A new horror-mystery-thriller from Terror Films and director Julio Maria Martino, Country of Hotels tells the stories of "the desperate souls who pass through the doors of 508, a room on the fifth floor of an anonymous, decaying hotel. We are taken on a surreal and blackly comic journey down its lonely corridors and behind its outdated furnishings and stained surfaces. The story plunges us into the ever-turning carousel of haunted lives who check in and out of this sinister establishment."
Says director Martino, “When we were making Country of Hotels, we worked hard to create an environment which was relentlessly oppressive and claustrophobic, occasionally punctuated by moments of dark humor. An enclosed world in which an unseen, unnamed and mutable threat lurked behind hotel room doors and down long lonely corridors. A threat which might manifest itself suddenly and at any moment. In visualizing this world, I felt we were...
Says director Martino, “When we were making Country of Hotels, we worked hard to create an environment which was relentlessly oppressive and claustrophobic, occasionally punctuated by moments of dark humor. An enclosed world in which an unseen, unnamed and mutable threat lurked behind hotel room doors and down long lonely corridors. A threat which might manifest itself suddenly and at any moment. In visualizing this world, I felt we were...
- 4/17/2023
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
Here’s the latest episode of the The Filmmakers Podcast, part of the ever-growing podcast roster here on Nerdly. If you haven’t heard the show yet, you can check out previous episodes on the official podcast site, whilst we’ll be featuring each and every new episode as it premieres.
For those unfamiliar with the series, The Filmmakers Podcast is a podcast about how to make films from micro budget indie films to bigger budget studio films and everything in-between. Our hosts Giles Alderson, Dan Richardson, Andrew Rodger and Cristian James talk how to get films made, how to actually make them and how to try not to f… it up in their very humble opinion. Guests will come on and chat about their film making experiences from directors, writers, producers, screenwriters, actors, cinematographers and distributors.
The Filmmaker’s Podcast #283: Producing, Writing, Directing and Starring in your own...
For those unfamiliar with the series, The Filmmakers Podcast is a podcast about how to make films from micro budget indie films to bigger budget studio films and everything in-between. Our hosts Giles Alderson, Dan Richardson, Andrew Rodger and Cristian James talk how to get films made, how to actually make them and how to try not to f… it up in their very humble opinion. Guests will come on and chat about their film making experiences from directors, writers, producers, screenwriters, actors, cinematographers and distributors.
The Filmmaker’s Podcast #283: Producing, Writing, Directing and Starring in your own...
- 7/4/2022
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
The adaptation of T.M. Logan’s novel “The Holiday” has an exclusive trailer and a U.S. release date as it announces a raft of sales.
The four-part limited drama – about “a dream family vacation that quickly turns into a nightmare” – will bow on Spectrum in the U.S. on June 20.
It stars Jill Halfpenny (“Humans”), Owen McDonnell (“Killing Eve”), Lara McDonnel (“Belfast”), and Aidan McArdle (“The Trial of Christine Keeler”). Rounding out the cast are Siobhan Hewlett (“Sherlock”), Liv Mjönes (“Hostage”), Andrew Macklin (“Doctor Who”), Cat Simmons (“Killing Eve”), Milly McCann (“Herself”), Aidan McCann (“Red Rock”) and newcomer Shaun O’Callaghan Wade.
“The Holiday,” which was shot in Malta, tells the story of a family who set off on an idyllic break, joined by some old friends. Things quickly begin to unravel, however, when Kate (Halfpenny) realizes her husband is having an affair with one of the them. “Tensions run...
The four-part limited drama – about “a dream family vacation that quickly turns into a nightmare” – will bow on Spectrum in the U.S. on June 20.
It stars Jill Halfpenny (“Humans”), Owen McDonnell (“Killing Eve”), Lara McDonnel (“Belfast”), and Aidan McArdle (“The Trial of Christine Keeler”). Rounding out the cast are Siobhan Hewlett (“Sherlock”), Liv Mjönes (“Hostage”), Andrew Macklin (“Doctor Who”), Cat Simmons (“Killing Eve”), Milly McCann (“Herself”), Aidan McCann (“Red Rock”) and newcomer Shaun O’Callaghan Wade.
“The Holiday,” which was shot in Malta, tells the story of a family who set off on an idyllic break, joined by some old friends. Things quickly begin to unravel, however, when Kate (Halfpenny) realizes her husband is having an affair with one of the them. “Tensions run...
- 6/6/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Moore has created a Chandlerian shoal of red herrings, drawing viewers into a dark and dense mystery set in the very centre of England
Northampton, the magical potency of fiction, eternalism … Alan Moore, recovering graphic novelist and screenwriter of The Show, gives his longtime preoccupations a vaudevillian twirl in this cinematic outing that – unusually – is not based on one of his comics. He gives himself a twirl too, cameoing in this Northampton noir as a ghastly light-entertainment throwback with hair and beard styled into a crescent moon.
The Souvenir’s Tom Burke plays Fletcher Dennis, a private eye dispatched to the dead centre of middle England by East End hardnut Bleaker (Christopher Fairbank) to locate the lover who fatally battered his daughter and recover a Rosicrucian pendant stolen from her. But digging around Northampton, the detective – via a plummy dame (Siobhan Hewlett) admitted to the hospital on the same night...
Northampton, the magical potency of fiction, eternalism … Alan Moore, recovering graphic novelist and screenwriter of The Show, gives his longtime preoccupations a vaudevillian twirl in this cinematic outing that – unusually – is not based on one of his comics. He gives himself a twirl too, cameoing in this Northampton noir as a ghastly light-entertainment throwback with hair and beard styled into a crescent moon.
The Souvenir’s Tom Burke plays Fletcher Dennis, a private eye dispatched to the dead centre of middle England by East End hardnut Bleaker (Christopher Fairbank) to locate the lover who fatally battered his daughter and recover a Rosicrucian pendant stolen from her. But digging around Northampton, the detective – via a plummy dame (Siobhan Hewlett) admitted to the hospital on the same night...
- 10/13/2021
- by Phil Hoad
- The Guardian - Film News
Though famously ambivalent about film adaptations of his work — to the degree of never watching some — Alan Moore has written a screen original in “The Show,” perhaps attracted to a more hands-on approach to the medium now that he’s officially retired from comics. This playfully wayward mystery set in his native Northampton turns that burg into a kind of midlands Gotham, where not-quite-superheroic intrigue unfolds as convolutedly as possible. Fun if perhaps a little too tongue-in-cheek for its own good, the results will no doubt appeal most to Moore fans who’ll revel in his Byzantine plotting, noirish tropes and other signature elements. Fathom Events is providing them one-night U.S. theatrical access this Thursday, Aug. 26; release in other formats is as yet unannounced.
“The Show” is directed by Mitch Jenkins, a photographer who’s collaborated with the “Watchmen” scribe for 12 years, including on several shorts that introduced some of its characters and ideas.
“The Show” is directed by Mitch Jenkins, a photographer who’s collaborated with the “Watchmen” scribe for 12 years, including on several shorts that introduced some of its characters and ideas.
- 8/26/2021
- by Dennis Harvey
- Variety Film + TV
"We've saved you the best seat in the house..." Shout Factory has released a new official US trailer for the strange, eccentric, indie film titled The Show, directed by filmmaker Mitch Jenkins. This premiered at the Sitges Film Festival last year, and we featured an early teaser trailer back then. A man's search for a stolen artifact leads him to the haunted town ("Northampton - a strange and haunted town in the heart of England as dangerous as he is") filled with Voodoo gangsters, masked adventurers, Depression-era private eyes and violent chiaroscuro women. From the mind of writer Alan Moore comes a new feature film starring Tom Burke (seen in The Souvenir), Siobhan Hewlett, Alan Moore (oh yes), Ellie Bamber, Darrell D'Silva, Richard Dillane, Christopher Fairbank, and Sheila Atim. Welcome to The Show. I'm still not sure what to make of it, and this new trailer doesn't really help much.
- 7/19/2021
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Shout! Studios has secured all distribution rights in North America from Protagonist Pictures to “The Show,” the mystery fantasy feature film written by Alan Moore, the creator of iconic comic-books such as “Watchmen,” “V for Vendetta,” “From Hell” and “The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.” “The Show,” directed by Mitch Jenkins, will be launched across all major platforms later this year.
Tom Burke stars in the film, alongside Siobhan Hewlett, Ellie Bamber, Sheila Atim, Christopher Fairbank and Moore himself.
The pic centers on Fletcher Dennis (Burke), a man of many talents, passports and identities, who arrives in Northampton – a strange and haunted town in the heart of England as dangerous as he is. On a mission to locate a stolen artefact for his menacing client, Fletcher finds himself entangled in a twilight world populated with vampires, sleeping beauties, voodoo gangsters, noir private eyes, and masked avengers.
The North American deal was...
Tom Burke stars in the film, alongside Siobhan Hewlett, Ellie Bamber, Sheila Atim, Christopher Fairbank and Moore himself.
The pic centers on Fletcher Dennis (Burke), a man of many talents, passports and identities, who arrives in Northampton – a strange and haunted town in the heart of England as dangerous as he is. On a mission to locate a stolen artefact for his menacing client, Fletcher finds himself entangled in a twilight world populated with vampires, sleeping beauties, voodoo gangsters, noir private eyes, and masked avengers.
The North American deal was...
- 3/31/2021
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
There is something to be said for a film that attempts to tap into the madnesses of mankind. The human mind is the scariest place on earth and to focus a story in this ever changing, sometimes wondrous, sometimes nightmarish headspace, is a great but also challenging prospect. For those that succeed – The Shining, Jacob’s Ladder, Joker – they enjoy a connection that is sometimes intriguing and sometimes fiercely honest and thus becomes legendary, however other films aim equally big but don’t quite manage to capture that same success. In fact, ironically enough, when toying with the mind onscreen you can sometimes risk becoming lost in it and thus losing the story too (The Strange Colour of Your Body’s Tears). Unfortunately, Julio Maria Martino’s Country of Hotels falls into this category.
Describing the film’s story is difficult because it has several, but the crux of the film regards...
Describing the film’s story is difficult because it has several, but the crux of the film regards...
- 3/16/2021
- by Jack Bottomley
- The Cultural Post
…because he not only wrote it himself, he’s in it. Watch the trailer for The Show:
Official selection 53 Sitges Festival Internacional de Cinema Fantàstic de Catalunya Official selection 2020 SXSW Film Festival
From the mind of Alan Moore comes a new feature film directed by Mitch Jenkins starring Tom Burke, Siobhan Hewlett, Alan Moore, Ellie Bamber, Darrell D’Silva, Richard Dillane, Christopher Fairbank, and Sheila Atim.
A frighteningly focussed man of many talents, passports and identities arrives at England’s broken heart, a haunted midlands town that has collapsed to a black hole of dreams, only to find that this new territory is as at least as strange and dangerous as he is. Attempting to locate a certain person and a certain artefact for his insistent client, he finds himself sinking in a quicksand twilight world of dead Lotharios, comatose sleeping beauties, Voodoo gangsters, masked adventurers, unlikely 1930s private eyes and violent chiaroscuro women…...
Official selection 53 Sitges Festival Internacional de Cinema Fantàstic de Catalunya Official selection 2020 SXSW Film Festival
From the mind of Alan Moore comes a new feature film directed by Mitch Jenkins starring Tom Burke, Siobhan Hewlett, Alan Moore, Ellie Bamber, Darrell D’Silva, Richard Dillane, Christopher Fairbank, and Sheila Atim.
A frighteningly focussed man of many talents, passports and identities arrives at England’s broken heart, a haunted midlands town that has collapsed to a black hole of dreams, only to find that this new territory is as at least as strange and dangerous as he is. Attempting to locate a certain person and a certain artefact for his insistent client, he finds himself sinking in a quicksand twilight world of dead Lotharios, comatose sleeping beauties, Voodoo gangsters, masked adventurers, unlikely 1930s private eyes and violent chiaroscuro women…...
- 10/6/2020
- by Glenn Hauman
- Comicmix.com
Alan Moore has often seen his iconic comic book creations—be it Watchmen, V for Vendetta or The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen—get adapted as big screen efforts that typically end up being the focus of his own critical wrath, but an upcoming passion project film, bearing the deceptively-generic title, The Show, will likely avoid that fate, since he not only penned the script, but actually fields an onscreen role.
Mitch Jenkins directed The Show off Moore’s script, continuing behind-camera work he did for three shorts from Moore’s 2014 anthology fantasy film, Show Pieces, to which this film bears a thematic connection, and similarly features Moore’s onscreen reverie-riding character named Frank Metterton. Check out the trailer for The Show just below.
The Show Trailer
To attempt to analyze and interpret the montage of madness in The Show trailer would likely be a futile effort, seeing as it seems...
Mitch Jenkins directed The Show off Moore’s script, continuing behind-camera work he did for three shorts from Moore’s 2014 anthology fantasy film, Show Pieces, to which this film bears a thematic connection, and similarly features Moore’s onscreen reverie-riding character named Frank Metterton. Check out the trailer for The Show just below.
The Show Trailer
To attempt to analyze and interpret the montage of madness in The Show trailer would likely be a futile effort, seeing as it seems...
- 10/5/2020
- by Joseph Baxter
- Den of Geek
The Show is a new mystery from the extraordinary mind of legendary comic book writer Alan Moore, creator of Watchmen, V For Vendetta and The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, and directed by filmmaker Mitch Jenkins. Here’s the new trailer:
Fletcher Dennis (Tom Burke), a man of many talents, passports, and identities, arrives in Northampton – a strange and haunted town in the heart of England, as dangerous as he is.
On a mission to locate a stolen artefact for his menacing client, Fletcher finds himself entangled in a twilight world populated with vampires, sleeping beauties, Voodoo gangsters, noir private eyes, and masked avengers. He quickly sinks into a bizarre and delirious black hole, that is hidden just beneath the surface of this seemingly quiet town. Soon enough Fletcher discovers that dreams and reality have been blurred and there might no longer be a real world to go back to…
The...
Fletcher Dennis (Tom Burke), a man of many talents, passports, and identities, arrives in Northampton – a strange and haunted town in the heart of England, as dangerous as he is.
On a mission to locate a stolen artefact for his menacing client, Fletcher finds himself entangled in a twilight world populated with vampires, sleeping beauties, Voodoo gangsters, noir private eyes, and masked avengers. He quickly sinks into a bizarre and delirious black hole, that is hidden just beneath the surface of this seemingly quiet town. Soon enough Fletcher discovers that dreams and reality have been blurred and there might no longer be a real world to go back to…
The...
- 10/5/2020
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
"We've saved you the best seat in the house." A promo teaser trailer has debuted for a strange indie creation called The Show, from filmmaker Mitch Jenkins. This was supposed to premiere at the SXSW Film Festival before it was cancelled, it will instead premiere at the Sitges Film Festival this month. Fletcher Dennis, a man of many talents, passports and identities, arrives in Northampton - a strange and haunted town in the heart of England as dangerous as he is. His search for a stolen artifact leads him to the haunted town filled with Voodoo gangsters, masked adventurers, Depression-era private eyes and violent chiaroscuro women. From the mind of writer Alan Moore comes a new feature film starring Tom Burke, Siobhan Hewlett, Alan Moore (yes), Ellie Bamber, Darrell D'Silva, Richard Dillane, Christopher Fairbank, and Sheila Atim. I have no idea what is going on in this trailer, there's a bit of everything,...
- 10/5/2020
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
New movies from Sally Potter, Sarah Gavron and Hong Khaou were among the BFI’s top ten Film Fund recipients in 2018. Potter’s untitled drama, starring Javier Bardem, Elle Fanning, Salma Hayek, Chris Rock and Laura Linney, received the year’s biggest production grant of £1.1M. Scroll down for the top ten.
In 2017, the BFI — the UK’s lead organization for film — awarded seven movies £1M or more from its Film Fund. This year, Potter’s feature was the only one to cross the £1M mark. Other leading recipients in 2018 included Liam Neeson starrer Normal People and Keira Knightley pic Misbehaviour.
There is a healthy gender balance to the top ten awards this year with five male and five female directors in the mix. Two are feature debuts. Of course, different films will receive different amounts of money from different BFI funding strands, but this list gives a snapshot of...
In 2017, the BFI — the UK’s lead organization for film — awarded seven movies £1M or more from its Film Fund. This year, Potter’s feature was the only one to cross the £1M mark. Other leading recipients in 2018 included Liam Neeson starrer Normal People and Keira Knightley pic Misbehaviour.
There is a healthy gender balance to the top ten awards this year with five male and five female directors in the mix. Two are feature debuts. Of course, different films will receive different amounts of money from different BFI funding strands, but this list gives a snapshot of...
- 12/21/2018
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Alan Moore's very first original screenplay, titled The Show, is coming to life on the big screen. Presently filming in Northampton, UK, The Show features an impressive cast that includes an appearance by Alan Moore! Also in today's Horror Highlights: info on Thomas Dekker's (The Sarah Connor Chronicles) third album, Into the Night, and release details for Bill Thompson's new novel The Nursery (the third installment of The Bayou Hauntings series).
New Image and Production Details for The Show, Written by Alan Moore: Press Release: "Thrilled to announce that Alan Moore’s first original screenplay, The Show, is currently shooting up in Northampton and we have the first official image to share with you.
Moore is the famed author of seminal graphic novels and comics, including Watchmen, V for Vendetta, From Hell and The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. Despite much of his work being adapted for the screen,...
New Image and Production Details for The Show, Written by Alan Moore: Press Release: "Thrilled to announce that Alan Moore’s first original screenplay, The Show, is currently shooting up in Northampton and we have the first official image to share with you.
Moore is the famed author of seminal graphic novels and comics, including Watchmen, V for Vendetta, From Hell and The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. Despite much of his work being adapted for the screen,...
- 12/13/2018
- by Tamika Jones
- DailyDead
Alan Moore, the comic book writing legend behind Watchmen, Swamp Thing, V for Vendetta, and The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, has written a script for a new film called The Show. The photo above is our first look at the movie and it certainly looks interestingly odd.
Moore is known for distancing himself from the movies that are based on his work. He’s also been vocally angry with Hollywood over the years, so it’s weird to see that he’s actually doing a film project of his own now. This is his very first original feature film screenplay that will be produced.
Tom Burke (Only God Forgives) is set to star in the film and the story is described as a gothic fantasy drama that follows “Fletcher Dennis (Burke), who has been hired to track down a stolen artifact. This leads him to Northampton, a haunted town at...
Moore is known for distancing himself from the movies that are based on his work. He’s also been vocally angry with Hollywood over the years, so it’s weird to see that he’s actually doing a film project of his own now. This is his very first original feature film screenplay that will be produced.
Tom Burke (Only God Forgives) is set to star in the film and the story is described as a gothic fantasy drama that follows “Fletcher Dennis (Burke), who has been hired to track down a stolen artifact. This leads him to Northampton, a haunted town at...
- 12/11/2018
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
The first look image has been released from British independent movie “The Show,” based on an original story by graphic novel creator Alan Moore, best known for “Watchmen,” “V for Vendetta,” “The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen” and “From Hell.” The cast is led by Tom Burke, whose credits include “War and Peace,” “The Souvenir” and “Only God Forgives.”
Other members of the cast include Siobhan Hewlett (“Show Pieces”), Ellie Bamber, Sheila Atim (“Girl From the North Country”), Richard Dillane and Moore himself.
The movie is directed by Mitch Jenkins from a script by Moore, his first original feature film screenplay to be produced. Production is underway in Northampton, U.K. Moore and Jenkins previously produced “Show Pieces,” a cycle of short films.
“The Show” follows Fletcher Dennis (Burke), who has been hired to track down a stolen artefact. This leads him to Northampton, a “haunted town” at “England’s broken...
Other members of the cast include Siobhan Hewlett (“Show Pieces”), Ellie Bamber, Sheila Atim (“Girl From the North Country”), Richard Dillane and Moore himself.
The movie is directed by Mitch Jenkins from a script by Moore, his first original feature film screenplay to be produced. Production is underway in Northampton, U.K. Moore and Jenkins previously produced “Show Pieces,” a cycle of short films.
“The Show” follows Fletcher Dennis (Burke), who has been hired to track down a stolen artefact. This leads him to Northampton, a “haunted town” at “England’s broken...
- 12/11/2018
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Tom Burke, Siobhan Hewlett, Ellie Bamber in cast.
London-based sales agent Protagonist Pictures has acquired worldwide sales rights to Mitch Jenkins’ The Show, based on an original story from Alan Moore, the graphic novel creator of Watchmen and V For Vendetta.
The Show is produced by Jim Mooney and Mike Elliot of Emu Films with Lex Film’s Tom Brown. The cast is headed by Tom Burke, star of the BBC TV detective series Strike, with Siobhan Hewlett, Screen Star of Tomorrow 2015 Ellie Bamber, Sheila Atim, Richard Dillane and Moore himself. It is now shooting in Northampton, UK, where it is also set.
London-based sales agent Protagonist Pictures has acquired worldwide sales rights to Mitch Jenkins’ The Show, based on an original story from Alan Moore, the graphic novel creator of Watchmen and V For Vendetta.
The Show is produced by Jim Mooney and Mike Elliot of Emu Films with Lex Film’s Tom Brown. The cast is headed by Tom Burke, star of the BBC TV detective series Strike, with Siobhan Hewlett, Screen Star of Tomorrow 2015 Ellie Bamber, Sheila Atim, Richard Dillane and Moore himself. It is now shooting in Northampton, UK, where it is also set.
- 12/11/2018
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Here’s a first look at graphic novel supremo Alan Moore’s (Watchmen) latest creation: The Show. Moore has scripted the film, which stars Tom Burke (War And Peace), Siobhan Hewlett (Show Pieces), Ellie Bamber (Nocturnal Animals), Sheila Atim (Girl From The North Country), Richard Dillane (The White Princess) and Moore himself.
Production is currently underway in Northampton, UK. Mitch Jenkins (Show Pieces) is directing. The feature screenplay is Moore’s first not to be based on one of his graphic novels.
Gothic fantasy-drama The Show follows Fletcher Dennis (Burke) who has been hired to track down a stolen artefact, an investigation that brings him into contact with the most unusual and dangerous elements in Moore & Jenkins’ hometown Northampton. According to the film’s synopsis, these include “dead Lotharios, comatose sleeping beauties, Voodoo gangsters, masked adventurers, unlikely 1930s private eyes and violent chiaroscuro women.”
Jim Mooney & Mike Elliott of Emu Films...
Production is currently underway in Northampton, UK. Mitch Jenkins (Show Pieces) is directing. The feature screenplay is Moore’s first not to be based on one of his graphic novels.
Gothic fantasy-drama The Show follows Fletcher Dennis (Burke) who has been hired to track down a stolen artefact, an investigation that brings him into contact with the most unusual and dangerous elements in Moore & Jenkins’ hometown Northampton. According to the film’s synopsis, these include “dead Lotharios, comatose sleeping beauties, Voodoo gangsters, masked adventurers, unlikely 1930s private eyes and violent chiaroscuro women.”
Jim Mooney & Mike Elliott of Emu Films...
- 12/11/2018
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Growing up, I was unnerved by levels in games that took place underwater. Labyrinth Zone from Sonic the Hedgehog, Jolly Roger Bay from Super Mario 64 and even Coral Capers from Donkey Kong Country gave me the willies. There’s just something about being trapped below the surface that creeps me out. Fortunately, I’ve managed to move past this fear as I’ve grown older. If I didn’t, I probably would have had severe palpitations exploring the aquatic world of Song of the Deep.
Developed by Insomniac Games, best known for their explosive Ratchet & Clank franchise, Song of the Deep is a smaller adventure from the studio. In the game, players take control of a young girl by the name of Merryn. After her beloved fisherman father goes missing while out on a trip, Merryn crafts a submarine in order to search for him. Visions have kept hope alive...
Developed by Insomniac Games, best known for their explosive Ratchet & Clank franchise, Song of the Deep is a smaller adventure from the studio. In the game, players take control of a young girl by the name of Merryn. After her beloved fisherman father goes missing while out on a trip, Merryn crafts a submarine in order to search for him. Visions have kept hope alive...
- 7/20/2016
- by Eric Hall
- We Got This Covered
Stars: Siobhan Hewlett, Darrell D’Silva, Robert Goodman, Alan Moore, Andrew Buckley, Khandie Khisses | Written by Alan Moore | Directed by Mitch Jenkins, Paul Chessell
If you’re like me and you’re the type of person who likes to IMDb films before you watch them so you have a good idea what to expect, you’ll find it useful to know that Show Pieces isn’t one film. It’s actually a set of three short films that tie together, albeit a little loosely in the case of the first and second, all of which form a prelude to a planned feature called The Show. Normally what I would do is write about the first act then describe the experience, but in this case I’ll write about the first two short films which lead into the last.
First, we get Act of Faith, which is the shortest of the three.
If you’re like me and you’re the type of person who likes to IMDb films before you watch them so you have a good idea what to expect, you’ll find it useful to know that Show Pieces isn’t one film. It’s actually a set of three short films that tie together, albeit a little loosely in the case of the first and second, all of which form a prelude to a planned feature called The Show. Normally what I would do is write about the first act then describe the experience, but in this case I’ll write about the first two short films which lead into the last.
First, we get Act of Faith, which is the shortest of the three.
- 9/13/2014
- by Nicky Johnson
- Nerdly
The line-up for this year's Film4 FrightFest in London has just been announced – and boy, is it a doozy! Sporting a record-breaking 38 UK/European premieres and 11 world premieres, this August is going to be an exciting time in the genre calendar.
Check it all out right here, including lots of new images!
This year Film4 FrightFest will be moving from its previous home at Leicester Square's Empire Cinema to the nearby Vue Cinema (also on Leicester Square), prompting an ingenious reshuffle of the screening arrangements.
All main screen films will be presented at different times across three different screens, with two extra screens reserved for single-slot screenings of the various films hitting this year's Discovery Screens.
Here's the full list of goodies:
Main Screens (5, 6, 7)
Thursday Aug 21
Opening Night Film - The Guest (UK Premiere)
Director: Adam Wingard. Cast: Dan Stevens, Maika Monroe, Brendan Meyer, Sheila Kelley, Leland Orser. USA 2014. 99 mins.
Check it all out right here, including lots of new images!
This year Film4 FrightFest will be moving from its previous home at Leicester Square's Empire Cinema to the nearby Vue Cinema (also on Leicester Square), prompting an ingenious reshuffle of the screening arrangements.
All main screen films will be presented at different times across three different screens, with two extra screens reserved for single-slot screenings of the various films hitting this year's Discovery Screens.
Here's the full list of goodies:
Main Screens (5, 6, 7)
Thursday Aug 21
Opening Night Film - The Guest (UK Premiere)
Director: Adam Wingard. Cast: Dan Stevens, Maika Monroe, Brendan Meyer, Sheila Kelley, Leland Orser. USA 2014. 99 mins.
- 6/27/2014
- by Gareth Jones
- DreadCentral.com
Film4 FrightFest 2014, returning for its 15th year, unveils its biggest line-up ever. From Thurs 21 August to Monday 25 August, the UK’s leading event for genre fans will be at the Vue West End, Leicester Square, to present sixty-four films plus twenty shorts across five screens. There are sixteen countries representing five continents with a record-breaking thirty-eight UK or European premieres and eleven world premieres.
Are you ready for a monstrous and memorable mayhem of killer claws, cannibalism, cult classics, murderous musicals, chiller thrillers, graphic novel action and sick celluloid masterpieces? Then prepare yourself for the biggest, strongest and most eclectic must-see programme in Film4 FrightFest’s history.
From the opening night turbo-driven thrill-ride The Guest to the UK premiere of the closing night mesmeric sci-fi fantasy The Signal, FrightFest has netted the latest works from genre big-hitters such as Eli Roth (The Green Inferno), Alan Moore and Mitch Jenkins (Show...
Are you ready for a monstrous and memorable mayhem of killer claws, cannibalism, cult classics, murderous musicals, chiller thrillers, graphic novel action and sick celluloid masterpieces? Then prepare yourself for the biggest, strongest and most eclectic must-see programme in Film4 FrightFest’s history.
From the opening night turbo-driven thrill-ride The Guest to the UK premiere of the closing night mesmeric sci-fi fantasy The Signal, FrightFest has netted the latest works from genre big-hitters such as Eli Roth (The Green Inferno), Alan Moore and Mitch Jenkins (Show...
- 6/27/2014
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
This one is also known as Hummingbird on U.K. soil, and then transfered to Redemption, for some or other reason, other than the obvious of what the film's about. As if we couldn't get it. Nonetheless, the Steven Knight film opens in theaters via Lionsgate and is frontlined by Jason Statham, Ian Pirie, Vicky McClure, Siobhan Hewlett, Benedict Wong, Agata Buzek, Senem Temiz and Lee Asquith-Coe. In Redemption, reeling from a traumatic tour of duty in Afghanistan, Joey (Statham), an ex-Special Forces soldier, returns to London to face another kind of war: life on the streets as a damaged, homeless veteran. In an attempt to rehabilitate himself, Joey assumes another man’s identity and seeks the aid of Sister Cristina (Buzek), a young nun who works at an inner-city parish. But Joey’s expert...
- 6/19/2013
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Known as Hummingbird on our shores, and Redemption across the Atlantic, the latest movie led by Jason Statham is just a few weeks from heading into cinemas, arriving at the end of this month.
The latest trailer we saw back in the spring suggested that the film will see Statham taking on a slightly darker role. And now a new clip has been released via MSN, giving us a look at Statham’s character, Joey, haunted by his past as he tries to drown his sorrows.
Living on the streets after going on the run from a military court-martial, Joey (Statham) is a damaged ex-special forces soldier trapped in London’s criminal underworld. But when opportunity enables him to assume another man’s identity, he is transformed into an avenging angel.
Statham is joined by Vicky McClure (This Is England, Broadchurch), Agata Buzek (The Reverse), Siobhan Hewlett (Irina Palm), and...
The latest trailer we saw back in the spring suggested that the film will see Statham taking on a slightly darker role. And now a new clip has been released via MSN, giving us a look at Statham’s character, Joey, haunted by his past as he tries to drown his sorrows.
Living on the streets after going on the run from a military court-martial, Joey (Statham) is a damaged ex-special forces soldier trapped in London’s criminal underworld. But when opportunity enables him to assume another man’s identity, he is transformed into an avenging angel.
Statham is joined by Vicky McClure (This Is England, Broadchurch), Agata Buzek (The Reverse), Siobhan Hewlett (Irina Palm), and...
- 6/6/2013
- by Kenji Lloyd
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Personally, I think Hummingbird had a nice ring to it as opposed to the new domestic title of Redemption for the Jason Statham action thriller. It was intriguing, and could have cemented the film into intrigued fans' minds better than Redemption, which comes off sounding like a film focusing on the priesthood. Moving on... The Steven Knight-written-and-directed film opens June 28th via Roadside Attractions, and also includes Ian Pirie, Vicky McClure, Siobhan Hewlett, Benedict Wong, Senem Temiz and Lee Asquith-Coe. Reeling from a traumatic tour of duty in Afghanistan, Joey...
- 5/8/2013
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Check out the fifth poster, a French version for Lionsgate's Hummingbird ("Crazy Joe"), starring Jason Statham in the Steven Knight thriller. Well. at least this one's more interesting, and colorful and the other somewhat boring posters we've added for the film. Also with Ian Pirie, Vicky McClure, Siobhan Hewlett, Benedict Wong, Senem Temiz and Lee Asquith-Coe., Hummingbird stars Statham as a damaged ex-Special Forces soldier on the run from a military court martial who navigates London's criminal underworld, and seizes an opportunity to assume another man's identity -- transforming into an avenging angel in the process.
- 4/29/2013
- Upcoming-Movies.com
If you’ve been looking forward to Jason Statham’s return to British action-thriller territory this year, it looks like you’re going to have a slightly longer wait than expected, with Lionsgate confirming that Hummingbird is now set for release in June.
Steven Knight’s anticipated film was originally to be released on our shores in mid-May, but the studio have released a newly revised trailer and quad poster, confirming that its new release date will be 28th June here in the UK.
Living on the streets after going on the run from a military court-martial, Joey (Statham) is a damaged ex-special forces soldier trapped in London’s criminal underworld. But when opportunity enables him to assume another man’s identity, he is transformed into an avenging angel.
Statham is joined by Vicky McClure (This Is England, Broadchurch), Agata Buzek (The Reverse), Siobhan Hewlett (Irina Palm), and Benedict Wong...
Steven Knight’s anticipated film was originally to be released on our shores in mid-May, but the studio have released a newly revised trailer and quad poster, confirming that its new release date will be 28th June here in the UK.
Living on the streets after going on the run from a military court-martial, Joey (Statham) is a damaged ex-special forces soldier trapped in London’s criminal underworld. But when opportunity enables him to assume another man’s identity, he is transformed into an avenging angel.
Statham is joined by Vicky McClure (This Is England, Broadchurch), Agata Buzek (The Reverse), Siobhan Hewlett (Irina Palm), and Benedict Wong...
- 4/25/2013
- by Kenji Lloyd
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
New posters from the Hummingbird thriller starring Jason Statham 2 more additions are in for the Lionsgate action thriller directed and written by Steven Knight. Hummingbird follows a damaged ex-Special Forces soldier on the run from a military court martial who navigates London's criminal underworld, and seizes an opportunity to assume another man's identity -- transforming into an avenging angel in the process. The cast also features Ian Pirie, Vicky McClure, Siobhan Hewlett, Benedict Wong, Senem Temiz and Lee Asquith-Coe.
- 4/24/2013
- Upcoming-Movies.com
The new trailer for Hummingbird is here, starring Jason Statham in the Steven Knight thriller from Lionsgate. Hummingbird tells of an ex-Special Forces soldier who has now found himself homeless. Also in the cast are Lee Asquith-Coe, Vicky McClure, Benedict Wont, Siobhan Hewlett and David Bradley. Knight directs as well as writing Hummingbird while Guy Heeley and Paul Webster produce. Serving as executive producers are Stuart Ford and Brian Kavanaugh-Jones. The film is rated R for strong brutal violence, graphic nudity and language.
- 3/23/2013
- Upcoming-Movies.com
The new trailer for Hummingbird is here, starring Jason Statham in the Steven Knight thriller from Lionsgate. Hummingbird tells of an ex-Special Forces soldier who has now found himself homeless. Also in the cast are Lee Asquith-Coe, Vicky McClure, Benedict Wont, Siobhan Hewlett and David Bradley. Knight directs as well as writing Hummingbird while Guy Heeley and Paul Webster produce. Serving as executive producers are Stuart Ford and Brian Kavanaugh-Jones. The film is rated R for strong brutal violence, graphic nudity and language.
- 3/23/2013
- Upcoming-Movies.com
The first trailer for Hummingbird, starring Jason Statham, has appeared online.
The thriller - distributed by Lionsgate and directed by Eastern Promises and Dirty Pretty Things screenwriter Steven Knight - is set in London and sees Statham play Joey Jones, an ex-Special Forces soldier who returns to the UK from Afghanistan.
On the run from a court martial, Jones ends up homeless and becomes embroiled in the city's criminal underworld. When his pregnant girlfriend is murdered and the opportunity to steals another man's identity arises, he vows to avenge her death by ridding the capital of all those who've wronged him.
Hummingbird also stars Vicky McClure (This Is England), Benedict Wong (Dirty Pretty Things), Siobhan Hewlett, Christian Brassington and Ian Pirie.
The film opens in the UK on May 17. Watch the first trailer for the feature below:...
The thriller - distributed by Lionsgate and directed by Eastern Promises and Dirty Pretty Things screenwriter Steven Knight - is set in London and sees Statham play Joey Jones, an ex-Special Forces soldier who returns to the UK from Afghanistan.
On the run from a court martial, Jones ends up homeless and becomes embroiled in the city's criminal underworld. When his pregnant girlfriend is murdered and the opportunity to steals another man's identity arises, he vows to avenge her death by ridding the capital of all those who've wronged him.
Hummingbird also stars Vicky McClure (This Is England), Benedict Wong (Dirty Pretty Things), Siobhan Hewlett, Christian Brassington and Ian Pirie.
The film opens in the UK on May 17. Watch the first trailer for the feature below:...
- 3/22/2013
- Digital Spy
You won’t be surprised to learn that in his new movie “Hummingbird”, Jason Statham plays a badass who uses his badass skills to kick bad guys in badass ways. Though in this one there’s apparently a bit more character and pathos that goes deeper than “he was wronged and now he’s going to kill you” logline you usually find in your average Statham movie. This is probably thanks to writer/director Steven Knight (“Eastern Promises”). But don’t take my word for it. Check out the first UK trailer for Statham’s “Hummingbird” and feel free to decide for yourself. Living homeless after going on the run from a military court-martial, Joey Jones (Statham) is a damaged ex-special forces soldier trapped in London’s criminal underworld. But when opportunity enables him to assume another man’s identity, he is transformed into an avenging angel. Also starring Vicky McClure,...
- 3/22/2013
- by Nix
- Beyond Hollywood
Catch the first poster for Steven Knight's Hummingbird thriller starring Jason Statham. The Lionsgate release opens in the U.S.. at a yet-to-be-determined date this year. Lucky fans in Russia, can catch it from May 9th, followed by the U.K. and Ireland after that. The story follows an ex-Special Forces soldier who has now found himself homeless. Also in the cast are Lee Asquith-Coe, Vicky McClure, Benedict Wont, Siobhan Hewlett and David Bradley. Knight directs and writes Hummingbird, which is produced by Guy Heeley and Paul Webster, while Stuart Ford and Brian Kavanaugh-Jones executive-produce. The film is rated R for strong brutal violence, graphic nudity and language.
- 3/19/2013
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Catch the first poster for Steven Knight's Hummingbird thriller starring Jason Statham. The Lionsgate release opens in the U.S.. at a yet-to-be-determined date this year. Lucky fans in Russia, can catch it from May 9th, followed by the U.K. and Ireland after that. The story follows an ex-Special Forces soldier who has now found himself homeless. Also in the cast are Lee Asquith-Coe, Vicky McClure, Benedict Wont, Siobhan Hewlett and David Bradley. Knight directs and writes Hummingbird, which is produced by Guy Heeley and Paul Webster, while Stuart Ford and Brian Kavanaugh-Jones executive-produce. The film is rated R for strong brutal violence, graphic nudity and language.
- 3/19/2013
- Upcoming-Movies.com
On this check this... is Alan Moore & Mitch Jenkins short films 'Act Of Faith. and 'Jimmy's End'
'Act Of Faith: It’s raining in Northampton and Faith Harrington has Friday evening ahead of her, her favourite outfit and her favourite face, her top tunes shimmering on the CD player: “When the lamp burns low on the bureau, even though I’m far from you…”
In a curtain-raiser prelude to their forthcoming short film Jimmy’s End, Alan Moore and Mitch Jenkins, with Siobhan Hewlett, introduce us to a world of unfamiliar atmospheres, precarious entertainments, and insidious detail. Act of Faith unveils an isolated corner of the modern night, where carrion crows become the only comforters and it’s a quarter to eternity…
'Jimmy's End': We've all been there: in the lapses after midnight, stumbling down unfamiliar gutters after one too many for the road and looking for...
'Act Of Faith: It’s raining in Northampton and Faith Harrington has Friday evening ahead of her, her favourite outfit and her favourite face, her top tunes shimmering on the CD player: “When the lamp burns low on the bureau, even though I’m far from you…”
In a curtain-raiser prelude to their forthcoming short film Jimmy’s End, Alan Moore and Mitch Jenkins, with Siobhan Hewlett, introduce us to a world of unfamiliar atmospheres, precarious entertainments, and insidious detail. Act of Faith unveils an isolated corner of the modern night, where carrion crows become the only comforters and it’s a quarter to eternity…
'Jimmy's End': We've all been there: in the lapses after midnight, stumbling down unfamiliar gutters after one too many for the road and looking for...
- 11/23/2012
- by noreply@blogger.com (Flicks News)
- FlicksNews.net
Comic-book creator Alan Moore's first short film, an 'occult, noir-flecked' collaboration with photographer Mitch Jenkins, will be unveiled next month. Here's a first taste
Watching this on a mobile device? Then click here
It's well documented that Alan Moore has little or no time for any of the Hollywood movies that have been adapted from his iconic graphic novels, from V for Vendetta and Watchmen all the way through to Stephen Norrington's 2003 The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. While anyone who has watched the last film may sympathise with the Northampton-based writer, Moore has often seemed deliberately reactionary when it comes to other people's appropriation of his work. Zack Snyder's bravura 2009 take on Watchmen, in particular, grips limpet-like to Moore's original style and narrative, yet received the same scorn as its siblings.
Now, finally, we have a glimpse of what the aforementioned movies might have been like had...
Watching this on a mobile device? Then click here
It's well documented that Alan Moore has little or no time for any of the Hollywood movies that have been adapted from his iconic graphic novels, from V for Vendetta and Watchmen all the way through to Stephen Norrington's 2003 The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. While anyone who has watched the last film may sympathise with the Northampton-based writer, Moore has often seemed deliberately reactionary when it comes to other people's appropriation of his work. Zack Snyder's bravura 2009 take on Watchmen, in particular, grips limpet-like to Moore's original style and narrative, yet received the same scorn as its siblings.
Now, finally, we have a glimpse of what the aforementioned movies might have been like had...
- 11/15/2012
- by Ben Child
- The Guardian - Film News
Perhaps from frustration over the cinematic adaptations of his comic work with Watchmen and V for Vendetta, Alan Moore is planning a film project that is sure to feature the writer’s own noir and occult sensibilities. Empire reports that the Moore has written two short films for a series titled “Show Pieces”. Act of Faith, the title of one of Moore’s short films, has already been filmed in London starring Torchwood‘s Siobhan Hewlett. The second film, titled Jimmy’s End, is planned to shoot in Moore’s hometown of Northhampton, U.K. Photographer Mitch Jenkins is directing both films....
- 6/29/2012
- Pastemagazine.com
His antipathy towards other people's movie versions of his own work is legendary, so perhaps that's the reason why Alan Moore is planning a film project of his own. He's written the first two instalments in a planned series of shorts called Show Pieces, to be directed by photographer Mitch Jenkins.The first two "occult, noir-flecked" films in the "multi-layered, multi-episode narrative" are Act Of Faith and Jimmy's End. The former has already been filmed in London, and stars Siobhan Hewlett (Torchwood, Sherlock). The latter will shoot in Moore's native Northampton later in the year.Moore, if you're somehow not aware, is the guru responsible for heavyweight comics masterworks like Watchmen, V For Vendetta and From Hell (and more recently Lost Girls, the Lovecraftian Neonomicon and the ongoing League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen, among many other indie projects). He's widely held to be one of the most culturally and historically significant comics writers of all time.
- 6/29/2012
- EmpireOnline
The comic book creator is to team up with director Mitch Jenkins to work on a series of 'occult, noir flecked' short films
Next to Philip K Dick, Alan Moore may just be Hollywood's favourite ideas man. And yet unlike the iconic science fiction writer, who at least gave his blessing to Ridley Scott's Blade Runner not long prior to his death in 1982, Moore has turned his nose up at every one of the blockbuster projects adapted from his comic books. V For Vendetta, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen and From Hell were all given short shrift by the British writer, apparently because no one asked his advice on how to film them.
Even Zack Snyder's faithful take on Watchmen – perhaps Moore's most brilliant work – was dismissed out of hand. But if you've ever wondered quite what a movie made with Moore's full cooperation might look like, now's your chance.
Next to Philip K Dick, Alan Moore may just be Hollywood's favourite ideas man. And yet unlike the iconic science fiction writer, who at least gave his blessing to Ridley Scott's Blade Runner not long prior to his death in 1982, Moore has turned his nose up at every one of the blockbuster projects adapted from his comic books. V For Vendetta, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen and From Hell were all given short shrift by the British writer, apparently because no one asked his advice on how to film them.
Even Zack Snyder's faithful take on Watchmen – perhaps Moore's most brilliant work – was dismissed out of hand. But if you've ever wondered quite what a movie made with Moore's full cooperation might look like, now's your chance.
- 6/25/2012
- by Ben Child
- The Guardian - Film News
By this point, more comrades know Alan Moore as “that guy who hates every movie based on his own work” than “that guy responsible for some of the finest comics to ever grace the medium.” Sad, yes, but this happens when most of your recent, public statements – please, please don’t take this as a sign of disrespect to the man — make you sound like the town grouch. Frankly, I started to think he didn’t like any films.
Now, I would think not. A press release has announced that Moore and his friend, Steve Jenkins, are working on Show Pieces, a project which we only know as “a multi-layered, multi-episode narrative” that’s both “noir flecked” and, to the surprise of few, “occult”; the former is writing, while the latter directs. One segment, Act of Faith, has already been shot — with Siobhan Hewlett in the lead — and a second,...
Now, I would think not. A press release has announced that Moore and his friend, Steve Jenkins, are working on Show Pieces, a project which we only know as “a multi-layered, multi-episode narrative” that’s both “noir flecked” and, to the surprise of few, “occult”; the former is writing, while the latter directs. One segment, Act of Faith, has already been shot — with Siobhan Hewlett in the lead — and a second,...
- 6/22/2012
- by jpraup@gmail.com (thefilmstage.com)
- The Film Stage
Alan Moore's short films will premiere in New York in October. Collaborating with director Mitch Jenkins on Lex Records' Show Pieces series, the Watchmen creator's films will debut at the New York City event The Creators Project. The initial two films, Act of Faith and Jimmy's End, are Moore's first pieces written specifically for the screen. Act of Faith stars Siobhan Hewlett (Sherlock) and was recently (more)...
- 6/22/2012
- by By Hugh Armitage
- Digital Spy
Mahamat-Saleh Haroun’s Daratt (top); Kevin Bishop, Siobhan Hewlett, Marianne Faithfull in Irina Palm (middle); Nadja Uhl, Thekla Reuten in Twin Sisters (bottom) The European Film Academy has announced that the winners of the 2009 Prix Eurimages, an award "acknowledging the decisive role of co-productions in the European film industry," will go to two producers "who have combined their efforts to develop and promote European cinema": Diana Elbaum and Jani Thiltges, heads of, respectively, Entre Chien et Loup in Belgium and Samsa Film in Luxemburg. Additionally, they have joined forces with Patrick Quinet, Sébastien Delloye and Claude Waringo to create Liaison Cinématographique, a production company based in Paris. Under [...]...
- 10/19/2009
- by Andre Soares
- Alt Film Guide
BERLIN -- Marianne Faithfull is unforgettable as a middle-class, middle-aged frump who takes a job at a sex club in order to raise enough money for her grandson's life-saving operation in Sam Garbarski's crowd-pleasing comedy-drama "Irina Palm".
Cheers and applause erupted following the Berlinale press screening Tuesday, and that reaction should accompany this competition film on the way to awards and audiences everywhere.
Mixing pathos and comedy expertly, with many funny lines, the screenplay by Martin Herron and Philippe Blasband, based on an original script by Blasband, shows a knowing hand in scenes involving stuffy Little England villagers and the cynical operators of the sex business in London's Soho.
The situation is established quickly. Maggie's small grandson Olly (Corey Burke) will die unless he gets to Australia for an operation that's only available in Melbourne. The treatment is free, but it will take £6,000 for Maggie's son Tom Kevin Bishop) and his wife Sarah (Siobhan Hewlett) to get him there.
The boy's parents are broke and Maggie, a widow, already has sold her home to pay for Olly's treatment. Turned down by her bank and employment agencies, Maggie spots a job offer for a hostess in a Soho doorway.
Full of trepidation, she enters a world she has never experienced and of which she has not the slightest knowledge. In a very funny scene, the world-weary Eastern European club owner, Miki (Miki Manojlovic), patiently explains that "hostess" is a euphemism for "whore." He examines her smooth hands and says she could make a lot of money by masturbating men that she wouldn't see as they placed their organs through a hole in the wall.
Outraged, Maggie flees. But seeing once again how distraught her family is, she returns and takes the job. Another sex worker, Luisa (Dorka Gryllus), patiently instructs her in the techniques of the job. "The first time is embarrassing, but after that you'll wank for England," Luisa says.
Miki gives Maggie her own booth and the professional name Irina Palm, and soon men are lining up for her exceptional ministrations. She even decorates her little booth with pictures and knickknacks from home. With the promise of making a lot of money, Maggie decides to keep doing it though she is desperate to make sure no one in her family or her village finds out what she's doing.
That, of course, is where the tension lies as both her son and the prissy members of her bridge foursome become ever more curious about her daily activities in the city. The inevitable revelation and the various reactions to it are hilarious, sad and warming. The only discordant note in the picture is in Tom's behavior when learning of his mother's sacrifice, but it does serve to heighten the response of Sarah and the other women.
The film's guitar score by Ghinzu does much to amplify Maggie's path from obeying conventional mores to casting away worries about what people will think. Garbarski does not shrink from the harsh realities of the sex industry, but he also takes time to develop an unlikely romance between Maggie and Miki.
Manojlovic deserves high praise for his handling of the club owner's reluctant corruption, but it is Faithfull's compassionate and knowing performance that will leave audiences smiling.
IRINA PALM
Entre Chien et Loup, Pyramide International
Credits:
Director: Sam Garbarski
Screenwriters: Martin Herron, Philippe Blasband
Based on an original script by: Philippe Blasband
Producer: Sebastien Delloye
Cinematographer: Christophe Beaucarne
Editor: Ludo Troch
Music: Ghinzu
Production designer: Veronique Sacrez
Costume designer: Anushia Nieradzik
Cast:
Maggie: Marianne Faithfull
Miki: Miki Manojlovic
Tom: Kevin Bishop
Sarah: Siobhan Hewlett
Luisa: Dorka Gryllus
Jane: Jenny Agutter
Olly: Corey Burke
Julia: Meg Wynn-Owen
Beth: Susan Hitch
Edith: Flip Webster
Shopkeeper: Tony O'Brien
Art: Jules Werner
Old Women: Ann Queensberry, June Bailer
Dave: Jonathan Coyne
Franck: Tim Plester
Dunia: Malina Ebert
Running time -- 103 minutes
No MPAA rating...
Cheers and applause erupted following the Berlinale press screening Tuesday, and that reaction should accompany this competition film on the way to awards and audiences everywhere.
Mixing pathos and comedy expertly, with many funny lines, the screenplay by Martin Herron and Philippe Blasband, based on an original script by Blasband, shows a knowing hand in scenes involving stuffy Little England villagers and the cynical operators of the sex business in London's Soho.
The situation is established quickly. Maggie's small grandson Olly (Corey Burke) will die unless he gets to Australia for an operation that's only available in Melbourne. The treatment is free, but it will take £6,000 for Maggie's son Tom Kevin Bishop) and his wife Sarah (Siobhan Hewlett) to get him there.
The boy's parents are broke and Maggie, a widow, already has sold her home to pay for Olly's treatment. Turned down by her bank and employment agencies, Maggie spots a job offer for a hostess in a Soho doorway.
Full of trepidation, she enters a world she has never experienced and of which she has not the slightest knowledge. In a very funny scene, the world-weary Eastern European club owner, Miki (Miki Manojlovic), patiently explains that "hostess" is a euphemism for "whore." He examines her smooth hands and says she could make a lot of money by masturbating men that she wouldn't see as they placed their organs through a hole in the wall.
Outraged, Maggie flees. But seeing once again how distraught her family is, she returns and takes the job. Another sex worker, Luisa (Dorka Gryllus), patiently instructs her in the techniques of the job. "The first time is embarrassing, but after that you'll wank for England," Luisa says.
Miki gives Maggie her own booth and the professional name Irina Palm, and soon men are lining up for her exceptional ministrations. She even decorates her little booth with pictures and knickknacks from home. With the promise of making a lot of money, Maggie decides to keep doing it though she is desperate to make sure no one in her family or her village finds out what she's doing.
That, of course, is where the tension lies as both her son and the prissy members of her bridge foursome become ever more curious about her daily activities in the city. The inevitable revelation and the various reactions to it are hilarious, sad and warming. The only discordant note in the picture is in Tom's behavior when learning of his mother's sacrifice, but it does serve to heighten the response of Sarah and the other women.
The film's guitar score by Ghinzu does much to amplify Maggie's path from obeying conventional mores to casting away worries about what people will think. Garbarski does not shrink from the harsh realities of the sex industry, but he also takes time to develop an unlikely romance between Maggie and Miki.
Manojlovic deserves high praise for his handling of the club owner's reluctant corruption, but it is Faithfull's compassionate and knowing performance that will leave audiences smiling.
IRINA PALM
Entre Chien et Loup, Pyramide International
Credits:
Director: Sam Garbarski
Screenwriters: Martin Herron, Philippe Blasband
Based on an original script by: Philippe Blasband
Producer: Sebastien Delloye
Cinematographer: Christophe Beaucarne
Editor: Ludo Troch
Music: Ghinzu
Production designer: Veronique Sacrez
Costume designer: Anushia Nieradzik
Cast:
Maggie: Marianne Faithfull
Miki: Miki Manojlovic
Tom: Kevin Bishop
Sarah: Siobhan Hewlett
Luisa: Dorka Gryllus
Jane: Jenny Agutter
Olly: Corey Burke
Julia: Meg Wynn-Owen
Beth: Susan Hitch
Edith: Flip Webster
Shopkeeper: Tony O'Brien
Art: Jules Werner
Old Women: Ann Queensberry, June Bailer
Dave: Jonathan Coyne
Franck: Tim Plester
Dunia: Malina Ebert
Running time -- 103 minutes
No MPAA rating...
- 2/14/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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