Category Archives: Directors

Medieval business: “Goltzius and the Pelican Company” [2012 UK, Netherlands]

After Nigtwatching, Peter Greenaway pays his next homage to Dutch masters with “Goltzius and the Pelican Company” – a semi-biographical account from the life of sixteenth century engraver-printmaker Hendrik Goltzius, recalled ten years after his business trip to Italy with … Continue reading

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Life and friendship: “Career Girls” [1997 UK]

Mike Leigh’s deceptively titled “Career Girls” might lull you into believing it to be easy viewing, with a sweet and fairly simple mainstream plot, but this ridiculously overlooked film has more layers than your average puff pastry. Granted, there are … Continue reading

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A review: “Heli” [2013 Mexico]

Amat Escalante is no stranger to controversy. One of the bad boys of the Mexican New Wave, his films, alongside that of close friend Carlos Reygadas (who incidentally is also often his producer), provoke and shock audiences through searing observations … Continue reading

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Romanticizing social politics: “Ådalen 31” [1969 Sweden]

Bo Widerberg’s social drama “Ådalen 31” [Eng. Title: Adalen Riots] concerns itself with a working class family during a tragic 1931 strike in the industrial town of Ådalen. The strike spread nationwide and was a turning point in Swedish politics … Continue reading

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A review: “Vipera” [2000 Italy]

Sergio Citti is mostly remembered as a writer, for his collaboration with many Italian greats such as Pier Paolo Pasolini and Ettore Scola. But he was also a gifted, if slightly underrated director, with a style noticeably influenced by the … Continue reading

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