldest film company in the world. Its logo is in many ways a badge of honour and a guarantee of quality. The studio has brought us classics like 8 ½, Possession, Rififi, La jetée, l’atalante and …
Blu-Ray Review: Madame de….
Nothing has captivated audiences from the advent of ‘talkies’ quite like great romantic drama. Whether it’s Gone with the Wind, Casablanca, Dr Zhivago or Brief Encounter, there’s something exhilarated in being swept-up in the moment. Director Max Ophüls was a fan of romance too (as many of his actresses would attest). He made several films …
Blu-Ray Review: 12 Angry Men (Criterion Collection)
What is the best film of all time? It’s a question liable to cause heated debate and end in arguments. Traditionally, Citizen Kane has tended to top these lists, but they were often English-language centric. No more so than the IMDB top 250, which Shawshank Redemption has been sat at the top of for years …
Blu-Ray Review: Melody
You may never have heard of a 1971 film called Melody but it marked an important moment for the British Film Industry. A new wave of screenwriters, producers and directors arrived on the scene from the advertising sector. It was David Puttnam’s first film as a producer. A career which has seen him to go …
Blu-Ray Review: The Life of Oharu (Criterion Collection)
There have been many films made about prostitutes, courtesans and concubines, but in Kenji Mizoguchi 1952 film The Life of Oharu the principal is all three. However, it’s more in the territory of Raise the Red Lantern or Farewell My Concubine than Pretty Woman. Whilst prostitutes tend to be gin-soaked cockneys in British period dramas, …
Blu-Ray Review: Umberto D
Italian Neo-realism emerged after the end of the Second World War. It was a direct reaction to the changing social and economic climate in Italy, characterised by a focus on the everyday lives of ordinary people. Amongst The major players in the movement was Vittorio De Sica. His film Bicycle Thieves became the most iconic …
Blu-Ray Review: The Innocent (L’Innocente)
After a couple of misfires, Luchino Visconti returned to familiar territory for his final film. Whilst The Innocent (L’innocente) may not reach the heights of The Leopard, Death in Venice or Le Notti Bianche, it’s contains all the elements which make his one of the greatest Italian directors of his era. Over a period of …