Mrs Henderson Presents

I'd missed this British film the last time around so I was glad when it appeared as a reprise season event at Greenwich Picture House. There were only two of us in the lunchtime screening today. I loved this film - it made me laugh and cry in turn.
It is the story of the Windmill Theatre - bought on a whim by Mrs Henderson (played wonderfully by Dame Judi Dench) as a hobby after the death of her husband. Bob Hoskins plays superbly the impressario Vivien Van Dam - and much of the film concerns their relationship - a very heated one at times. Will Young is a marvel in his debut acting role - and his voice suits this late 30s period piece.
Interesting that Mrs Henderson reveals at the end that her motivation for putting on nude tableaux at the notorious (we never closed) Windmill was because she had discovered a 'French' photo in her dead son's possessions in World War I - she didn't want young men to spend their lives using photographic substitutes when she could provide the real thing to look at.
Lovely film.

Constant Gardener

I was disappointed with this film. Rather like most John Le Carre's novels (none of which I've managed to finish) I was confused and slightly dazed. I'm not a great one for conspiracy theories and this was a step too far on the credibility road. Wasn't impressed by Ralph Fiennes (so laid back as to be horizontal) and a real wimp - but in an unattractive way. I couldn't believe in his relationship with his wife. All too trite - frankly I was slightly bored. A pity!

Capote

Just seen this film - I know it was released a long time ago, but Greenwich Picture House are doing a 2006 reprise season. I really was impressed by this film. The story of Truman Capote's composition of his ground breaking book 'In Cold Blood' the story of the brutal killings of a family in the wilds of Kansas for no real understandable reason. It showed Truman's manipulation of the two killers - especially Perry. He paid for legal assistance until he believed he would not reach the culmination of the story - then by withdrawing the aid they lose their final appeal and Perry spills the beans. Truman finally attends the execution. Was in truly involved? This was a really sinister and spine chilling film, that makes you think. Wonderful cinematography. Recommended!

Thank You for Smoking

This is turning into a bit of a film review blog - but I am going to lots of films just now. Really enjoyed this satire on the lobbyists of the USA. Funny - I laughed out lous regukarly. Outrageous in its choice of subject - the tobacco industry's desire to hook as many people as possible into the terrible drug. But also good on US politics, journalism and family values. Go see!

A Cock & Bull Story

Greenwich Picture House was doing a one off (what they call a Sunday Matinee) reprise of films that only had short releases. I'd missed 'A Cock & Bull Story' the first time around and I was glad I caught it this time. I haven't read 'Tristam Shandy' but I'm guessing this film of making a film about Tristram Shandy is pretty like the book in format. Steve Coogan & Rob Bryden are good in this film. The story is chaotic, amusing and fun throughout. Not a major hit I would think with a lot of people, but I would say 7/10. Only three people in the cinema to see it though - shouldn't think they covered their costs. 'Thank You For Smoking' tomorrow!

Rageh Omaar

Following yesterday's blog can I recommend very strongly Rageh Omaar's latest book 'Only Half of Me - Being a Muslim in Britain'. To me this is extremely revealing, educational and relevant to the current situation - so much of the debate about terrorism is based on falsehood and lack of understanding. He is talking about his book next Tuesday (20th June) in Stratford (East London). If anyone is interested email me & I'll provide full details. (I know it is World Cup football, but England has now qualified, so not quite so vital!)

Forest Gate Gate

Just to say that this fiasco in Forest Gate (3 miles from where I live) just shows the paranoia of MI5 who are clearly totally incompetent. Also - what is this obsession with Muslims? Do they really want every young Muslim to be radicalised? They are just re-enforcing the lies of the fanatical extremists who don't deserve to be called believers of Islam. Why did they need 250 police to invade a smalled terraced house and why was one man shot? Lets move on and re-unite to fight the true terrorists.

Happy Endings & Eleven Men Out

I saw two films from the Gay & Lesbian London film festival this week. I enjoyed Happy Endings - an excellent dark comedy involving all aspects of gay/lesbian life - Lisa Kudrow was great and Steve Coogan a superb gay man! Eleven Men Out was a slightly weird Icelandic film about a gay footballer. Funny perhaps but unbelievable - far too many stereotypes. It also seemed to want to include explicit gay sex for purely shock reasons (and although enjoyable as the guys were cute) it didn't really add to the plot in any way - except when it seemed to want to make the gay footballer's son even more upset by his father's behaviour.

Wah-Wah

Excellent film. Superb acting - especially Celia Imrie, Miranda Richardson and Julie Walters. Although set in pre independence Swaziland this is really about the destruction and reconstruction of a family and the effects that marital break up has on the son.
As a directorial debut for Richard E Grant this is terrific. It is funny, moving, tragic, surprising in turns and is a tremendous study of snobbishness and the English abroad. The notion of 'whiting up' someone for a production of 'Camelot' was inspired. I recommend this film highly - despite the poor reviews elsewhere!