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johncitylit
Reviews
Monitor: Monitor Special: The Debussy Film (1965)
Russell's "Debussy Film"a classic of it's time
I have just seen Ken Russell's "The Debussy Film" at the National Film Theatre in London.It's every bit as good as I dimly remember it on TV in 1965.Sequences which stuck in the mind came up like old friends.An excellent example of the film within a film;to me it echoes Godard's "Le Mepris" made in 1962.It was shown as part of the celebrations of the director's 80th birthday.Celebrations in which the BBC seems to be taking no interest.A 1000 pities that they can't find time in their TV schedules to show some of these classics...too busy showing more cookery or gardening programmes?Or could it be that Russell's TV films shame the current drivel being spewed out by the Corporation?
The Lady's Not for Burning (1987)
Excellent production of a mid 20th century theatre classic
I am fortunate to have made a video of this broadcast so I am not speaking from memory.The title role (ie "the lady") is played perfectly by Cherie Lunghi who is superbly supported by Kenneth Brannagh.At that time these were 2 of Britain's foremost actors.Their scenes together are superb.Full justice is done to the witty & graceful dialogue.This is not a play for those who prefer action to talk. Sadly it is impossible to imagine such a production being possible in the modern TV era.........too many words MrFry!....no rape,violence etc.The only criticism looking at it now would be it's slightly "stagey"feel but then it is a faithful rendering of a theatre play.