Dogwoof
LFF Review: Bad Reputation
Whilst it’s only now that women are starting to become widely respected as ‘rock’ musicians, imagine how bad it was forty years ago? Even today, is not out of the ordinary for female band members to receive derogatory comments about playing their instrument or asked questions which men would never be expected to answer. So, …
Film Review: Kusama – Infinity
Despite her art regularly selling for over a million dollars, and her exhibitions are some of the most popular in the world, Yayoi Kusama is far from being a household name. Whilst she was heavily involved and extremely influential in the 1960s New York avant-garde scene, compared to some of her male contemporaries Yayoi has …
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 …
Film Review: The King
Elvis Aaron Presley was the greatest entertainer who ever lived. Despite not being able to read or write music, he became a household name around the world. Even his decline and death still fascinates and resonates. What made him so successful was a mixture of extreme raw talent, the visionary and authoritarian management of Colonel …
Film Review: Generation Wealth
America, the land of the plenty. A place where pilgrims voyaged to make new and better lives for themselves. A nation which attracted immigration from around the world with the promise of untold riches and opportunity. Today, that influx still continues, but whilst the motivation remains the same, what is meant by the American Dream …
Film Review: This is Congo
Whilst independence may have come to the continent of Africa, the stain of colonialism still looms large. The psychological damage is the hardest to quantify, yet maybe the factor which has impacted most upon the ability of radically different nations to prosper. Old enmities, fuelled by the divide and rule tactics of European nations, have …
Film Review: Filmworker
When discussing the merits of any film, the actors and director almost always take centre stage. The cinematographer and composer might get a mention, and occasionally the editor, but this is the exception rather than the rule. As anyone who has ever sat waiting for the post-credit scene(s) on a Marvel film will attest, there …
Film Review: The Deminer
The Middle East is a mess. One largely created or exacerbated by Western influences and interventions. In countries like Iraq, where actions have often been driven by political motives, good and bad, colonial powers are very good at disappearing leaving those remaining to clear up the mess of deal with the chaos left in our …
DVD Review: Score: A Film Music Documentary
Never underestimate the vital role music plays in any film. A score can make or break a movie. It can elevate a moment or inject emotion into a scene. One misstep can destroy tension which has been meticulously built or completely pull the audience out of the moment. Some of the most memorable moments in …
Film Review – Westwood: Punk, Icon, Activist
When it comes to the world of high couture it’s generally all a bit snobby, stuffy, elitist and conservative. Think Phantom Thread, and then some. When Vivienne Westwood came along it was a shock for the industry. They tried ignoring her. They tried humiliating her. But, she would never give in, eventually gaining the recognition …