Primavera
Visually dynamic and elegantly crafted, Damiano Michieletto’s PRIMAVERA is a compelling study of repression, suffering and earnest rebellion.
All posts by Nancy Epton
Wasteman
Even though WASTEMAN’s brutal narrative isn’t anything novel, it possesses a freshness courtesy of McMau’s first time behind the camera, added to the debut screenplay from newcomers Hunter Andrews and Eoin Doran.
Brokeback Mountain’s ‘Gay Western’ Legacy
With the 20th anniversary of the release of BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN, it’s pertinent to look back on the wave of criticism that the film was met with upon its release, particularly concerning ideas of the Western among more conservative figures in the film industry.
We Live In Time
Some uninspired creative choices in WE LIVE IN TIME are not enough to detract from Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh’s central performances, dispelling most of the tired cancer cliches with a heartfelt, moving tale of love and loss.
Hostile Dimensions
Seasoned found-footage director Graham Hughes puts in the effort with a meagre budget, but a bit of inspired cinematography isn’t enough to detract from unconvincing acting and wooden dialogue.
Red Rooms
The sociopathic protagonist at the core of RED ROOMS builds alienation with a probing camera that constantly looks but never fully reveals the mysteries in its gaze.
Drive at 10: Endurance of the Western
Following just over a decade since its initial release, DRIVE’s cult status continues thanks to its laconic dialogue, striking visuals and pulsing electronic soundtrack. Perhaps the key ingredient to its success, however, lies in its appeal as a Western.
The Last Duel
Dodgy haircuts and questionable accents aren’t enough to dilute the compelling plot of Ridley Scott’s historical epic, THE LAST DUEL, where one woman’s accusation of rape is detailed in a RASHOMON-style structure of passion and deceit.
Focus On: On the Nature of Daylight
When directors need to amplify an emotional moment, On the Nature of Daylight is fast becoming their go-to track. Further, its success has utterly transformed the fortunes of its creator. Nancy Epton discusses Max Richter’s piece.
The Whistlers
Corneliu Porumboiu’s THE WHISTLERS introduces us to the real-life whistling language El Silbo spoken by the film’s characters as betrayal and romance play out against the grand vistas of the Canary Islands.