So 2016 was not such a good year for the vastly superior form of human being we call ‘the celebrity’ – a lot of them died. And to be honest, from what I have seen, there has been better years for the world of film too. Not that I have seen a huge body of … Continue reading The Time Has Come: A Review of Some Films From 2016
Casablanca (1942 Michael Curtiz) is one of the great romances of cinema. Set upon the backdrop of war-torn Europe and a massive exodus of European refugees into North Africa, it is significant to note that many of the leading roles were played by actors who themselves were refugees from fascist Europe. At a pivotal point … Continue reading The War-torn World of Casablanca
If you haven't heard it already, I would heartily recommend the You Must Remember This podcast series on The Blacklist and in particular the episode on Kirk Douglas and Dalton Trumbo. Indeed, if that isn't enough, you could watch the film Trumbo from last year, which is in the same class and context as Good … Continue reading Kirk Douglas at 100: Spartacus (1959 Stanley Kubrick)
Although Douglas had been on the Hollywood scene for a few years in the late 40s, it wasn't until he did Ace in the Hole with Billy Wilder that he solidified his place as an A-Lister. Here, he personifies a character that is equally repulsive as he is watchable. The role of Chuck Tatum, a … Continue reading Kirk Douglas at 100: Ace in the Hole (1951 Billy Wilder)
Here is the first of a few reviews honouring Kirk Douglas's achievement in making the century - a nice homage was given to him by Peter Bradshaw on The Guardian. Of course it is a welcome change to hear of a screen legend from the 40s, 50s and 60s to be still hanging around and … Continue reading Kirk Douglas at 100: Paths of Glory (1957 Stanley Kubrick)
Without a shadow of a doubt, music and film can sometimes go gloriously hand in hand. A good song, a good soundtrack or a good score can significantly enhance the power that a film can have on the viewer. I personally have a favourite song (Dylan's 'Knockin' on Heaven's Door' in Pat Garrett and Billy … Continue reading An Unexpected Musical Interlude
As the end of this rampantly fucked-up 2016 approaches, critics will most likely bombard the media with lists of the best film releases of the year. One of those releases that is bound to feature regularly is The Revenant, released back in January to thunderous acclaim. Remember that one that had the bear in it?...and … Continue reading Adaptations Part 1: The Revenant and Man in the Wilderness – The Story of Hugh Glass
Momentary Cinema 