The Goldfinch provides a classic example of the challenges present in condensing a large sprawling novel into a single two and a half hour film. The novels complexity ultimately failing in the translation to the screen. While in turn creating a frustrating and disappointing film. With the films solid performances and beautiful cinematography drowned out by a three act structure …
In 2016 James Grey brought us the underrated ‘The Lost City of Z‘. A film that focused on the human need for exploration and understanding. Exploring the desire of humans to risk everything in answering the questions inherent in the unknown and unexplored. Ad Astra continues the themes of Grey’s earlier film. Mixing stunning cinematography with the human desire to answer the …
In 2003 James Frey published his memoir, “A Million Little Pieces”. A piece of work that initially received widespread acclaimed on release. However, went on to court controversy after the author admitted fictionalising some key aspects of his apparent life story. This controversy was only heightened by an interview on the Oprah Winfrey show. Where Oprah asked Frey to apologise to readers over a book she …
There was an inherent risk sitting at the heart of IT. One that splits a combined story interweaving adult and childhood experience, into two separate entities. Hence dividing the narrative of Stephen King’s source material. While also creating an expectation that the audience could combine both chapters into singular cinematic journey. This is a challenge that few films have managed …
Back in 1981 Alvin Schwartz released the first volume of his Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark book series. Aimed at introducing children and teens to the nightmare world of folk horror. His books not only proving a huge success, but also inspiring a whole generation of horror fans. With tales of mysterious creatures, ghosts and things that go bump in the …
Creature movies have had a rough time over the past few years. Often offering little more than a simple story, while delivering nothing of substance. From Rampage to The Meg, natural predators have been treated as mere action fodder for simple muscle clad heroes. However, with Crawl director Alexandre Aja (Maniac) manages to bring us a far more nuanced thriller. …
‘Les Crevettes Pailletées’ Inspired by the real life LGBTQ water polo team that debut director Cédric Le Gallo is a member of. While also transferring the directors real life experience into a fictional story of the sporting underdog. The Shiny Shrimps may not offer a completely unique cinematic experience, but does shine with both comedy and love. While equally bringing …
Four years on from mixed critical reviews of The Hateful Eight. Tarantino’s ninth feature provides us with a mature, visually stunning and nuanced piece of filmmaking. One that holds your attention, despite its slower pace. While combining truly stunning cinematography with beautiful character driven performances. Not only submerging you in a hypnotic mix of fantasy versus reality. But also creating genre …
There is always an inherent risk in placing adult themed comedy into the hands of a ‘tween’ cast of actors. The result being a potentially uncomfortable mix of young teens, bad language and sexual jokes. With adult humour interfacing with the sensibility of ensuring childhood innocence is maintained. Good Boys therefore had a difficult path to navigate. In traversing the …
Inspired by the teenage life of writer Sarfraz Manzoor (Greetings from Bury Park: Race, Religion and Rock’n’ Roll). Gurinder Chadha (Bend it like Beckham) delivers a film of warmth, affection and social commentary on 80’s Britain. That equally shines alongside its Springsteen rich score. Performances enhance the warmth, energy and vibrance of Blinded By Light, building characters you truly believe in. While showing the …