No Country for Old Men (US, 2007)

Javier Bardem, as the utterly psychotic Chigurh, is as monstrous a character I think I’ve seen and it’s telling that Tommy Lee Jones’ ‘good cop’ never gets to confront him (or it). The ending is bleak but you wouldn’t fancy the Sheriff’s chances so it could’ve been worse.
I’m not a Coen bros. fan, something that [...]

Festen (Celebration, Denmark, 1997)

The first film to be made under the constraints of the Dogme 95 manifesto, a back-to-basics anti-Hollywood statement, Festen certainly hasn’t dated. Watching it again I was struck by the tragic-comedic elements; the guests’ drunken and senile behaviour as well as the slapstick of the chasing around. I guess, the first time, I was being [...]

I’m Not There (US-Germany, 2007)

This is an incredible rendering of Dylan’s life up until the ’80s. I’m not sure what sense it will make to those unfamiliar with this genius but watching the numerous seminal moments being re-enacted, with the original singing on the ‘track, made a riveting experience. Only the Gere as Billy-in-Pekinpah’s movie didn’t really work for [...]

The Fall (India-UK-US, 2006)

This was the opening film in Bradford’s Bite the Mango film festival that opened on Friday and what a fascinating treat it is. At first I thought it ‘drowned’ in its stunning visuals; it’s directed by Tarsem who, when he was suffixed by Singh, directed The Cell with Jennifer Lopez. However, its postmodern take on [...]

Persepolis (France, 2007)

Animation’s starting to get the ‘adult’ appreciation it deserves; as are graphic novels. Marjane Satrapi’s graphic autobiography forms the basis of this excellent film. If ever the political was embedded in the personal then it’s in lives that live through revolutions; the Iranian one in ‘79 in this case. By focusing upon the travails of [...]