Category: Film
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Paddy’s Paradise.
“One touch of nature makes the whole world kin” – William Shakespeare When I occasionally have the privilege of watching independent films made by aspiring film directors, I am reminded of the beauty and addiction of cinema. Despite my personal disinterest and inability to make my own films, I am amazed at the dedication, commitment…
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Leaving Las Vegas.
When Nicolas Cage delivers, he delivers with a punch. His true ability and dedication to his craft is often overshadowed by his rather inconsistent choice of films and characters. Admiring Cage’s work in films such as Adaptation and Matchstick Men, I was always eager to see Leaving Las Vegas, the film that won him an…
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Film Music Live.
A film score can make a movie. After one evening at the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester I was reminded of just how crucial music is to film. Music often drifts by without our recognition and with just a little bit more attention to detail we can learn to appreciate the thought and conviction that goes…
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Graduation.
Just a quick personal entry to update you on my current circumstances. Yesterday I graduated from the University of Leeds. I received a First Class Honours in BA Film Studies. I have had a splendid time at University and my passion for film has grown over the past three years and I am so proud…
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Vera Drake.
Mike Leigh is known for his individual and ambitious approach to character creation and film making. As one of his most stylised films, Vera Drake possibly demonstrates this the most clearly. Taking months at a time to develop character back story and personality, Leigh’s character are usually firmly in place before any kind of script or plot.…
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Shame.
Director Steve McQueen and actor Michael Fassbender are proving to be one of Britain’s most flourishing collaborations. After the critical success of their first project Hunger, there was room for the duo to explore new territory. Fassbender brings a bleakness to the films of McQueen; a genuine sense of desperation that is usually so hard to capture.…
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Sideways.
Now and again, you discover a comedy that balances hilarity and emotion perfectly. Sideways is a refreshing, intelligent and moving film that remains interesting, comical and complex from start to finish. Miles and Jack appear to have very little in common. Their morals, interests and ambitions are worlds apart and yet the two men, who…
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The Magic of Tom Hanks.
Tom Hanks, possibly responsible for some of the greatest movie lines of all time, has had an admirable career. The stamina and consistency of his career and success lies in his ability to cover all bases. From the late eighties, Hanks has been a friendly and familiar cinematic star. Appearing in a staggering number of…
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Westworld.
When a film promises rogue cowboy robots, there is destined to be a particularly high level of enjoyment. Westworld explores the chaos that follows when the robots that operate on a futuristic, fantasy amusement park suffer a serious malfunction. The film opens with an advertisement for ‘Delos’ the amusement park that costs guests $1000 dollars…
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Buffalo ’66.
Vincent Gallo has always been a controversial figure. He is remarkably unpopular with some particular critics and film writers and his dramatic criticism of legendary film critic Roger Ebert left Gallo lacking in credibility. His filmography is still quite young and fresh and there is room for growth. Having only directed a small handful of…
Hannah McHaffie 