Review: Bel Ami (2012)

Georges Duroy (Robert Pattinson) is a peasant. Finding himself in Paris, he’s taken under the wing of old friend Charles Forestier (Philip Glenister), who lands him employment as a political writer and introduces him to three high society ladies: his wife Madeleine Forestier (Uma Thurman), Virginie Walters (Kristen Scott Thomas) and Clotilde De Marelle (Christina Ricci). Through means of seduction, betrayal and deception, Georges slowly rises from poverty to wealth, but it all comes at a price.

The concept of one man’s elevation to wealth and power through any means necessary is a fascinating one, and, perhaps with a screenwriter more attuned Continue reading “Review: Bel Ami (2012)”

8th Annual Glasgow Film Festival Round-Up

Fast becoming one of the UK’s leading film festivals, Glasgow Film Festival’s eighth year has proven to be one of its best yet.

Selling over 30,000 tickets and attracting some top name guests, there was no better place to be this February than flitting between the marvellous Glasgow Film Theatre and the tallest cinema in Europe, Cineworld Renfrew Street.

Small on scale, yet big on ideas, co-directors Allan Hunter and Allison Gardner Continue reading “8th Annual Glasgow Film Festival Round-Up”

What’s On At DCA: February – March, 2012

Earlier this week, DCA revealed their February/March programme and it’s another packed month at your local independent cinema.

Notable highlights include from this month’s programme include: David Cronenberg’s A Dangerous Method, which looks into the turbulent relationship between Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung (Feb 24 – Mar 1); Oren Moverman’s Rampart, about a renegade cop battling for his own survival (Mar 2 – Mar 8); and Trishna, Michael Winterbottom’s modern-day take on Thomas Hardy’s Tess Of Continue reading “What’s On At DCA: February – March, 2012”

8th Annual Glasgow Film Festival: Top Ten Picks

The official programme for the 8th annual Glasgow Film Festival was revealed last night and, much to everyone’s excitement, it contained an eclectic array of some 239 films from countries around the world.

After an initial glance, I went back to take a longer, harder look at the wide range of films on offer and was struck by ten in particular that I simply had to write about.

In no particular order, my ten picks are listed below: Continue reading “8th Annual Glasgow Film Festival: Top Ten Picks”

8th Annual Glasgow Film Festival Programme Announced

The official programme for the 8th annual Glasgow Film Festival was announced earlier today, featuring a total of 239 films and special events.

Not only does the programme include more European and UK premieres than ever, but it also represents the fact that Glasgow Film Festival is fast becoming a staple in the UK festival calendar – one that showcases “the very best of world cinema without any prejudice or snobbery.”

Lynn Shelton’s emotionally twisted tale Continue reading “8th Annual Glasgow Film Festival Programme Announced”