Modern Films
Film Review: Falling
Men of an older generation were often brought up to believe in certain things. Taught they had to be a ‘real man’. Which usually meant something along the lines of being the breadwinner, never showing emotion and bringing up your children in your own image. As society progressed and increasingly became more liberally minded in …
Film Review: Luxor
Whilst she might not be instantly recognisable to many, Andrea Riseborough is one of the most talented young British actors working in films and television today. Indeed, she seems to look different in just about every role she takes on. Her versatility is her strength, from playing Maggie Thatcher to brilliant performances in Shadow Dancer, …
Film Review: Raise Hell: The Life & Times of Molly Ivins
The state of politics across the world is probably at its most lamentable levels since World War II. To say that it’s a profession which is currently attracting intellectuals would be like saying that fish have dire need of more hats. However, not far behind is the noble journalist; a mix of untalented grafter and …
Film Review – Beyond the Visible: Hilma af Klint
As students of art history have been taught for generations, the first (truly) abstract art was created by Wassily Kandinsky in 1911. The European painter was generally accepted as being the movement’s first pioneer. Whilst there’s an argument that the form has its roots further back in history, the Russian was almost adamant about his …
Film Review: White Riot
Recent events in America have been eye-opening for those watching from afar. 2020 has seen the rise of the Black Lives Matter organisation in response to the institutional racism in the US, particularly within police departments. Echoes of which have reverberated across the world. Whilst it would be simplistic to feel in some way morally …
Film Review: Never Look Away
Whilst the Academy Awards may claim to consider cinema from all around the world, in reality only English-language films usually get a look in outside of ‘best foreign language’ category. Back in 1983, Das Boot was nominated for six Oscars. Although perversely, not in the most obvious category. This year, Never Look Away became only …
Film Review: Dirty God
One of the most insidious and insipid phenomena to creep into British society over the last decade has been acid attacks. Due to a sharp rise in incidents from the start of 2017, press and politicians have begun taking notice and calling for action. It’s up there with knife crime as one of the greatest …
Film Review – John McEnroe: In The Realm Of Perfection
Consensus has it that the golden era of men’s tennis began with the emergence of Roger Federer around the middle of last decade. Whilst the athleticism and technical ability of Nadal, Murray and Djokovic and the Swiss is beyond doubt, it’s hard to shake the feeling that the sport has lost something in its constant …
Film Review: Diamantino
Unfortunately, we live in a world where fame and fortune often have precious little to do with ability, intelligence or hard work. This vacuous throw-away culture has led to a cult of personality which has allowed the likes of Donald Trump and Kim Kardashian to succeed. Today, pop stars, musicians and footballers have more sway …
LFF Review: Utøya – July 22
On 22 July 2011, Norway experienced the deadliest attacks on its own soil since World War II. In the middle of the afternoon, a car bomb exploded outside the offices of the Prime Minister, killing 8 people. Less than 2 hours later, a 32-year-old man, dressed in a police uniform, bordered a ferry to Utøya …