This week, the notoriously private David Geffen opens up about his colourful life and career in the compelling documentary King of Hollywood: Inventing David Geffen. Black Swan’s Vincent Cassel is charismatic in the suspenseful French period The Monk, and Downton Abbey’s Elizabeth McGovern stars in another British period piece - although this time she gets to be funny.
This week, the notoriously private David Geffen opens up about his colourful life and career in the compelling documentary King of Hollywood: Inventing David Geffen. Black Swan’s Vincent Cassel is charismatic in the suspenseful French period The Monk, and Downton Abbey’s Elizabeth McGovern stars in another British period piece - although this time she gets to be funny.
Here are my picks for the week, enjoy.
Starring Elizabeth McGovern, Felicity Jones and Luke Treadaway
Directed by Donald Rice
Premieres: Saturday 23rd November, 8.30pm
Remote Record here
Set in England in 1932, this light-hearted drama covers a day in the life of Dolly Thatcham; her wedding day. Weddings bring out the best and worst in families, and when a young man called Joseph arrives unexpectedly at the Thatcham country house he throws the household into chaos. The summer before Joseph and Dolly had a fling, and her mother worries that Joseph’s invitation to Dolly’s wedding means Dolly is reconsidering her plan to marry. There’s a wonderful array of eccentric characters in the ensemble cast, witty British humour and a nice dose of romance to enjoy. Lovers of Downton Abbey in particular will enjoy.
Starring Vincent Cassel, Déborah François, Joséphine Japy
Directed by Dominik Moll
Premieres: Tuesday 19th November, 8.30pm
Remote Record here
A supernatural thriller adapted from Matthew G. Lewis' 1796 gothic novel, The Monk is a dark, broody and sharply shot film driven by a charismatic performance by Vincent Cassel as Brother Ambrosio. Raised by the friars in a monastery outside Madrid, Brother Ambrosio grows up to be a fervent monk whose sermons attract people from miles around. His faith is put to the test when a strange novice is accepted into the monastery and stirs thoughts and desires he has previous suppressed. The Monk deals with religious and spiritual responsibility and clerical corruption, and looks fabulous, but plays out like a racy robe ripper – The Thorn Birds for a new generation!
Starring Cher, Steven Spielberg, Elton John, David Geffen, Barry Diller
Directed by Susan Lacy
Premieres Thursday 21st November, 8.30pm
Remote Record here
David Geffen has long been one of Hollywood’s greatest and most wealthy power players, and in this documentary we get a rare glimpse into his life and career. David Geffen is notoriously private, but he fronts this documentary and in his normal straight up and no BS style tells us how he went from the mail room of William Morris to being the guy that launched the careers of Joni Mitchell, Crosby, Stills and Nash, Tom Cruise and Guns N’ Roses (to name a few). Directed, produced and written by American Masters creator Susan Lacy, this documentary has a conventional documentary format but the subject matter is far from it. Filled with hilarious interviews with legends from the music and film biz, this unflinchingly honest portrait is a fascinating insight into David Geffen, and the entertainment industry.