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”
Tag Archives: Film
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”
Overlooked Classics: Blancanieves
This film is so masterful, and I’m concerned people have forgotten about it just over a decade later, or never seen it. Still, it endures. It’s absolutely unique and beautiful. Pablo Berger ‘s Goya winning flamenco spin on Snow White, Blancanieves, is a fairy tale like no other. It’s silent film, fable and anti-war metaphorContinue reading “Overlooked Classics: Blancanieves”
Lost In Music: The Rutles
Where would we be without them, the Prefab Four? Just four cheeky lads from Rutland who changed our culture, they were ” of no fixed hairstyle”, but full of ambition and creativity., but far more importantly, “their trousers”… Funny too, how their music and image changed, following “the pleasant effects of tea”… “I’d like toContinue reading “Lost In Music: The Rutles”
Vintage Films: Cat People
For Samhain, forget Freddy, Jason or The Human Centipede. I’m going vintage all the way. Jacques Tourneur’s 1942 classic for RKO, Cat People, is still a stylish, strange little gem. Irena Dubrovna (Simone Simon) is a Serbian illustrator who believes she’s descended from panthers, as she turns into a cat when she’s sexually aroused. ThisContinue reading “Vintage Films: Cat People”
Hit The North 