The Christophers

courtesy of Picturehouse Entertainment

 

The art world is brutal. Art is only considered art once someone else has deemed it worthy, let alone worth anything. The difference between creating art and making a living in the art world becomes clear very quickly in Steven Soderbergh’s latest. There is no heist, no grand plan, but there is most definitely a crime taking place. This near two-hander story about two artists confronting truths, whether they sound pretentious or not is beyond what is comprehended. This Christophers is an intriguing and beguiling story with Ian McKellen and Michaela Coel taking centre stage, capturing our attention with every word and stoney glare.

Full review over at Filmhounds.

Soldier

courtesy of Arrow Video

 

A science fiction action film from the 90s starring Kurt Russell as a military grade highly skilled soldier seems like a long forgotten gem that should be the cult film its been labeled as. However, all these elements only look good on the surface, beneath the shiny intriguing logline, is a script that was left in development for 15 years and is trying to be a spiritual spin off to Blade Runner. The fact that Soldier was released a year before the likes of The Matrix shows just how out of date the film was when it was being made.

Full review over at Filmhounds.

Couture

courtesy of Signature Entertainment

 

There is a never ending fascination into the creative worlds, fashion being one that mesmerizes many on the outside. Though Couture isn’t necessarily for those keen to get a glimpse into the fashion world, but maybe for those looking to see who are the artists that make the glitz and glamour happen and see the very human struggles that they experience.

During Paris Fashion Week, three women; filmmaker Maxine, make-up artist Angèle and new model Ada, all intersect in the lead up to a fashion show.

Full review on Filmhounds.

Madfabulous - BFI Flare

 

courtesy of Icon distribution

The famous quote from Oscar Wilde, “be yourself, everyone else is already taken”, rings true and is often said throughout the historical drama, Madfabulous. The story, based on the notorious Henry Paget, 5th Marquess of Anglesey, follows the young lord as he precariously navigates his family, his fortune and above all his theatrical dreams and desires, going completely against what is expected of someone with his position. With a cast that sparkles, costumes to evoke the past and some fantastic locations, Madfabulous captures a personality in history that we haven’t seen before. 

The 5th Marquess of Anglesey seems like a completely fictional character, brought to life for story purposes. His personality, his behaviour towards the peerage, his blatant disrespect for the stuffy old fashioned rules, all add to the strange character that was indeed a real person. Though Madfabulous does take quite a bit of artistic licence, which makes sense to bring the story to life, the truth runs through, capturing moments that did take place.

Full review over at Filmhounds

Snubbed, Baby

Courtesy of Picturehouse Entertainment and Late Nite Picture Show

Last month I wrote about those films snubbed by the Oscars this year. Though there are many, a few stand out. Snubs happen every year, not every film released can be considered for awards. I go into detail about the subject in Late Nite Picture Show.

Ben-Hur

 

Courtesy of Warner Bros. Home Entertainment

Being produced, filmed and released towards the end of Hollywood’s golden age, Ben-Hur was an MGM studio film of epic proportions. The film took nearly 9 months to shoot on the biggest studio in Europe, Cinecittà in Rome, used over 10,000 extras and over 2,000 horses. The film was nominated for countless awards, winning 11 Oscars, including Best Picture and is stapled in people’s mind for the myths surrounding on set deaths, as well as the sight of a caravan in the infamous chariot race scene.

Full review is over at Filmhounds.