Conrad’s Heart of Darkness is used as the impetus into an exploration of the ongoing effects of colonialism in Niger in this excellent documentary. Where many historians, and public figures, relegate colonialism to the comfortable past - pushed back as far as possible despite its actual proximity to the present - this documentary focuses on … Continue reading African Apocalypse (Review)
Tag: 2020
Education (Small Axe) (Review)
The final chapter of McQueen’s Small Axe begins and ends with footage of space - specifically evoking space exploration. It is such a potent symbol: synonymous with potential, achievement, hope and the future. This, and other aspects, allow Education to speak beyond itself - in subtle ways. It is a perfectly composed period piece, one … Continue reading Education (Small Axe) (Review)
David Byrne’s American Utopia (Review)
Over 36 years ago, Talking Heads teamed up with acclaimed director Jonathan Demme (The Silence of the Lambs) to produce Stop Making Sense. This masterpiece is not only frequently viewed as the best concert film of all time, it is also one of the highlights of 20th Century cinema. Now, in 2020, the ex-frontman of … Continue reading David Byrne’s American Utopia (Review)
Cold Meridian (Review)
The new ASMR based short film from Peter Strickland is exactly what you would expect. Exactly what you would expect in that it is almost indescribably strange and uniquely compelling - as all things Strickland are. With films like The Duke of Burgundy and In Fabric, Strickland has established himself as one of the most … Continue reading Cold Meridian (Review)
Alex Wheatle (Small Axe) (Review)
There is a scene towards the end of Alex Wheatle in which spoken-word is placed over archive photographs. The combination of poetic words, rhythmic phrasing and captured reality is striking. It is easily the most powerful moment of this short film: showcasing how history looked while contextualising it with an authentic voice, making it hit … Continue reading Alex Wheatle (Small Axe) (Review)
Mank (Review)
David Fincher's Mank is yet another example of Netflix clearly letting a filmmaker make the exact film that they wanted. There is an entertaining irony here, seeing as Mank chronicles the writing of - and inspiration for (in two discrete timelines) - Citizen Kane, focusing on conflicts between filmmakers and executives who all want to … Continue reading Mank (Review)
Crash (1996) (Reissue Review)
Cronenberg's notorious adaptation of J.G Ballard's equally notorious novel has been shocking and delighting audiences in equal measure for over twenty-five years. This extreme, transgressive - yet unnervingly existential - drama confronts the viewer with a journey into apparent depravity as it explores ever blurring lines between sex, death and destruction. It is a chaotic … Continue reading Crash (1996) (Reissue Review)
Lovers Rock (Small Axe) (Review)
The second instalment of Steve McQueen’s Small Axe is a masterclass in visual storytelling. McQueen and his crew take us to a house party in the early 80s, showing us the setup and the narrative of night, while also interweaving a love story. There is very little dialogue here, and what does exist is natural … Continue reading Lovers Rock (Small Axe) (Review)
To the Ends of the Earth (Review)
Director Kiyoshi Kurosawa is the master of the uncanny. This is most evident in his J-horror staples - and cult classics - Pulse and Cure, but carries into wider work that takes place in filmic worlds that are always slightly uncomfortable, sometimes in a way that's hard to articulate - in a way you just … Continue reading To the Ends of the Earth (Review)
His House (Review)
There is a lot going on in Remi Weekes' horror film. For the most part, this is a great thing, as this narrative that follows the lives of a couple from South Sudan - who have been forced to flee to England, where they now live as refugees - encompasses so many important issues. However, … Continue reading His House (Review)
Assorted Opinions 