City of Tiny Lights, a modern noir story set in London, is a great showcase for Riz Ahmed’s talents. However, its ambition of addressing the immigrant experience and islamophobia prove more admirable than the execution.
Adaptation
TIFF16: Bronwen Hughes talks Journey is the Destination
Before the world premiere of her new film Journey is the Destination, Canadian filmmaker Bronwen Hughes talked to the Seventh Row about why the film is a passion project, how she mimicked Dan Eldon’s journals in the film’s visual style, and Ben Schnetzer.
Heathers: The Musical at Sydney Opera House
Heathers: The Musical features a great score and talented cast but the flashy direction falters, making it too often vapid.
Whit Stillman on cruelty and wit in Love & Friendship
Although Love & Friendship benefits from Austen’s sharp satire and clever observations, this is still very much a Stillman film, reveling in the humour of what he calls, “upper class twits.” Stillman discusses setting the tone, the importance of words, and the music in the film.
Ben Wheatley’s High-Rise is vacant
Ben Wheatley’s High-Rise is probably easier to like if you haven’t read J.G. Ballard’s novel: you won’t know it’s missing 95% of his ideas. Wheatley’s film can barely offer more than views of Tom Hiddleston’s glorious torso. In Simran Hans’ apt words, High-Rise is willfully “anti-intellectual”.
Les Liaisons Dangereuses shines at the Donmar
Josie Rourke’s production at the Donmar plays up the novel’s feminist subtext while emphasizing the genuine bond between its two dissolute protagonists. The result is a surprisingly romantic take on this cynical novel.