Reviewed by GREG KING Documentary Director: Larissa Behrendt. Trailblazing indigenous artist and outspoken provocateur Richard Bell is arguably one of our most important artists whose work has been exhibited internationally. But he is also confrontational and unapologetic in his opinions about Australia’s treatment of its First Nations people, and he also bemoans the fact that traditional aboriginal art work and paintings have now become a “commodity” amongst art collectors. Timed for a cinema release over the Australia Day long weekend, Continue reading
TAR
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Reviewed by GREG KING Stars: Cate Blanchett, Nina Hoss, Noemie Merlant, Sophie Kauer, Mila Bogojevic, Adam Gopnik, Mark Strong, Allan Corduner, Julian Glover. Despite two Oscar nominations to his name Todd Field is not the most prolific of filmmakers. Tar is only his third feature in two decades, following In The Bedroom and Little Children, and is his first film in 16 years. Tar is a detailed, warts and all character study and psychological drama that charts the downfall of a world-famous conductor. But the film is also an examination of power, Continue reading
EUROPA EUROPA FILM FESTIVAL – interview with Thomas Caldwell
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by GREG KING The second Europa Europa Film Festival screens in Melbourne and Sydney from February 16 through until March 7. In Melbourne it will screen at both the Lido and Classic Cinemas, while in Sydney it will screen at the Ritz. The festival features a curated selection of films from many European countries. The opening night film is the French drama The Blaze, and amongst the highlights of the program is the 4K restoration of Krzysztof Kieslowski’s beloved Three Colours trilogy. Greg chatted with the festival’s artistic director Thomas Caldwell to learn Continue reading
MY OLD SCHOOL
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Reviewed by GREG KING Documentary Director: Jono McLeod Stars: Alan Cumming, voices of Lulu, Clare Grogan, Dawn Steele, Joe Mcfadden, Gary Lamont, Brian MacKinnon. My Old School is a quirky and unusual documentary that is constructed from a mix of archival footage, interviews and animation. In 1993 17-year-old Brandon Lee enrolled as a student at Bearsden Academy in Glasgow. He was a popular student even though his appearance was a bit odd. He claimed that his unusual looks were due to surgery following a car accident. He also claimed that he had Continue reading
BABYLON
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Reviewed by GREG KING Director: Damien Chazelle Stars: Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, Diego Calva, Jovan Adepo, Jean Smart, Tobey Maguire, Max Minghella, Olivia Hamilton, Samara Weaving, Lukas Haas, Katherine Waterston, Olivia Wilde, Spike Jonze, Jeff Garlin, Li Jun Li, Eric Roberts, P J Byrne, Joe Dallesandro, Ethan Suplee, Flea, Albert Hammond jr, Patrick Fugit. Hollywood loves movies that explore its rich history and colourful past, but they are not always as enthusiastically embraced by audiences. The latest film from Oscar winning director Damien Chazelle Continue reading
