Writer-director Phillip Youmans’ Burning Cane is an assured debut from the young filmmaker. The haunting climate is galvanised by two strong leads. In the sugar cane fields of rural Louisiana, Helen focuses on her faith in spite of a troubled pastor. Her son, meanwhile, struggles with his drinking problem… Burning Cane commences with two lengthy monologues. The first, a story […]
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On the fiftieth anniversary of Judy Garland’s death, director Stephen Kijak has created a timely and engrossing documentary with Sid & Judy. In 1950, film producer Sid Luft met Hollywood star Judy Garland. Garland had just parted ways with MGM, the company which had made her a star, and controlled her every move… Sid & Judy begins at a later […]
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Director Eryk Rocha’s second feature Burning Night (Breve Miragem De Sol) is a slow-burn drama. The film is observant, even if it is not always engaging. Paulo is a taxi driver in Rio trying to earn enough money to support his son, who lives with his ex-wife. As he picks up fares at night, Paulo sees the chaotic nature of […]
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James Mangold’s Le Mans ‘66 offers thrills in abundance. The bravura racing sequences are enough to overcome a flawed screenplay. In the 1960s, Henry Ford II is looking for an idea to get the Ford company out of its slump. Ford decide to build a race car to compete in Le Mans, but need the right team to do it… […]
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Writer-director Rian Johnson’s murder mystery Knives Out is tremendous fun. The star cast are on great form in this very entertaining film. When Harlan Thrombey, a successful author and head of the Thrombey family, is found dead, the police begin an investigation. The detectives wish to interview each family member, to see what they know about his death… Knives Out […]
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Director and co-writer Haifaa al-Mansour’s The Perfect Candidate is a socially relevant and quietly engaging drama. The film’s optimism gives it a winning edge. After her frustration with the flooded road that leads to her clinic, young doctor Maryam decides to run in her city’s local election. The first female candidate to do so, Sara’s family get caught up in her […]
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Rodney Ascher and David Lawrence’s The El Duce Tapes has much to say about art of courting controversy and the man behind a notorious personality. In the early 1990s, Ryan Sexton documented hours of concert footage and interviews with El Duce, lead singer of controversial rock band The Mentors. Years later filmmakers Rodney Ascher and David Lawrence piece together these […]
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Midge Costin’s documentary Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound is as immersive as its subject matter. Sound is an integral part of the filmmaking process. This film explores the art of sound design and editing in Hollywood, from the early days to the digital age… Sound editor Midge Costin (The Rock, Con Air) has focused on a highly important […]
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Werner Herzog’s documentary style drama Family Romance LLC depicts a bizarre but fascinating phenomenon. The film is both amusing and disquieting. Yuichi Ishii runs a company offering an usual service. Ishii offers fake family members; actors who pretend to be relatives to fulfil their clients wishes… Family Romance LLC focuses on a very interesting, and for many alien concept; hiring out […]
Read moreIt is about half way through this year’s BFI London Film Festival, and some wonderful films have been shown so far. Here are some LFF 2019 highlights from the first week… LFF 2019 Highlights – Unmissable The Last Black Man in San Francisco Joe Talbot’s The Last Black Man in San Francisco is a funny, moving, thought-provoking, and outstanding debut. The film is […]
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