And behind door number 22... a guide to some music of the more traditional kind
Catherine Munn and Jacob Martin list their Top 5 programmes to watch over the festive period.
And behind door number nine... some dazzling musical delights
The complete arts guide, for week 9
A film oozing with style - and the winner of a Special Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival in 2005 - this neo-noir movie is at heart a detective story. It delves into the realm of high-school drugs while following Brendan (Jason Gordon-Levitt) as he tries to unravel the events surrounding the death of his ex-girlfriend.
Along with It’s A Wonderful Life, this is a James Stewart film that everyone should see. It sees Stewart playing a guileless senator who tries to put a bill through the senate, but comes up against overwhelming opposition: a David and Goliath story that exhibits Stewart at his finest and restores faith in humankind simultaneously.
Bruce Lee’s final film before his death in 1973 marked a turning point, as it was the first Chinese martial arts film to be produced by Hollywood. In it, Lee enrols in a shady martial arts tournament, whilst working undercover to gather evidence of drug trafficking there. Surely a film which stars a man who supposedly moved so fast the film had to be slowed down is worth watching?
Tom Cruise and Jamie Foxx deliver gripping performances as hit man Vincent and cabbie Max respectively in this cinematographically fascinating film. Great chemistry between the two leading men bolsters a brilliantly original script, as Max unwillingly spends a night driving Vincent around to help him complete his evening’s work.
Bringing together some of the best musicians at the time, including Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin and James Brown, this film was always going to have a stellar soundtrack. The quirky humour that permeates the film makes it easy to see why it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s worth watching for the songs alone. However, there are also neo-Nazis and a record-breaking car pile-up as Jake and Elwood Blues carry out their “mission from God”.
Two hit men (Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson) lie low in beautiful and historic Bruges awaiting instructions from their employer, Ralph Fiennes. Aside from the BAFTA-winning screenplay, the film’s brilliance lies in the masterfully comic yet poignant performances of Farrell and Gleeson, as Farrell’s young, restless Ray finds it hard to lie low while Gleeson’s Ken wants to soak up the local culture.
Not just an eco-warrior rant combined with dramatic footage, Leonardo DiCaprio’s documentary is also backed up by interviews with experts, from politicians to activists to scientists. Easily the most compelling environmental film of recent years: engaging, informative and well worth watching.
Ellen Page stars as Hayley, a chillingly intelligent and calculating 14 year-old, who ensnares Jeff (Patrick Wilson) - a paedophilic photographer - and metes out her own form of justice. Captivating and terrifying, David Slade delivers a film that takes you far out of your comfort zone.
The 1932 version of this story sees Boris Karloff playing the well-wrapped ancient protagonist - a brilliant example of one of the classic Universal horror films, and beautiful black and white cinematography.
This final recommendation is not to everyone’s taste: little to no critical acclaim, questionable special effects and less-than-Oscar-worthy performances. However, Neil Marshall’s werewolf movie makes for entertaining viewing, and the portrayal of British soldiers is true-to-life. If you enjoy an uncomplicated chuckle, you’ll love it.
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