Independent film in the big smoke and occasionally beyond
Its that time again for another free screening of great cinema c/o Little White Lies. I don’t know too much about the film yet but I have faith in their judgment (I’m willing to forgive and forget their screening of Fast Food Nation a while back)- I will definitely be going and hope you are too- its free so what’s your excuse? Continue reading ‘LWLies Film Knights | Heavy Metal in Baghdad’
Reviewed by Anthony Antoniou
The debut movie from Belgian filmmaker Nic Balthazar, Ben X unfolds from the perspective of Asperger’s sufferer Ben, as he gets through his rigidly-structured daily routine by immersing himself in the lush pixelated landscapes of the MMORPG Arch Lord(the one place where he feels truly in control) before the drudgery and discomfort of the real world encroaches on his virtual reality. Continue reading ‘Ben X | Review’
Now in its 5th year, and running from the 1st-7th of September is the London International Animation Festival. Screening across several of London’s beloved independent venues the program is bringing together animation in all shapes and sizes from shorts to features, and CG to puppets from over 28 different countries. Continue reading ‘London International Animation Festival’
Although not quite an all out advert for Eurostar Shane Meadows new film, Somers Town is not far off. It’s a slight tale of a young runaway Thomo (T. Turgoose) who leaves Nottingham for London and meets and befriends a young Polish lad. Both boys fall for the same French girl and have mischievous fun in the London area of Somers Town. This is inherently a short film idea with the aid of slow motion and whimsical music can feel stretched. Continue reading ‘Somers Town | Review’
Firstly apologies for posts being sparse lately- my excuse being that as I’ve currently moved house, (and considering we all still live in the dark ages) it’ll be another 10-20 years before I’m connected to the internet again. In the meantime I’ll be sneaking things up as and when I can.
Back to the subject at hand… I spotted today over at the Londonist that in a bid to help combat cinema goers disturbed cinematic enjoyment the Picturehouse chain are considering a ban on popcorn.
Now I’m the first to admit that in cinemas the rustle and chomping of others is something I’m finely tuned in to, much to my disgust and annoyance during movies. But to ban such a classic cinematic snack saddens me. Popcorn munching to me is just the tip of the iceberg as far as annoying cinema based noises go and I can’t say I’ve ever held an individual grudge for popcorn. No, I hold one against all eating related noises (and fizzy pop slurping, breathing, coughing, individually foil wrapped sweets… I could go on). Continue reading ‘Picturehouse Popcorn Scrooges’
Curzon Midnight Movies
A sneak preview of the London International Animation Festival, coming to Curzon Cinemas in September. Screenings kick off with a specially selected short film followed by an amazing animated feature. Special guest host: Nag Vladermersky (LIAF director). As usual we will have a DJ in the pre-screening party from 9:30pm, and the chance for YOU to choose the tunes in our Plug ‘n’ Play set (bring your MP3 players!).
Paprika | Dir. Satoshi Kon | Japan | 2006
From the director of Perfect Blue comes this dazzling anime, following a beautiful psychiatrist plunging into people’s dreams in the search of a murderer. Dr. Atsuko Chiba is a genius scientist by day, and a kick-ass dream warrior named PAPRIKA by
night. In this psychedelic sci-fi adventure, it will take the skills of both women to save the world…
Fantastic Planet | Dir. René Laloux | France/ Czechoslovakia | 1973
Rene Laloux’s mesmerizing sci-fi classic based on the book Om en Serie by Stefan Wul is a landmark of European animation. La Planete Sauvage tells the tale of a race of humanoid creatures called Oms fighting for their freedom from the giant blue-skinned Traags who keep them as pets. A group of rebel Oms travel to a strange planet where they try to uncover the secret of the Traags’ existence. The film which won the Grand Prix Award at the 1973 Cannes Film Festival prefigures much of the work of Hayao Miyazaki at Studio Ghibli (Princess Mononoke Spirited Away) with its palpable political and social concerns cultivated imagination and memorable animation techniques.
29th August 11:40pm | Curzon Soho | £12/10 (£8/7 Members) On the door/ In Advance | Book Online
Great documentary that shows how dub influences much of the music we hear today, from electronic music to hip hop. Key names from reggae and electronica, including Lee Scratch Perry, Don Letts, Aba Shanti-I, Basement Jaxx, Bunny Lee, Dennis Bovell, David Katz, Mad Professor, Mutabaruka, Roots Manuva, Sly & Robbie and U-Roy, talk about the birth of dub, how it helped to change the way we perceive music and how its presence is still felt today.
Screening will be followed by a director Q&A.
Dub Echoes | Dir. Bruno Natal | UK | 2007
Sun 3rd August 4pm | ICA | £8 (£7/6 Concessions/ Members) |Book Online
Oscar-winning director Hayao Miyazaki (My Neighbour Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service) reinterprets the much-loved manga Lupin III, created by the comic artist known as Monkey Punch. In this wacky caper, the gentleman thief and grandson of the original Arsène Lupin is hot on the trail of a legendary stash of perfect counterfeit money.
Comica | The Castle of Cagliostro | Dir. Hayao Miyazaki | Japan |1979
Wed 13th August 12:30pm | ICA | £8 (£7 Concessions) Free to ICA Members and holders of Westminster Rescards and Youth Passports
A thrilling and tender animated adventure about a schoolgirl who tries using her time-leaping powers to rewrite the past and prevent misfortunes, only to fall in love with a time-traveller from the future. Madhouse Studio’s tender, imaginative sequel to the perennially popular Sixties sci-fi romance novel by Yasutaka Tsutsui won numerous prizes in Japan and Europe.
Comica Family Matinees | The Girl Who Leapt Through Time | Dir. Mamoru Hosada | Japan | 2006
Wed 6th August 12:30pm | ICA | £8 (£7 Concessions) Free to ICA Members and holders of Westminster Rescards and Youth Passports | Book: 020 7930 3647
A folklore professor is possessed by the ancient Japanese demons of Thunder and Lightning. But when Hellboy arrives to investigate, a cursed samurai sword sends him to a supernatural dimension of ghosts, monsters and feudal mayhem. Guillermo del Toro, ace director of live-action Hellboy film, is creative producer on the animated films. Details…
Comica Family Matinees | Hellboy Animated: Sword of Storms | Dir. Phil Weinstein, Tad Stones | USA | 2006
Sat 26th July 2:30pm | ICA | £8 (£7/6 Concessions/ members) | Book Online
Wed 20th August 12:30pm | ICA | Prices as above except: Free to ICA Members and holders of Westminster Rescards and Youth Passport | Book: 020 7930 3647
