★★★★★ Review by Missy Lorelei | 27 Jun 2012 This ravishing production from Sadler’s Wells in London is at once contemporary and utterly timeless. Bourne’s re-telling of the classic ballet has more than a slight Freudian overtone to the narrative; the adult Prince (touchingly portrayed by Dominic North) has mother issues; is seduced by aContinue reading “From The Skinny Archive… Matthew Bourne ‘s Swan Lake In 3D”
Tag Archives: Film
The Arts Are Not A Luxury
I grew up in a small working- class rural town in Perthshire, Scotland. Nothing much happened there; we didn’t have much money and TV was our only dose of culture. In my house, books were shoved into cupboards, hidden away like skeletons, and theatre, with the exception of am- dram panto, wasn’t “for the likesContinue reading “The Arts Are Not A Luxury”
Film Review: The Party
In suburbia, it seems, everyone can hear you scream. Sally Potter’s 2018 film makes ‘Abigail ‘s Party’ look like ‘The Teletubbies’. It’s brutal. Janet (Kristin Scott Thomas) has been appointed shadow minister for an unnamed political party (I think we’re fully aware which one, though) and is throwing a dinner party. Add her guests, rowingContinue reading “Film Review: The Party”
Film Review: I Am A Witch
On paper, this documentary from director Andrew Castruita is really exciting: a film which looks at modern day witchcraft and its practioners, aiming to get rid of preconceptions. But through failing to put it into a broader historical and cultural context, it is both maddeningly inconsequential and lacking in real insight. There are a fewContinue reading “Film Review: I Am A Witch”
Overlooked Classics: Queen and Slim
This is not Bonnie and Clyde, nor Mickey and Mallory. It isn’t Badlands or Heathers, it’s far too rooted in reality. Queen and Slim, a feature debut from Melina Matsoukas, with screenplay by Lena Waithe and James Frey, punches you in the gut before kissing you full on the lips. It’s beautiful,brutal and devastating. WhenContinue reading “Overlooked Classics: Queen and Slim”
Binge
My eyes are circled with the natural kohl of insomnia. I pace the floors. It’s stupid o’clock and yet you won’t let go of me. I can’t go cold turkey. I’ve tried. Please set me free of your grip. Why do you do this? I’m no passive consumer, I review art for a pittance. I’mContinue reading “Binge”
One From the Archive: Forever Summertime
. FOREVER SUMMERTIMEJune 26, 2018 • Sofia Coppola’s ‘The Virgin Suicides’: essay by Lorna Irvine. All of my favourite films have an elusive quality to them: so it is with Sofia Coppola’s debut feature from 1999, ‘The Virgin Suicides.’ It deftly captures the nature of ephemeral youth. Air’s gorgeous electronic soundtrack is elegiac, with throbbingContinue reading “One From the Archive: Forever Summertime”
And …Cut!
I kinda miss The Marx Brothers. Their beautifully crafted slapstick was matched only by the witty one-liners. Vaudeville performers who emerged during the Depression era in America, they epitomised freewheeling anarchy and sight gags like few others. Laurel and Hardy are great, but the Marx Bros kicked it up a notch. They each brought somethingContinue reading “And …Cut!”
The Future’s Here Today: Doom Scroller
Hiding in velveteen corners in smoke filled rooms you may find the enigmatic Doom Scroller. The Edinburgh based trio- comprised of singer and award- winning video artist Alex Auldsmith along with Scott Bathgate and Alex Palmer – make majestic, atmospheric electronic music designed to be heard undercover of darkness. It’s dark, seductive and intoxicating. The videoContinue reading “The Future’s Here Today: Doom Scroller”
Film Review: Little Richard – King And Queen Of Rock ‘n’ Roll
As befits the legendary, lare pioneer of rock ‘n’ roll, Little Richard – King And Queen Of Rock ‘n’Roll is a wild ride.James House’s documentary for Arena is conventional in its linear structure- but Richard Penniman’s life was anything but. Born in Macon, Georgia in 1932, Penniman was moved by gospel singers he’d heard inContinue reading “Film Review: Little Richard – King And Queen Of Rock ‘n’ Roll”
Hit The North 