Tag: cinema

Empire of Light – Film Review

Winter is movie award season, with the Golden Globes, Oscars and Baftas, so usually the really interesting films come out around this time. So I have been going to the cinema fortnightly in order to keep up with all of the recommended pictures that have been arriving. And yes, I love nothing more as a blogger than to write a film review each time.

This is actually Scarborough but looks like the film setting of Margate.

This weekend I was lucky enough to go and see a Sam Mendes film. After his epic 1917 war movie where he told a story using just one camera, a harrowing narrative at that, I knew his new one would be worth a watch.

What Was It About?

Olivia Coleman led it as a schizophrenic woman who worked front of house in a 1980s cinema. She was joined by a solid cast, including newbie Michael Ward and her creep boss played by Colin Firth.

Mendes also wrote the screenplay and told of how Hilary (Olivia) was very depressed and living a very mundane existence until a new guy started to work at the old Empire cinema. Stephen (Michael) was fun and intriguing so she soon latched onto him and was quickly smitten. At the same time, she observed racism against him by motorbike gangs (apparently Mods and Rockers).

Acting Prowess

Olivia played her role with skill and her performance definitely stood out. I would say it was her best acting yet – and she already has a high standard back catalogue. Michael was outstanding as the likeable ticket collector who was charismatic and torn. His dreams of going to university had been put to one side but he was determined to make the most of everything by dancing, having fun and making the most of life.

In A Nutshell

I enjoyed the film which was 1 hour 55 minutes long but felt shorter. It has mixed reviews as it is very much a character drama. Don’t expect action and adventure. I found it sweet, well written, nostalgic and it handled mental health cleverly. People were easily misunderstood or misjudged on the 1980s and there was little support available for mental health problems.

Final Thought

Check out Olivia Coleman’s beautiful film if you get the chance. Meanwhile, perhaps consider following my blog and dropping a comment below or checking my Matilda review. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my review.

Good Luck To You, Leo Grande- A Movie Review

Emma Thompson is one of my favourite actresses and so I was always going to see her recent film, whether it was good or not. From the trailer, ‘Good Luck To You, Leo Grande’ was a bit different from anything else I had seen her in. It was about a middle aged woman meeting a sex worker. Without doubt, I needed to write a movie review about this controversial project. Hopefully, you will make your own mind up about it and maybe you will be tempted to have a watch.

Overview

Good Luck To You, Leo Grande – Rotten Tomatoes 95%

This movie was intriguing as it looked at this particular setting from a very different perspective. Emma’s character, Nancy, had never been fulfilled in her previous relationship with her now deceased husband. This encounter was her way of ticking certain things off.

Leo Grande was a charming, smart guy who had been booked by Nancy for her entertainment in a hotel suite. When Nancy showed her nerves, he confronted her insecurities and engaged in conversations which explained more about his line of work and her low self esteem.

My Thoughts

Without giving too much away, this fascinating film was mainly a series of meetings between the two main characters. In fact, there were very few other people appearing in the movie. Nonetheless this one hour and thirty seven minute film flew by.

A mix of seriousness and humour, the script was thought-provoking and clever. It really drew attention to the fact that some women never get to experience a climax in bed and highlighted some of the less extreme elements of paid companionship. Men can be hired merely to keep someone company. An anecdote about one man paying for Leo to dress up as a cat and sit in the corner for an hour was especially eye-opening.

I totally recommend watching this movie as it is very entertaining and the brilliant script by Katy Brand is witty, intelligent and illuminating. Rotten tomatoes awarded the movie 95% and it is getting plenty of critical acclaim.

When I write a movie review I try to be open minded but I do find it hard to dislike a Thompson film. Please drop your own thoughts on this fascinating movie. For another of my reviews, check out this one of Coda which is also a fantastic film.