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SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2019 ISSUE 76 JULIETTE BINOCHE STARS IN NON-FICTION
T HE C I N E M AT I C E V E N T OF THE YEAR
“PERFECT ESCAPISM” “SENSATIONAL”
“FIRST CLASS. Frances Hedges, Harper’s Bazaar Sam Taylor, The Lady
A TRUE DELIGHT.” Marie Claire
“EFFORTLESSLY CHARMING” “LUSCIOUSLY FILMED”
Baz Bamigboye, Daily Mail Kate Green, Country Life
ONLY IN CINEMA S SEPTEMBER 13
CONTENTS
WELCOME
CINEMAS 6
MEMBERSHIP 8
CURZON ON DEMAND 12
CURZON SELECTOR 14
A selection of gems transported from the small to big screen –
BERTHA DOCHOUSE 16 and back again – celebrate the versatility of modern storytelling
NEW RELEASES 18 and viewing habits in the Curzon early autumn programme.
The BAFTA-winning Fleabag originated as a stage show at the
EVENTS 46 Edinburgh Fringe before Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s modernist
FEATURES 52 comic genius was talent-spotted for TV. Waller-Bridge is back
on stage with Fleabag (p.21), at the National Theatre, and looks
set to break box office records as an NT Live broadcast to
Editor Curzon Cinemas. My urgent plea is BOOK NOW! We’ve already
Ian Haydn Smith sold out many screenings. In fact, such is the high demand,
Designer we are hastily scheduling week-long runs of the show in our
Hannah Attwell main programmes. They’ll start at Soho from 17 September
Contributors: and expand to the rest of our circuit from 27th. One-off ‘event
Wendy Ide | Philip Kemp | cinema’ broadcasts now count for 8% of our admissions, but
Tricia Tuttle Fleabag’s exhilarating popularity is a true phenomenon.
Another Emmy and BAFTA-winning TV show, Downton
curzon.cinemas Abbey (p.20), gets the cinematic treatment when it comes to
town this autumn. Or should I say, ‘visits the country’, as a royal
CurzonCinemas visitation to the Granthams’ stirs up the house, both upstairs
curzoncinemas and down. An Academy Award winner for Gosford Park,
screenwriter Julian Fellowes takes the writing credit for his
creation, with Imelda Staunton and Matthew Goode making
Operated by CURZON CINEMAS
2nd Floor, 20-22 Stukeley Street, their Abbey debuts alongside the regular cast.
London WC2B 5LR Of the films available on both the big and small screen
Participant in the Europa Cinemas/
European Union Media Programme
– in cinemas and on Curzon Home Cinema – two new films
At the time of going to print every
from great contemporary French directors stand out. Olivier
effort was made to ensure the Assayas’s Non-Fiction (p.32) is a publishing-world sex comedy
information contained in this
programme was correct. However, starring Juliette Binoche. While François Ozon takes on the
where circumstances dictate, we Catholic Church in By The Grace Of God (p.38), a film being
reserve the right to make changes.
dubbed the ‘French Spotlight’.
CURZON CINEMAS Limited 1934.
Registered in London: Finally, the programming team’s must-sees include
Company no:283280. Est.1934.
CURZON and CURZON CINEMAS heart-warming Sundance prizewinner The Farewell (p.22) and
are registered trade marks, Chris Morris’s war-on-terror satire The Day Shall Come (p.28).
no:2291124 and no.2424017
IN CINEMAS SEPTEMBER 27
CURZON is taking action against
climate change. Winner of Best
Creative Group at the Creative
Damian Spandley | Director of Programme | @damospandley
Green Awards 2018.
CURZON is proud to be a Living
Wage employer.
Printed by Empress Litho. Both the paper manufacturer and the printer are
#TheGoldfinch @warnerbrosuk @warnerbrosuk @WarnerBrosUK
registered to Environmental Management system ISO14001 and are Forest
Stewardship Council (FSC) chain-of-custody certified
4
LONDON REGIONAL
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Goodman’s Fields, Westgate Hall Road, CT1 2BT
2 Canter Way, E1 8PS
Canterbury West
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COLCHESTER
Roman House, 19 Queen Street,
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The Brunswick, WC1N 1AW
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KNUTSFORD
MAYFAIR Toft Road, Knutsford, WA16 0PE
38 Curzon Street, W1J 7TY
Knutsford
Green Park
CINEMAS
OXFORD
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SHEFFIELD
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VICTORIA
58 Victoria Street, SW1E 6QW Sheffield
Victoria Castle Square
WIMBLEDON
23 The Broadway, SW19 1RE Café Bar
Wimbledon
Snacks Food
CUR Z ON MEMBER S
CURZON12 CURZON MEMBERSHIP CURZON.COM/MEMBERSHIP
The most prestigious event in the UK film calendar, the To make sure you have access to exclusive members’ previews, priority event cinema
London Film Festival is with us once again. To celebrate this booking, free tickets and much more, join Curzon membership. Prices start from only £40.
feast of films and filmmaker events, Curzon Home Cinema Our standard member benefits are:
will be programming a series of past festival favourites –
4 FREE TICKETS | DISCOUNTED TICKETS | NO BOOKING FEES |
some well-known titles and other lesser-known gems.
DISCOUNTED FOOD + DRINK | DISCOUNTS ON CURZON HOME CINEMA | CURZON12 |
PREVIEWS + PRIORITY BOOKINGS | AND MUCH MORE…..
STUDENT FILM FANS CURZON.COM/STUDENT
You can now sign up for FREE cinema membership. Join Curzon Student at your local
venue or online at curzon.com/student
MEMBERS
MEMBERS’ PREVIEWS
Members’ preview screenings throughout September and October will include
NON-FICTION See page 32 for synopsis
BY THE GRACE OF GOD See page 38 for synopsis
For venues and times, go to: CURZONCINEMAS.COM/MEMBERSPREVIEWS
We Need to Talk About Kevin
START STREAMING
Curzon members can access all
the titles on Curzon12 for free.
Members automatically have a
Curzon cinemas account, so just
sign in and the collection will be
yours to enjoy.
Find out more at:
CURZONCINEMAS.COM/CURZON12 Non-Fiction
9
ON D EMAND
IN CINEMAS. ON DEMAND
Films that appear on Curzon Home Cinema the same day
that they are released in cinemas – allowing you to watch
them your way.
NON-FICTION 18 OCT | See page 32 for synopsis
RECOMMENDED
MAIDEN 30 SEPT
ON DEMAND
In 1989, Tracy Edwards skippered the first all-female team
in the Whitbread around the world yacht race. When she
announced her plan, no one thought she could muster up
a capable crew or the financing for the venture. She did.
When she lined up for the start of the race, the media
treated her like a joke. But the last laugh was hers. Alex
Holmes’ documentary, an account of the preparations
leading up to the race and the race itself, is an engrossing,
thrilling and, ultimately, moving portrait of a group of women
who refused to accept ‘no’ in response to their dream.
DISCOVER
COMING SOON: Gems not to be missed
OUT OF BLUE 2 SEPT THUNDER ROAD 20 SEPT
BEATS 9 SEPT
Jim Arnaud is not having the
JOHN WICK CHAPTER 3: PARABELLUM 16 SEPT
BY THE GRACE OF GOD
best day, week, year or even
SOMETIMES ALWAYS NEVER 14 OCT life. Things have not gone to
SUPPORT THE GIRLS 21 OCT plan for him and they seem
likely to get worse. Recently
Director: François Ozon
divorced and grieving his
Starring: Denis Ménochet, Swann Arlaud, Melvil Poupaud,
deceased mother, the police
Éric Caravaca, François Marthouret, Bernard Verley,
officer seems to be edging
Josiane Balasko
towards a breakdown. All of
which might suggest this is
François Ozon’s 18th feature finds him at his most serious, a bleak US indie drama. Far
presenting a powerful, urgent account of a cover-up in from it. Writer-director-star
the French Catholic church. Denis Ménochet, who was Jim Cummings’ SXSW Film
outstanding as the Farmer in the opening chapter of Quentin Festival winner is just that –
Tarantino’s Inglorious Basterds, is stunning here, playing a one of the most winning and
man whose demons are barely contained as he decides to outrageous character studies
join other former victims of abuse in challenging the you’ll see this or any year.
authority of what should be an institution beyond reproach. But you’ll definitely come
away from it glad that you’re
not in Jim Arnaud’s shoes.
Maiden
25 OCT ON CURZONHOMECINEMA.COM
13
CURZON SELECTOR
MEMBERS OF THE CURZON TEAM PICK THEIR FAVOURITES FROM THE UPCOMING RELEASES
DOWNTON ABBEY PG THE FAREWELL 12A
For five years, the residents of the eponymous This is a must for fans of Crazy Rich Asians.
estate and their staff were a popular fixture That film cemented Awkwafina’s star status.
on television. No sooner had they departed Here she proves herself to be a skilled actor,
from our screens than the Windsors took playing a young women visiting her
up residence with The Crown. Now, in an grandmother. The old woman is dying but
aristocratic variation on the WWE celebrity has not been told and Awkwafina’s character
tag-team, this feature-length version of is troubled by this secrecy. It’s a sensitive
Julian Fellowes’ internationally beloved series performance and likely to feature prominently
has the Granthams playing host to members come the awards season.
of the Royal Family. See page 20 See page 24
AD ASTRA TBC
Although he’s skirted the fringes of science
fiction (Twelve Monkeys, voicing Terrence
Malick’s ethereal Voyage of Time), this is Brad
Pitt’s first cinematic journey into outer space.
And in the hands of James Gray (Little
Odessa, The Yards, The Lost City of Z), it’s an
epic exploration of the ties that bind families,
even across the vast expanse of the universe.
Ad Astra, 2019 See page 22
JOKER TBC BILLY CONNOLLY: THE SEX LIFE
OF BANDAGES
The Internet has been abuzz with talk
about this film since it was announced that For those not present at Billy Connolly’s
Joaquin Phoenix was on board to play the acclaimed and sell-out Australian tour, the title
deranged villain. Directed by Todd Philips of this film offers up something both mysterious
(the Hangover series, Due Date and political and unpalatable. However, as Connolly is this
satire War Dogs), this is likely to be a world country’s most beloved and successful
away from Zac Snyder’s recent DC comedian, a genius whose unpredictability on
adaptations, presenting a grittier portrait stage is part of his appeal, expect nothing less
of how Arthur Fleck became the nemesis of than a riotous and inventive barrage of jokes,
Gotham city. See page 26 observations and, well, bandages. See page 49
NEW RELEASES IT CHAPTER TWO
Bill Skarsgård, Jessica
Chastain, James McAvoy,
15
Director: Andy Muschietti
Starring: Finn Wolfhard,
Sophia Lillis, Jack Dylan
ROJO 15
Director: Benjamín Naishtat
Starring: Darío Grandinetti,
Andrea Frigerio, Alfredo Castro,
Diego Cremonesi
Argentina, Brazil, France,
Grazer, Bill Hader, Netherlands, Germany, Belgium,
James Ransone Switzerland 2019 | 109 mins
US 2019 | 169 mins Spanish with English subtitles
Just when you thought it was Lawyer Claudio carries with
safe to go back to the town him an air of superiority, as
once terrorised by a psycho evinced in the way he berates
clown… The group of kids a man in a restaurant. But
who survived the murderous that encounter is soon to have
antics of Pennywise realise repercussions that threaten
in adulthood that they hadn’t to change his life forever. Set
quite vanquished their just prior to the Argentina’s
clownish foe. Andy Muschietti’s 1975 coup d’état, Benjamín
impressive adaptation of Naishtat’s drama has all the
TEHRAN:
Stephen King’s beloved novel tension of Pablo Trapero’s
ups the ante as Richie, The Clan whilst offering a
Beverly and their friends withering satire on masculinity
attempt to stop Pennywise in the style of Ruben Östlund’s
CITY OF LOVE
once and for all. Force Majeure.
OPENS: FRI 6 SEPT OPENS: FRI 6 SEPT
A FILM BY ALI JABERANSARI
“Pitch-perfect deadpan humour helps paint a
picture of Tehran as you’ve never seen it before”
Elhum Shakerifar, LONDON FILM FESTIVAL
HHHHH
“A beautifully paced tragicomedy”
THE UPCOMING
BEIJING INTERNATIONAL
FILM FESTIVAL
BEST ACTRESS
FOROUGH GHAJABAGLI
FOROUGH GHAJABAGLI
MEHDI SAKI
AMIR HESSAM BAKHTIARI
BEHNAZ JAFARI
IN CINEMAS OCTOBER 2019
www.newwavefilms.co.ukN EW RELEAS ES NEW R ELEASES
THE SHINY SHRIMPS 15 DOWNTON ABBEY PG PHOENIX 18 FOR SAMA 18 HUSTLERS TBC FLEABAG 15
Directors: Maxime Govare, Director: Michael Engler Director: Camilla Strøm Directors: Waad al-Kateab, Director: Lorene Scarfia Director: Vicky Jones
Cédric Le Gallo Starring: Hugh Bonneville, Henriksen Edward Watts Starring: Constance Wu, Featuring: Phoebe Waller-
Starring: Nicolas Gob, Alban Maggie Smith, Michelle Starring: Ylva Bjørkaas Thedin, Featuring: Waad Al-Kateab, Jennifer Lopez, Julia Stiles, Bridge
Lenoir, Michaël Abiteboul, David Dockery, Elizabeth McGovern, Maria Bonnevie, Sverrir Gudnason, Hamza Al-Kateab Keke Palmer, Lili Reinhart, UK 2019 | 110 mins
Baïot, Romain Lancry, Roland Joanne Froggatt, Penelope Casper Falck-Løvås, Kjersti UK 2019 | 100 mins Cardi B, Lizzo, Madeline Brewer,
Menou, Geoffrey Couët Wilton, Jim Carter, Matthew Sandal, Renate Reinsve, Nils Vogt Mercedes Ruehl Over two BAFTA-winning
France 2019 | 100 mins Goode Norway 2018 | 100 mins As the initially peaceful US 2019 | 107 mins television series, Phoebe
French + English with English UK 2019 | 122 mins Norwegian with English subtitles Syrian uprising gained Waller-Bridge’s Fleabag, a
subtitles ground in 2011, Waad Fed up with witnessing the portrait of a young woman’s
The cinematic spin-off of the Ylva Bjørkaas Thedin is al-Kateab picked up a greed of fat cat financiers travails in everyday life, has
Matthias Le Goff is a French popular TV series reunites outstanding as Jill, a teenage camera and documented who live off the misery of become a something of a
swimming champion. He’s also us with all our favourite girl having to prop up her what happened over the others, a group of strip club sensation. This NT Live series
a homophobe. A tirade caught characters at the aristocratic family in Camilla Strøm next five years. It included employees decide to play screening of Waller-Bridge’s
on camera results in his being country pile, with the added Henriksen’s impressive debut. her marriage and the birth with the system and enact hilarious and fearless one-
ordered to join a gay water fizz of a royal visit and all the News arrives that the family of her daughter, to whom their own form of robbery. woman stage show receives
polo team as part of a PR pomp that that entails. The are to receive a visitor, but it’s the film is dedicated. But it Inspired by a New York extensive encores at our
exercise. He agrees, but what additional cast is impressive, unlikely to help their situation. also details life in a city under Magazine article, this cinemas due to its huge
soon outrages him the most is but they’ll have to hold their Playing with thriller elements, constant attack from aerial all-star-cast – led by popularity. It offers the chance
that the team has no desire to own against Maggie Smith’s this unsettling chamber bombings and mortar fire. Jennifer Lopez – offer up to see where it all began. It’s
win. It’s a smart set-up for a matriarch and her withering drama creates a compelling See page 46 for details of a fast-paced version of a stunning performance in a
fun fish-out-of-water comedy. put-downs.. atmosphere. a DocDays event. a heist movie. prescient comedy-drama.
OPENS: FRI 6 SEPT OPENS: FRI 13 SEPT OPENS: FRI 13 SEPT OPENS: FRI 13 SEPT OPENS: FRI 13 SEPT OPENS: TUE 17 SEPT
20 21AD ASTRA TBC
Director: James Gray
Starring: Brad Pitt, Liv Tyler,
Tommy Lee Jones, Donald
Roy McBride is working on the upper fringe of the Earth’s
atmosphere when an event that becomes known as The
Surge affects the entire planet. He discovers that it may be
BFI SOUTHBANK
CINEMAS | MEDIATHEQUE | LIBRARY | SHOP | BARS | RESTAURANTS
Sutherland, Ruth Negga, John connected to his astronaut father who disappeared years
Ortiz, Loren Dean, Greg Bryk, before. Roy is tasked with journeying into space to find the ALSO SHOWING IN SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER
Kimberly Elise solution and even his father. James Gray (The Lost City
US 2019 | 124 mins of Z) sends us into the darkest corners of the solar system
in this existential sci-fi adventure.
CARY GRANT MIDNIGHT COWBOY
Britain’s Greatest Export A new 4k Restoration
OPENS: FRI 18 SEPT
ANGELA BASSETT BFI MUSICALS!
Queen of the Screen The Greatest Show on ScreenNEW RELEAS ES NEW R ELEASES
THE FAREWELL 12A THE GOLDFINCH 15
HOTEL MUMBAI 15 THE THIRD MAN PG WEREWOLF 15
Director: Lulu Wang Director: John Crowley
Starring: Awkwafina, Tzi Ma, Diana Lin, Starring: Ansel Elgort, Oakes Fegley, Aneurin Director: Anthony Maras Director: Carol Reed Director: Adrian Panek
Zhao Shuzhen, Lu Hong, Jiang Yongbo, Barnard, Starring: Armie Hammer, Dev Starring: Joseph Cotton, Orson Starring: Sonia Mietielica, Kamil
Gil Perez-Abraham, Ines Laimins, Han Chen Finn Wolfhard, Sarah Paulson, Luke Wilson, Patel, Nazanin Boniadi, Tilda Welles, Alida Valli, Trevor Howard, Polnisiak, Danuta Stenka, Nicolas
Jeffrey Wright, Nicole Kidman Cobham-Hervey, Anupam Kher Bernard Lee, Paul Hörbiger Przygoda, Werner Daehn, Jakub
US 2019 | 100 mins
India, Australia, US 2018 | 122 UK 1949 | 149 mins Syska, Helena Mazur
English and Mandarin with English subtitles US 2019 | 149 mins
mins | Multiple languages with English, German and Russian Poland, Netherlands, Germany
Opening with the line ‘Based on an actual lie’, The first of Donna Tartt’s bestselling novels to English subtitles with English subtitles 2018 | 88 mins
Lulu Wang’s moving drama tells the story of be adapted for the screen is also one of the Polish, German and Russian
a family who, on hearing that their ageing major film events of the year. It tells the story The terrorist attack on Mumbai A novelist travels through the with English subtitles
grandmother has terminal cancer, decide of Theodore Decker, whose life is changed in 2008 is recreated with occupied streets of post-
forensic detail in Anthony Second World War Vienna, Following the liberation of
not to tell her. Awkwafina (Crazy Rich Asians, following the death of his mother, an event
Maras’ harrowing drama. Like investigating the death of an the Concentration Camps, a
Ocean’s Eight) is on impressive form as the that leads him into a world of crime. Ansel
United 93, the film places us old friend. That’s the set-up group of parentless children
granddaughter who travels to China to visit Elgort is impressive in the lead and is
in the middle of the events as of this glorious European hole up in a deserted mansion
her Gran and has mixed feelings about supported by a stellar cast, while John Crowley
they unfold, resulting in a film noir, which is dominated by in a forest. But reality and
the deception. (Brooklyn, Boy A) directs with sensitivity.
that exists halfway between Orson Welles’ charismatic fantasy begin to blur as they
OPENS: FRI 20 SEPT OPENS: FRI 27 SEPT drama and documentary. performance as the mercurial eke out an existence. Adrian
Dev Patel is particularly good Harry Lime. This is a Panek’s award-winning
as an employee at breathtaking restoration of allegorical tale is a richly
the besieged hotel. Carol Reed’s masterpiece.. rewarding film.
OPENS: FRI 27 SEPT OPENS: SUN 29 SEPT OPENS: FRI 4 0CT
24 25N EW RELEAS ES
GOOD POSTURE TBC JOKER TBC JUDY 12A
Director: Dolly Wells Director: Todd Phillips
★★★★★
Director: Rupert Goold Little White Lies
Featuring: Grace Van Patten, Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Starring: Renée Zellweger,
Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Timm Robert De Niro, Zazie Beetz, Jessie Buckley, Rufus Sewell,
Sharp, John Early, Emily Frances Conroy, Shea Wigham, Michael Gambon, Bella “SENSATIONAL”
Mortimer, Nat Wolff, Condola Brian Tyree Henry, Marc Maron, Ramsey, Finn Wittrock, Andy David Gritten, Saga
Rashad Bryan Callen Nyman, Fenella Woolgar
US 2019 | 91 mins US 2019 | TBC mins UK 2019 | 118 mins
“MAGNIFICENT”
Nina Nannar, ITV News
Stepping behind the camera Forget the recent Gotham- It’s 1969. Judy Garland has
after playing the kindly set blockbusters. Todd Philips’ seen her best years. But a
bookseller in Can You Ever re-boot of the Joker story is a chance to perform in London “EXCEPTIONAL”
Forgive Me?, Dolly Wells’ super-villain movie by way of offers financial support and Tom Macklin, Harper’s Bazaar
directorial debut is a comedy early 1970s American cinema, one final shot in the limelight.
about friendship set in New offering up a dark and troubled Renée Zellweger gives a
York. Grace Van Patten (the portrait of damaged soul sensational performance “AMAZING”
hilarious daughter in The Arthur Fleck, who transforms in Rupert Goold’s moving Psychologies
Meyerowitz Stories) excels into the city’s most outrageous tribute, conveying the iconic
as a bratty but lonely student nemesis. And Joaquin Phoenix Hollywood star’s charisma on
who ends up living in the plays him as a complex, stage and her troubled life
“DAZZLING”
Jason Solomons, BBC
house of an irascible writer. twisted figure. behind closed doors..
OPENS: FRI 4 OCT OPENS: FRI 4 OCT OPENS: FRI 4 OCT
★★★★★
Attitude
IN CINEMAS OCTOBER 2
26N EW RELEAS ES
A FILM BY CHRIS MORRIS DIRECTOR OF ‘FOUR LIONS’
“DEVASTATINGLY FUNNY...
CHRIS MORRIS’ FINEST WORK”
THE BIG ISSUE
THE DAY SHALL COME 15 FARMING TBC
Director: Christopher Morris Director: Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje
Starring: Marchánt Davis, Anna Kendrick, Starring: Damson Idris, Kate Beckinsale, John
Danielle Brooks, Denis O’Hare, Jim Gaffigan, Dagleish, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Jamie Winstone,
Miles Robbins, Kayvan Novak, Danielle Brooks Genevieve Nnaji, Zephan Amissah
UK, US 2019 | 88 mins UK 2018 | 107 mins
Moses (a star-making turn by Marchánt Davis) ‘Farming’ was the term given to a practice in
wants nothing more than to make the world the 1960s and 70s by which recent Nigerian
a better place. To do so he decides to form an arrivals in the UK would pay for their children
army of god, but can only find three conscripts. to live with white families. It’s what Adewale
FBI Kendra Glack (Anna Kendrick) needs to Akinnuoye-Agbaje experienced first-hand
uncover a domestic terrorist plot to please and his powerful semi-autobiographical film
her boss. So she makes Moses the patsy in a shows how he turned on his own heritage to
conspiracy. Chris Morris (Brass Eye) follows become the member of an all-white skinhead
up Four Lions with another sharp satire. gang with connections to the National Front.
OPENS: FRI 11 OCT OPENS: FRI 11 OCT
A COMEDY BASED ON A HUNDRED TRUE STORIES
28
IN CINEMAS OCTOBER 11N EW RELEAS ES
W I L L S MI T H W I L L S MI T H
TEHRAN: CITY OF LOVE TBC GEMINI MAN TBC
Director: Ali Jaberansari Director: Ang Lee
Starring: Frough Ghajabagli, Mehdi Saki, Starring: Will Smith, Mary Elizabeth Winstead,
Amir Hessam Bakhtiari, Behnaz Jafari Clive Owen, Benedict Wong, Theodora Miranne,
Iran, UK, Netherlands 2018 | 102 mins Douglas Hodge, Ralph Brown, Linda Emond
Persian with English subtitles China, US 2019 | TBC mins
WHO WILL
Hessam Fazli is champion bodybuilder Now past his prime, assassin Henry Brogan SAVE YOU
desperate to act in a film that he thinks will finds he’s is no longer at the top of his game. FROM
star Louis Garrel. Young Arshia is training to But he has a shock when he discovers who YOURSEL F
be a bodybuilder and looks up to Hessam. his replacement is, particularly as they’re
Mina Shamsi is a receptionist at a beauty assigned to kill him. Ang Lee enters the action
clinic. What they share is a sense of loneliness fray in some style with his state-of-the-art
in the Iranian capital. Ali Jaberansari’s touching (it’s shot on 4K 3D and at 120 frames per
film is a nuanced portrait of the city and three second) cat-and-mouse identity thriller
lives that struggle every day in it. featuring Will Smith and, er, Will Smith.
OPENS: FRI 11 OCT OPENS: FRI 11 OCT
GeminiManMovie.co.uk /GeminiManUK #GeminiMan
IN , 3D & 2D CINEMAS
COMING SOON
30N EW RELEAS ES
“A P O W ERF UL & V I TA L FIL M A BOU T L IE S ,
DECEP T ION & ONE W OM A N’S FIGH T FOR T RU T H”
BA Z BAMIGBOYE
“K NIGH T L E Y I S SEN S AT ION A L”
THE TIMES
AMERICAN WOMAN TBC OFFICIAL SECRETS TBC NON-FICTION 15
Director: Jake Scott Director: Gavin Hood Director: Olivier Assayas
Starring: Sienna Miller, Starring: Keira Knightley, Starring: Guillaume Canet,
Christina Hendricks, Aaron MyAnna Buring, Matthew Juliette Binoche, Vincent
Paul, Will Sasso, Pat Healy, Goode, Ralph Fiennes, Rhys Macaigne, Nora Hamzawi,
Amy Madigan, Sky Ferreira, Ifans, Matt Smith, Indira Varma, Christa Théret, Pascal
Macon Blair Conleth Hill, Tamsin Grieg Greggory, Laurent Poitrenaux
UK, US 2018 | 118 mins UK, US 2019 | 112 mins France 2018 | 107 mins
French with English subtitles
When a young woman goes Katherine Gun’s job involved + ON CURZON HOME CINEMA
missing, her mother calls handling top-secret
on the local community to communications. Reading Alain is the director at an
help, as she tries to hide information that goes against esteemed publishing house.
her anguish from her the official line on support for Selena is an actor. The couple
granddaughter. Jake Scott’s the 2003 invasion of Iraq, have been married for years
small-town drama finally she is faced with a dilemma: and they lead complex personal
gives Sienna Miller the role keep quiet or speak out and lives. They’re also the centre
that her talent deserves. face imprisonment? Gavin of a cultural circle that this
It’s a powerhouse Hood’s (Eye in the Sky) film witty, intelligent drama moves
performance that grounds is an impassioned tribute to around. It’s a film that employs
this moving film in an a woman who risked all for ideas to explore its characters
all-too-believable reality. her country. and does so with panache.
OPENS: FRI 11 OCT OPENS: FRI 18 OCT OPENS: FRI 18 OCT
IN CINEM A S OCTOBER 18
32N EW RELEAS ES
THEY’RE CREEPY AND THEY’RE KOOKY
MYSTERIOUS AND SPOOKY
A SHAUN THE SHEEP MOVIE:
MALEFICENT: MISTRESS OF EVIL TBC FARMAGEDDON U
Director: Joachim Rønning Directors: Will Becher, Richard Phelan
Starring: Angelina Jolie, Michelle Pfeiffer, Elle Voices: Justin Fletcher, John Sparkes, Kate
Fanning, Sam Riley, Ed Skrein, Harris Dickinson, Harbour
Imelda Staunton, Juno Temple, Lesley Manville UK 2019 | 86 mins
US 2019 | TBC mins
Everyone’s favourite sheep is back in another
Princess Aurora once again attracts the animated adventure. An alien has landed on
wrath of her mother when she announces she Shaun’s farm and to help it get back home
is to be married. Her soon-to-be mother-in- he and the flock are once again going to
law claims she will protect her, but is Queen have to venture beyond their grassy
Ingrith all she claims to be? One thing’s for pastures. But they’re pursued by scientists
certain: there’s a war coming. Angelina Jolie who want to examine Shaun’s new friend.
once again dons that fabulous outfit, It’s another triumph for the consistently
sharpens those cheekbones and lets rip in brilliant Aardman animation - a film
glowering style, in this colourful Disney epic. packed with hilarious visual gags.
OPENS: FRI 18 OCT OPENS: FRI 18 OCT
IN CINEMAS OCTOBER 25
© 2019 METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER PICTURES INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
THE ADDAMS FAMILY™ TEE AND CHARLES ADDAMS FOUNDATION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
T heAddamsFamilyM ovie. co. uk
36N EW RELEAS ES
“TOTALLY
UNMISSABLE
CINEMA”
THE ADDAMS FAMILY TBC MONOS TBC HHHHH
The Hollywood News
Directors: Greg Tiernan, Conrad Vernon Director: Alejandro Landes
Voices: Oscar Isaac, Charlize Theron, Starring: Sofia Buenaventura, Julian Giraldo, “POWERFUL”
Chloë Grace Moretz, Finn Wolfhard, Nick Kroll, Variety
Karen Quintero, Laura Castrillón, Deiby Rueda,
Bette Midler, Allison Janney
US 2019 | TBC mins
Paul Cubides, Sneider Castro, Moises Arias
Colombia, Argentina, Netherlands, Germany,
HHHHH
The Independent
Sweden, Uruguay 2019 | 102 mins
Charles Addams’ beloved kooky family “BRILLIANT”
started out as a sardonic comic strip in The A group of bandits live high in the mountains Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian
New Yorker and now, after the popular TV of South America. They’re savage, ruthless
series and film adaptations, they return to
animated form with this ghoulishly enjoyable
and armed to the teeth. And they’re also
teenagers. Alejandro Landes dazzling second
HHHHHThe Guardian
reincarnation. It finds the Addams pitched feature plays out like Lord of the Flies with
against a town that considers itself normal. guns. The film exudes a near-hallucinatory “UTTERLY
And when Wednesday befriends a girl at tone as it takes us on a journey into an amoral ABSORBING”
the local High School, things start to get world where the leaderless gang bring fear The Independent
very, very weird. as they move down into the thick jungle.
OPENS: FRI 25 OCT OPENS: FRI 25 OCT
IN CINEMAS NOVEMBER 1ST
38“A HYPNOTIC COMING-OF-AGE STORY”
JONATHAN CHRISTIAN, THE PLAYLIST
HHHH
TIME OUT
HHHH
THE ARTS DESK
HHHH EMPIRE
HHHH
DAILY EXPRESS
HHHH
THE UPCOMING
“VISUALLY STUNNING” “TRULY REMARKABLE”
THE UPCOMING AESTHETICA MAGAZINE
THE LAST TREE
a f i l m b y S H O L A A M O O
BY THE GRACE OF GOD 15
Director: François Ozon François Ozon’s film, by turns angry and compassionate, was
Starring: Denis Ménochet, made with such urgency that the case it details – the Catholic
Swann Arlaud, Melvil Poupaud, church’s alledged collusion in covering up a priest’s abuse
Éric Caravaca, François of boys – had not yet been concluded in court. It’s a stark
Marthouret, Bernard Verley, change for the director, but his film is an important record
Josiane Balasko of damaged lives ignored for too long. The cast are superb,
France, Belgium 2019 | 138 particularly the actors playing the victims. This is an urgent
mins | French with English and exemplary film by Ozon.
subtitles | + ON CURZON HOME CINEMA
OPENS: FRI 25 OCT
I N C I N E M A S 2 7 S E P T E M B E R
40
TheLastTreeFilm WWW.THELASTTREE.FILM #TheLastTreeFilmON YOUR RADAR: LITTLE WOMEN TBC
The Draw includes Timothée Chalamet, James Norton,
As it’s one of the most beloved rite of Louis Garrel, Bob Odenkirk and Chris Cooper.
passage novels, anticipation surrounding this
The Female Gaze
film is high. Firstly, there’s the cast. Previous
It takes a filmmaker with some clout to attract
Hollywood adaptations boasted impressive
so many stars to one project. And Greta
line-ups. A young Katherine Hepburn headlined
Gerwig currently has it. After starting out in
George Cuckor’s 1933 version; June Allyson,
a series of low-budget mumblecore films,
Margaret O’Brien, Elizabeth Taylor and Janet she attracted acclaim for her performances
Leigh featured in Mervyn LeRoy’s 1949 in Greenberg (2010), Frances Ha (2012),
production; and Winona Ryder, Kirsten Dunst Mistress America (2015), Jackie and 20th
and Claire Danes were siblings in Gillian Century Women (both 2016). From there,
Anderson’s 1994 production. The new Gerwig scored a huge hit with critics and
adaptation stars Saoirse Ronan as Jo (the audiences alike with her directorial debut
character previously played by Hepburn, Lady Bird (2017). It starred Ronan and their
Allyson and Ryder), with Emma Watson, incendiary combination that looks set to
Florence Pugh and Eliza Scanlen playing continue with this adaptation of Louisa May
the other March sisters. Alongside them is Alcott’s entrancing period tale.
Meryl Streep as Aunt March, Laura Dern as
Marmee March and a supporting cast that OPENS: 27 DEC 2019VOYAGER PROGRAMME SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER
FIVE SEASONS: THE GARDENS TRANSIT 12A
OF PIET OUDOLF U Director: Christian Petzold
Director: Tom Piper
With so many films released each week and only a limited
number of screens upon which to show them, there's always a
chance that you might miss out on a hidden gem or a title from
around the world. That's where Voyager comes in. BAIT 15 FOR SAMA 15
Director: Mark Jenkin Directors: Waad al-Kateab, Edward Watts
Each month, Curzon cinemas around the country will offer you a
chance to see a film outside the normal programme – something
that will engage, perhaps even provoke, but always entertain.
For September and October, Voyager presents a visionary
portrait of our coastline, journeys from Manhattan’s High Line
to Brooklyn, imagines contemporary Marseilles as a totalitarian
state and witnesses Vienna emerging from war, and in a powerful
and intimate documentary we witness a well of humanity in the
devastated city of Aleppo.
THE THIRD MAN PG GOOD POSTURE TBC
Director: Carol Reed Director: Dolly Wells
For more info, tickets and the full programme, please visit:
curzoncinemas.com/voyager
FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO: CURZON.COM/VOYAGERLIVE EVENTS
DOCDAYS 2019-2020 SEASONS
METROPOLITAN OPERA
FOR SAMA 18
+ Q&A WITH DIRECTOR WAAD AL-KHATEAB Where: Bloomsbury Canterbury Colchester Knutsford
AND EDWARD WATTS Mayfair Oxford Richmond Ripon Sheffield Victoria
Date: Mon 2 Sept | 18:30 Where: Soho Wimbledon
UK 2019 | 100 mins
TURANDOT PORGY AND BESS
We are delighted to welcome the directors of this Date: Sat 12 Oct | 17:55 Date: Sat 1 Feb ‘20 | 17:55
extraordinary and moving film to Curzon for this screening. MANON AGRIPPINA
See page 23 for synopsis Date: Sat 26 Oct | 17:55 Date: Sat 29 Feb ‘20 | 17:55
MADAME BUTTERFLY THE FLYING DUTCHMAN
Date: Sat 9 Nov | 17:55 Date: Sat 14 Mar ‘20 | 16:55
AKHNATAN TOSCA
Date: Sat 23 Nov | 17:55 Date: Sat 11 Apr ‘20 | 17:55
WOZZECK MARY STUART Jewels
Date: Sat 11 Jan ‘20 | 17:55 Date: Sat 9 May ‘20 | 17:55
BOLSHOI BALLET
ROYAL OPERA HOUSE
EVENTS
Where: Canterbury Knutsford
Oxford Ripon Sheffield
Where: Aldgate Bloomsbury Canterbury Colchester
Victoria Wimbledon
Knutsford Mayfair Oxford Richmond Ripon Sheffield
Victoria Wimbledon
RAYMONDA
DON GIOVANNI LA BOHÈME Date: Sun 27 Oct | 15:00
Date: Thu 8 Oct | 18:45 Date: Wed 29 Jan ‘20 | 19:15
LE CORSAIRE
DON PASQUALE MARSTON & SCARLETT Date: Sun 17 Nov | 15:00
Date: Thu 24 Oct | 19:30 Date: Tue 25 Feb ‘20 | 19:15
CONCERTO, ENIGMA FIDELIO THE NUTCRACKER
Date: Sun 15 Dec | 15:00
QUEERBEE PRESENTS: TRANSWORLD 12A VARIATIONS & Date: Tue 17 Mar ‘20 | 19:15
+ PANEL DISCUSSION HOSTED BY INGO CANDO RAYMONDA ACT III SWAN LAKE GISELLE
Date: Tue 5 Nov | 19:15
Date: Thu 19 Sept | 18:30 | 87 mins Where: Soho Date: Wed 1 Apr ‘20 | 19:15 Date: Sun 26 Jan ‘20 | 15:00
COPPÉLIA CAVALLERIA SWAN LAKE
There are transgender people all around the world and Date: Tue 10 Dec | 19:15
each location has its own challenges and opportunities. RUSTICANA/PAGLIACCI Date: Sun 23 Feb ‘20 | 15:00
Welcome to a screening of eight short films about life, THE NUTCRACKER Date: Tue 21 Apr ‘20 | 19:00
dating, milonga and names we preferred to be called. Date: Tue 17 Dec | 19:15
THE DANTE PROJECT ROMEO AND JULIET
Date: Sun 29 Mar ‘20 | 15:00
THE SLEEPING BEAUTY Date: Thu 28 May ‘20 | 19:15
Date: Thu 16 Jan ‘20 | 19:15
ELEKTRA JEWELS
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO BOOK GO TO
Date: Thu 18 Jun ‘20 | 19:45 Date: Sun 19 Apr ‘20 | 16:00
CURZON.COM
47LI V E E V E NTS LIVE EVENTS
NORTHERN BALLET LIVE SPECIAL EVENTS EXHIBITION ON SCREEN
Where: Canterbury Knutsford Oxford MARGARET ATWOOD: LIVE IN CINEMAS ROGER WATERS US + THEM LEONARDO: THE WORKS 90 mins approx
Richmond Ripon Sheffield Victoria Date: Tue 10 Sept | 19:15 | 110 mins approx Date: Wed 2 Oct | 21:00 | 135 mins approx Date: Tue 29 Oct | 18:30
Wimbledon Where: Aldgate Bloomsbury Canterbury Sun 6 Oct | 14:30 | 135 mins approx Where: Canterbury Colchester Knutsford
Oxford Sheffield Victoria Wimbledon Where: Aldgate Bloomsbury Canterbury Oxford Ripon Sheffield Victoria Wimbledon
DRACULA To celebrate the publication of The Knutsford Oxford Richmond Sheffield Date: Sun 3 Nov | 11:00
Date: Thu 31 Oct | 19:00 | 135 mins approx Victoria Wimbledon
Testaments, her follow-up to The Where: Mayfair Richmond
What better way to spend Halloween than Handmaid’s Tale, Margaret Atwood will Ex-Pink Floyd lead and all-round rock icon Explore the artworks of the great Italian
in the company of this magical adaptation of be in conversation with broadcaster and offers up a truly cinematic filmed recording polymath, screening to coincide with the
Bram Stoker’s classic chiller. author Samira Ahmed, live by satellite. of the European leg of his monumental Us + 500th anniversary of his death.
Them tour.
RIGOLETTO ON THE LAKE 140 mins approx
Date: Tue 17 Sept | 17:30 HITSVILLE: THE MAKING OF MOTOWN
Where: Oxford Date: Mon 30 Sept | 18:15 | 125 mins
Date: Tue 17 Sept | 18:00 Where: Canterbury Knutsford Oxford
Where: Knutsford Richmond Ripon Victoria Richmond Victoria
Date: Wed 18 Sept | 18:00 Date: Mon 30 Sept | 18:00 | 125 mins
Where: Wimbledon Where: Ripon
This screening of Benjamin and Gabe’s filmic
Not just any lake, but the extraordinary stage
history of Motown begins with a live broadcast
on Bregenz lake in Austria.
from the red carpet of the film’s premiere.
One Man Two Guvnors, National Theatre Live
NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE BILLY CONNOLLY: THE SEX LIFE
OF BANDAGES 150 mins approx
Where: Aldgate Bloomsbury Canterbury Date: Thu 10 Oct | 18:00
Colchester Knutsford Mayfair Oxford Where: Oxford Victoria Wimbledon DISCOVER THE WORLD’S
Richmond Ripon Sheffield Victoria
Wimbledon
Date: Thu 10 Oct | 18:15
Where: Canterbury Knutsford Sheffield
BEST NEW FILMS
ONE MAN TWO GUVNORS Wise Children This uproarious show, which finds the great AT CURZON
Date: Thu 26 Sept | 19:00 | 210 mins Scottish comic firing on all cylinders, captures Date: Wed 2 Oct - Sun 13 Oct
To celebrate ten years of National Theatre
WISE CHILDREN 130 mins approx him on his acclaimed tour of Australia. Where: Mayfair Soho
Date: Thu 3 October | 17:30
Live, we welcome back a screening of one of Billy Connolly
Where: Oxford Richmond Ripon The 63rd BFI London Film Festival in
the most popular productions, a perfectly
partnership with American Express
executed farce starring James Corden. Date: Thu 3 October | 18:00
returns to Curzon this October.
Where: Aldgate Bloomsbury Canterbury
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM Sheffield Victoria Wimbledon Featuring the best new features,
Date: Thu 17 Oct | 19:00 | 180 mins This is a chance to catch award-winning documentaries, short films and special
Gwendoline Christie leads the cast in this director Emma Rice’s acclaimed stage events, the #LFF is your chance to see the
Bridge Theatre production, directed by adaptation of Angela Carter’s final novel, year’s most anticipated films from around
Nicholas Hytner. which was produced at York’s Theatre Royal. the world – right on your doorstep.
48 49EV ENTS
FESTIVALS
CURZON WELCOMES THE RETURN OF TWO OF LONDON’S MOST POPULAR FESTIVALS.
MOST SCREENINGS WILL FEATURE Q&AS OR PANEL DISCUSSIONS.
OPEN CITY DOCUMENTARY FESTIVAL WED 4–TUE 10 SEPT ADV 15
For more details on the films screening, go to www.curzoncinemas.com/opencity Also visit
opencitylondon.com/venues/bertha-dochouse/ for details of screenings at Bertha Dochouse.
ELECTIONS THE CROSSES
Date: Wed 4 Sept | 18:30 Where: Soho Date: Sun 8 Sept | 13:45
Director: Alice Riff | Brazil 2018 | 100 mins Where: Bloomsbury
Directors: Teresa Arredondo, Carlos Vásquez
MIDNIGHT FAMILY Méndez | Chile 2018 | 80 mins
Date: Thu 5 Sept | 18:30 Where: Soho
Director: Luke Lorentzen | US 2019 | 81 mins TREASURE ISLAND
Date: Sun 8 Sept | 17:15 Where: Soho
TASTE OF HOPE Director: Guillaume Brac | France 2018 |
Date: Thu 5 Sept | 20:30
96 mins
Where: Bloomsbury
Director: Laura Coppens | Switzerland, BIRTH/MOTHER
Germany 2019 | 70 mins + EXTENDED CONVERSATION WITH NAOMI KAWASE
Date: Mon 9 Sept | 18:30 Where: Soho
THE HOTTEST AUGUST Director: Naomi Kawase | Japan, France |
Date: Fri 6 Sept | 18:30 Where: Soho 43 mins
Director: Brett Story | US 2019 | 94 mins
SHORTS: ON THE BORDER
CABALLERANGO Date: Mon 9 Sept | 20:30 | 96 mins
Date: Fri 6 Sept | 18:30 Where: Bloomsbury
Where: Bloomsbury
Director: Brett Story | Mexico 2018 | 61 mins
THE LAST MALE ON EARTH 15th ROMANIAN FILM
Date: Wed 4 Sept | 15:30 Where: Soho
Director: Floor van der Meulen | Netherlands,
FESTIVAL
Belgium, Germany 2019 | 72 mins
Date: 24-28 October Where: Soho
CHEZ JOLIE COIFFURE
We are delighted to welcome back the
Date: Sat 7 Sept | 18:30
Romanian Film Festival, which will showcase
Where: Bloomsbury
that country’s finest releases from the last
Director: Rosine Mfetgo Mbakam | Belgium
year. The full festival line-up will be published
2018 | 70 mins
shortly, but we can confirm that programme
LAURA GRACE FORD PRESENTS: AN ACT will include Daniel Sandu’s A Step behind
OF UNFORGETTING the Seraphim, Stere Gulea’s Moromete
Date: Sat 7 Sept | 20:40 Where: Soho Family: On the Edge of Time and festival
Directors: Various | UK | 90 mins favourite Adina Pintilie’s Touch Me Not.
50FEATUR E
HOLY MOSES!
The creator of Brass Eye and director of Four Lions returns with
By Wendy Ide
an inspired farce that finds conspiracies in everyday US life
The benchmark of great satire is how close Morris took aim at Islamic terrorism, another
it comes to predicting the truth. And by that subject that people had hitherto not been
measure, Chris Morris, director of The Day inclined to find amusing.
Shall Come, has to be one of the sharpest In the intervening period between Four
satirists of his generation. His trademark Lions and Morris’s latest film The Day Shall
FEATURES
blend of the surreal and the savage was Come, he worked alongside long-time
nurtured alongside that of Armando Iannucci collaborator Iannucci and directed several
on BBC Radio 4 with On the Hour, before episodes of the satirical political series Veep.
moving to television with the current affairs But as Iannucci observed in 2017, somewhere
and news parodies The Day Today and along the way, reality overtook satire; the
Brass Eye. He held up for ridicule the strident Trump administration positioned itself beyond
‘info-tainment’ approach to factual television. parody; truth became more outlandish than
The jokes hit home even though at the time – fiction. Which is why, presumably, Morris’s
the programs were aired in the mid to latest film is rooted, he says, in fact. The
late-1990s, before the concept of clickbait Day Shall Come, the story of a cynical CIA
had taken root – that style of newscasting operation intended to goad a hapless
was not as widespread as it now is. religious crank named Moses into domestic
Morris made the preposterous seem terrorism is based on ‘100 true stories’ of
plausible. He skewered the celebrity culture agency manipulation to bolster arrest figures.
which would whore itself out for insincere The humour is typically astringent, and is
endorsements of whatever issue of the day he garnished with an absurdity which finds a
had invented (the ‘made up’ drug ‘cake’ was kinship with Four Lions.
most memorable). In a way, he predicted the But what’s unexpected here is the
rise of influencers and professional sell-outs. poignancy of the work. The hard edges of
He mocked the outrage journalism which Morris’s intellect are as cutting as ever, but
has now been magnified and has found its there’s empathy for the wrenching plight of
natural home on social media. And he tamed the well-meaning doofus at the heart of the
seemingly untouchable subjects with comedy. story. It’s as though Morris has re-calibrated
The notorious episode of Brass Eye that dealt that well-known equation that states that
with the moral panic around paedophilia ‘tragedy plus time equals comedy’ and found
remains one of the most complained about that, at this time, comedy and tragedy are
programs on British television and prompted pretty much interchangeable.
the Daily Mail to describe him as ‘the most
loathed man on British television’. With Four THE DAY SHALL COME opens 11 October
Lions (2010), his move into feature filmmaking,
53FE ATURE A RECORD OF HUMANITY An extraordinary documentary details the personal impact of war and the bravery of people who choose to fight for the lives of those they love By Ian Haydn Smith The uprising in Syria started, like so many planes had decimated the city while the film is named and to whom it is dedicated. hospital ward in its opening minutes to the uprisings that defined the Arab Spring, with Syrian army progressed, street by street, Shortly after the conflict began, al-Kateab bloodied floors of the makeshift operating students sensing a moment of change. The to rout any opposition. ISIS had been a began a relationship with and then married theatres, the film – which was co-directed by wave calling for democracy, the hope that presence, but as al-Kateab notes in her Hamza, a friend and doctor whose decision Edward Watts – refuses to shy away from the regimes would change through popular and astonishing film For Sama, their atrocities to stay in Aleppo and work in a makeshift horror of what took place. But what remains, widespread demonstrations, gained traction paled against the brutality of the regime hospital helped save countless lives. She after the credits have rolled, is a record of the in late March 2011. For citizen journalist and that had ruled over Syria for generations. gave birth to Sama in 2016 and the film humanity and selflessness displayed by the documentary filmmaker Waad al-Kateab, There have been a glut of documentaries jumps back and forth in time, allowing us a doctors, engineers and builders; the families events in Aleppo, the city she had arrived covering the Syrian conflict over the last few perspective on how the conflict developed who stay to the last because their homes in to study marketing, started for her with years. But few could match the impact and and the devastation it wreaked on the lives and friends are everything to them; and anti-Assad slogans being daubed on a wall. emotional power of al-Kateab’s film. More of those living in Aleppo. (Aerial drone shots al-Kateab’s compassionate lens, showing From there, it escalated rapidly. Previously than an overview of how the uprising began not only show how large the city is, they the world happened to the city of Aleppo. peaceful and hope-filled demonstrations and failed, it is a video diary of the ordinary reveal the full impact of the aerial bombings were met with violence by State and pro- people affected by the conflict. It is also a and ground shelling.) FOR SAMA opens 13 September Assad forces. Injuries became more severe record of the first few years in the life of For Sama is disturbing. And rightly so. Go to page 46 for details of the DocDays event and deaths soon followed. By 2017, Russian al-Kateab’s daughter Sama, after whom the From the shock of the bomb blast on a 54 55
FE ATURE FEATUR E
A NOVEL IDEA
Two new films, a stage production and the literary
event of the year all highlight that the novel is By Ian Haydn Smith
alive and well
News reports about the death of the novel alongside those of Alain with his colleagues,
may have jumped the gun. Even how we revolve around ideas – literary, economic,
read seems to have reversed. The fervour philosophical and political – but it becomes
for e-books appears to have quelled and clear that these are platforms for exploring
even ‘serious’ fiction occasionally makes an these character’s identities. Like a novel,
appearance on booksellers’ lists. These are Assayas peels away the layers to reveal
some of the ideas raised in Olivier Assayas’ people far more fragile than they would like The Goldfinch
latest film Non-Fiction. Essentially a series of to appear and certainly more self-centred
discussions between colleagues, friends and and venal than they would ever wish others
lovers – with the lines between those roles to know.
frequently blurred – the film focuses primarily Finding the heart of a character underpins
on Guillaume Canet’s Alain, the head of a the brilliance of Donna Tartt’s fiction. After
publishing house. Accepting that print and the breakthrough success of her first novel
digital worlds are no longer separate entities, The Secret History and The Little Friend, Tartt
Alain hires Laure (Christa Théret) to oversee scored one of the critical and commercial
‘digital transition’ at the house. This might literary successes of this decade with The
mean making sacrifices, the first of which is to Goldfinch. Her sprawling bildungsroman tells
say no to the latest roman-à-clef by poorly- the story of Theodore Decker, who emerges
selling novelist Léonard Spiegel (Vincent from a terrible event in his childhood a
Macaigne). Seen together, they are immediately haunted young man with a secret that
recognisable types – Alain represents the threatens his life. Tartt has a forensic eye for
smart, trim cultural elite, while Leonard is detail, all in the service of adding colour to
the writer as ruffian, a slightly more feral her characters and Decker is a fascinating
Michel Houellebecq. Selena (Juliette Binoche), young man who, like the central characters
Alain’s partner, is an actor who’s unhappy in Non-Fiction – like us all – reveals only part
with her ongoing role in an action cop drama of himself to the world.
on TV. She doesn’t agree with Alain’s decision Brooklyn director John Crowley is helming
not to publish Leonard. Then there’s the the film version of The Goldfinch, with the
witty Valérie (Nora Hamzawi), Leonard’s far adaptation written by Peter Straughan. It’s
cleverer partner, the chief aide to an aspiring no easy feat bringing an 800-odd page to
Non-Fiction
political candidate. Their group discussions, life, particularly one so rich in detail in bothFEATURE FEATUR E
the main protagonist’s interior life and the
world he lives in. However, Straughan’s track
record is impressive, having adapted both
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011, with Bridget
O’Connor) and Wolf Hall (2015).
An adaptation can bolster the commercial
success of a book. Even Non-Fiction’s Leonard,
with his belief in art without compromise,
might secretly be pleased with the financial
boon of the film or TV rights of his work being
purchased. Few recent adaptations have
attracted such fervour as The Handmaid’s
Tale (2017-). Previously adapted as a film
by Volker Schlöndorff in 1990, HBO’s take
on Margaret Atwood’s sixth novel, originally
published in 1985, seems to have hit a note
with the times we live in. But like Game of
Thrones (2011-19), which outran George R.R.
Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series and
forged its own path, so the TV adaptation of
The Handmaid’s Tale has had to work through
The Handmaid’s Tale an original storyline in order to continue. But Margaret Atwood
now Atwood is back with The Testaments,
which catches up with Offred 15 years after
the original novel. She’s even embarking on
the literary equivalent of a world tour – with a
live broadcast of her discussing the new book.
Angela Carter, like Atwood, excelled at
drawing out feminist themes from her play
with genre elements. And her popularity
was bolstered by a screen adaptation of her
work. Loosely drawing from her short story
collection The Bloody Chamber (1979) and
adapting it herself, A Company of Wolves
(1984) rightly established Carter as one of
our most important writers. The filmed stage
adaptation of her magnificent final novel
Angela Carter
Wise Children (1991) highlights her brilliance
as a fabulist. But it also underpins what
makes the art of creative writing so unique. MARGARET ATWOOD: LIVE IN CINEMAS takes place on
As the Argentinian author Jorge Luis Borges Tue 10 September
once noted, humanity has created some THE GOLDFINCH opens 27 September
extraordinary instruments, from the plough to
WISE CHILDREN screens on 3 October
the telescope. But the book, the art or writing,
NON-FICTION opens 18 October
is the most wondrous. It is ‘an extension of + ON CURZON HOME CINEMA
Wise Children
memory and imagination’.FE ATURE
A CITY
UNDER SIEGE
In the UK, Peter Watkins honed this style with and mortar fire pinning the family down,
Hotel Mumbai recreates the moment in 2008 when the Culloden (1964), which employed a modern Maras keeps his camera close. He adopts
by Neal Baker style of war reporting to examine the the same style for Hotel Mumbai but on a
Indian city became yet another victim of a terrorist attack.
disastrous 1746 battle that quelled the much larger scale. The sense of dread is
Jacobite uprising. Two years later, Gillo palpable (and best conveyed by Dev Patel
Around 8pm on 26 November 2008, ten community centre and the Oberoi-Trident Pontecorvo offered up one of the defining in an extraordinary and commanding
men, mostly members of the Pakistani-based Hotel lasted three days. The second hotel examples of the docudrama with The Battle performance as one of the hotel’s employees)
Islamic terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba, the terrorists attacked, Taj Mahal Palace and of Algiers (1966), an account of the battle for and Maras gives balance to all the people
landed at Mumbai waterfront, near the Tower Hotel, turned into a four-day siege and Algerian independence from France. More fearing for their lives, not just the group of
Gateway to India monument. Dividing into became the focus of the world’s media. The recently, Paul Greengrass has become Western tourists. Like United 93, Hotel
two groups, they unleashed a widespread events that unfolded there are painstakingly synonymous with the style with his films Mumbai is not an entertainment. It grapples
and savagely coordinated attack on locations recreated in Anthony Maras’ powerful and United 93 (2006), Captain Philips (2013) with the kind of event that’s becoming
across the heavily populated metropolis. harrowing docudrama Mumbai Hotel. and July 22 (2018). increasingly commonplace. When discussion
At the end of the four-day assault, at least Docudrama has a long history. Not to be Anthony Maras previously made the short of politics and ideologies can be obfuscatory,
164 people had been killed – including nine mistaken with docufiction which blends The Palace (2011), which focused on a family Hotel Mumbai reminds us that when put into
of the attackers, with the tenth executed in documentary and fiction (such as Robert – a couple, their son and a baby – holed up practice, extremism exacts a terrible toll.
2012 – and over 300 injured. Their attack on Flaherty’s 1924 film Nanook of the North) in an abandoned Ottoman-era palace in
a railway station, hospital and café was docudrama aims to recreate events that Cyprus in 1974, as Turkish troops were HOTEL MUMBAI opens 27 September
immediate and quick. The assault on a Jewish actually took place, albeit in dramatic form. advancing through the island. As bullets
60 61FEATURE
THE TRIUMPH AND TRAGEDY OF A
HOLLYWOOD STAR
Renée Zellweger steps into the shoes of a beloved
by Philip Kemp
but deeply troubled Hollywood icon.
Few Hollywood stars shone as brightly as Judy medications they should take. Some of the
Garland. Rupert Goold’s Judy is an homage to stronger-minded women, such as Katharine
a supreme entertainer, but also details the cost Hepburn and Bette Davis, rebelled as much
of such a life on Garland’s personal and family as they could. But others succumbed. And in
life. Opening in 1969, as the brightness of the some cases, it destroyed their lives.
actor and singer’s star was fading in the US, Judy Garland (born Frances Gumm)
it follows her as she travels to the UK for what was signed up at age 13 by MGM (the studio
would become one of her most celebrated that boasted ‘more stars than there are in
series of live performances. With echoes of the Heaven’) and made half-a-dozen films for
recent Stan & Ollie (2018), which also detailed them before attaining stardom in The Wizard
the resurgence in popularity of two aged movie of Oz (1939). Metro had originally wanted her
favourites when they embark on a stage tour hit number ‘Somewhere over the Rainbow’
of the UK, Judy also highlights how different dropped from the film, feeling it slowed down
this life was for its female stars – particularly the action. But the role won her a Juvenile
those whose careers blossomed in the Golden Oscar and from then on she was considered
Age of Hollywood. one of the studio’s prime assets. Even then,
During that golden age, which spanned they had her on amphetamines to control
from the 1930s through to the ‘60s, the her weight fluctuations, along with sleeping
control exercised by the major studios over pills and pep pills, leading to a lifelong
their stars – especially if they were young and addiction to prescription drugs. When she
female – could be little short of draconian. became pregnant during her first marriage,
Not only did they have their names and to bandleader David Rose, she was
appearances arbitrarily changed and all their pressured into having an abortion.
clothing chosen for them, largely fictitious Her shy, unforced charm continued to
backstories would be made up for them by delight audiences. She made a string of films
studio publicity departments. They would partnered with Mickey Rooney, and triumphed
be instructed where they could go, who they in two joyous musicals: Meet Me in St Louis
could be seen with, what likes and dislikes they (1944), and Easter Parade (1948) with Fred
could express, what they could eat and what Astaire. But her health and lack of confidence
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