katiekat conway

Beautifully in period, however the film seems very reminiscent of The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie. I enjoyed it but a weaker version of aforementioned film. A teacher who lives vicariously through lives of others until she’s “found out” by the elusive new Spanish student who sees through her with true eyes. Eva Greens character is to be pitied. She holds allure and glamour to the other students who don’t realise she is really no one special. She fears the Spanish aristocrat pupil who almost exudes a contempt for her. Very enjoyable but no comparison to the film which it has clearly taken so much from it. I’m not a critic it’s just an amateur view. The cast is superb but again the characterisation is so similar to The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie. Alas, despite being glamorous especially to young teens of this period she lacks the charisma and subtle nuances of Dame Maggie Smith. There is something lacking in this film which didn’t endear me to the characters.

I loved Pauline Collins and Joan Collins together again. I’d seen them as young actresses in Tales of The Unexpected. Two great actresses who took totally different paths in their careers. I was very impressed Joan Collins took such a comedic role. Not an earth shattering film but very enjoyable- especially enjoyable for people who have seen these two actresses in such diverse career paths. Never seen Joan Collins in a “ real “ role.

I have seen the hype for this SKY film continuously for what seems 12 months plus, trailers on TV, articles in broadsheets. What I am saying is I was overtaken by the hype so when it finally appeared on Amazon Prime UK for £9.99 I was there. Carey Mulligan was brilliant ( as usual) in her role of slightly eccentric vigilante trying to get justice for her friend who was raped at medical school by a group of “jock” like students. Written and directed by co writer of Killing Eve - the talented Emerald Fennel. There were definite shades of Villanelle ( assassin in Killing Eve). I enjoyed it though would not go as far as to say “ best role of Carey Mulligans varied career!!!). Perhaps if I hadn’t seen the amazingly unique, quirky Killing Eve , I may have been more excited. Definitely watchable with both amusing and tragic scenes with great cast. Not a film I’d rewatch though so I have to take off 2 stars.

Absolutely superb. A short review. The mastery of Poliakoffs writing which at times is almost poetic plus the sheer brilliance of Alfred Molina- I ask for nothing more. Fewer and fewer writers use such subtlety, nuanced with undercurrents of unease. Obviously all historical facts aren’t 100% correct and you can wonder how all these people managed to see wonderful dentists in these times- however I’ve seen far worse crimes against history. Obviously not for those who like fast action based dramas- but for those who like to still think about it long after it ends.

A very disturbing story. Wether it’s based on an actual personal account I don’t know. It concerns a single mother who is clearly mentally unfit to be allowed to keep her several sons. She then takes on 2 sisters the older one is subjected to the most degrading torture led by the mother. Unfortunately for me the actress playing the role of the abused teen appears to be at least in mid twenties which detracted me wondering why an adult woman was with these children. Bad casting let the movie down. These atrocities happen but this movie just didn’t have ring of authenticity for me. Instead of making me think and feel saddened I feel rather grubby. An American Crime with Catherine Keener is a far superior film.

Having read Rumer Godden when young as well as seeing the old film I was so excited at the prospect of BBC making a new drama of Black Narcissus. Quite frankly what a disappointment. I like Gemma Arterton but for me this was terrible casting. Probably I wasted my childhood on old Hollywood movies but Sister Clodagh should have had some glacial sexual charisma similar to Hitchcock heroines. Gemma Arterton can play “ earthy” but certainly not cool sexually repressed characters. This was unfortunate as I felt and believed Alessandro Nivola was the epitome of Mr Dean. I was also impressed with Aisling Franciosi as the neurotic young nun. Totally disappointing experience for me. The beginning was so promising but dragged to a limp end. However I will certainly look for anything with Alessandro Nivola in. Fantastic British accent, I was surprised he was American as it didn’t slip once. I’m also a fan of his wife Emily Mortimer whose work I invariably enjoy.

Saw this at about age 12 and cried. Saw it was on Amazon Prime and watched today. To enjoy you must remove your critical glasses and just enjoy! It is a romantic tearjerker best watched with a glass ( bottle) of wine. The setting is absolutely beautiful in Michigan at Grand Hotel which actually exists! I would recommend it for romantics - just ignore total lack of research historically. Jane Seymour is supposed to be an actress Christopher Plummer found in a hick USA town so how does she have a perfect cut glass English accent ( perfect diction)? Just so many inconsistencies to make it a critically good film. In fact I was surprised Christopher Plummer was in it. However I loved it.

I first saw this at about 14 and was bowled over by it. Watching it a few years later I was filled with admiration for Dirk Bogarde. Made in 1961 it would be 6 years before homosexuality was legalised. For an actor of Dirk Bogardes reputation to take such a career risk is truly admirable. Sylvia Sims who played his young wife apparently didn’t want the role because of the subject matter. The film was made with such sensitivity it was a thought provoking piece. Not many film stars as Bogarde was would have taken this role. A film that surely must have shocked the average audience of those times. It still remains one of my favourite films. Bogardes performance shows him at his best. How it would appeal to young audiences today I cannot say. As someone who studied theatre and film in the 80s, it’s one of the bravest films of its time.