Starring: Robert Crumb, Aline Kominsky-Crumb, Charles Crumb Director: Terry Zwigoff Imdb describes this film as "an intimate portrait of controversial cartoonist Robert Crumb and his traumatised family." Which I think is a really good summation, so I'm borrowing it. Robert Crumb is a cartoonist who became very popular in comic book circles in the 60's… Continue reading Classic Movie Of The Week: Crumb (1994)
Starring: Alyvia Alyn Lind, Jennifer Nettles, Ricky Schroder, Dolly Parton Director: Stephen Herek Based on Dolly's life, this TV movie shows what it was like growing up in the Smokey Mountains as a family of 12 children. Based on Parton's song Coat Of Many Colors, in which her mother makes her a coat from rags… Continue reading Dolly Month: Dolly Parton’s Coat Of Many Colors (2015)
The story of Louise B Mayer is the story of Old Hollywood and it’s Golden Age. He and the other players of his era shaped the industry from it’s inception and used the studio system to control and create stars. It was a very different time both socially and culturally. Under Mayer’s days as head… Continue reading Biography Of The Month: Louis B Mayer
As you may know, this year I set the goal of reading one biography per month, and this month goes to Orson Welles, actor, director, writer and wunderkind, 1915 - 1985. The biography is Rosebud by David Thomson. Where does one even begin to talk about Orson Welles? He's a huge figure on the landscape… Continue reading Biography Of The Month: Orson Welles
Starring: Colin Firth, Helena Bonham-Carter, Geoffrey Rush Director: Tom Hooper In this true story, Â the prince becomes King George (Firth) unexpectedly when his brother abdicates to marry the woman he loves. With the kingdom thrust upon him, his stutter means that he is painfully shy, and he must learn to overcome his bashfulness in order… Continue reading 105 Must See Films: The King’s Speech (2010)
Starring: Robert De Niro, Cathy Moriarty, Joe Pesci Director: Martin Scorsese The true story of Jake La Motta, a boxer whose personal life derailed his professional one. His life goes from contender to washed up has been. A truly violent figure, whose weight balloons and who isn't afraid to turn on anyone in a jealous… Continue reading 105 Must See Films: Raging Bull (1980)
Starring: Ruth Negga, Joel Edgerton, Will Dalton Director: Jeff Nichols Although often very different in subject matter, Jeff Nichols films always have this exploration of humanity and love that I really like. Midnight Special was science fiction, but it was also about a man protecting his family, a man in extraordinary circumstances. In Take Shelter,… Continue reading Preview: Loving (2016)
Starring: Ben Affleck, Bryan Cranston, John Goodman Director: Ben Affleck In 1980, the American embassy in Tehran was invaded by Iranian revolutionaries, with six people escaping to a safe house. In order to get them out and back to the US, the CIA came up with the crazy plan of sending in a Hollywood producer… Continue reading 105 Must See Films: Argo (2012)
This year I set myself a goal of reading one biography a month about a movie star or director, or other Hollywood type, who I've always wanted to know more about. At the top of the list fell Elizabeth Taylor. Why Elizabeth Taylor? I love old school Hollywood and vintage glamour, and Elizabeth Taylor is… Continue reading Biography Of The Month: Elizabeth Taylor
Starring: Rebecca Hall, Michael C Hall, Tracy Letts, Maria Dizzia Director: Antonio Campos In 1970's Florida, Christine Chubbuck (Rebecca Hall) a broadcast news journalist, shot herself on live TV. This film shows the events leading up to her tragic decision. Christine was a woman struggling with depression, isolation and her need to succeed as a… Continue reading Preview: Christine (2016) with Q&A with star Rebecca Hall.
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