FILM BUFFS
Mary Thießen
FilmBuffs@biwc.de
Tuesday, 29 June, time to be advised
Easy Virtue
Based on the play by Noel Coward
Directed by Stephen Elliott
Cast: Ben Barnes, Jessica Biel, Kristin Scott Thomas & Colin Firth
The “Roaring Twenties” have gone and the “Swinging Thirties” have not started. Between world wars, the Whittakers‘ estate is declining, only the iron will of Mrs. Whittaker staves off bankruptcy.
In 1929 John Whittaker returns home to Britain after a lengthy absence on the Continent. His mother is thrilled at the news, but is shocked when he arrives with his new bride, Larita. Not only is he married, but his wife is a sexy, glamorous, blond American who has a mind of her own and an interesting occupation. She is a racing car driver who just won the race at Monte Carlo. John’s father takes an immediate liking to Larita, but, as far as his mother is concerned, she is the worst possible choice. She is also concerned that her son will soon leave again as Larita is expecting them to relocate to London after a short visit. Mother has her own ideas and soon it’s outright war between them. When Mrs. Whittaker learns something about Larita’s past it creates a rift between her and John which may be irreparable.
►Venue: probably Cinestar Sony Centre
►Registration: please contact Anna at amlynarek@hotmail.com
I am definitely going against the tide for the next two film events. One might anticipate some light summer fare for the Film Buffs outings in July and August, but no, these films are apt to be challenging in more ways then one.
Why not join me this summer for 2 non-English-language films; both prize-winners of international film festivals? These films are not your usual fare. If you want an intellectual and cinematic experience after the disappointment of “Sex and the City 2”, then come along.
Tuesday, 6 July, Time and location to be announced
Women without Men (O.T. Zanan-e bedun-e mardan)
Shirin Neshat won the Silver Lion at Venice as “Best Director” for her début film, “Women without Men”. Neshat, born in Iran and educated in art studies in the USA, made her mark on the art world with her photo series “Women of Allah”, which followed her visit to Iran in 1990. This feature film, her first, won international attention upon receiving the prestigious film award in 2009. She will make an appearance in Berlin at the premiere of her film at the Cinema Paris on 30 June.
Synopsis:
Against the tumultuous backdrop of Iran's 1953 CIA-backed coup d'état, the destinies of four women converge in a beautiful orchard garden, where they find independence, solace and companionship.(Imdb), in Persian (or German), 95 min.
Let me know asap if you want to come to the July screening.
Monday, 30 August (contact me for details of time and place)
Bal – Honig (aka “Honey”)
This Turkish film won the 2010 Berlinale’s Berlin Bear. Semih Kaplanoglu’s film tells the poet’s story of his childhood in Anatolia, from the child’s perspective, in wonderfully photographed and highly atmospheric scenes. In Turkish (or German) 103 min.
Here are two further recommendations:
(see also Cinema Scene for further reviews)
Lebanon. Samuel Maoz, Israeli director. Winner of the 2009 Venice Golden Lion. 93 min., in Hebrew and Arabic (mostly). Starts 15 July. June, 1982 – The First Lebanon War. A lone tank and a paratroopers’ platoon are dispatched to search a hostile
town – a simple mission that turns into a nightmare. What is truly amazing is that the whole film’s location is inside the tank! It reminded me of “Das Boot”, but in an even more confined space!!
Das Leben ist zu lang. Dany Levy, director. In German. Starts 26 August
I enjoyed Levy’s “Alles auf Zucker”, and look forward to his cast of so many German stars in this dramatic comedy about a film director’s search-for-meaning crisis.
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