by Sarah Miles
The year turns. Spring is now in bloom and that means a new season of anime, but for many the sheer number of possible choices can be daunting and it can be easy to miss a smaller hidden gem. I have gathered 12 of the season's new shows to help you decide if they are worth checking out and where you can find them. Only new shows, so no Black Butler: Public School Arc, My Hero Academia season 7, Laid Back Camp season 3, etc. as if you're already a fan you'll be watching them anyway and if you're curious about any of them I would recommend you start at the very beginning, I hear it's a very good place to start.
Tonari no Yokai-san
Studio: Lidenfilms
Director: Ami Yamauchi
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
In a version of modern-day Japan where humans live side by side with Yokai, mythical spirits and creatures of folklore,...
The year turns. Spring is now in bloom and that means a new season of anime, but for many the sheer number of possible choices can be daunting and it can be easy to miss a smaller hidden gem. I have gathered 12 of the season's new shows to help you decide if they are worth checking out and where you can find them. Only new shows, so no Black Butler: Public School Arc, My Hero Academia season 7, Laid Back Camp season 3, etc. as if you're already a fan you'll be watching them anyway and if you're curious about any of them I would recommend you start at the very beginning, I hear it's a very good place to start.
Tonari no Yokai-san
Studio: Lidenfilms
Director: Ami Yamauchi
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
In a version of modern-day Japan where humans live side by side with Yokai, mythical spirits and creatures of folklore,...
- 5/22/2024
- by Sarah Miles
- AsianMoviePulse
by Sarah Miles
There's a particular challenge that original anime face in that, unlike manga adaptations, they don't have a built-in audience and fanbase. Therefore, sometimes it can take a while for them to gain some momentum in the anime community. When “A Place Further than the Universe” first aired in 2018 there were many who dismissed it as another “cute girls doing cute things” show that had little to offer beyond mildly humorous antics. Those who gave the show a proper chance, however, found a deeply affecting coming of age comedy-drama from a creative team at the top of their game with plenty of emotional catharsis and heart-warming growth.
on Crunchyroll
by clicking on the image below
Mari Tamaki, or “Kimari” to her friends, is faced with the fact that she has little to show for her youth. In her second year of high school, she talks...
There's a particular challenge that original anime face in that, unlike manga adaptations, they don't have a built-in audience and fanbase. Therefore, sometimes it can take a while for them to gain some momentum in the anime community. When “A Place Further than the Universe” first aired in 2018 there were many who dismissed it as another “cute girls doing cute things” show that had little to offer beyond mildly humorous antics. Those who gave the show a proper chance, however, found a deeply affecting coming of age comedy-drama from a creative team at the top of their game with plenty of emotional catharsis and heart-warming growth.
on Crunchyroll
by clicking on the image below
Mari Tamaki, or “Kimari” to her friends, is faced with the fact that she has little to show for her youth. In her second year of high school, she talks...
- 4/25/2024
- by Guest Writer
- AsianMoviePulse
By Sarah Miles
The zombie genre is one that appears to have nothing new at this point. We seem to have seen every possible variation through various movies, books, and games. Which is why the manga “Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead” written by Haro Aso and illustrated by Kotaro Takata quickly became known as a fun and fresh take on the old zombie apocalypse setup when first printed in 2018 in the magazine “Monthly Sunday Gene-x”. Last year saw two adaptations; the Netflix movie directed by Yusuke Ishida and the 12-episode anime series directed by Kazuki Kawagoe and produced by studio Bug Films. Whilst the film was an enjoyable romp, it never felt like it was able to make the most of the manga's premise. The anime, however, was one of the most enjoyable shows of 2023 and had something truly special about it. And I'm not talking about the zombie shark.
The zombie genre is one that appears to have nothing new at this point. We seem to have seen every possible variation through various movies, books, and games. Which is why the manga “Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead” written by Haro Aso and illustrated by Kotaro Takata quickly became known as a fun and fresh take on the old zombie apocalypse setup when first printed in 2018 in the magazine “Monthly Sunday Gene-x”. Last year saw two adaptations; the Netflix movie directed by Yusuke Ishida and the 12-episode anime series directed by Kazuki Kawagoe and produced by studio Bug Films. Whilst the film was an enjoyable romp, it never felt like it was able to make the most of the manga's premise. The anime, however, was one of the most enjoyable shows of 2023 and had something truly special about it. And I'm not talking about the zombie shark.
- 4/12/2024
- by Guest Writer
- AsianMoviePulse
by Sarah Miles
After the massive critical and commercial success of “A Silent Voice” (2016), it seemed like director Naoko Yamada could do no wrong and was poised for huge things. It may have been strange for some then that her next directorial project would be tied to the “Sound! Euphonium” anime series, which Yamada had previously worked on as series unit director under Tatsuya Ishihara. It could almost be seen as a regression, as Yamada's first two features, “K-on! The Movie” (2011) and “Tamako Love Story” (2014), were also based on pre-existing anime series. Yet whether a fan of “Sound! Euphonium” or not, “Liz and the Blue Bird” (2018) is a constant delight and could well be Yamada's masterpiece.
on Crunchyroll
by clicking on the image below
Mizore Yoroizuka and Nozomi Kasaki are close friends, bandmates, and entering their third and final year of highschool. They are a pair of opposites,...
After the massive critical and commercial success of “A Silent Voice” (2016), it seemed like director Naoko Yamada could do no wrong and was poised for huge things. It may have been strange for some then that her next directorial project would be tied to the “Sound! Euphonium” anime series, which Yamada had previously worked on as series unit director under Tatsuya Ishihara. It could almost be seen as a regression, as Yamada's first two features, “K-on! The Movie” (2011) and “Tamako Love Story” (2014), were also based on pre-existing anime series. Yet whether a fan of “Sound! Euphonium” or not, “Liz and the Blue Bird” (2018) is a constant delight and could well be Yamada's masterpiece.
on Crunchyroll
by clicking on the image below
Mizore Yoroizuka and Nozomi Kasaki are close friends, bandmates, and entering their third and final year of highschool. They are a pair of opposites,...
- 3/20/2024
- by Guest Writer
- AsianMoviePulse
Throughout the 96-year history of the Academy Awards, the amount of acting lineups consisting only of first-time nominees has reached 37, or about 10% of the overall total. While that number may not seem high in a general sense, these cases actually outnumber those exclusively involving veteran contenders by a ratio of three to one. However, although this list expanded as recently as 2023, rookie-only acting lineups are gradually becoming less common than veteran-only ones, the amount of which has nearly doubled within the last dozen years.
Whereas 75% of veteran-only acting quintets have involved lead performers rather than supporting ones, almost the exact opposite is true of lineups full of newcomers. For instance, only one existing case of the former kind concerns supporting actresses, whereas the same category has produced 15 rookie-only rosters. The last such group consisted of 2000 winner Angelina Jolie and nominees Toni Collette (“The Sixth Sense”), Catherine Keener (“Being John Malkovich...
Whereas 75% of veteran-only acting quintets have involved lead performers rather than supporting ones, almost the exact opposite is true of lineups full of newcomers. For instance, only one existing case of the former kind concerns supporting actresses, whereas the same category has produced 15 rookie-only rosters. The last such group consisted of 2000 winner Angelina Jolie and nominees Toni Collette (“The Sixth Sense”), Catherine Keener (“Being John Malkovich...
- 2/7/2024
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
Glenda Jackson, the British actress who hit the snooze bar on her acting career for a 23-year career in politics, died on Thursday, as per her representatives. During her peak years in the 1970s and 80s, she won two Oscars (and was nominated for two more) and two Emmy Awards. She was nominated for four Tony Awards, finally winning one in 2018 after a late-in-life career resurgence. She was 87 years old.
Jackson, whose father was a bricklayer and whose mother was a barmaid and domestic, studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. She was told by the academy’s principal that, due to her looks, she would likely only find work as a character actress, and she shouldn’t depend on getting jobs after 40.
This proved to be the opposite of true. Her big break came when experimental theater director Peter Brook cast her in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s groundbreaking adaptation of “Marat/Sade.
Jackson, whose father was a bricklayer and whose mother was a barmaid and domestic, studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. She was told by the academy’s principal that, due to her looks, she would likely only find work as a character actress, and she shouldn’t depend on getting jobs after 40.
This proved to be the opposite of true. Her big break came when experimental theater director Peter Brook cast her in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s groundbreaking adaptation of “Marat/Sade.
- 6/15/2023
- by Jordan Hoffman
- Gold Derby
The love affair between Swedish filmmaker Ruben Östlund and the Cannes Film Festival continues.
The 48-year-old director will return to the scene of his recent triumph, as it was just last year that his “Triangle of Sadness” came away with the coveted Palme d’Or, the top prize at the most prestigious festival in world cinema. (Don’t tell Venice I said that.)
“I am happy, proud, and humbled to be trusted with the honor of jury president for this year’s competition at the Festival de Cannes,” he wrote in an announcement released by the festival early Tuesday morning. “I am sincere when I say that cinema culture is in its most important period ever,” he continued.
Östlund’s “Triangle” is, of course, currently a long-shot Oscar candidate in three categories: Best Director (a nomination for Östlund), Best Original Screenplay (another nomination for Östlund), and Best Picture (a nomination...
The 48-year-old director will return to the scene of his recent triumph, as it was just last year that his “Triangle of Sadness” came away with the coveted Palme d’Or, the top prize at the most prestigious festival in world cinema. (Don’t tell Venice I said that.)
“I am happy, proud, and humbled to be trusted with the honor of jury president for this year’s competition at the Festival de Cannes,” he wrote in an announcement released by the festival early Tuesday morning. “I am sincere when I say that cinema culture is in its most important period ever,” he continued.
Östlund’s “Triangle” is, of course, currently a long-shot Oscar candidate in three categories: Best Director (a nomination for Östlund), Best Original Screenplay (another nomination for Östlund), and Best Picture (a nomination...
- 2/28/2023
- by Jordan Hoffman
- Gold Derby
Writer/Director Joe Cornish discusses a few of his favorite movies with Josh Olson and Joe Dante.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Attack The Block (2011)
Rocks (2019)
Poltergeist (1982)
Gremlins (1984)
Avanti! (1972)
Picnic At Hanging Rock (1975)
The Last Wave (1977)
Witness (1985)
Dead Poets Society (1989)
Fearless (1993)
Master And Commander: The Far Side Of The World (2003)
Gallipoli (1981)
The Year Of Living Dangerously (1982)
The Cars That Ate Paris (1974)
The Adventures Of Buckaroo Banzai (1984)
Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins (1985)
The Man Who Would Be King (1975)
Kingsman: The Secret Service (2014)
The Rescuers (1977)
Bedknobs And Broomsticks (1971)
The Rescuers Down Under (1990)
The Spy Who Loved Me (1977)
Moonraker (1979)
The Adventures Of Tintin (2011)
Bambi (1942)
Dumbo (1941)
Close Encounters Of The Third Kind (1977)
Forbidden Planet (1956)
This Island Earth (1955)
Earth Vs. The Flying Saucers (1956)
The Thing From Another World (1951)
Matinee (1993)
The Lord Of The Rings (1978)
The Omen (1976)
Damien: Omen II (1978)
Omen III: The Final Conflict (1981)
Battleship Potemkin (1925)
The Exorcist (1973)
The Exterminator (1980)
Friday The 13th...
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Attack The Block (2011)
Rocks (2019)
Poltergeist (1982)
Gremlins (1984)
Avanti! (1972)
Picnic At Hanging Rock (1975)
The Last Wave (1977)
Witness (1985)
Dead Poets Society (1989)
Fearless (1993)
Master And Commander: The Far Side Of The World (2003)
Gallipoli (1981)
The Year Of Living Dangerously (1982)
The Cars That Ate Paris (1974)
The Adventures Of Buckaroo Banzai (1984)
Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins (1985)
The Man Who Would Be King (1975)
Kingsman: The Secret Service (2014)
The Rescuers (1977)
Bedknobs And Broomsticks (1971)
The Rescuers Down Under (1990)
The Spy Who Loved Me (1977)
Moonraker (1979)
The Adventures Of Tintin (2011)
Bambi (1942)
Dumbo (1941)
Close Encounters Of The Third Kind (1977)
Forbidden Planet (1956)
This Island Earth (1955)
Earth Vs. The Flying Saucers (1956)
The Thing From Another World (1951)
Matinee (1993)
The Lord Of The Rings (1978)
The Omen (1976)
Damien: Omen II (1978)
Omen III: The Final Conflict (1981)
Battleship Potemkin (1925)
The Exorcist (1973)
The Exterminator (1980)
Friday The 13th...
- 1/24/2023
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
After twenty years honing his craft on ever-more precise filmic constructions, David Lean opened up his imagination for a story of loneliness and romance in Venice, Italy. A vacationing American woman searches for — she doesn’t know what. Katharine Hepburn reveals the vulnerable side of her personality, and the woman eventually leaves her fears behind. Lean creates the most compelling ‘relaxed vacation’ ever, yet every shot is as keenly envisioned as in any of his films. It’s an amazing ‘on location’ show that initially ran into trouble with U.S. censors — some thought it was morally incompatible with the Production Code, and shouldn’t be released here at all.
Summertime
Blu-ray
The Criterion Collection 22
1955 / Color / 1:37 Academy (1:66 widescreen?) / 100 min. / available through The Criterion Collection / Street Date July 12, 2022 / 39.95
Starring: Katharine Hepburn, Rossano Brazzi, Darren McGavin, Jane Rose, Mari Aldon, Macdonald Parke, Gaetano Autiero, Jeremy Spenser, Isa Miranda, Virginia Simeon,...
Summertime
Blu-ray
The Criterion Collection 22
1955 / Color / 1:37 Academy (1:66 widescreen?) / 100 min. / available through The Criterion Collection / Street Date July 12, 2022 / 39.95
Starring: Katharine Hepburn, Rossano Brazzi, Darren McGavin, Jane Rose, Mari Aldon, Macdonald Parke, Gaetano Autiero, Jeremy Spenser, Isa Miranda, Virginia Simeon,...
- 7/19/2022
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
The subversive 1963 classic crackles with undertones of class, sexuality and communism, with Dirk Bogarde at his finest as the sociopathic manservant
Joseph Losey’s monochrome psycho-horror satire from 1963 is now re-released; it took an expatriate American to orchestrate this very English festival of class, fear, sex and shame with its menacing screenplay by Harold Pinter. Dirk Bogarde stars as the sinister manservant who gradually gains psychological control over his weak-willed master played by James Fox. The film was first considered unreleasably upsetting and weird, and notoriously gathered dust for a year on the shelf while Bogarde was humiliatingly forced to make another of the cheesy Doctor comedies he was trying to put behind him – Doctor in Distress – to pay off a tax bill.
Bogarde plays Barrett, a professional manservant whose manner is sometimes self-effacingly blank, sometimes ingratiating, camp and cunning. He is hired as a live-in valet by Tony (Fox...
Joseph Losey’s monochrome psycho-horror satire from 1963 is now re-released; it took an expatriate American to orchestrate this very English festival of class, fear, sex and shame with its menacing screenplay by Harold Pinter. Dirk Bogarde stars as the sinister manservant who gradually gains psychological control over his weak-willed master played by James Fox. The film was first considered unreleasably upsetting and weird, and notoriously gathered dust for a year on the shelf while Bogarde was humiliatingly forced to make another of the cheesy Doctor comedies he was trying to put behind him – Doctor in Distress – to pay off a tax bill.
Bogarde plays Barrett, a professional manservant whose manner is sometimes self-effacingly blank, sometimes ingratiating, camp and cunning. He is hired as a live-in valet by Tony (Fox...
- 9/10/2021
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
Just a couple of years before being swallowed by a shark Robert Shaw co-starred with Sarah Miles in this searing tale of class envy and unrequited love. Shaw is the former sergeant-major reduced to chauffeuring the fickle Miles who loves and leaves him. Shaw, best-known for his two-fisted action roles, gives a heartbreaking performance. Miles was awarded the Special Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival.
The post The Hireling appeared first on Trailers From Hell.
The post The Hireling appeared first on Trailers From Hell.
- 12/14/2020
- by Charlie Largent
- Trailers from Hell
Pairing wine with movies! See the trailers and hear the fascinating commentary for these movies and many more at Trailers From Hell. This week, we find wine pairings for three films starring the late Robert Shaw. Whether you know him as Henry VIII, Doyle Lonnegan or Quint, he was a special talent and deserves a special toast. After all, he has a pub bearing his name in his home town near Manchester – however it is currently closed during the pandemic.
In 1973’s The Hireling, Robert Shaw plays a chauffeur who flips for the upper-crust woman in the back seat of the Rolls, Sarah Miles. Set in post-wwi England, all the characters seem to be dealing with one post-traumatic depression or another. Shaw does not get the girl – that might have been considered “jumping the shark.” That opportunity comes along in the next movie.
Chauffeurs and wine go together like pub crawls and designated drivers.
In 1973’s The Hireling, Robert Shaw plays a chauffeur who flips for the upper-crust woman in the back seat of the Rolls, Sarah Miles. Set in post-wwi England, all the characters seem to be dealing with one post-traumatic depression or another. Shaw does not get the girl – that might have been considered “jumping the shark.” That opportunity comes along in the next movie.
Chauffeurs and wine go together like pub crawls and designated drivers.
- 12/13/2020
- by Randy Fuller
- Trailers from Hell
Lewis John Carlino, who scripted and directed The Great Santini and earned an Oscar nom for penning I Never Promised You a Rose Garden among many other credits, has died. He was 88.
Carlino died June 17 on Whidbey Island off Washington. Michael O’Keefe, who starred opposite Robert Duvall in 1979’s Great Santini, confirmed the news and posted a video in tribute on June 18:
Lewis John Carlino Died yesterday. I owe him in incalculable debt. It was he who cast me opposite Robert Duvall in The Great Santini. This interview with him makes evident his humanity, insight, humor, and grace. I love him immeasurably. https://t.co/8Q1XK97B25
— Michael O'Keefe (@mokeefeman) June 18, 2020
Carlino was a three-time WGA Award nominee for penning the adapted screenplays for Great Santini and Rose Garden (1977) and his original script for The Brotherhood (1968). He also scored a Golden Globe nom for co-scripting 1967’s The Fox with Howard Koch.
Carlino died June 17 on Whidbey Island off Washington. Michael O’Keefe, who starred opposite Robert Duvall in 1979’s Great Santini, confirmed the news and posted a video in tribute on June 18:
Lewis John Carlino Died yesterday. I owe him in incalculable debt. It was he who cast me opposite Robert Duvall in The Great Santini. This interview with him makes evident his humanity, insight, humor, and grace. I love him immeasurably. https://t.co/8Q1XK97B25
— Michael O'Keefe (@mokeefeman) June 18, 2020
Carlino was a three-time WGA Award nominee for penning the adapted screenplays for Great Santini and Rose Garden (1977) and his original script for The Brotherhood (1968). He also scored a Golden Globe nom for co-scripting 1967’s The Fox with Howard Koch.
- 6/24/2020
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: More than fifty years after its first publication, British writer Robin Maugham’s controversial 1967 novel The Wrong People is getting a movie adaptation.
Arthouse outfit Peccadillo Pictures, the UK’s foremost distributor of Lgbt movies, is teaming up on the project with veteran UK screenwriter David McGillivray (Schizo), who has adapted the novel and will make his directorial debut.
Set against the backdrop of 1960s Tangier, the thriller tells the story of Arnold Turner, a repressed English schoolmaster on holiday in Morocco, where he meets Ewing Baird, a wealthy American expat with a dark secret. As Turner becomes more involved with Ewing he realizes he has been lured into a dangerous trap.
Maugham’s first explicitly gay-themed novel was critically praised but also garnered controversy. Homosexuality was still illegal in Britain for most of the 1960s.
The book was reprinted several times, including in the Gay Modern Classics series,...
Arthouse outfit Peccadillo Pictures, the UK’s foremost distributor of Lgbt movies, is teaming up on the project with veteran UK screenwriter David McGillivray (Schizo), who has adapted the novel and will make his directorial debut.
Set against the backdrop of 1960s Tangier, the thriller tells the story of Arnold Turner, a repressed English schoolmaster on holiday in Morocco, where he meets Ewing Baird, a wealthy American expat with a dark secret. As Turner becomes more involved with Ewing he realizes he has been lured into a dangerous trap.
Maugham’s first explicitly gay-themed novel was critically praised but also garnered controversy. Homosexuality was still illegal in Britain for most of the 1960s.
The book was reprinted several times, including in the Gay Modern Classics series,...
- 12/5/2019
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Oscar-nominated English filmmaker Michael Radford has signed on to direct Sweethearts, an indie biopic set 1930s Hollywood about the love affair between movie stars and frequent on-screen co-stars Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy. Eve Pomerance is producing the film under her Major Motion Pictures banner, alongside Bill Black of Jaba Films, Attit Shah’s Creation Entertainment, and Amanda Kiely.
MacDonald and Eddy were first paired in the 1935 W. S. Van Dyke-directed film Naughty Marietta, which was under MGM where MacDonald was signed to. The went on to star in eight films together. During the time, there was a struggle for MacDonald’s heart and soul between Eddy and MGM studio boss Louis B. Mayer who controlled her life and career.
Production is scheduled to begin later this year in Spain.
Radford first garnered mass attention with his 1984 film, Nineteen Eighty-Four, based George Orwell’s novel of the same title and...
MacDonald and Eddy were first paired in the 1935 W. S. Van Dyke-directed film Naughty Marietta, which was under MGM where MacDonald was signed to. The went on to star in eight films together. During the time, there was a struggle for MacDonald’s heart and soul between Eddy and MGM studio boss Louis B. Mayer who controlled her life and career.
Production is scheduled to begin later this year in Spain.
Radford first garnered mass attention with his 1984 film, Nineteen Eighty-Four, based George Orwell’s novel of the same title and...
- 5/23/2019
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Way back in the 20th century, the BAFTAs, which take place Feb. 10, occupied a shifting, uncertain place in the film awards calendar. For much of the 1990s, they acted as a kind of after-party to the long, strenuous haul of Oscar season: taking place a few weeks after the big day in L.A., they were cheerfully divorced from the pressures and rigors of Academy Awards campaigning. And while they preceded the Oscars for years before then, they were seen as very much their own ball game — prestigious, yes, but hardly an essential red-carpet pit stop for Oscar contenders with their eyes on the American prize.
There was occasional overlap between the British Academy and the Oscars, of course, not least when a U.K. film became a crossover hit: It’s hardly a surprise that tony productions from “Lawrence of Arabia” to “Chariots of Fire” to “Shakespeare in Love...
There was occasional overlap between the British Academy and the Oscars, of course, not least when a U.K. film became a crossover hit: It’s hardly a surprise that tony productions from “Lawrence of Arabia” to “Chariots of Fire” to “Shakespeare in Love...
- 2/8/2019
- by Guy Lodge
- Variety Film + TV
Derrick O'Connor, the respected character actor who portrayed a vicious South African bad guy in Lethal Weapon 2 and appeared in three films for Terry Gilliam, has died. He was 77.
O'Connor died Friday of pneumonia in Santa Barbara, publicist Jane Ayer announced.
A native of Ireland, O'Connor also stood out as Sarah Miles' neighbor Mac in John Boorman's autobiographical World War II period piece Hope and Glory (1987).
He also played the theologian Thomas Aquinas opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger in End of Days (1999); Father Everett, a blind superhero's confidante, in Daredevil (2003); and an aspiring buccaneer in ...
O'Connor died Friday of pneumonia in Santa Barbara, publicist Jane Ayer announced.
A native of Ireland, O'Connor also stood out as Sarah Miles' neighbor Mac in John Boorman's autobiographical World War II period piece Hope and Glory (1987).
He also played the theologian Thomas Aquinas opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger in End of Days (1999); Father Everett, a blind superhero's confidante, in Daredevil (2003); and an aspiring buccaneer in ...
Derrick O'Connor, the respected character actor who portrayed a vicious South African bad guy in Lethal Weapon 2 and appeared in three films for Terry Gilliam, has died. He was 77.
O'Connor died Friday of pneumonia in Santa Barbara, publicist Jane Ayer announced.
A native of Ireland, O'Connor also stood out as Sarah Miles' neighbor Mac in John Boorman's autobiographical World War II period piece Hope and Glory (1987).
He also played the theologian Thomas Aquinas opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger in End of Days (1999); Father Everett, a blind superhero's confidante, in Daredevil (2003); and an aspiring buccaneer in ...
O'Connor died Friday of pneumonia in Santa Barbara, publicist Jane Ayer announced.
A native of Ireland, O'Connor also stood out as Sarah Miles' neighbor Mac in John Boorman's autobiographical World War II period piece Hope and Glory (1987).
He also played the theologian Thomas Aquinas opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger in End of Days (1999); Father Everett, a blind superhero's confidante, in Daredevil (2003); and an aspiring buccaneer in ...
Where Were You in ’42? If you were little Johnnie Boorman in 1940, you might have been squatting in a dank bomb shelter with your Mum and sisters, waiting out an air raid alert. Writer-director Boorman’s personal memory is what for some kids was a glorious time when working-class Brits endured adverse conditions: it’s warm & fuzzy affectionate and frequently hilarious, with a keen eye toward slightly bawdy family humor.
Hope and Glory
Blu-ray
Olive Films
1987 / Color / 1:66 widescreen / 113 min. / Street Date April 24, 2018 / available through the Olive Films website / 29.95
Starring: Sebastian Rice Edwards, Geraldine Muir, Sarah Miles, David Hayman, Sammi Davis, Derrick O’Connor, Susan Wooldridge, Jean-Marc Barr, Ian Bannen, Annie Leon, Jill Baker, Amelda Brown, Katrine Boorman.
Cinematography: Philippe Rousselot
Film Editor: Ian Crafford
Production design: Anthony Pratt
Original Music: Peter Martin
Written, Produced and Directed by John Boorman
John Boorman has directed arty war movies, arty gangster movies and arty art movies,...
Hope and Glory
Blu-ray
Olive Films
1987 / Color / 1:66 widescreen / 113 min. / Street Date April 24, 2018 / available through the Olive Films website / 29.95
Starring: Sebastian Rice Edwards, Geraldine Muir, Sarah Miles, David Hayman, Sammi Davis, Derrick O’Connor, Susan Wooldridge, Jean-Marc Barr, Ian Bannen, Annie Leon, Jill Baker, Amelda Brown, Katrine Boorman.
Cinematography: Philippe Rousselot
Film Editor: Ian Crafford
Production design: Anthony Pratt
Original Music: Peter Martin
Written, Produced and Directed by John Boorman
John Boorman has directed arty war movies, arty gangster movies and arty art movies,...
- 4/24/2018
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
This article marks Part 12 of the 21-part Gold Derby series analyzing Meryl Streep at the Oscars. Join us as we look back at Meryl Streep’s nominations, the performances that competed with her at the Academy Awards, the results of each race and the overall rankings of the contenders.
In 1977, while Meryl Streep was making her big screen debut with a small role in Fred Zinnemann‘s Oscar-winning “Julia,” young filmmaker Wes Craven was scaring the pants off moviegoers with his X-rated horror flick “The Hills Have Eyes.”
Seven years later, in 1984, Streep already had two Oscars under her belt, yet was putting fans to sleep with the tedious Robert De Niro romance “Falling in Love.” Meanwhile, Craven was at last breaking down the door into mainstream cinema, with his “A Nightmare on Elm Street” proving a sleeper hit and making burnt serial killer Freddy Krueger a household name.
Craven...
In 1977, while Meryl Streep was making her big screen debut with a small role in Fred Zinnemann‘s Oscar-winning “Julia,” young filmmaker Wes Craven was scaring the pants off moviegoers with his X-rated horror flick “The Hills Have Eyes.”
Seven years later, in 1984, Streep already had two Oscars under her belt, yet was putting fans to sleep with the tedious Robert De Niro romance “Falling in Love.” Meanwhile, Craven was at last breaking down the door into mainstream cinema, with his “A Nightmare on Elm Street” proving a sleeper hit and making burnt serial killer Freddy Krueger a household name.
Craven...
- 2/13/2018
- by Andrew Carden
- Gold Derby
Cassie Scerbo's new film, The Perfect Soulmate, might sound like a romantic comedy, but it's anything but.
The 27-year-old actress stars in the upcoming Lifetime movie as Lee Maxson, a bookish young woman who finds solace from her abusive home in the words of a beautiful, accomplished poet, Sarah Miles (Alex Paxton-Beesley). Things get complicated however, as Lee grows increasingly obsessive over her new companion -- and Sarah discovers the tragic ending Lee has planned for her.
Related: 'Sharknado 5' Title and Cameos Announced -- See Who's in the Movie!
The role is a departure for Scerbo, who found fame with her parts on ABC Family's Make It or Break It and Teen Spirit, though the actress told Et over the phone earlier this month that the ability to play such a different character is exactly what attracted her to the project.
"I actually did a film in the past called My Life as a Dead Girl, and I...
The 27-year-old actress stars in the upcoming Lifetime movie as Lee Maxson, a bookish young woman who finds solace from her abusive home in the words of a beautiful, accomplished poet, Sarah Miles (Alex Paxton-Beesley). Things get complicated however, as Lee grows increasingly obsessive over her new companion -- and Sarah discovers the tragic ending Lee has planned for her.
Related: 'Sharknado 5' Title and Cameos Announced -- See Who's in the Movie!
The role is a departure for Scerbo, who found fame with her parts on ABC Family's Make It or Break It and Teen Spirit, though the actress told Et over the phone earlier this month that the ability to play such a different character is exactly what attracted her to the project.
"I actually did a film in the past called My Life as a Dead Girl, and I...
- 6/4/2017
- Entertainment Tonight
“I spent a lot of time reviewing the silent films for crowd scenes –the way extras move, evolve, how the space is staged and how the cameras capture it, the views used,” Nolan said earlier this year when it came to the creation of his WWII epic Dunkirk, referencing films such as Intolerance, Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans, and Greed, as well as the films of Robert Bresson.
Throughout the entire month of July, if you’re in the U.K., you are lucky enough to witness a selection of these influences in a program at BFI Southbank. Featuring all screenings in 35mm or 70mm — including a preview of Dunkirk over a week before it hits theaters — there’s classics such as Greed, Sunrise, and The Wages of Fear, as well as Alien, Speed, and even Tony Scott’s final film.
Check out Nolan’s introduction below, followed by...
Throughout the entire month of July, if you’re in the U.K., you are lucky enough to witness a selection of these influences in a program at BFI Southbank. Featuring all screenings in 35mm or 70mm — including a preview of Dunkirk over a week before it hits theaters — there’s classics such as Greed, Sunrise, and The Wages of Fear, as well as Alien, Speed, and even Tony Scott’s final film.
Check out Nolan’s introduction below, followed by...
- 5/25/2017
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
Running from 1-31 July, BFI Southbank are delighted to present a season of films which have inspired director Christopher Nolan’s new feature Dunkirk (2017), released in cinemas across the UK on Friday 21 July.
Christopher Nolan Presents has been personally curated by the award-winning director and will offer audiences unique insight into the films which influenced his hotly anticipated take on one of the key moments of WWII.
The season will include a special preview screening of Dunkirk on Thursday 13 July, which will be presented in 70mm and include an introduction from the director himself.
Christopher Nolan is a passionate advocate for the importance of seeing films projected on film, and as one of the few cinemas in the UK that still shows a vast amount of celluloid film, BFI Southbank will screen all the films in the season on 35mm or 70mm.
In 2015 Nolan appeared on stage alongside visual artist...
Christopher Nolan Presents has been personally curated by the award-winning director and will offer audiences unique insight into the films which influenced his hotly anticipated take on one of the key moments of WWII.
The season will include a special preview screening of Dunkirk on Thursday 13 July, which will be presented in 70mm and include an introduction from the director himself.
Christopher Nolan is a passionate advocate for the importance of seeing films projected on film, and as one of the few cinemas in the UK that still shows a vast amount of celluloid film, BFI Southbank will screen all the films in the season on 35mm or 70mm.
In 2015 Nolan appeared on stage alongside visual artist...
- 5/24/2017
- by Michelle Hannett
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Well, March is definitely “going out like a lamb” (as the old saying goes) when it comes to horror and sci-fi home entertainment releases, as there are only several different titles coming home this Tuesday.
Universal Studios is releasing J.A. Bayona’s heartbreaking modern fable, A Monster Calls, to both Blu-ray and DVD this week, and if you're a cult film fan, then you have a few fun movies to look forward to adding to your home collections: Witchtrap, Venom, and the four-film collection for Wishmaster, a new addition to the Vestron Video Collector’s Series.
Other notable releases for March 28th include Mortuary Massacre, The Abduction of Jennifer Grayson, Park Chan-Wook's The Handmaiden (which finally gets the Blu-ray treatment), and for the little monster fans, Monster High: Electrified.
A Monster Calls (Universal Studios Home Entertainment, Blu/DVD/Digital HD & DVD)
Liam Neeson, Felicity Jones, and Sigourney Weaver...
Universal Studios is releasing J.A. Bayona’s heartbreaking modern fable, A Monster Calls, to both Blu-ray and DVD this week, and if you're a cult film fan, then you have a few fun movies to look forward to adding to your home collections: Witchtrap, Venom, and the four-film collection for Wishmaster, a new addition to the Vestron Video Collector’s Series.
Other notable releases for March 28th include Mortuary Massacre, The Abduction of Jennifer Grayson, Park Chan-Wook's The Handmaiden (which finally gets the Blu-ray treatment), and for the little monster fans, Monster High: Electrified.
A Monster Calls (Universal Studios Home Entertainment, Blu/DVD/Digital HD & DVD)
Liam Neeson, Felicity Jones, and Sigourney Weaver...
- 3/28/2017
- by Heather Wixson
- DailyDead
“A Mod Murder Mystery”
By Raymond Benson
Michelangelo Antonioni’s Blowup (it’s spelled this way in the film credits, but on theatrical posters and advertising it was called Blow-Up) was a landmark, envelope-pushing film that caused quite a stir. For one thing, it was one of the nails in the coffin of the U.S. Production Code, paving the way for the elimination of cinematic censorship and the eventual creation of the movie ratings. Its depiction of nudity, sexual attitudes, and recreational drugs crossed the line for late 1966. Nevertheless, newspaper ads got away with simply proclaiming that the picture was “Recommended for Mature Audiences,” since this was prior to the ratings themselves.
Blowup also stands as a cultural landmark in that it captures that moment of time called “Swinging London.” Everything was “mod”—music, fashion, art... even groups of youths were called “mods.” Antonioni’s film could serve as...
By Raymond Benson
Michelangelo Antonioni’s Blowup (it’s spelled this way in the film credits, but on theatrical posters and advertising it was called Blow-Up) was a landmark, envelope-pushing film that caused quite a stir. For one thing, it was one of the nails in the coffin of the U.S. Production Code, paving the way for the elimination of cinematic censorship and the eventual creation of the movie ratings. Its depiction of nudity, sexual attitudes, and recreational drugs crossed the line for late 1966. Nevertheless, newspaper ads got away with simply proclaiming that the picture was “Recommended for Mature Audiences,” since this was prior to the ratings themselves.
Blowup also stands as a cultural landmark in that it captures that moment of time called “Swinging London.” Everything was “mod”—music, fashion, art... even groups of youths were called “mods.” Antonioni’s film could serve as...
- 3/26/2017
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
By Tim Greaves
Writer Derek Pykett (whose excellent book " MGM British Studios: Hollywood in Borehamwood" was reviewed here earlier this year) has turned his hand to directing; setting up and playing host to a dozen intimate interviews with some of Britain's most respected and beloved thesps, the results are now available on DVD with "From Stage to Screen", a privately produced, limited edition 6-disc box set.
With each performer given their own ‘episode’ and a total running time of 15 hours, there's so much material here that it'll take the average viewer a number of sittings to get through it all. Beyond starting with disc one and working through methodically, where one begins is probably going to be proportionate to the level of esteem in which the viewer holds each particular actor or actress represented within the set; I confess that at the time of writing I still have a fair bit to get through.
Writer Derek Pykett (whose excellent book " MGM British Studios: Hollywood in Borehamwood" was reviewed here earlier this year) has turned his hand to directing; setting up and playing host to a dozen intimate interviews with some of Britain's most respected and beloved thesps, the results are now available on DVD with "From Stage to Screen", a privately produced, limited edition 6-disc box set.
With each performer given their own ‘episode’ and a total running time of 15 hours, there's so much material here that it'll take the average viewer a number of sittings to get through it all. Beyond starting with disc one and working through methodically, where one begins is probably going to be proportionate to the level of esteem in which the viewer holds each particular actor or actress represented within the set; I confess that at the time of writing I still have a fair bit to get through.
- 8/12/2016
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
Cinema Retro has received the following press announcement:
For the first time on DVD a brand new series of relaxed, intimate, face to face interviews with some of Britain’s finest, much loved actors, who share with us moments from their lives and work in theatre, television and films.
With careers that span over seven decades, we hear stories about the greatest theatres (The National; The Old Vic; The Royal Shakespeare Company); the theatrical knights (Olivier; Gielgud; Richardson); the bright lights of Broadway, and the most celebrated movie directors of the twentieth century (Spielberg; Fellini; Huston; Chaplin; Visconti; Lean).
Featuring an extensive archive of rare photographs and film trailers, it is a nostalgic trip down memory lane in the company of highly respected actors who have given us some unforgettable performances.
Joss Ackland, Michael Medwin, Vera Day, Julian Glover, Michael Craig, Roy Dotrice, Sarah Miles, Lee Montague, Michael Jayston, Derren Nesbitt,...
For the first time on DVD a brand new series of relaxed, intimate, face to face interviews with some of Britain’s finest, much loved actors, who share with us moments from their lives and work in theatre, television and films.
With careers that span over seven decades, we hear stories about the greatest theatres (The National; The Old Vic; The Royal Shakespeare Company); the theatrical knights (Olivier; Gielgud; Richardson); the bright lights of Broadway, and the most celebrated movie directors of the twentieth century (Spielberg; Fellini; Huston; Chaplin; Visconti; Lean).
Featuring an extensive archive of rare photographs and film trailers, it is a nostalgic trip down memory lane in the company of highly respected actors who have given us some unforgettable performances.
Joss Ackland, Michael Medwin, Vera Day, Julian Glover, Michael Craig, Roy Dotrice, Sarah Miles, Lee Montague, Michael Jayston, Derren Nesbitt,...
- 8/4/2016
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
The month of May’s home entertainment releases are ending on a strong note, especially if you’re a purveyor of cult cinema. This week boasts an incredible selection of classic films resurrected on high definition including Blood Bath, Venom, The Terror, Psychic Killer and a 12-movie collection from Film Chest.
Sony Home Entertainment is releasing Pride and Prejudice and Zombies on various formats on May 31st and, for those of you who may have missed it in theaters, Alex Proyas’ Gods of Egypt is also coming home this Tuesday as well.
Blood Bath: 2-Disc Limited Special Edition (Arrow Video, Blu-ray)
The films of Roger Corman are often as well-known for their behind-the-scenes stories as they are the ones unfolding on the screen. He famously made Little Shop of Horrors in just two days using sets left over from A Bucket of Blood and shot The Terror over...
Sony Home Entertainment is releasing Pride and Prejudice and Zombies on various formats on May 31st and, for those of you who may have missed it in theaters, Alex Proyas’ Gods of Egypt is also coming home this Tuesday as well.
Blood Bath: 2-Disc Limited Special Edition (Arrow Video, Blu-ray)
The films of Roger Corman are often as well-known for their behind-the-scenes stories as they are the ones unfolding on the screen. He famously made Little Shop of Horrors in just two days using sets left over from A Bucket of Blood and shot The Terror over...
- 5/31/2016
- by Heather Wixson
- DailyDead
Great news for fans of Joel Schumacher's The Lost Boys—an auction of Dwayne's leather jacket and costume is going on right now and will continue until February 26th. Also: a Q&A with Refuge director Andrew Robertson and release details for MST3K: Vol. Xxxv, Venom, and The Hours Till Daylight.
The Lost Boys & Other Entertainment Memorabilia Auction: Press Release: "Prop Store is pleased to bring vampire Dwayne’s (Billy Wirth) Death Scene Leather Jacket and Costume from the 80’s classic The Lost Boys to their online auction site. Joel Schumacher’s 1987 vampire classic pitted a deadly group of vampires against a pair of brothers in a battle to save their family. The Dwayne vampire jacket on offer comes from the character’s death scene in which Sam (Corey Haim) shoots the vampire with an arrow, sending him back into a stereo which electrocutes him. Resembling a heavily worn biker outfit,...
The Lost Boys & Other Entertainment Memorabilia Auction: Press Release: "Prop Store is pleased to bring vampire Dwayne’s (Billy Wirth) Death Scene Leather Jacket and Costume from the 80’s classic The Lost Boys to their online auction site. Joel Schumacher’s 1987 vampire classic pitted a deadly group of vampires against a pair of brothers in a battle to save their family. The Dwayne vampire jacket on offer comes from the character’s death scene in which Sam (Corey Haim) shoots the vampire with an arrow, sending him back into a stereo which electrocutes him. Resembling a heavily worn biker outfit,...
- 2/18/2016
- by Tamika Jones
- DailyDead
Hide the Deadly Nightshade, Diamond Select Toys' Sally action figure can be available to purchase for your home / favorite space as early as summer of 2016. Also in this round-up: details on Phobia Fest in Detroit, a trip giveaway themed to The Forest, Venom on Blu-ray, and Death Follows.
The Nightmare Before Christmas Sally Figure: From Diamond Select Toys: "She’s no nightmare!
This static vinyl figure of Sally from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas depicts the shy, stitched-together girl holding her basket of food on a stony path in Halloween Town. With a detailed sculpt and exacting paint applications, this approximately 9” scale figure is in scale with other Femme Fatales statues. Packaged in a full-color window box.
Estimated availability: Summer 2016 - $45.00." ---------
Phobia Fest: Press Release: "The team behind Detroit Zombie Con plan a bolder and bloodier return this March with Phobia.
Phobia is a two day and...
The Nightmare Before Christmas Sally Figure: From Diamond Select Toys: "She’s no nightmare!
This static vinyl figure of Sally from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas depicts the shy, stitched-together girl holding her basket of food on a stony path in Halloween Town. With a detailed sculpt and exacting paint applications, this approximately 9” scale figure is in scale with other Femme Fatales statues. Packaged in a full-color window box.
Estimated availability: Summer 2016 - $45.00." ---------
Phobia Fest: Press Release: "The team behind Detroit Zombie Con plan a bolder and bloodier return this March with Phobia.
Phobia is a two day and...
- 12/14/2015
- by Tamika Jones
- DailyDead
Recently, CBS delivered the new, official synopsis/spoilers for their upcoming "Criminal Minds" episode 9 of season 11. The episode is entitled, "Internal Affairs," and it turns out that we're going to see some very interesting stuff take place as an underground internet drug syndicate becomes the main focus of the Bau team in their latest investigation, and more. In the new, 9th episode press release: When The Bau Looks Into The Disappearances Of DEA Agents, An Underground Internet Drug Syndicate Becomes The Investigation's Focus, On "Criminal Minds," Wednesday, Dec. 2. Press release number 2: After two undercover DEA agents are murdered and a third goes missing, the Bau will join the Nsa to investigate whether an underground Internet drug syndicate is involved. Also, Hotch will hope the team's work with the Nsa brings them closer to finding the "Dirty Dozen" hitmen ring. Guest stars feature: Andrew Borba (Tony Axelrod), Richie Stephens (Jacob Dufour...
- 11/18/2015
- by Chris
- OnTheFlix
'Saint Joan': Constance Cummings as the George Bernard Shaw heroine. Constance Cummings on stage: From sex-change farce and Emma Bovary to Juliet and 'Saint Joan' (See previous post: “Constance Cummings: Frank Capra, Mae West and Columbia Lawsuit.”) In the mid-1930s, Constance Cummings landed the title roles in two of husband Benn W. Levy's stage adaptations: Levy and Hubert Griffith's Young Madame Conti (1936), starring Cummings as a demimondaine who falls in love with a villainous character. She ends up killing him – or does she? Adapted from Bruno Frank's German-language original, Young Madame Conti was presented on both sides of the Atlantic; on Broadway, it had a brief run in spring 1937 at the Music Box Theatre. Based on the Gustave Flaubert novel, the Theatre Guild-produced Madame Bovary (1937) was staged in late fall at Broadway's Broadhurst Theatre. Referring to the London production of Young Madame Conti, The...
- 11/10/2015
- by Andre Soares
- Alt Film Guide
Robert Mitchum ca. late 1940s. Robert Mitchum movies 'The Yakuza,' 'Ryan's Daughter' on TCM Today, Aug. 12, '15, Turner Classic Movies' “Summer Under the Stars” series is highlighting the career of Robert Mitchum. Two of the films being shown this evening are The Yakuza and Ryan's Daughter. The former is one of the disappointingly few TCM premieres this month. (See TCM's Robert Mitchum movie schedule further below.) Despite his film noir background, Robert Mitchum was a somewhat unusual choice to star in The Yakuza (1975), a crime thriller set in the Japanese underworld. Ryan's Daughter or no, Mitchum hadn't been a box office draw in quite some time; in the mid-'70s, one would have expected a Warner Bros. release directed by Sydney Pollack – who had recently handled the likes of Jane Fonda, Barbra Streisand, and Robert Redford – to star someone like Jack Nicholson or Al Pacino or Dustin Hoffman.
- 8/13/2015
- by Andre Soares
- Alt Film Guide
Ron Moody in Mel Brooks' 'The Twelve Chairs.' The 'Doctor Who' that never was. Ron Moody: 'Doctor Who' was biggest professional regret (See previous post: "Ron Moody: From Charles Dickens to Walt Disney – But No Harry Potter.") Ron Moody was featured in about 50 television productions, both in the U.K. and the U.S., from the late 1950s to 2012. These included guest roles in the series The Avengers, Gunsmoke, Starsky and Hutch, Hart to Hart, and Murder She Wrote, in addition to leads in the short-lived U.S. sitcom Nobody's Perfect (1980), starring Moody as a Scotland Yard detective transferred to the San Francisco Police Department, and in the British fantasy Into the Labyrinth (1981), with Moody as the noble sorcerer Rothgo. Throughout the decades, he could also be spotted in several TV movies, among them:[1] David Copperfield (1969). As Uriah Heep in this disappointing all-star showcase distributed theatrically in some countries.
- 6/19/2015
- by Andre Soares
- Alt Film Guide
By rights I should hate the English. Seriously, my background is almost entirely Scots and Irish. I grew up hearing about the troubles the English gave to the Scots and Irish, both in school and from my parents.
Yet I do not, I love the English. How can I hate a country that gave us not only Monty Python but also Benny Hill and the Carry On Films? How can I bear any ill will to a country that gave us writers of the caliber of Ramsey Campbell, Brian Aldiss, Michael Moorcock and J. G Ballard? How can anyone hate a country that not only prizes eccentric behavior but encourages it? Take Mr. Kim Newman for instance, a brilliant writer whose work appears regularly in Video WatchDog and Videoscope Mr. Newman dresses himself, has his hair and mustache styled and speaks in the manner of someone from the 19th Century!
Yet I do not, I love the English. How can I hate a country that gave us not only Monty Python but also Benny Hill and the Carry On Films? How can I bear any ill will to a country that gave us writers of the caliber of Ramsey Campbell, Brian Aldiss, Michael Moorcock and J. G Ballard? How can anyone hate a country that not only prizes eccentric behavior but encourages it? Take Mr. Kim Newman for instance, a brilliant writer whose work appears regularly in Video WatchDog and Videoscope Mr. Newman dresses himself, has his hair and mustache styled and speaks in the manner of someone from the 19th Century!
- 5/26/2015
- by Sam Moffitt
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
The Conversation is a new feature at Sound on Sight bringing together Drew Morton and Landon Palmer in a passionate debate about cinema new and old. For their third piece, they will discuss Michelangelo Antonioni’s Blow Up.
****
Landon’s Take:
The cultural impact of Michelangelo Antonioni’s Blow Up would be very difficult to overemphasize. Upon release, Andrew Sarris referred to the film as “a mod masterpiece” and ‘Playboy’ critic Arthur Knight went so far as comparing the film to Hiroshima mon amour, Rome Open City, and Citizen Kane in its potential influence on filmmaking. The film was also a massive hit worldwide and the tenth highest grossing film in the United States in 1966 – a memento of a brief window in time in which an art film by an Italian auteur could also do boffo box office. And, having been denied a seal by the Production Code Administration, Blow Up...
****
Landon’s Take:
The cultural impact of Michelangelo Antonioni’s Blow Up would be very difficult to overemphasize. Upon release, Andrew Sarris referred to the film as “a mod masterpiece” and ‘Playboy’ critic Arthur Knight went so far as comparing the film to Hiroshima mon amour, Rome Open City, and Citizen Kane in its potential influence on filmmaking. The film was also a massive hit worldwide and the tenth highest grossing film in the United States in 1966 – a memento of a brief window in time in which an art film by an Italian auteur could also do boffo box office. And, having been denied a seal by the Production Code Administration, Blow Up...
- 3/20/2015
- by Drew Morton
- SoundOnSight
Tour of Duty: Boorman Returns to Autobiographical Elements
Now at 82 years of age, British auteur John Boorman returns with Queen and Country his first feature since 2006. It is a follow-up to one of the director’s most cherished titles, Hope and Glory (1987), which documents war-torn England through the eyes of a child as his family survives the blitz. Though it’s been nearly thirty years, Boorman sets this follow-up chapter only nine years in the future, leaving behind the horrors of WWII for the Cold War ethics of the Korean conflict. Much like he managed with the film’s predecessor, Boorman achieves success by making the film a personal, insular story about a small group of characters’ experiences. The powerful emotional possibilities of the child’s perspective is left behind, now a young man discovering who he wants to be and what values he wishes to cherish. This makes for a more reserved,...
Now at 82 years of age, British auteur John Boorman returns with Queen and Country his first feature since 2006. It is a follow-up to one of the director’s most cherished titles, Hope and Glory (1987), which documents war-torn England through the eyes of a child as his family survives the blitz. Though it’s been nearly thirty years, Boorman sets this follow-up chapter only nine years in the future, leaving behind the horrors of WWII for the Cold War ethics of the Korean conflict. Much like he managed with the film’s predecessor, Boorman achieves success by making the film a personal, insular story about a small group of characters’ experiences. The powerful emotional possibilities of the child’s perspective is left behind, now a young man discovering who he wants to be and what values he wishes to cherish. This makes for a more reserved,...
- 2/24/2015
- by Nicholas Bell
- IONCINEMA.com
Needing an anecdote or two for a paper I was due to deliver on the occasion of the director Peter Glenville's birth centenary in 2013, I rang up Ossie Morris (obituary, 20 March) late last year. He recalled, still with astonishing clarity, working with Glenville on Term of Trial (1962), a small black-and-white British film.
Interestingly, he hadn't bothered to give the credit even a mention beyond its title in his riveting 2006 autobiography, despite the fact it co-starred Laurence Olivier, Simone Signoret, Terence Stamp and the newcomer Sarah Miles. Ossie's fabulous memoir, devoting considerable space instead to his long collaboration with the Hollywood film-maker John Huston, was, rather fittingly and wittily, entitled Huston, We Have a Problem.
theguardian.com © 2014 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds...
Interestingly, he hadn't bothered to give the credit even a mention beyond its title in his riveting 2006 autobiography, despite the fact it co-starred Laurence Olivier, Simone Signoret, Terence Stamp and the newcomer Sarah Miles. Ossie's fabulous memoir, devoting considerable space instead to his long collaboration with the Hollywood film-maker John Huston, was, rather fittingly and wittily, entitled Huston, We Have a Problem.
theguardian.com © 2014 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds...
- 3/24/2014
- The Guardian - Film News
This kind-of parallelquel to Zack Snyder's Thermopylae outing is both bloody and dull, even if camply entertaining
Hollywood publicist Bumble Ward was once interviewed about her desire for action king Michael Bay to show his softer side: what she called the "gay Bay". The 300 movies are the nearest thing to the "gay Bay" genre. This is a sort of parallelquel to Zack Snyder's original 300, which was about the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BC: this shows what happens around the same time when the Greek general Themistokles (Sullivan Stapleton) is battling the Persian naval forces, commanded by the super-sexy Artemisia. She is played with a good deal of frowning, pouting and strutting by Eva Green, a performer who is becoming so eccentric she may be the Sarah Miles of her generation. Snyder co-writes with Kurt Johnstad; Noam Murro directs and again it is based on a graphic novel by Frank Miller,...
Hollywood publicist Bumble Ward was once interviewed about her desire for action king Michael Bay to show his softer side: what she called the "gay Bay". The 300 movies are the nearest thing to the "gay Bay" genre. This is a sort of parallelquel to Zack Snyder's original 300, which was about the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BC: this shows what happens around the same time when the Greek general Themistokles (Sullivan Stapleton) is battling the Persian naval forces, commanded by the super-sexy Artemisia. She is played with a good deal of frowning, pouting and strutting by Eva Green, a performer who is becoming so eccentric she may be the Sarah Miles of her generation. Snyder co-writes with Kurt Johnstad; Noam Murro directs and again it is based on a graphic novel by Frank Miller,...
- 3/7/2014
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
‘Ryan’s Daughter’ actor Christopher Jones dead at 72: Quit acting following nervous breakdown after Sharon Tate murder, in later years turned down Quentin Tarantino movie offer Christopher Jones, who had a key role in David Lean’s 1970 romantic epic Ryan’s Daughter, died of complications from gallbladder cancer last Friday, January 31, 2014, at Los Alamitos Medical Center, approximately 35 km southwest of downtown Los Angeles. Christopher Jones (born William Franklin Jones on August 18, 1941, in Jackson, Tennessee) was 72. After growing up in a children’s home, joining the army at 16 and then going Awol, being handpicked by Tennessee Williams for a small role in the playwright’s The Night of the Iguana in 1961, and starring in the television series The Legend of Jesse James (1965-1966), Christopher Jones began getting film roles. His first was the title role in Allen H. Miner’s 1967 clash-of-generations drama Chubasco, in which Jones plays a misunderstood youth...
- 2/6/2014
- by Andre Soares
- Alt Film Guide
Television director in the glory days of the BBC, who went on to make feature films
Alan Bridges, who has died aged 86, was a leading director during the glory days of the BBC, from the mid-60s to the early 70s. Today, whenever media pundits analyse the history of television drama, they wax lyrical about The Wednesday Play and its successor Play for Today, bemoaning the virtual disappearance of the single play.
By the time Bridges started working in the Wednesday Play slot, he was already one of the BBC's most experienced TV directors – he had directed excellent 10-part adaptations of two 19th-century classics, Great Expectations and Les Misérables (both in 1967) – but he relished the "right to fail" ethos at the BBC, enjoying working with exciting contemporary writers.
While continuing to have a distinguished television career into the 80s, adeptly moving from the popular to the experimental, from the modern to the classical,...
Alan Bridges, who has died aged 86, was a leading director during the glory days of the BBC, from the mid-60s to the early 70s. Today, whenever media pundits analyse the history of television drama, they wax lyrical about The Wednesday Play and its successor Play for Today, bemoaning the virtual disappearance of the single play.
By the time Bridges started working in the Wednesday Play slot, he was already one of the BBC's most experienced TV directors – he had directed excellent 10-part adaptations of two 19th-century classics, Great Expectations and Les Misérables (both in 1967) – but he relished the "right to fail" ethos at the BBC, enjoying working with exciting contemporary writers.
While continuing to have a distinguished television career into the 80s, adeptly moving from the popular to the experimental, from the modern to the classical,...
- 1/29/2014
- by Ronald Bergan
- The Guardian - Film News
The gifted film-maker, winner of the top prize at Cannes in 1973, did not always get the acclaim he deserved in his native Britain
The death of the British director Alan Bridges at the age of 86 is a great sadness. Bridges was a brilliant poet and cinematic satirist – in tones both mordant and melancholy – of the English class system of the early 20th century, and a director with a flair for psychology and interior crisis, as evidenced by movies like The Return of the Soldier (1982) and The Shooting Party (1985).
A film-maker to bear comparison with Joseph Losey and John Schlesinger, he was one of the few British directors to win the top prize at the Cannes film festival. Bridges earned that accolade with his wonderful 1973 movie The Hireling, when the award was called the Grand Prix – jointly, in fact, with Jerry Schatzberg's marvellous Scarecrow, another film only recently being rediscovered.
The death of the British director Alan Bridges at the age of 86 is a great sadness. Bridges was a brilliant poet and cinematic satirist – in tones both mordant and melancholy – of the English class system of the early 20th century, and a director with a flair for psychology and interior crisis, as evidenced by movies like The Return of the Soldier (1982) and The Shooting Party (1985).
A film-maker to bear comparison with Joseph Losey and John Schlesinger, he was one of the few British directors to win the top prize at the Cannes film festival. Bridges earned that accolade with his wonderful 1973 movie The Hireling, when the award was called the Grand Prix – jointly, in fact, with Jerry Schatzberg's marvellous Scarecrow, another film only recently being rediscovered.
- 1/24/2014
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
At the height of his career, he packed in acting to sell telephone-sterilisers for a Christian sect. As James Fox finally gets a part worthy of his talent, he relives the louche years with Simon Hattenstone
James Fox is telling me how, at the age of 74, he has finally got his confidence back. Not before time. It's half a lifetime since he walked away from acting, at the height of his fame, to become a door-to-door salesman for an obscure Christian movement.
In his new film, A Long Way from Home, he is desperately moving as Joseph, a man who has retired to France with his wife, only to fall for a young woman travelling with her boyfriend. It's his most dominant role since his incendiary Chas in 1970's Performance, but it couldn't be more different: Chas was a terrifying cockney gangster in a movie about decadence; Joseph is a restrained,...
James Fox is telling me how, at the age of 74, he has finally got his confidence back. Not before time. It's half a lifetime since he walked away from acting, at the height of his fame, to become a door-to-door salesman for an obscure Christian movement.
In his new film, A Long Way from Home, he is desperately moving as Joseph, a man who has retired to France with his wife, only to fall for a young woman travelling with her boyfriend. It's his most dominant role since his incendiary Chas in 1970's Performance, but it couldn't be more different: Chas was a terrifying cockney gangster in a movie about decadence; Joseph is a restrained,...
- 12/3/2013
- by Simon Hattenstone
- The Guardian - Film News
Dirk Bogarde: ‘Victim’ star took no prisoners in his letters to Dilys Powell Letters exchanged between film critic Dilys Powell and actor Dirk Bogarde — one of the most popular and respected British performers of the twentieth century, and the star of seminal movies such as Victim, The Servant, Darling, and Death in Venice — reveals that Bogarde was considerably more caustic and opinionated in his letters than in his (quite bland) autobiographies. (Photo: Dirk Bogarde ca. 1970.) As found in Dirk Bogarde’s letters acquired a few years ago by the British Library, among the victims of the Victim star (sorry) were Academy Award winner Vanessa Redgrave (Julia), a "ninny" who was “so utterly beastly to [Steaming director Joseph Losey] that he finally threw his script at her face”; and veteran stage and screen actor — and Academy Award winner — John Gielgud (Arthur), who couldn’t "understand half of Shakespeare" despite being renowned for his stage roles in Macbeth,...
- 9/23/2013
- by Andre Soares
- Alt Film Guide
Exemplifying a key break in cinematic storytelling, Joseph Losey's The Servant, from 1963, marks the moment where the direct "cinema of quality" was passed over in favor of a cinema concerned with the unacknowledged desires that lurk under the veneer of everyday life. Those desires color the increasingly contentious relationship between London aristocrat Tony (James Fox) and his new butler, Barrett (Dirk Bogarde). The relationship begins to transform when Barrett's beautiful "sister" (Sarah Miles) moves in, exposing the myriad ways in which desire extends itself beyond class boundaries in British society. Appearing initially as an upstairs-downstairs drama like The Rules of the Game, The Servant quickly confounds expectations via Losey's incorporation of jarring ha...
- 7/17/2013
- Village Voice
Gene Hackman and Al Pacino are a winning combination in Jerry Schatzberg's blue-collar road movie from 1973
The 1973 Palme d'Or at Cannes was shared by two disparate, odd-couple road movies: Alan Bridges's The Hireling, in which chauffeur Robert Shaw drives rich widow Sarah Miles on visits to English cathedrals, and Jerry Schatzberg's Scarecrow, starring Gene Hackman (recently released violent convict) and Al Pacino (recently signed-off gentle merchant seaman) who meet in California and set out to hitchhike to Pittsburgh where they intend to open a car wash. Both films are largely forgotten now, but neither is without merit.
Scarecrow, an elliptical mixture of the tough (Pacino is raped on a prison farm) and the whimsical (the title tells us that scarecrows are successful because crows find them funny), is the best film in Schatzberg's small but interesting oeuvre. The magnificent cinematography by Vilmos Zsigmond has dusty images of...
The 1973 Palme d'Or at Cannes was shared by two disparate, odd-couple road movies: Alan Bridges's The Hireling, in which chauffeur Robert Shaw drives rich widow Sarah Miles on visits to English cathedrals, and Jerry Schatzberg's Scarecrow, starring Gene Hackman (recently released violent convict) and Al Pacino (recently signed-off gentle merchant seaman) who meet in California and set out to hitchhike to Pittsburgh where they intend to open a car wash. Both films are largely forgotten now, but neither is without merit.
Scarecrow, an elliptical mixture of the tough (Pacino is raped on a prison farm) and the whimsical (the title tells us that scarecrows are successful because crows find them funny), is the best film in Schatzberg's small but interesting oeuvre. The magnificent cinematography by Vilmos Zsigmond has dusty images of...
- 4/27/2013
- by Philip French
- The Guardian - Film News
The actors who starred in the 1963 classic remember drinks with Dirk, ridiculous beehives – and a director with a foot fetish
Sarah Miles, actor
My agent was a man called Robin Fox. I was in a relationship with his son, Willy, an officer in the Coldstream Guards, who later changed his name to James. I'd already been offered the part of Vera the maid, so I said: "I won't do it unless you audition Willy for the role of the aristocrat." Nobody could have done it better. Dirk was suggesting Willy, too. And he was brilliant.
People still come up to me and say how that scene where I'm on the kitchen table, with a tap dripping, is the sexiest scene. But I didn't see anything sexy about it. It was just a very innocent, simple scene. I got up on a table and tapped my tummy – what's sexy about that?...
Sarah Miles, actor
My agent was a man called Robin Fox. I was in a relationship with his son, Willy, an officer in the Coldstream Guards, who later changed his name to James. I'd already been offered the part of Vera the maid, so I said: "I won't do it unless you audition Willy for the role of the aristocrat." Nobody could have done it better. Dirk was suggesting Willy, too. And he was brilliant.
People still come up to me and say how that scene where I'm on the kitchen table, with a tap dripping, is the sexiest scene. But I didn't see anything sexy about it. It was just a very innocent, simple scene. I got up on a table and tapped my tummy – what's sexy about that?...
- 3/27/2013
- by Steve Rose
- The Guardian - Film News
Made In Britain: Warp Films At 10 | Leeds Young Film Festival | Made In Prague | The Servant with Q&A
Made In Britain: Warp Films At 10, London
The Made In Britain initiative continues with a celebration of Warp Films, which has brought us such quintessentially British fare as This Is England, Four Lions, Submarine and Kill List. The company celebrated its 10th anniversary in its Sheffield hometown last year, and now brings its back catalogue to London, plus events including a Warp special of Adam Buxton's Bug and a special screening of Shane Meadows's Dead Man's Shoes at the Queen Elizabeth Hall this Friday, with live music from Jah Wobble and members of Unkle.
BFI Southbank, SE1, Fri to 30 Apr
Leeds Young Film Festival
Children's movies have found their expensively animated groove in today's cinema, but this festival usefully reminds those born in the 21st century what they've been missing.
Made In Britain: Warp Films At 10, London
The Made In Britain initiative continues with a celebration of Warp Films, which has brought us such quintessentially British fare as This Is England, Four Lions, Submarine and Kill List. The company celebrated its 10th anniversary in its Sheffield hometown last year, and now brings its back catalogue to London, plus events including a Warp special of Adam Buxton's Bug and a special screening of Shane Meadows's Dead Man's Shoes at the Queen Elizabeth Hall this Friday, with live music from Jah Wobble and members of Unkle.
BFI Southbank, SE1, Fri to 30 Apr
Leeds Young Film Festival
Children's movies have found their expensively animated groove in today's cinema, but this festival usefully reminds those born in the 21st century what they've been missing.
- 3/23/2013
- by Steve Rose
- The Guardian - Film News
Post Tenebras Lux | Jack The Giant Slayer | Reality | Compliance | Identity Thief | The Croods | Neighbouring Sounds | Stolen | Reincarnated | Small Apartments | The Servant | I, Superbiker: Day Of Reckoning
Post Tenebras Lux (18)
(Carlos Reygadas, 2012, Mex/Fra/Neth/Ger) Adolfo Jiménez Castro, Nathalia Acevedo, Willebaldo Torres. 115 mins
Terence Malick gone a bit mainstream for you? Then try this latest litmus test, in which Mexican auteur Reygadas takes his penchant for striking imagery and disjointed narratives to commendably ambitious/infuriatingly inscrutable extremes. Centred on a troubled architect and his family, it's a shuffled jigsaw puzzle involving class tensions, rugby, swingers' parties and an animated Satan.
Jack The Giant Slayer (12A)
(Bryan Singer, 2013, Us) Nicholas Hoult, Ewan McGregor. 114 mins
Another souped-up fairytale offering commercially calibrated spectacle rather than genuine wonder. The promising cast and giant budget amount to a hill of beans.
Reality (15)
(Matteo Garrone, 2012, Ita/Fra) Aniello Arena, Loredana Simioli. 116 mins
TV's celebrity culture exuberantly satirised,...
Post Tenebras Lux (18)
(Carlos Reygadas, 2012, Mex/Fra/Neth/Ger) Adolfo Jiménez Castro, Nathalia Acevedo, Willebaldo Torres. 115 mins
Terence Malick gone a bit mainstream for you? Then try this latest litmus test, in which Mexican auteur Reygadas takes his penchant for striking imagery and disjointed narratives to commendably ambitious/infuriatingly inscrutable extremes. Centred on a troubled architect and his family, it's a shuffled jigsaw puzzle involving class tensions, rugby, swingers' parties and an animated Satan.
Jack The Giant Slayer (12A)
(Bryan Singer, 2013, Us) Nicholas Hoult, Ewan McGregor. 114 mins
Another souped-up fairytale offering commercially calibrated spectacle rather than genuine wonder. The promising cast and giant budget amount to a hill of beans.
Reality (15)
(Matteo Garrone, 2012, Ita/Fra) Aniello Arena, Loredana Simioli. 116 mins
TV's celebrity culture exuberantly satirised,...
- 3/23/2013
- by Steve Rose
- The Guardian - Film News
Dirk Bogarde and James Fox make a private and intensely English danse macabre as servant and master in the masterly 1963 satire
Sex shame and class shame crucially combine in Joseph Losey's masterly psychological satire from 1963, now on re-release. Dirk Bogarde is Barrett, the live-in manservant hired by Tony, a wealthy young man-about-town played by James Fox. Insidiously, the parasite and emotional fifth-columnist Barrett makes himself indispensable to Tony in his sumptuous Chelsea townhouse, encouraging his drinking and indolence, playing on his fears and self-pity; he brings in his sexy "sister" Vera (Sarah Miles) as a housemaid – so he can seduce Tony by proxy. Gay sexuality is everywhere and nowhere in this movie, and Harold Pinter's sleek, indirect dialogue hints at suppressed and unacknowledged desire. The emotional mind games escalate: the servant becomes the master, and both men are secretly ashamed; Tony of having fraternised with the lower orders,...
Sex shame and class shame crucially combine in Joseph Losey's masterly psychological satire from 1963, now on re-release. Dirk Bogarde is Barrett, the live-in manservant hired by Tony, a wealthy young man-about-town played by James Fox. Insidiously, the parasite and emotional fifth-columnist Barrett makes himself indispensable to Tony in his sumptuous Chelsea townhouse, encouraging his drinking and indolence, playing on his fears and self-pity; he brings in his sexy "sister" Vera (Sarah Miles) as a housemaid – so he can seduce Tony by proxy. Gay sexuality is everywhere and nowhere in this movie, and Harold Pinter's sleek, indirect dialogue hints at suppressed and unacknowledged desire. The emotional mind games escalate: the servant becomes the master, and both men are secretly ashamed; Tony of having fraternised with the lower orders,...
- 3/21/2013
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
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