Category Archives: Film

In Heaven, Everything Is Fine…

I’m not the biggest fan of the late David Lynch, because of his more problematic elements (depictions of gendered violence, exploitation etc) but he was unquestionably a smart, bold auteur who took risks in every project he took on. His admirers are aware of the complexities within his work. I adore the peerless 1977 classicContinue reading “In Heaven, Everything Is Fine…”

Overlooked Classics: Sound Of Metal

Is this too recent to be considered a cult classic? I don’t think so. Not enough people have seen this masterpiece from director and co-writer Darius Marder, it would seem. But everyone should, it’s nothing short of exceptional, a beautifully crafted story of love and survival. British actor Riz Ahmed portrays Ruben, a battering ramContinue reading “Overlooked Classics: Sound Of Metal”

Film Review: Queendom

Times are truly appalling. With the Orange Menace having been sworn in as president of the United States yesterday, cosying up to tech billionaires and hellbent on promoting “only two genders”, this fascinating, deeply moving documentary film from Agniya Galdanova is a reminder of how art can flourish in the wake of capitalist greed andContinue reading “Film Review: Queendom”

I Like Anti-Musicals

Poor old Joker: Folie a Deux. Todd Phillips ‘ sequel absolutely TANKED last year, because nobody wanted to see a musical that depressing. I’ve only got round to watching it myself, as I’m not the biggest admirer of Lady Gaga. But guess what? I loved it. For me, it succeeds as an anti -musical, becauseContinue reading “I Like Anti-Musicals”

Vintage Films: Cabaret

If Sally Bowles was around today, she’d most likely be chronically online, binging on TikTok make-up tutorials and dance crazes.She’d be oblivious to the outside world, unaware of the conflicts in Ukraine and Israel, or the orange menace that is Trump. Bob Fosse’s film has endured, because the theme of “divine decadence” amid the encroachingContinue reading “Vintage Films: Cabaret”

Je Deteste Amelie

I’ve a confession to share: I really hate Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s 2001 film, Amelie. The rom-com, with its insufferably childlike lead character, portrayed by the beautiful Audrey Tautou, is often cited by cineastes as revitalising French cinema in the millennium, but I find it nauseating. It seems I’m not alone in this. Savages ‘ lead singerContinue reading “Je Deteste Amelie”

Film Review: Kneecap

What’s the craic? Directed by Rich Peppiatt, this fictionalised account of the West Belfast hip-hop trio, has not been without controversy from, unsurprisingly, certain sectors of the British press. However, the band deny they’re pro – IRA, and define their film as a satire, a provocation mocking every Irish trope ever committed to film, particularlyContinue reading “Film Review: Kneecap”

Lucifer Over Lanarkshire: Rocky Horror Sucks

Every year at the Samhain, or Halloween, season, musical theatre lovers break out their basques, fishnets and eyeliner and strut to theatres to see ‘The Rocky Horror Show’. Created by Richard O’Brien in the seventies, it fused glam rock with kitsch horror and has become a staple of repeated stage and screen experiences worldwide. ButContinue reading “Lucifer Over Lanarkshire: Rocky Horror Sucks”

(From Across The Arts Archive) GFF Review: Burroughs -The Movie

Arts:Blog POSTED BY ACROSS THE ARTS ON FEBRUARY 28, 2015, AT 7.44AM Lorna Irvine reviews ‘an excellent portrait of a contrarian and genius’. William S Burroughs, one of the most influential writers of all time, has been on screen before–notably in Gus Van Sant’s Drugstore Cowboy as Tom the Priest–but this lesser-seen documentary by Howard Brookner predates it byContinue reading “(From Across The Arts Archive) GFF Review: Burroughs -The Movie”