Film

Top five British blockbusters that never were

Top five British blockbusters that never were

This week, less than a year after the coalition closed the UK Film Council, the Prime Minister  announced that the government will be helping British film producers “make commercially successful pictures”, meaning a film will only be as good as the money it makes. With Hollywood churning out a constant stream of sequels, prequels and remakes, we thought we’d offer the new initiative a hand by giving some iconic Brit flicks the Hollywood makeover:  [Read more...]

Culture,Film

The Culture Briefing | Margin Call

The Culture Briefing | Margin Call

New thriller Margin Call delivers a banker’s-eye view of the financial meltdown (but don’t worry, it’s still their fault).  [Read more...]

Film

What it takes to make a prize-winning short

Click to playWhat it takes to make a prize-winning short

The Virgin Media Shorts competition may only be in its third year but has already become a welcome opportunity for aspiring filmmakers to showcase their talents – in 2 minutes, 20 seconds or less. At last night’s awards ceremony, the 12 films shortlisted by the judging panel, which included John Hurt and Paul Greengrass, were screened and the Grand Prize winner announced – this short by Jason Wingard, who gets £30,000 towards his next film and the chance to work with the BFI Film Fund. Think you could do better? There’s always next year. www.virginmediashorts.com

Competitions,Film

Win tickets to The Rum Diary Premiere

Win tickets to The Rum Diary Premiere

Johnny Depp’s new movie, The Rum Diary hits cinemas on November 11 and to mark the occasion we’re offering two tickets to the UK Premiere in London next week. [Read more...]

Film,Top Fives

Five to watch – London Film Festival

Five to watch – London Film Festival

As the 55th London Film Festival kicks off, we’ve picked out a mere five films (there are 300+ in the programme so we have to be realistic) that we’re looking forward to catching over the next few weeks. For full listings go to www.bfi.org.uk/lff/ [Read more...]

Culture,Film

Ryan Gosling – the Fonze of Film?

Ryan Gosling – the Fonze of Film?

In Danish director Nicolas Winding Refn’s new film, Drive, Ryan Gosling plays Driver. No, not James Driver, not Danny Driver, not Jean-Claude Van Driver, just Driver. Because, you know, that’s what he does. In the daytime he does it as a Hollywood stuntman; after hours, he hires out his sweet clutch control to the highest bidding bank robber. And how does he drive? He drives cool. [Read more...]

Film,Style

The greatest shoe never made?

The greatest shoe never made?

Everyone remembers the scene from Back To The Future II when Marty McFly gets his hands on a pair of Nike Mag shoes when he time travels to 2015. Well, this mythical pair is now a reality. [Read more...]

Film

The festival – Kicking and screening

The festival – Kicking and screening

As the routine of a new football season already kicks in (has it only been 4 weeks?), what better way to complement the standard Premiership fare with London’s first ever international football film festival. [Read more...]