Studio Canal
Film Review: The Servant
While Dirk Bogarde was one of the greatest British actors of his generation, he’s probably best remembered for starring in the ‘Doctor’ film series. During the 1950s, after completing his war service, the Londoner first came to prominence as a matinée idol. However, it was his later work which brought him the most critical acclaim. …
DVD Review: Catch Me Daddy
Britain today is a multi-cultural and cosmopolitan place. It’s a haven for many and our population is made up of people from just about every nation of the world. There’s been a huge influx of migration from Commonwealth countries, many of who have come from the Indian Subcontinent. Whilst many have successfully set down roots …
DVD Review: L’Eclisse
Michelangelo Antonioni is one of the most important film directors Italy has ever produced. In many ways he redefined cinema in the period at the start of the 1960s. L’Eclisse is the final film in a trilogy (along with L’Avventura and La notte) captures the socio-economic changes running through Europe at the time, and the anxieties …
Film Review: Wyrmwood: Road of the Dead
Before getting entangled with hairy-footed hobbits, Peter Jackson began his impressive film making odyssey knee-deep in gore with the brilliant Bad Taste and Braindead. There’s a certain Antipodean sense of humour, that ranges from dark to black as night,which gives their horror movies a very different feel. In Kiah Roache-Turner debut outing, Wyrmwood: Road of …
Incoming: The Tale of Princess Kaguya
Found inside a shining stalk of bamboo, a tiny girl grows into an exquisite young lady, raised by an old bamboo cutter and his wife. From the countryside to the grand capital city, even unseen she enthrals all who encounter her, including five noble suitors. Ultimately she must face her fate, punishment for her crime. …
DVD Review: Alleluia
Serial Killers have fascinated writers and directors for decades. They’ve thrown up some of the most memorable characters to grace the big screen; whether it’s the chianti drinking Hannibal Lecter or the professionally tailored Patrick Bateman. Double acts are far less prevalent, but in Alleluia Fabrice Du Welz updates the case of “The Lonely Hearts …
DVD Review: The Kidnapping of Michel Houellebecq
Michel Houellebecq is an award-winning author, poet and filmmaker. He’s probably best known for his novel Atomised, which was adapted to film and won the Golden Bear at the 2006 Berlin Film Festival. He’s a controversial author who’s faced accusations of obscenity, racism, misogyny and Islamophobia. He’s also notable for his press stunts, often leading …
DVD Review: Goodbye to Language
Jean-Luc Godard has never been one to play by the rules. Even at the august age of 83, his unflinching desire to bury down into the very fabric of cinema and philosophy never stutters. He’s never been a director to rest on his laurels and revels in taking liberties with the medium of film. Off …
DVD Review: Gett: the Trial of Viviane Amsalem
The characters of Viviane (Ronit Elkabetz) and Elisha (Simon Abkarian) will be familiar to some. They have previously appeared in the Elkabetz brothers’ To Take a Wife and The Seven Days. The former followed Viviane through her unhappy marriage, whilst the latter focussed on time spent apart. In Gett: the Trial of Viviane Amsalem proceedings move …
Blu-ray Review: The Killing Fields (30th Anniversary Edition)
The role of a producer has faded in importance over the years, but at one time it was considered to be of equal significant as the director. Possibly the greatest British producer and one of the best known names in British cinema during the late ’70s and 80s was David Puttnam. He produced several of …