FILM OF THE WEEK
PROJECT HAIL MARY
Phil Lord and Christopher Miller direct this intriguing futuristic sci-fi adventure with energy and style and are also the dynamic writing/producing duo behind such imaginative features as SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER VERSE and SPIDER-MAN: ACROSS THE SPIDER VERSE. Their latest project is written by Drew Goddard based on Andy Weir’s futuristic novel, which follows the story of science teacher Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling), who wakes one day on a spaceship far, far away from home with no memory of who he is or how he got there. His memory begins to slowly return and bit by bit he tries to solve the jigsaw behind his secret mission to stop the sun from dying out and save the earth from extinction…
In similar fashion to THE MARTIAN again scripted by Goddard from another novel by Weir a single protagonist struggles against the odds to survive in hostile environment and complete his daring mission. The film is blessed with a luminous performance by Ryan Gosling who carries the film almost singlehandedly. He is well supported by the brilliant German actress Sandra Huller, well known for her captivating performances in TONI ERDMAN, THE ZONE OF INTEREST and ANATOMY OF A FALL. She plays Eva Stratt, the brains behind the dangerous mission that Ryland is forced upon.
A real treat for sci-fi fans and beyond!
THE GOOD BOY
This exceptional thriller is directed by Jan Komasa, the Polish director of the award-winning CORPUS CHRISTI. A European film made in English with an eclectic British cast including Stephen Graham and Andrea Riseborough as an eccentric married couple living in an isolated suburban house.
The story opens with Tommy (Anson Boon), a fearless and deeply violent 19-year-old hooligan who indulges in heavy drugs and sex until he is kidnapped by Chris (Stephen Graham) and chained in the basement of his country home. In similar fashion to A CLOCKWORK ORANG, Chris and his even more eccentric wife (Riseborough) try to reform Tommy’s uncontrollable behaviour…
It is a remarkable film heavy on atmosphere and brilliantly directed by Komasa, who elicits career best performances from Graham and Riseborough and from newcomer Boon, who like a young Malcolm McDowell, delivers a star making performance.
It is dark and unpredictable unlike anything you’ve seen!
ARCO
Ugo Bienvenu’s imaginative animated feature follows the story of a mysterious 10-year-old boy called Arco, who dressed in a rainbow suit travels back from the future to the year 2075 and is shocked to discover a world in deep danger. Arco soon befriends a young girl named Iris and together with her robot friend Mikki they set out to save the world from destruction…
Bienvenu has written graphic novels for adults in the past and puts this experience to great effect. It is a wonderful film ideal for children of all ages with a strong ecological message about the earth and its future survival. It was made in French but his eclectic American cast for the English version include Will Ferrell, America Ferrera, Mark Ruffalo and Natalie Portman, who also produces, make this a must.
It has been a favourite during the current awards season and deserves to win even more.
BROKEN ENGLISH
Jane Pollard and Iain Forsyth’s amazing documentary celebrates the life and career of the brilliant singer Marianne Faithfull. It is an amazing achievement – they managed to lure this iconic personality back in the studio and get her to sing some of her famous tunes like BROKEN ENGLISH just before her recent death.
This imaginative film defies description – it is a tribute to a remarkable career blended with clips, interviews and the fictional “Ministry of Not Forgetting” led by Tilda Swinton and George MacKay. This unique film about a unique personality is not to be missed!
LA GRAZIA
Paolo Sorrentino, the celebrated Italian director of IL DIVO, THE GREAT BEAUTY and THE HAND OF GOD, brings to the screen another slick and stylish film again with his regular leading man Toni Servillo. He plays Mariano De Santis, a deeply religious Catholic and an experienced jurist who is confronted with a big dilemma whether he should sign a bill legalising euthanasia. He also needs to consider whether to sign pardon petitions for two persons who murdered their partners…
The striking presence of Sevillo adds gravitas to this intelligently scripted film. It is beautifully designed and expertly photographed in perfectly framed compositions best to be experienced on the big screen.
THE BRIDE!
Maggie Gylenhaal follows her impressive directorial debut of THE LOST DAUGHTER with another visually distinct project even though this is a totally different kind of film. She is inspired by Mary Sheeley’s timeless classic novel “Frankenstein” and brings to the screen an imaginatively phantasmagorical production that defies description. She sets the action in Chicago of the thirties but with an 80’s punk rock sensibility. Frankenstein’s monster (Christian Bale) is a lonely soul and needs a bride and with the help of Dr (Anette Bening) they unearth the body of a freshly murdered woman intended to be his bride (Jessie Buckley) …
It is visually stunning with many wonderfully bizarre set pieces, but Gyllenhaal’s choice of different styles gets in the way. Still, there is plenty to enjoy in this enjoyable film which is destined to become a cult classic.
Any feedback is welcome: georgesavvides@hotmail.co.uk