★★★☆☆ One of the most unmistakable filmmakers currently working, Wes Anderson is the go-to stylist for A.I.-generated parodies. His distinctive colour palettes, flat, lateral camera moves, diorama scene design and starry deadpan performances of witticism clipped from The New Yorker mean that most can pre-visualise his films before they even buy a ticket.
★★★★☆ When asked why he called his novel How to Be Good, novelist Nick Hornby replied because having “how” in the title boosts sales significantly. We’re all looking for guidebooks, even when we read novels or see films. The world is a scary and confusing place, and we need someone to show us the way.
★★★☆☆ American director Todd Haynes returns to the Cannes Croisette with the recently Netflix-acquired May December, a Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore two-hander that asks the question: what if Brian De Palma remade Persona but as a comedy?
Last month saw the release of the full lineup for the 67th Edinburgh International Film Festival. In his second year as artistic director, Chris Fujiwara will be hoping to build on the success of 2012’s resurgent incarnation of the festival....
★★★☆☆ The opening film of this year’s Edinburgh International Film Festival, Drake Doremus’ sophomore effort Breathe In (2013) is the discreetly anticipated follow-up to 2011’s Like Crazy. Reuniting Doremus with Felicity Jones (who’s performance here marks a striking surge in...
★★★★☆ Before Midnight (2013) is the final part of an extraordinary trilogy, directed by Richard Linklater and starring Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy. For those who have watched the previous two films, Before Sunrise (1995) and Before Sunset (2004), it...
★★★☆☆ British make-up effects maestro Paul Hyett turns his hand to directing with The Seasoning House (2012), a technically meticulous effort that certainly tries hard, but ultimately can’t quite deliver the goods. Hyett’s near-wordless opening fifteen minutes set a harrowing...
★★★☆☆ It would seem that 2013 is shaping up to be the true second coming of legendary Manchurian outfit The Stone Roses. Following triumphant reunion gigs and an equally lauded documentary, Made of Stone, into the mix comes Roses-tinged teen...