Clips
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REVIEW OF WAR HORSE - Claudia's film of the week
DANNY: It’s a film from another time – it reminds me of Gone with the Wind. This is broad, epic, nostalgic family entertainment and that’s got a lot to do with the way it looks. It’s shot on film and it looks lustrous and astonishing. The cavalry charge is incredible – it’s beautifully simple and cinematic.
CLAUDIA: You saw me after the screening – I was shellshocked and crying. I thought it was magnificent. He shows the horrors of war but not the details, the cast are brilliant and the horse – you just emote with the horse.
DANNY: Of course it’s sentimental but that’s no bad thing. You go with it. -
REVIEW OF SHAME
DANNY: For a film about sex, no one is having a good time in Shame but there are a lot of strengths. Shame is a good looking movie – seductively beautiful, you’re absolutely hypnotised. A lot of the credit goes to the director, Steve McQueen but also the performances are exceptional. Michael Fassbender’s going to get a huge amount of credit for what he’s done here and together with Carey Mulligan, they bring these characters to life.
CLAUDIA: It is raw and haunting but I have to tell you there’s been so much buzz about this film and when I saw it I was livid about the ending and livid about the lack of back story. I wanted more details and much more information. However, I cannot get the film out of my head but it’s still the unsexiest hour and a half I’ve ever spent in a cinema.
DANNY: Yes there are problems with the movie – it doesn’t really work as a film about sex addiction but it does work as a film about addiction. What’s interesting is that I’ve changed my mind about this film about a dozen times since I’ve seen it – that response is fascinating and for that reason I’d recommend it. -
REVIEW OF MARGIN CALL - Danny's film of the week
CLAUDIA: That cast, that subject matter, that setting – already this is interesting and I think it plays out brilliantly well. It’s thrilling and exciting and what I love most about it is that it would be so easy to portray the bankers as baddies but it’s not that obvious. And anything Jeremy Irons does – I’m on board.
DANNY: It’s like a disaster movie – except that instead of an asteroid and the end of the world – it’s the end of the financial system as we know it and you make a fascinating point- they’re not heroes or villains here, instead they are salesmen – and we gave the world over to them. The script is very good and for a first time director, very accomplished. I’d highly recommend this film. -
REVIEW OF A USEFUL LIFE
CLAUDIA: I thought this film was adorable – it makes me smile. It is freakishly short, which is no bad thing. You want to reach in and pick up the main character and make him your friend. Also it looks very unusual as it was shot in colour and then converted to black and white.
DANNY: What I like about this film is that it changes sneakily half way through – to begin with it’s a bit like a documentary then it subtly changes to become this man’s story and about how he needs to find a useful life. It’s sweet. -
LIKE THAT? TRY THIS....
CLAUDIA'S RECOMMENDATIONS FOR LOVERS OF WAR HORSE.
E.T. (1982)
Possibly Spielberg's greatest film - if, for some extraordinary reason you haven't seen it, stop what you're doing immediately and watch it. Enough said.
BABE (1995)
A heart-warming tale of an orphaned piglet adopted by a family of Border Collies who charms and delights everyone he meets. Sounds corny? Well it is but we defy you to not to melt just a little bit when he sings la-la-la. That'll do pig. It also won an Oscar for its visual effects and the skillful combination of live action and animatronics.
THE HORSE WHISPERER (1998)
If horses are your thing, you'll love this. Robert Redford stars as a horse whisperer hired by Kristen Scott Thomas to help her injured daughter, played by Scarlett Johansson, and her horse after both are injured in an accident. Fine equine drama with entirely predictable romantic elements.
DANNY'S TIPS FOR MARGIN CALL FANS
Glengarry Glen Ross (1992)
Set almost entirely inside a real-estate office - four salesmen, played by Al Pacino, Jack Lemmon, Alan Arkin and Ed Harris must compete to keep their jobs. Directed by James Foley and based on play by David Mamet, it's a searing indictment of the corporate American dream, showing just how easily good men can turn bad when greed and ambition rule. Adding to the exceptional cast are Kevin Spacey and Alec Baldwin as the brilliantly foul-mouthed man from head-office.
Inside Job (2010)
This excellently constructed documentary about the recent financial crisis not only leads us comprehensively and intelligently through the cause and effects of the crash but also doggedly pursues those responsible. Narrated by Matt Damon it is surprisingly fascinating, compelling and entertaining - even if you have no idea what a sub-prime mortgage is.
Death of A Salesman (1951)
A powerful film version of Arthur Miller's hit Broadway play, this tragic story follows Willy Loman, a mediocre salesman who desperately tries to make sense of his life of failiure when he loses his job.
Credits
- Series Producer
- Jayne Stanger
- Presenter
- Claudia Winkleman
- Presenter
- Danny Leigh
- Participant
- Richard Curtis
- Executive Producer
- Basil Comely
