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Moviola > Autumn Film Menu
FILM MENU WINTER-SPRING 2012
Further information on all the films, including links to trailers, can be found at www.imdb.com. Titles carried over from the autumn are linked to existing pages on the website.
THE FILMS
All running times are cinema ones at 24 frames per second. DVD runs at 25 frames per second thus films run 1/25th faster – 4 mins on a 100min film.
SPECIAL EVENT IDEA: “WHAT THE DICKENS” February 12th 2012 is the bi-centenary of the birth of Charles Dickens. What about a celebration? Three grand films based on his novels spring to mind:
GREAT EXPECTATIONS (1946) 118mins PG The first of David Lean’s two great Dickens films (the other, Oliver Twist (1948) is also available. Put on a themed night and serve gruel?) This is my favourite with a very young John Mills as Pip, Martita Hunt as Miss Havisham, Alec Guiness, Jean Simmons – a visual, acting and adaptation delight
A TALE OF TWO CITIES (1958) 115mins PG Technicolor Ralph Thomas’s film is lightweight (as is the novel perhaps) but you can luxuriate in Rank Organisation splendour and Dirk Bogarde as Sidney Carton
And for a really splendid celebration be brave and do an all day special:
LITTLE DORRIT (1988) PG 357mins (yes, that’s six hours) Christine Edzard’s acclaimed adaptation. Everyone’s in it – Derek Jacobi, Joan Greenwood, Alec Guinness and Cyril Cusack. You can screen it in two three hour sections, each with an interval and this would be a totally unique event for your locality with some good potential for wide press coverage.
ACTS OF GODFREY (No trailer- probable availability March) Cinema release 27 January Something unusual. A black comedy written in rhyming couplets. “This black comedy follows Victor (Iain Robertson) as he attends a weekend business seminar, an event where gangsters, a pop star and a calculating fraudster (Harry Enfield) are also present. Little does he know that the weekend will change his life forever, as omniscient narrator Godfrey (Simon Callow) meddles with the weekend’s proceedings. Acts of Godfrey is very much a modern twist on Shakespeare, mixing dark humour with elements such as revenge, betrayal, love and magic. The dialogue is also in verse and works extremely well, causing the well written witty dialogue to sound even sharper. On top of this there are musical numbers, stylised flashback sequences and even animation, all of which works well together and gives the film its own unique feel. It also has a very strong British cast including Simon Callow, Harry Enfield and Calendar Girl’s Celia Imrie. Joining them are Smack the Pony’s Doon Mackichan and Sea of Soul’s Iain Robertson. All the actors involved give very strong performances under the direction of first time director Johnny Daukes. Overall Acts of Godfrey is a truly original film, with a rich visual style and a fantastic cast. The plot is filled with twists and turns and genuinely keeps your interest until the end credits. The big question now is what will Johnny Daukes do next?” Verdict: An original British film which is as witty as it is visually arresting. BBC ‘Front Row’
THE ADVENTURES OF TINTIN: SECRET OF THE UNICORN (No definite date at time of writing: Likely February) (PG) 107 mins Cinema release 28 October Well received first big screen adaptation of the classic Belgian graphic novels by Herge. Animation with a cast of voices that include Jamie Bell, Andy Serkis and Daniel Craig.
ANONYMOUS (No definite date at time of writing: Likely February) (12A) 125 mins Cinema release 28 October A bit of cheeky historical fun from German director Roland Emmerich, most noted for his apocalyptic US scifi epics like Independence Day and 2011. This rehearses (in the style of a thriller) the old theory that Shakespeare was a dunce and that everything was written by Edward de Vere, Earl of Oxford, favourite of Eliz 1 until he stupidly rebelled against her and lost everything including his head. Fab cast, hugely expensive production values, highly entertaining. Vanessa Redgrave as Eliz 1, Rhys Ifans as Oxford, Rafe Spall as the illiterate W.S., David Thewliss as Cecil, Joely Richardson as Young Bess and Derek Jacobi keeping a straight face as a sort of Chorus. I suspect it’s going to be a bit like The Tudors on telly but that is a colossal hit so what price historical truth?
THE ARTIST (No definite date at time of writing: Likely April) 12A (tbc) 100 mins Cinema release 30 December A new silent film in black and white set in 1927 at the end of the silent era. As silent movie star George Valentin wonders if the arrival of talking pictures will cause him to fade into oblivion, he meets Peppy Miller, a young dancer set for a big break. “I managed to catch a screening of this at Cannes, and if you're thinking about skipping this film because it's silent and black and white, you're going to be missing out on a very special experience. Everything about this film is exceptional. The acting is top-notch, the story is intriguing, and despite being black and white, the film is visually appealing. The filmmakers really make great use of the medium, and even though there are no voices or color, my interest was never lost. Jean Dujardin gives a great performance. You like him instantly and, without giving too much away, you want him to succeed. This movie is really chock full of great actors and actresses. You'll see some familiar faces, but they all blend in well with the world of the film.” imdb correspondent.
BENEATH HILL 60 (available anytime) 12A 120mins Unreleased in UK DVD out now Australian drama from 2010 set during the First World War and the true story of Oliver Woodward and his team who undermined the German lines in Flanders. An epic war story mixed with romantic sub-plot. Highly recommended by Toby Walkley and some excellent audience reactions this autumn.
THE CONSPIRATOR (available anytime) (12A) 120mins Cinema release July 2011 Robert Redford directs this based-on-fact historical epic about the trial of the woman involved in the assassination of Abraham Lincoln in Washington in 1865. Robin Wright plays the woman with two stellar Brits in key roles as the defenders: James McAvoy and Tom Wilkinson. This is an unusual subject for a film – can’t recall any other on this momentous subject – and the cross references to a more recent 60s presidential assassination are clear.
THE DEBT(anytime) (15) 113 mins Cinema release 30 September John Madden’s new thriller with Helen Mirren, Tom Wilkinson, Ciaran Hinds, Sam Worthington. “The espionage thriller begins in 1997, as shocking news reaches retired Mossad secret agents Rachel (Helen Mirren) and Stefan (Tom Wilkinson) about their former colleague David (Ciarán Hinds). All three have been venerated for decades by their country because of the mission that they undertook back in 1966, when the trio (portrayed, respectively, by Jessica Chastain, Marton Csokas, and Sam Worthington) tracked down Nazi war criminal Vogel (Jesper Christensen) in East Berlin. At great risk, and at considerable personal cost, the team's mission was accomplished - or was it? The suspense builds in and across two different time periods, with startling action and surprising revelations.”
THE DEEP BLUE SEA (No definite date – likely late March/April) NO TRAILER ON DVD (12A) 115mins (tbc) Cinema release 25 November New adaptation of Terence Rattigan classic previously filmed with Vivien Leigh in 1955. A story of very English adultery and the pain of loss, said to have been inspired by the death of Rattigan’s own lover. In Variety’s unique terminology: “a happy marriage between Terence Rattigan's 1952 theatrical chamber piece and the instincts of writer-helmer Terence Davies, best known for his emotionally lush studies of post-WWII Blighty (Distant Voices, Still Lives, The Long Day Closes). Davies is in fine form here, with luminous perfs, especially from Rachel Weisz, rounding out a classy package whose only major problem is it may be a bit too true to its period sensibility and legit origins -- despite its opened-up structure -- to connect with contempo auds beyond upmarket inlets.” i.e. a sophisticated film more suitable for our Moviola audience than the multiplex mob.
THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO (No definite date :Likely April) (15) tbc 115mins Cinema release 26 December Cult US director David Fincher offers the American remake of the Swedish classic with our Daniel Craig as Blomkvist, Stellan Skargard as Vanger and newcomer Rooney Mara as Lisbeth. Also featuring Christopher Plummer, Joely Richardson and Robin Wright. The jury is out on whether anyone should touch the originals but for all those philistines who will not read subtitles, this is a chance to sample THE thriller sensation of the ‘noughties’.
THE HELP(No definite date at time of writing: Likely February) (12A) 135 mins Cinema release 26 October Based on the hit ‘reading group’ novel by Kathryn Stockett. This is a wonderful film, the sort that gets lost in the multiplex mayhem, and one that may have considerable recognition value among your audience. “Set in Mississippi during the 1960s, Skeeter (Emma Stone) is a southern society girl who returns from college determined to become a writer, but turns her friends' lives -- and a Mississippi town -- upside down when she decides to interview the black women who have spent their lives taking care of prominent southern families. Aibileen (Viola Davis), Skeeter's best friend's housekeeper, is the first to open up -- to the dismay of her friends in the tight-knit black community. Despite Skeeter's life-long friendships hanging in the balance, she and Aibileen continue their collaboration and soon more women come forward to tell their stories -- and as it turns out, they have a lot to say. Along the way, unlikely friendships are forged and a new sisterhood emerges, but not before everyone in town has a thing or two to say themselves when they become unwittingly -- and unwillingly -- caught up in the changing times. Written by Walt Disney Pictures “I cannot remember the last time I saw a movie that inspired me, made me cry, made me laugh, and made me sad, angry, and hopeful, all at the same time -- this is what The Help strives and aims for, without making it "cheesy". All in all, this is a DEFINITELY-MUST-SEE movie. I personally believe that it is one of the best movies of 2011.” imdb correspondent.
THE IDES OF MARCH(No definite date at time of writing: Likely February) (15) 115mins Cinema release 28 October George Clooney stars, writes and directs a superb cast (Ryan Gosling, Paul Giamatti, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Marisa Tomei and Jennifer Ehle (King’s Speech)) in a powerful drama set in the superheated atmosphere of an American Presidential campaign. A superior ‘West Wing’ with first rate acting.
JANE EYRE (available anytime) (12A) 120mins Cinema release 9th September DVD release March 12th Another one that’s going to be HUGE. Terrific trailer. Splendid UK locations (Haddon Hall Derbyshire I think I espied?). Our Judi Dench plays Mrs Fairfax but even she is acted off screen by a revelatory Mia Wasikowska (Alice last year and also the daughter in the great The Kids are All Right) and Michael Fassbender spectacular as Mr Rochester. Simon McBurney and Sally Hawkins are also in there somewhere. “A definitive version of Jane Eyre for all the ages” and with 8 other screen versions to compete with, that’s quite a claim – even if it comes from the Mid-West. Specially made available by Moviola’s intervention with Universal/Filmbank- original release not until March.
(No definite date at time of writing: Likely January) (PG) 100mins Cinema release 7th October Highly amusing Bond spoof with Rowan Atkinson ret up no end by the fab Rosamund Pike, in line to follow Joanna Lumley as the thinking man’s pin up!
MAO’S LAST DANCER (anytime available) (12A) 117 mins Drama This continues its triumphant run in Moviola. Audiences everywhere have literally cheered this fantastic film. WE HAVE THIS AS A SPECIAL EXCLUSIVE PRESENTATION! If you want a terrific dance film with a great story but do not fancy the gothic horrors of Black Swan, this is the one for you. Australian director Bruce Beresford’s film about a brilliant Chinese dancer who defects to the USA at the height of the Cold War. A great trailer should persuade lots to come. Comments from first Moviola show, May 2011: “One man said it was the best film we had ever shown whilst a lady said it was the best film she had ever seen. One man thought it was better than The King’s Speech. A regular of ours said it was the first time she had watched a film that she would love to see for a second time. I am sure from the reaction from people as thy left that they all enjoyed it even those that had obviously been crying. Thank you so much for getting such an outstanding film.” Cinema release: Up to us! DVD release: Up to us!
MIDNIGHT IN PARIS (No definite date at time of writing: Likely February) (12A) 100 mins Cinema release 7 October Woody Allen’s new piece is set in the most magical of cities and is a contemplation on art, pretentiousness and of course the battle of the sexes. Famous for having a cameo from France’s first lady Carla Bruni (as a Gallery attendant) but with a strong cast of Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdam (she from Morning Glory) and Kathy Bates. “A sweet romp through the art world”.
MISS BALA (available January) (15) 98 mins Cinema release 28 October Alas not the story of a spinster lady in a damp North Wales town but a tour-de-force of Mexican cinema (Mexico’s official Oscar entry) and the story of a small town beauty queen who gets mixed up in the drug wars currently wrecking that colourful country. Brilliantly shot and a UK exclusive for us from our friends at Metrodome distribution. Will liven up many a dark UK winter’s night.
MY AFTERNOONS WITH MARGUERITTE (available anytime) (15) 82mins Cinema release November 2010 In French with subtitles A charming, original virtual two-hander which ought to appeal straight to the heart of Moviola’s core audience: An illiterate man (Gerard Depardieu) strikes up an unlikely friendship with an elderly woman (Gisele Casadesus) who delights him and widens his poverty stricken life by reading to him – as he puts it “travel with words”. This is a joyful, hopeful, moving film – I guess only the fact that it is in French with subtitles might put off the punters
MY WEEK WITH MARILYN(No definite date at time of writing: Likely March) (12A) tbc 120mins tbc Cinema release 25 November This has the potential to be a very big Moviola hit. The story of the extraordinary encounter between Laurence Olivier and Marilyn Monroe in London in 1956 for the making of The Prince and the Showgirl. The cast is astonishing: Kenneth Branagh as Olivier, Michelle Williams as Monroe, Judi Dench as Dame Sybil Thorndike, Dougray Scott as Arthur Miller, and Zoe Wanamkaer as Paula Strasberg. AND Derek Jacobi, Dominic Cooper and newcomer Eddie Redmayne excelling as the narrator, Olivier’s diarist and assistant Colin Clark. “I attended an advance screening of My Week With Marilyn, and much to my surprise, was absolutely blown away. I was initially very reluctant to accept Michelle Williams as Marilyn, one of the most beautiful and glamorous women of all time, but she was extraordinary - luminous, even. She pulled off the role seamlessly, and turned Ms. Monroe into a layered, complex character, rather than the sex-kitten caricature we are all so used to seeing. Michelle managed to show us the real Marilyn - the woman who so desperately wanted to be loved, to be accepted, to be good at her job. The vulnerability, the mannerisms, the voice - all were pitch perfect. I have no doubt there will be yet another Oscar nomination in Michelle Williams' near-future. I was also very impressed by Eddie Redmayne, whose character was arguably the heart of the film. He was excellent as the star-struck yet sensitive Colin Clark, who helped Marilyn through her very difficult time on the set of The Prince and the Showgirl. The movie is similar in tone to The King's Speech, and was helped by a beautiful score and wonderful costumes. Director Simon Curtis, who devoted eight years of his life to this project, did a wonderful job capturing the essence of 1950's England. The wardrobe department deserves a nomination, as do the writers. One of the best films I've seen this year, and definitely the best (not to mention most authentic) portrayal of Marilyn ever to hit the silver screen. I couldn't have been more impressed.” imdb correspondent
ONE DAY (available anytime) (12A) 115mins (tbc) Cinema release August 2011 DVD release March 2012 From Lone Scherfig (director of An Education) and based on David Nicholls’ hit novel, serialised as a Book at Bedtime by Radio 4. Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess meet on the day of their graduation and continue to meet on the same day for 20 years. With a wonderful supporting cast including Patricia Clarkson, Jody Whittaker and Romola Garai, this is glossy, fabulously romantic film making. Splendid trailer too which will have them flocking! Another early release thanks to our intervention with Filmbank – originally slated for March release.
PERFECT SENSE (available anytime) (15) 92 mins Premiere at Edinburgh Film Festival Cinema release October 7th. We will have a UK exclusive on this film. A fascinating oddity: Ewan McGregor plays a chef who has a relationship with a scientist (the fascinating Eva Green) who is investigating a virus affecting humanity which results in people losing their senses one by one. So not simply a scifi tale but a film that’s very hard to sum up: “We follow these two characters, McGregor a chef, Green an epidemiologist brought to Scotland to study the mysterious illness, through the stages of breakdown, the loss of senses one by one. We see the world spiralling out of control through their heroic struggle to hold on - to enjoy a meal without smell or taste, to take the time to appreciate a church bell's ringing or a child crying, knowing it may well be the last time they hear anything at all. Around them we see the slow breakdown of the human condition for some: rioting, chaos, the loss of will. But we also see reminders of our strengths. People dining out just for the pure experience of buying someone else a drink and being waited on. Or later in the film, lone citizens walking the streets after a riot, resetting bikes on their racks or stridently sweeping up glass shards - refusing to let the gradual loss of their senses define who they are as people. The film itself makes bold choices. When the pandemic begins to affect the sense of hearing, the sound drops out, and yes when the illness finally takes away one's sight, the screen goes dark as well; but the film plays on. It's a bit tough to describe any further, as that would be giving away too much. Remember, this is not about a film about curing disease; it's about who we are as people.” “I think everyone should watch this movie... you might find it a bit slow phased but believe me it's a ride worth going for.... Ewan McGregor has done a marvellous job and so did Eva Green, the direction is flawless and it moves like poetry. Please watch this movie....” (imdb correspondent comment)
PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (available anytime) NO TRAILER ON DVD (PG) 143mins To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Lloyd Webber musical, a reissue of Joel Schumacher’s spectacular screen version. Splendid entertainment which we showed with great success back in 2004. Gerard Butler, Emmy Rossum (then an astonishing 16!) and Patrick Wilson act convincingly and actually sing some nice little tunes.
RESISTANCE (available January) (PG) 92 mins Cinema release 25 November Thanks to the keen eyes of Jim our Associate in Cwmyoy, the valley where this exciting film was shot and Owen Shears’ best seller is set, we will have a very early release of this drama. It is 1944. D Day has failed and Operation Sealion has worked. The Nazis now control most of the UK. In a remote Welsh valley, the women wake to find their men have disappeared. This is a story of courage and heroism – and also of an inevitable love between two individuals from opposite sides. Strong cast includes Brighton Rock’s Andrea Riseborough and Michael (Tony Blair) Sheen back working in his homeland at last.
THE SKIN I LIVE IN (No definite date at time of writing: Likely January) (15) 117mins Cinema release 23 August. The most outrageous Almodovar yet (a plastic surgery thriller) and already getting some fundamentalist reviewers on the Net very hot under the collar. The director is reunited with Antonio Banderas, who owes everything to him. A huge hit at Cannes. You will either loathe it or love it but you cannot ignore its ferocious talent.
SUPER 8 (available from Jan 15th) (12A) 112 mins Cinema release August 2011 J.J Abrams directs a film that feels like it comes from the stable of his producer Steven Spielberg. It is a sort of souped-up and more threatening E.T. A group of schoolchildren making an 8mm film in a small American town have their work (and everyone’s lives) thrown upside down by a train smash which releases ‘something nasty’ into the surrounding countryside. Wham bang adventure with expensive Hollywood production values.
(No definite date at time of writing: Likely January) (15) 127 mins Cinema release 16 September Big screen version of John Le Carre’s 1974 espionage classic. Gary Olman excels as George Smiley. Colin Firth, John Hurst, Ciaran Hinds and Toby Jones also star. Directed by Swedish Toman Alfredson (who came to recognition with the wonderfully creative Let the Right One In. Seedy, grimy, menacing – gripping.
WE HAVE A POPE (No definite date at time of writing: Likely March) (PG) 100mins (tbc) Cinema release 2 December Italian director Nanni Moretti has been making films since 1973 and is often labelled as the 'Italian Woody Allen' by lazy critics with a passion for tenuous comparisons. Yet Allen, even on his best day, couldn't match the skill, humour and ambition Moretti displays in his latest effort We Have a Pope (Habemus Papam, 2011). It's almost a masterpiece, and arguably the best film to come out of Italy since Giuseppe Tornatore's Malèna (2000). Cardinal Melville (Michel Piccoli) is elected to be the Vatican's next Pope, but suffers a breakdown moments before he is due to bless the crowd from the balcony of St Peter's Basilica. He refuses to accept the responsibility bestowed upon him claiming the role requires a greatness he does not possess. Obviously, the Vatican is anxious to resolve this matter as quickly as possible and so they hire a psychiatrist (Moretti himself) to try and nurse the Pope back to mental health. The film was premiered to some acclaim at this year’s London Film Festival. Bit of a long shot for Moviola but sounds genuinely interesting, fun and challenging!
WIN WIN (available March) (15) 106mins Cinema release May 2011 DVD release March 2012 A few years ago director Thomas McCarthy burst into world recognition with his lovely film The Station Agent. Here he again explores his favourite themes of the outsider and the misfit with a marvellous study of a middle aged lawyer (Paul Giamatti) whose career and home life is going to pot. He helps out with a high school wrestling club in his spare time and into this sphere comes an adolescent fleeing from his drug-addict mother. Superb performances from everyone in the cast and an uplifting, hopeful film.
THE WOMAN IN BLACK(available April 1st) (12A) 97mins Cinema release 12 February We have agreed with our friends at Momentum Pictures a UK first - a timeless ghost story, from Susan Hill's best-selling novel and the phenomenally successful West End stage production. Arthur Kipps (Daniel Radcliffe) is a lawyer who is forced to leave his young son and travel to a remote village to attend to the affairs of the recently deceased owner of Eel Marsh House. Working alone in the old mansion, Kipps begins to uncover the place’s tragic and tortured secrets and his fears escalate when he discovers that local children have been disappearing under mysterious circumstances. When those closest to him are threatened by the vengeful woman in black, Kipps must find a way to break the cycle of terror...Great to attract those younger viewers with withdrawal symptoms from Harry Potter as well as other mere mortals.
PS…… IT’S GOING TO BE A GREAT SUMMER!
This season runs until 28th April. As it happens some great films with a lot of audience appeal are coming out after Christmas which will be available to us at earliest mid April and more likely in the May to July period. Since by September some of these will seem very “old hat” and will have been out on DVD to buy, they may well not appear on the autumn menu. Please consider planning some summer shows – or else you may miss out on some big hits. The films below will be on the Summer menu which you will receive in March and will be available for booking then. Please do not ask me for post-28th April bookings now!
The line-up includes:
THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL Cinema release date 9 March John Madden’s comedy-drama follows a group of British retirees who decide to "outsource" their retirement to less expensive and seemingly exotic India. Enticed by advertisements for the newly restored Marigold Hotel and bolstered with visions of a life of leisure, they arrive to find the palace a shell of its former self. Though the new environment is less luxurious than imagined, they are transformed by their shared experiences, discovering that life and love can begin again when you let go of the past. A dream Moviola cast: Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Bill Nighy, Penelope Wilton, Tom Wilkinson and Slumdog Millionaire’s Dev Patel. SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN Cinema release date 9 March Adapted from Paul Torday’s hit novel (much featured on Radio 4) by Simon Beaufoy. Directed by the excellent Lasse Hallstrom and with a dream cast including Kristin Scott-Thomas, Ewan McGregor and Emily Blunt. “Stuffy government fisheries scientist Fred is asked by a fishing-obsessed Arab Sheik to do the seemingly impossible - introduce British salmon to the Wadis of the Yemen. Despite considerable trepidation, Fred is finally won over by the charismatic Arab, who reveals that fishing brings him closer to God, and he hopes it will have the same effect on his countrymen. Fred also begins to fall for the Sheik's beautiful legal representative Harriet; and so he rises to the Sheik's eccentric challenge, casting off his English reserve on a transformative journey of self discovery and late blooming love.” (imdb comment) Cinema release 6th January Meryl Streep is Margaret Thatcher, Jim Broadbent as Denis and Richard E Grant as Heseltine. Known in the trade as Maggie Mia! This is going to be irresistible. Wonderful comment from an imdb correspondent too young to remember who she is: “Tells the story of a woman who smashed through the barriers of gender and class to be heard in a male-dominated world. The story concerns power and the price that is paid for power, and is a surprising and insightful portrait of an extraordinary and complex woman” Hum! Some of us remember differently. THE LADY Cinema release 30 December The story of Burmese political heroine Aung San Suu Ky (played by the estimable Michelle Yeoh) and her marriage to UK academic Michael Aris (David Thewlis). Directed by French master Luc Besson.
WAR HORSE Cinema release 13 January Steven Spielberg’s much anticipated film of the acclaimed National Theatre hit about a young man named Albert and his horse, Joey, and how their bond is broken when Joey is sold to the cavalry and sent to the trenches of World War One. Despite being too young to enlist, Albert heads to France to save his friend. Based on the children’s book by Michael Morpurgo. Newcomer Jeremy Irvine as Albert supported by a cast of well known British actors: Emily Watson, Eddie Marsan, David Thewlis. The big film in the USA this Christmas.
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