From the birth of lead singer and composer Chris Martin’s daughter to headlining Live8 in London, it’s hard to escape the shine of Coldplay. In their third album, X and Y, the band savours its talent for capturing emotions so simply, easily relating to most listeners
Shakespeare on film always presents difficulties, and it may come as no surprise to learn that this is the first appearance on film of one of Shakespeare’s most ‘difficult’ plays. Officially classed as a comedy, The Merchant of Venice has so many dark undercurrents, not least,
Lightning never strikes in the same place twice. Or does it? H.G. Wells’ visionary 1898 sci-fi novel has had many incarnations – famously on radio by Orson Welles, on film in 1953, on TV and in comics - and now in Steven Spielberg’s contemporary American version
How and why did Anakin Skywalker desert the Jedi and go over to the dark side to become Darth Vader? This is the issue central to the third prequel in the Star Wars saga, the one that links to George Lucas’ original mid-sequence space opera from 1977. And
Mid-July. Under the Tuscan sun. Probably a very good reason not to see Audrey Wells’ postcard pretty, clichéd adaptation of Frances Mayes’ bestselling novel about personal reinvention post-divorce. Therapy through scenery for rich American divorcées is ideal chick-flick material, and if
Lightning never strikes in the same place twice. Or does it? George Orwells visionary 1898 sci-fi novel has had many incarnation famously on radio by Orson Welles, on film in 1953, and on TV and in comics- and now in Steven Spielbergs contemporary American version with man of the
Lightning never strikes in the same place twice. Or does it? George Orwells visionary 1898 sci-fi novel has had many incarnation famously on radio by Orson Welles, on film in 1953, and on TV and in comics- and now in Steven Spielbergs contemporary American version with man of the
How do you make love to a cube? is the question at the centre of the rivalry between the Italian painter (he of the long necks) Amedeo Modigliani, and Pablo Picasso, reigning divo of the Parisian avant-garde circa 1919, and the question is one about style as well as
Famous winner of four Oscars (including Best Picture) Clint Eastwoods latest film is already established as an American classic. Set in the world of womens boxing, but hardly just about that, this is a masterpiece, pure and simple, deep and true (Roger Ebert). Another chance to see probably the best
Famous winner of four Oscars (including Best Picture) Clint Eastwoods latest film is already established as an American classic. Set in the world of womens boxing, but hardly just about that, this is a masterpiece, pure and simple, deep and true (Roger Ebert). Another chance to see probably the best
Retro-futuristic comic book urban decadence makes a brilliant reappearance in Robert Rodriguez and Frank Millers own Sin City graphic novels. Using almost literally Millers story board for the film, and retaining the graphic imagery and colouration of the original, as well as the narrative style and sentimental characterization, the
A guy who dresses up like a bat clearly has issues. Adam West, Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer and George Clooney have all had the privilege, but Christian Bale has more issues than most hes less camp, more convincing in this earnest Batman prequel, as possibly the best Bruce Wayne since
Do you remember fun? One of the best American movies in years, and already assured of classic status alongside the likes of Woody Allens trenchant comedies of manners, Alexander Paynes Sideways as garnered widespread acclaim. A bittersweet journey of self discovery in the Californian winelands and homage to the culture
Do you remember fun? One of the best American movies in years, and already assured of classic status alongside the likes of Woody Allens trenchant comedies of manners, Alexander Paynes Sideways as garnered widespread acclaim. A bittersweet journey of self discovery in the Californian winelands and homage to the culture
A big hit in 2002, Gurinder Chadhas feel-good comedy reworks in a sports environment, and with less seriousness, some of the ethnic differences that are the particular concern of Non Resident Indian directors like Chadha herself (Bhaji on the Beach; Bride and Prejudice), and Mira Nair (Monsoon Wedding) and
How and why did Anakin Skywalker desert the Jedi and go over to the dark side to become Darth Vader? This is the issue central to the third prequel in the Star Wars saga, the one that links to George Lucas original mid-sequence space opera from 1977. And while
Sir Ridley Scott is no stranger to the period epic genre (most successfully with Gladiator) and in this, his latest Crusader blockbuster, his peculiar skill at choreographing violence and brutality, and graphically depicting Hell on earth, is unleashed to dramatic effect (its amazing what slow motion can do!). A material
This is a breath-takingly thrilling drama documentary (Oscar-winning Director Kevin MacDonalds description) that brings a true story of a devastating moral dilemma alive on the big screen. Retracing the ascent of Siula Grande in the Peruvian Andes by two young British climbers in 1985, MacDonalds film slopes with
World War II melodrama of epic silliness and supreme vapidity (Rolling Stone) is perhaps not the best recommendation for this Chalize Theron and Penelope Cruz coupling. And coupling in various guises is what its all about. Theron plays Gilda (yes!),a 30s throwback (would-be) femme fatale fatally seducing all
Sir Ridley Scott is no stranger to the period epic genre (most successfully with Gladiator) and in this, his latest Crusader blockbuster, his peculiar skill at choreographing violence and brutality, and graphically depicting Hell on earth, is unleashed to dramatic effect (its amazing what slow motion can do!). A material
The penultimate feature in the British Institutes Talking Pictures programme of Indian Diaspora films and never the twain shall meet? This is a remarkable film debut for British born Asif Kapadia. An ambitious epic undertaking, spectacularly filmed in the deserts and mountains of Rajasthan, The Warrior is set in Indias
How do you make love to a cube? is the question at the centre of the rivalry between the Italian painter (he of the long necks) Amedeo Modigliani, and Pablo Picasso, reigning divo of the Parisian avant-garde circa 1919, and the question is one about style as well as
The British Institutes Talking Pictures Indian Diaspora season, And never the twain shall meet? a series of celebrated films made by Indian Subcontinentals and others, exploring the burning issues of East-West migration and adjustment, this week features Misa Nairs award winning (Golden Lion, Venice 2001 ) MONSOON WEDDING, a romantic