In Modern Times, Charlie Chaplin squares the tragic element in life with his humour and sentinmentality.
Category: Films
The Batman (2022) – The boredom
A tawdry affair, held back by a misguided belief that Batman is a ‘deep’ character worth exploring.
Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949) – Un-kind social commentary
An acerbic comedy tending to the bitter end of bitter-sweet, Kind Hearts and Coronets is an un-kind social commentary
An Cailín Ciúin (2022) – Subtle Irish drama
An Cailín Ciúin wraps you up in its world and that is a sign of very good filmmaking.
La Grande Illusion (1937) – Illusive fraternity
He is not unaware of division, whether it be class, nation or race; but Renoir knew of something deeper, a fraternity.
Le Boucher (1970) – Taut French thriller
A Hitchcockian thriller, ‘Le Boucher’ throws you in at the deep-end and never gives you a chance to catch your breath.
Lightyear (2022) – Infinitely boring
Once a powerhouse, ‘Lightyear’ is another mediocre contribution to Pixar’s ever devaluing stock.
The Lavender Hill Mob (1951) – Finest English whimsy
This film is an example of English whimsy, that delicate humour so suited to a cup of tea and a crumpet, a chortle and a sly wink.
Midnight in Paris (2011) – Learning from St Augustine
St Augustine and Woody Allen may not be an obvious connection, but I’m telling you – it’s there.
Becky Sharp (1935) – an attractive oddity
Mamoulian’s use of lighting and colour prefigure the likes of Douglas Sirk, who would perfect the symbolic and vibrant colourisation of otherwise silly melodramas in the 50s and 60s.