When it was announced soon after the release of Melancholia that Lars Von Trier's next film would be entitled Nymphomaniac, I probably let out an audible sigh. A weary sigh. Now, let me explain myself a little bit. I'm a fan of Von Trier's work - that which I've seen - and was automatically going to be present … Continue reading Review: Nymphomaniac Vol. I & II
Theodore Twombly (Joaquin Phoenix) is recently separated from his wife of several years, Catherine (Rooney Mara). They grew up together, and, as flashbacks suggest, were very much soul mates. But things changed and now Theodore is alone. He is a sensitive, introverted man. He works for a website writing personal letters for people who don't … Continue reading Review: Her
Year: 1965 Director: Roman Polanski Stars: Catherine Deneuve (Carol), Ian Hendry (Michael), John Fraser (Colin), Yvonne Furneaux (Helen), Patrick Wymark (Landlord) Genre: Thriller / Horror With its initial credits drifting over the surface of Catherine Deneuve's wide unblinking eye, Roman Polanski's Repulsion proclaims its intention as a horror film exploring an interior world, the world behind … Continue reading Why I Love… #63: Repulsion
Matthew McConaughey's phoenix-like rise over the past 18 months has been one of the most heartening sights in recent Hollywood history. Though his early work was spotted with moments of greatness, the doldrums that followed had him written-off in many eyes, despite odd flashes of interest here and there. Slowly but surely the majority of … Continue reading Review: Dallas Buyers Club
In the early stages of José Padilha's RoboCop reboot we are introduced to a man who has lost both of his arms. Gary Oldman's Dr Dennett Norton has fashioned for him two robotic replacements, operated via impulses from the brain. The man formerly played Spanish guitar, presumably quite well, and is tentative about playing again, fearing … Continue reading Review: RoboCop (2014)
"Life's dealt me some bum cards, or maybe I just haven't played 'em right," so says ever-self-deprecating narrator Ed Crane in The Man Who Wasn't There, one of the Coen Brothers' several masterpieces. It's a line that feels fitting to a few of their movies, but one which suits their latest, Inside Llewyn Davis, perfectly. To eschew … Continue reading Review: Inside Llewyn Davis
