Articles + Quotes on Film & TV

 As I may have already mentioned in a previous review - I have read the book Les Miserables. In it, the character of Jean Valjean, as you might expect from the source material, has an entire backstory and introduction that gets five minutes at best in the stage musical. He is a ex-convict, he is helped by the local Bishop and he finds a new life. As the lyric goes, 'I stole a loaf of bread' but of course, there is so much more to it than that. This film takes those opening chapters and gives the entire story room to breathe and paints a beautiful picture of both Jean and the Bishop that Victor Hugo wrote about. For it is not just Jean Valjean's story that is important here, the Bishop has a past too that directly impacts on both men. Through flashbacks, we see the moments that set them on their paths, that influences their actions and informs their characters. Gregory Gadebois's Jean is a man broken by the penal system. If there had once been light in his eyes, that is ...

 It seems such a rarity nowadays that not only is a series solid all the way through from pilot to finale, that the finale itself closes the series with panache and an ending that provides closure for all the characters. And yet, that is precisely what occurred here. Marvelous Mrs Maisel, with its seemingly infinite budget for costume, makeup and production design, gave us memorable and hilarious characters that found their feet and were given a great send off.  I may be arriving late to this series but I'm very glad I made the effort.  Even without the stand up comedy that the character of Miriam 'Midge' Maisel finds she has a real talent for, this series is absolutely hilarious from start to finish. Some scenes I am not entirely sure how they managed to keep a straight face - what with the ridiculous moments and concepts that the 50s and 60s were known for, they were given a great script and brought it to life.  Rachel Brosnahan, Michael Zegen, Marin Hinkle, Kevin ...

 While more than aware that there have been many adaptations of the Frankenstein story, this one really excited me.  Not just because Maggie Gyllenhaal was directing (although that was definitely a big part of it) but having the Bride speak and say what was on her mind was just thrilling.  The trailer gave us all a taste of what was to come but it was nowhere near the complete story - you weren't shown the whole film in two minutes which is always a massive relief - it just the beginning of the crazy ride that the film is. For all that Jessie Buckley has shown us thus far, it has felt somewhat like seeing a Ferrari on streets with a speed limit. Impressive - but you could always get the feeling she has so much more to offer the world. Here, we see her at full speed - and it is glorious. No holds barred, utterly fearless and a frenetic performance that starts at full speed and goes from there. In every scene, Christian Bale matches her energy levels - his performance is to...

 There have been many films told about this period. This one manages a new way of showing - a feat that you would not think possible but it's true, this has been done. Original storytelling exists. Even in a film that puts the holocaust on screen and dares you to look away with a woman who strode forth with her camera. We are meant to remember so that it doesn't happen again. Any filmmaker that delves into this period - into this time when humanity was hanging by a thread, therefore has an enormous responsibility to make sure they treat the dead with respect and dignity.  That responsibility was met and in tandem, they created a beautiful portrait of a woman who would not be beaten, or boxed up with neat words. Kate Winslet delivers an absolute powerhouse performance as Lee Miller, one for the ages and that future actors should aspire to. The best kind of historical figure portrayals are ones that don't shy away from the ugly side - a portrayal that is multilayered, the gre...

 I was absolutely thrilled when I heard that one of my favourite books, The Radleys by Matt Haig, was going to be adapted into a film. And I was not disappointed in the slightest by the adaptation. Yes, some elements of the story were changed but they were done so with care and grace by the filmmakers. Euros Lyn as director, portraying the detailed world of the story, in small town England and all the trappings. The screenplay by Talitha Stevenson, Jo Brand and Matt Haig - as I said, not a carbon copy of the book, but it was moving and seductive in its telling, just like the book was. Having Damian Lewis portray both brothers - Will and Peter Radley was a masterstroke, especially given how the family history concerning Helen was played out. Mr Lewis' performances - a masterclass in acting. And speaking of Helen, Kelly Macdonald's performance was just absolutely tragically beautifully done. Ms Macdonald has been giving the viewing audience spectacular performances from day one s...

 As I've said, some historical figures will be portrayed more than others and it is all the more exciting when one of the lesser known ones is given their chance to shine. With this one, it is Catherine Parr in the hot seat - and I mean that in every sense of the word. The Tudor court towards the later years of Henry VIII's life was full of pitfalls and dangers and regardless of your rank or apparent popularity, your life was always one step away from disaster and a very painful death. For those unaware of the history, in 1536 Henry VIII was in a jousting accident. Not only was he out cold for an hour or more and historians now believe that he suffered some serious damage to his front temporal lobe - the part of the brain focussed on personality. But on top of that, the weight of the horse landing on his leg, led the skin to literally split and tear, causing ulcers that never healed properly.  And it wasn't as though he was a happy go lucky monarch to begin with. So almost ...