Twin peaks the return episode 12 MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS LET’S ROCK So, out of David Lynch and Mark Frost, which one’s been spending too much time on the internet? I mention this because episode 12 appears inspired by one of the most extraordinarily silly of online conspiracy theories: the Mandela […]
Reviews
Hotel Salvation (2017) a respectful, tender exploration of old age and dying (Review)
It’s not easy being an independent film-maker anywhere in the world, but spare a thought for Indian directors outside the system. This should be their time: films like Chaitanya Tamhane’s Court have cleaned up at international film festivals, while directors like Anurag Kashyap (Gangs of Wasseypur), Vishal Bhardwaj (Omkara) and R. […]
Twin Peaks The Return Episode 11 (The Rewatch)
Twin Peaks The Return Episode 11 MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS THERE’S FIRE WHERE YOU ARE GOING So far, Agent Cooper has spent seven non-consecutive episodes being nothing but completely bizarre, and everyone he meets – from Janey-E to the Detectives Fusco to Bud Mullins – has created a tenuous rational explanation […]
Shiraz: A Romance of India (1928) Indian Silent Film whose strengths lie in its romantic story (Review)
When I discuss the golden era of silent film with friends, many adjectives come to mind that describes the movies made in this period. What words can I use, I think to myself? Is it ‘timeless’? ‘Beautiful’? ‘Masterful’? All these adjectives imply that every silent film is perfect and pure […]
Twin Peaks the Return Episode 10 (The Rewatch)
Twin Peaks the Return Episode 10 MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS LAURA IS THE ONE The humour and horror of Twin Peaks are both on full display in episode 10 of The Return, which features some of the series’ biggest laughs and warmest moments – Nadine’s shop! Albert’s date! – but opens […]
The Gate (1987) One of the finest gateway movies into horror fandom (Review)
Laika films have a remarkable position in modern cinema, not only are they keeping the wonder of stop-motion animation alive for the next generation, but they are also a flag bearer for gateway horror. Between Paranorman, Coraline, and, to a lesser extent, the Boxtrolls, they are providing that same generation […]
The Final Master (2015) Lost between martial arts classics and Hollywood fuzz (Review)
In interviews, Jackie Chan has admitted again and again that he prefers working in Hong Kong over America. He has stated that in his native Hong Kong the camera is an observer in any action scene, watching the events take place, allowing the performers to ply their artistry. It’s a […]
Silence and Cry (1968) a thought-provoking portrait of a unique director at a critical juncture in history (Review)
First-time viewers of Miklós Jancsó’s 1968 film Silence and Cry, reissued on Blu-Ray and DVD by Second Run, will be greeted by something they might not expect from the veteran Hungarian director – a montage. Don’t worry, it doesn’t last. The rest of the film is shot in the long, […]
The Lair of The White Worm (1988) Ken Russell’s campy horror take on Bram Stoker (Review)
Ken Russell is a bit of a devil. In all his films you can see an unabashed joy of sex, life, and kitsch whilst having the underlying thread of Christianity throughout; explicitly or otherwise. Lair of the White Worm is no exception but, against his other works, it feels less […]
Ice Cold in Alex (1958) Unassuming World War II drama that birthed the modern beer commercial (Review)
According to some, Ice Cold In Alex is one of the most beloved British war films of the 1950s. StudioCanal seem to think so; they’ve released a new 4k restoration to mark the 60th anniversary of its release. Count me among those for whom, up until now, that title may […]