Studiocanal
Blu-Ray Review: The Vanishing (Spoorloos)
I think it’s fair to say, especially in relation to its larger European neighbours, Holland hasn’t exactly set the world alight when it comes to cinema. Indeed, outside of Paul Verhoeven’s work (Soldier of Orange, Turkish Delight, Black Book etc), films from The Netherlands have generally had only a limited impact on the wider world. …
DVD Review: Balloon
After the end of World War II, the Allies portioned out their captured territory. The East and West were separated by the Inner German Border and subsequently the more famous Berlin Wall. During the 45 years this delineation separated capitalism and communism, over a thousand people lost their lives trying to cross it. In his …
Blu-Ray Review: The Go-Between
I think it’s fair to say that some actors, especially female ones, find their talent is sometimes overshadowed by (a press obsession with) their looks. Julie Christie was an icon of the swinging sixties. Whilst her ability was recognised with a number of awards, including an Oscar for Darling, she never really shook-off her status …
Blu-Ray Review – Apocalypse Now: Final Cut
No war has focused the minds of American film-makers quite like Vietnam. It’s a conflict which split American society; polarising a nation. Given the controversy surrounding events within the region, it’s a subject which has produced some of the greatest modern war films. Including the likes of Jacob’s Ladder, Platoon, Full Metal Jacket and Hamburger …
Blu-Ray Review: The Criminal
Stanley Baker was hardly what you’d call a typical leading man in post-war British cinema. Unlike his peers, who were almost always handsome and debonair, the former electrician’s apprentice cut a rough and ready figure. In many ways a brooding brute of a man, he carved out a niche for himself in the likes of …
Blu-ray Review: Dragged Across Concrete
Whilst people might be split about his films, S. Craig Zahler is one of the more interesting directors working in American cinema. A critically acclaimed author of Western fiction, he’s also plays in heavy metal and black metal bands. His films carry a distinctive writing signature, are fairly epic in length and are characterised by …
Blu-Ray Review: The White Crow
Rudolf Nureyev was the most famous male ballet dancer of his generation, and arguably of all time. The Russian started out life in poverty but fame and fortune eventually beckoned. However, his life was tragically curtailed by AIDS at the age of 54. His life was a fascinating one and contains all the key factors …
Blu-Ray Review: Don’t Look Now
Nicolas Roeg was one of the most distinctive and innovative independent British film directors of the late twentieth century. He made some of the most iconic and daring films of his generation. With Performance, The Witches, Walkabout and The Man Who Fell to Earth he made some truly memorable and compelling narratives. However, Don’t Look …
Blu-ray Review: Odette
During World War II, the British set up the Special Operations Executive. This secretive organisation was established with the purpose of carrying out espionage, reconnaissance and sabotage in occupied Europe. Odette Sansom was a French-born British agent who was persuaded to join the SOE. She was awarded the George Cross for her contribution to the …
Blu-ray Review: I Was Monty’s Double
Major wars are not won or lost by one major battle or moment but more often than not through a number of smaller victories or defeats. Whilst most people are aware of the major events of World War II, it’s often the lesser known stories which provide the most fascination. D-Day has been portrayed on …