Articles + Quotes on Film & TV

In this world of big blockbuster franchises, small indies and the rest, it is a relief to find a great standalone film, that does what it says on the tin. In this case, "cold war thriller". Steven Spielberg is an old school director, who's mandate must be to put his quality stamp on every frame. It is clear that this film follows that same rule. Then there is the screenplay, written by the academy nominated and won Coen brothers and a relative newcomer Matt Charman - every word serves to draw you straight into the world in fear, America in 1957, to be exact. When a film, like this one, is based on a true story, there is always an extra layer of responsibility to not only accurately (as much as possible) portray what happened, but in such a way that can reach an audience and educate them. It is a true fact of life, those who do not know their history are doomed to repeat it. The Coen brothers and Mr Charman have excelled in this area. A good thriller pushes you to ...

Considering the roles that Tom Hardy has portrayed in the past and the high caliber of his work, when I heard he was going to portray the Kray brothers, real life London gangsters, I was thrilled. Then I heard that Brian Helgeland, he who wrote the screenplay for LA Confidential, Man on fire,  A Knight's Tale and also directed that last one as well, would be directing and wrote the screenplay for this latest venture. Its a dark tale, full of violence of one kind or another at multiple points. Its based on the book by John Pearson. Mr Helgeland does not shy away from these moments, but at that the same time, they do not dominate every moment, just overshadows them. It is a fine line, one that Mr Helgeland manages well and also drops in moments of humour, even when everything appears to be going to pot. And no doubt is about to. The good news continued with the rest of the cast and crew. Emily Browning, Christopher Eccleston - its been too long - Paul Anderson, Colin Morgan, Ta...