October 20th
Cunard British Film Festival
Exhibition on Screen: Hopper: An American Love Story
Everything in Between
As promised, festivals are coming thick and fast. This week it's the British, with some excellent films so far. For art lovers there's a terrific doco on Edward Hopper, while teens can enjoy a sweet romance.
Cunard British Film Festival
Melbourne: On now until 16th November
All Palace cinemas
Reading the publicity blurb for this year's festival makes for an exciting choice of fine films, as expected, featuring the cream of British acting talent. There are wonderful narrative films, fascinating docos, and a James Bond restrospective featuring 14 James Bond films. I'll leave you to trawl through the program on the website to find what takes your fancy, but as always I have a seen a handful in advance, and am catching more as the festival progresses.
Quintessentially British: This fun documentary examines the contributions the United Kingdom has made to the world. Such iconically British actors as Dame Judi Dench and Sir Ian McKellen have plenty to say, while peculiarly British traditions involving libraries, private clubs, rifle shooting, cars, palaces and more come under scrutiny. Bespoke crafts of tailoring, (think Savile Row suits) millinery and shoe-making show the best-of-the-best is alive and well. There's plenty to be learned and enjoyed, all underscored by that quintessentially Britsh sense of humour.
Quant: Probably no fashion designer says 1960s more than Mary Quant. But her career was more encompassing than a single decade, as portrayed in this excellent doco of not only how fashion changed women's lives, but how society itself went through seismic changes in the sixties. Quant opened her first shop in 1955, and as the sixties blossomed was known for bold colors, mini skirts, and a free-spirited, individualistic line of clothing. There are many revealing interviews with Quant and fashion doyens then and now, excellent old footage of the day, and all is backed up by a nostalgia-inducing music soundtrack. The changes she and her brand went through post-sixties up until the year 2000 are also reflective of societal change.
Lancaster: If you loved Spitfire you'll love Lancaster, the story of the remarkable aeroplane that turned the tide of WW2 for the Allies. It's narrated sombrely by Charles Dance. You don't need to be a war buff or a plane buff to appreciate the incredible and often moving remniscences from the brave pilots and crew who flew in the planes, risking their lives night after night to run bombing raids over Germany. Their tales, plus old wartime footage, lets you feal the fear that these men must have experienced. It's also interesting how many of them talk about the moral issues they grappled with, as the feared "Lancs" laid waste to cities like Dresden.
Rogue Agent: Here's one for fans of true crime. This is the chilling story of Robert Freegard, a twisted but charismatic conman who successfully convinced several women that he was working for MI5, in order to then extort money from them, and even kidnap them. James Norton gives an enthralling performance as the evil charmer, while Gemma Arterton plays the clever woman who ultimately exposed him. The film is taut and beautifully scripted, keeping you on tenterhooks throughout. It's a bit of a cross between a romance and a police thriller, and works really well on both levels.
Exhibition on Screen -
Hopper: an American Love Story
Director: Phil Grabsky
Length: 94 minutes
 |
© EOS - Nighthawks - can you get
more American than this? |
Born in 1882, Edward Hopper is considered one of the most recognisable and iconic American artists, whose eccentric life and mysterious artworks have always intrigued people. Aussie critic Robert Hughes claims that no artist has influenced American popular culture more than Hopper, as writers, film-makers, cartoonists, musicians and photographers take inspiration from his work. I am no great modern art buff, yet this documentary presents its subject matter so compellingly that I cannot help but want to learn more. The wonderful thing about this excellent series of films is the way the paintings come to life, so large on the screen, enabling you to immerse in them. And then listening to the in-depth insights that the many art comentators give just adds to one's appreciation. And of course his personal life, one in which his wife played a huge role (to the detriment of her own career) rounds out the whole experience and understanding of the artist.4 - highly recommended
Everything in Between
Director: Nadi Sha
Length: 90 minutes
 |
© Sha Pictures - a sweet romance with
the usual themes of love and loss |
Jason (Jordon Dulieu) lives a friendless and alienated life, feeling there is no meaning to life. While in hospital after an abortive suicide attempt, he meets American backpacker Liz (Freyja Benjamin) who ignites a sense of purpose in his life. But Liz has her own dramas, and soon Jason learns the meaning of life through love and pain. Although this is fairly formulaic stuff, there is something quite touching and sweet about the story, helped by strong performances of the two leads. Not so authentic are the characters of Jason's parents Meredith (Gigi Edgley) and David (Martin Crewes), who come across as somewhat overblown. A film of this nature should appeal strongly to teens, and also help shine a light on the issue of depresion.3 - recommended
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