Category Archives: English Cinema

Georgina Hale in Ken Russell’s poetic “Mahler” [1974 UK]

Ken Russell had never been stranger to controversy, he revelled in catching critics and audience off guard. He confounded critics yet again during the peak of his notoriety by making one of his most restrained and poetic of films. Whether … Continue reading

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Katrin Cartlidge in Mike Leigh’s “Naked” [1993 UK]

On the eve of the London Olympics, and walking amidst the sea of union flags, nervous commuters, and hysterical BBC presenters who’ve by now pitched tent in every corner of town, it is not difficult to come across a noticeable … Continue reading

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Suzanna Hamilton in “Nineteen Eighty-Four” [1984 UK]

I have seen only three films of BAFTA winning director Michael Radford, of which his 1984 adaptation of George Orwell’s “1984” is undoubtedly the best. I’ve yet to see his more acclaimed “Il Postino” though, and my opinion might yet … Continue reading

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Kate Dickie in “Red Road” BR720 [UK, Denmark 2006]

Andrea Arnold must be one of the finest and at the same time twisted directors working in Britain today. I have seen only two of her feature films to date, and they both ooze style and class. Her ideas, particularly … Continue reading

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Scenes from Michelangelo Antonioni’s “Blowup” [UK, USA, Italy 1966]

“Blowup” [also known as Blow-Up] was a turning point in the great Michelangelo Antonioni’s career. After a string of critically acclaimed Italian classics, he was offered the opportunity to work with MGM on three English language films – “Blowup” being … Continue reading

Posted in Jane Birkin, Michelangelo Antonioni, Sarah Miles, United Kingdom, Vanessa Redgrave | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments