Another Year is another stunning film from veteran British filmmaker Mike Leigh. It screens on Rialto Channel (Saturday 25th August, 8.30pm) as an addition to this month’s Director’s Series on Sunday nights, which in August celebrates the work of Mr. Leigh.
Another Year is another stunning film from veteran British filmmaker Mike Leigh. It screens on Rialto Channel (Saturday 25th August, 8.30pm) as an addition to this month’s Director’s Showcase on Sunday nights, which in August celebrates the work of Mr. Leigh.
As you’d expect, Another Year has all the characteristics typical of this auteur with plenty of chit-chat and cups of tea as ordinary characters go about their daily lives in an urban setting. Leigh takes the seemingly ordinary and transforms it into something memorable and moving, and with the actors creates characters that go on to define the actors’ careers.
For example, when I think of Sally Hawkins I immediately think of the optimistic Poppy from Leigh’s Happy Go Lucky. When I think of Brenda Blethyn, Secrets and Lies springs to mind, and when I think of Imelda Staunton, the first film I think of from her distinguished resume is Vera Drake.
In Another Year, actress Ruth Sheen makes the biggest impression as Gerri, a counselor enjoying her autumn years with her husband Tom (Jim Broadbent). She’s a perplexing character - kind and tolerant to family and friends who need support, but also a touch patronising. I can’t work out whether she’s a kind soul who genuinely likes to nurture those around her, or whether she surrounds herself with miserable people to make herself feel superior. Regardless, don’t miss this Oscar and Bafta nominated film - it’s one of Leigh’s best in recent years.
My first thought when I saw Rialto Channel was playing a biographical documentary on Harry Belafonte, was, to put it politely, “pass”.
How wrong I was.
Possibly because he was a little before my time I had no idea of Belafonte’s political and humanitarian activism, his commitment to the Civil Rights Movement and his association with Martin Luther King Jr. He put his career, family and life on the line for what he believed in during the McCarthy era, and even stole and married Marlon Brandon’s girlfriend!
Needless to say, I have a different perspective on Harry Belafonte after watching Sing Your Song (Thursday 23rd August, 8.30pm). It’s a thorough and well put-together documentary that takes you through this singer, actor and activist’s life, guided by the man himself. As much as I am surprised to say it – it is one of my highlights of the week!
And if you feel like some light entertainment Italian style, then try Loose Canons (Tuesday 21st August, 8.30pm), a comedy about a wealthy Southern Italian family whose business is thrown into turmoil when its heirs make surprising declarations about themselves and their ambitions.
Directed by Ferzan Özpetek, a Turkish director who trained in Italy where he now resides, Loose Canons tells the story of Tommaso who returns to the family home in the conservative Lecce, the capital of Puglia, to tell his parents he’s gay and is going to be a writer rather than join the family’s pasta making company.
Much to his surprise, he’s upstaged by elder brother Antonio who announces at the dinner table he’s gay too. His father suffers a heart attack, Antonio is banished, and poor old Tomasso must take over the family company. It’s deliciously stylish Italian fun.
Enjoy.