Monday 27 November 2017

“The cinema is truth 24 frames-per-second” ― Jean-Luc Godard



Until recently, I hadn’t been to the cinema (or the pictures as I still call it) for ages but I’ve made up for that recently.  There are no spoilers in what follows.  Any and all recommended for their acting and screenplay. 

The Death of Stalin (2017)

This film, from director/Co-writer Armando Iannucci of I’m Alan Partridge fame, and chronicles the chaos that follows after the death of Stalin.  This film is so funny you have to keep reminding yourself that these events actually happened. 

The following were screened as part of the Leeds International Film Festival:
The Cakemaker (2017)
Directed by Ofir Raul Graizer, this film tells of Thomas, a young German baker, who has an affair with a married Israeli man who spends a lot of time in Berlin on business.  When Thomas finds out Oren was killed in a car accident, he travels to Israel and gets himself involved in the life of his lover’s widow.  Quite a slow film, but it keeps your interest to know what will transpire.
The Florida Project (2017)
Directed by Sean Baker, this film tells of poor families who live in Florida motels and how the streetwise children bring themselves up with the hotel manager (Willem Dafoe) keeping an eye out for them.  The acting of the children was amazing.
You Were Never Really Here (2017)
Directed by Lynne Ramsey (of We need to Talk about Kevin), this is an action movie about a hired gun (Joaquin Phoenix).  This film wasn’t my choice but it was well put together but rather bloodthirsty for my liking.
Film Stars Don't Die in Liverpool (2017)
Directed by Paul McGuigan with a cast including Jamie Bell Annette Bening and Julie Walters, this drama takes the story of American film star Gloria Grahame who finds romance in Liverpool.  Based on the book of the true story of the author, Peter Turner.
The film below was shown as part of the UK International Jewish Film Festival
The Women’s Balcony (2016)
The directors of this Israeli film are Emil Ben-Shirmon andShlomit Nehama

 A synagogue in Jerusalem turns into a battleground between husbands and wives, when a new ultra orthodox rabbi decrees that it will not include a women’s balcony meaning women would not be able to attend religious services. Naturally the women win the fight!

Good films are like buses; none for ages then all come along at once.  I much prefer the independent films and cinemas to the blockbusters at the mulltiscreens.  For one, the audiences are much more appreciative and better behaved!  Have you seen any good films lately?

Prisons and prisoners

  Fortunately I’ve never been in prison and furthermore hope I never will. However, I have recently seen and read about this topic and it h...