Masters of Cinema
Blu-Ray Review: Human Desire
Gloria Grahame was not your usual Hollywood star. Despite being obsessed by her looks later on in her career (to a worrying degree) her contract was sold by MGM to RKO because she ‘hadn’t what it takes’ to be successful. She had four husbands, one was the son of another (who she was caught in …
Blu-Ray Review: Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte
Bette Davis was an indomitable presence on screen. In a career which spanned over sixty years she became one of the most recognisable faces of cinema. She is undoubtedly one of the Hollywood greats and an actress who is still celebrated today. Her formidable talent was rewarded with a raft of awards including two Oscars …
Blu-ray Review: Hitler’s Hollywood
Whilst Hollywood was well into its Golden Era, World War II may have caused many privations but it didn’t stop films being made. Indeed, all sides saw cinema as an opportunity to spread their message and rally their citizens. The Third Reich was no exception. They saw what was going on in America and were …
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: 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 …
Blu-Ray Review: Birdman of Alcatraz
After watching Birdman of Alcatraz, you might be surprised to discover that Burt Lancaster’s performance didn’t get rewarded with an Oscar. On further investigation, 1963 was a special year for male leads. Gregory Peck eventually prevailed and picked-up the gong for his role in To Kill a Mockingbird. The other nominees were Peter O’Toole (Lawrence …
Blu-Ray Review: No Way Out
Joseph L. Mankiewicz was a true Hollywood all-rounder. As a writer he penned forty-eight screenplays during his career, winning numerous awards and accolades. He produced over twenty films, including The Philadelphia Story. When he was finally given a chance to direct by Twentieth Century Fox, he didn’t disappoint; winning Oscars for Best Director (and also …
Film Review: King of Hearts
Whilst today he may not get the credit or acknowledgement that some of his peers receive, Alan Bates was unquestionable one of the most versatile and well thought of British actors of his generation. Some of his more acclaimed roles are in Gregory’s Girl, Women in Love, The Fixer, Far from the Madding Crowd and …
Film Review: The Old Dark House
Whilst he railed against being typecast as a horror director, James Whale is unquestionable one of the most important pioneers of genre cinema. He virtually (re)invented Gothic Horror and had a huge influence on directors in the 1960s and ‘70s. Today, his depiction of Mary Shelley’s macabre creation in the 1931 film Frankenstein is the …
Blu-Ray Review: Cure
Kiyoshi Kurosawa is undoubtedly one of the greatest living Japanese directors. With Tokyo Sonata and Journey to the Shore he released two of the most impressive Japanese art-house films of the 21st Century. However, that’s not even half the story. That was just a sabbatical from what he does best; genre cinema. Indeed, my favourite …