Tag Archives: Acting

TinTin Review

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TinTin is a must-see film. Although the Guardian gave it a poor review, for which they have rightly now been castigated, I cannot find anyone else who agrees with them. TinTin is already famous, so it was brave of Steven Spielberg to make a film on a childhood classic. He does not disappoint.

Although 3D is not a new thing, it has become the gimmick of the moment. While waiting for the film to start, it seemed that every film made in the last 10 years had a trailer announcing they would be in the cinema soon in ‘full 3D’. This is not a complaint, only an observation. I saw TinTin in 3D and definitely think it was worth donning the specs. Not every film needs to be in 3D, but some of the scenes, without giving anything away, really worked.

Spielberg is a master storyteller. He makes the kind of films the cinema experience was made for and TinTin is no exception of his talents. A rip-roaring, entertaining film. Spectacular animation, some of the best you have ever seen, and technically incredible. The voice acting was amazing and the characters were brought to life wonderfully. Though what do you expect from a film which is not only directed by Steven Spielberg, but also has Peter Jackson on the second unit?

My only complaint is the film is a PG, so you might be in the cinema with some badly behaved children whose parents won’t tell them to be quiet.

Five stars. Loved it.

Kristen Stewart Takes British Glamour Cover, Robert Pattinson

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Kristen Stewart is the cover star of British Glamour’s December 2011 issue. She looks amazing and talks of her love of ‘everything’ British inside, including, ahem, the men, as she finally admits to dating Robert Pattinson.

Stewart reveals that the Twilight sex scene between her and real life boyfriend Robert was so steamy it initially got an R rating. Stewart also said; “Doing the sex scene was weird. I was like, ‘Bella! What are you doing? Wow!'”

She also says that she tried too hard to be ‘not fake’ when she was younger and that, ‘The first time Rob was ‘sexiest man in the world’, it was the biggest joke.’

 

 

Rosemary Lee’s Square Dances – Gordon Square by Mary Tynan

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Rosemary Lee’s Square Dances – Gordon Square (part of Dance Umbrella www.danceumbrella.co.uk)

12 performances of Square Dances were held in each of Woburn, Gordon, Queen and Brunswick Squares over the weekend of 8/9 October 2011. I attended the 12pm show in Gordon Square.

Knowing that I was to attend a performance where all the dancers would be carrying handbells, I imagined them as some sort of rhythmic punctuation to an energetic country-style dance, perhaps vaguely Morris or maypole like. The name, Square Dances, also reinforced this impression. However, I couldn’t have been more wrong. The bells were not used to mark time, they were the music – a specially written score by Terry Mann – and created a haunting, ethereal sound which was even slightly disturbing at times.

The choreography appeared to be more ballet than folk inspired. Entering suddenly but softly into one end of the square, the more than 100 dancers conjured up a feeling of nature coming to life, as if the spirit of the place had appeared to share its joys and sorrows with the audience. The execution was flawless, movements flowing together as the performers spread out throughout the garden, or come together in one large group under a tree. After 15 minutes of delight, the dancers gracefully slipped out through the opposite end from which they had entered, the sound of the bells gently fading away as the moved further down the street.

A special experience.

Mary Tynan

Angelina Jolie's Directorial Debut, Trailer Released.

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If there was an award for over-achieving Angelina Jolie would definitely win it, an Oscar winning actor, six children, Brad Pitt on her arm, and an activist.

Layed up with flu for a few days and quarantined from her children, she banged out the script for ‘In the Land of Blood and Honey’, her directorial debut. A women of substance, Jolie’s debut is a political film about the war in Bosnia. It looks amazing, and we can’t wait to see it. Check it out below.

In the Land of Blood and Honey opens on Dec. 23.

Frost Interviews Film Director Peter Chipping

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Frost: Did you always want to be a director?

PC: I guess so – although I started as an editor & that seemed a great role, like finishing a jigsaw puzzle from a large pile of disparate elements, many of which don’t seem to join together. Then I realised I’d like to create those disparate elements myself, but not make them quite as disparate.

How did you get your start in the business?

I started in theatre & Yvonne Arnaud in Guildford, before enrolling at Ravensbourne for a new TV course, them got my first job at Central TV in Birmingham.

What was your big break?

Editing Crossroads.

What is your favourite thing about working in film?

Teamwork: No matter what ideas I get, there’s always other people who can add to them & make them better.

And the least?

The gaps between projects.

What are you working on at the moment?

Three short interlocked comedies, two 60 minute broadcast documentaries and a feature paranormal thriller.

What is your favourite film?

The Conversation.

What mistakes do actors make at auditions?

Not show the range of emotions that is available in their arsenal.

What projects are you hoping to get off the ground?

A feature paranormal thriller.

Favourite actress?

Michelle Pfeiffer in The Fabulous Baker Boys.

Thanks Peter.

Karenina in Camden

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Walking in to the small, cosy auditorium of the Lord Stanley theatre, I had little knowledge of the story of Anna Karenina. After the show, I left with a comprehensive understanding of the tragedy. Victor Sobchak’s adaptation clearly revealed the intricacies of the relationships of the protagonist, as well as those around her, which I am sure was no mean feat against the works of Tolstoy. Throughout most of the piece, the text was given life through a mixture of solid acting, and technical support. However, much of the action took place against the back wall of the stage, leaving a large space between the action and the audience. I found myself craving proximity, and was rewarded with this when monologues encouraged it.

Anna’s husband, Alexei Karenin (played by Ian Sharrock), took the space when enlightening us upon his disgust at his wife’s unfaithfulness. Sharrock’s portrayal of Karenin’s gradual demise into pathos was touching to watch. His brave character choices were followed consistently, working well in opposition to those of Lucia Edwards’, playing Anna. The result was a bizarre, but real sensory aesthetic that was unashamedly thrust upon the audience. Edwards’ choices were far more subtle, with a gentler, contemplative approach to her interaction with others. Without a doubt, on the whole, this worked. On occasion, however, the character could have explored her primitive, guttural angst, letting her hidden frustration rear its head, and upping the ante for some of the more heart-driven scenes.

The music and choreography worked particularly well during a movement sequence in which Anna was symbolically impregnated by a kind of metaphorical sense of impending doom, represented through physical theatre. The lights turned blood red as sinister laughs from the wings transformed themselves into bodies, fingers and limbs, moving around the space, and smothering Anna’s aching body.

There was a tendency towards speaking quietly and intimately, sticking with the realism of the style, but losing some theatricality that keeps us engaged. However, this sense of theatricality was revitalised when Jamie Hufges-Ward (playing Stiva), Lily Alyss (as Betsy), and Nalan Burgess (Kitty) began to speak. This contrast in vocal energy and range was a welcome boost from the general intimacy of the piece, allowing the story to be shared more directly with the audience, whilst retaining its truthfulness.

The play is a dark, but gentle introduction into the world of Tolstoy. It is sure to be of interest to those familiar with his works, and worth a try for those who want to be. Theatre Collection’s adaptation of Leo Tolstoy’s ‘Anna Karenina’ plays at the Lord Stanley theatre until the 16th October.

Magazine Round-Up Part 2: Rihanna Takes Vogue Cover

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British Vogue has Rihanna on the cover. She is interviewed inside and says ‘Whatever my mojo tells me, that’s what I’m going to do’.

Tilda Swindon is interviewed.

Scion of the fashion dynasty Maxmara, Maria Giulia Prezioso Maramotti is interviewed by Vogue and she tells them that ‘my mother impressed on me that to be elegant you have to avoid overdressing’.

Articles on Coco Chanel, Jean-Paul Goude, Bryce Dallas Howard on her, and her characters, style, director Martina Amati, Sylvia Plath’s daughter Frieda Hughes, Dolores and Carmen Chaplin, Miss V covers Mark Ronsons wedding, David and Serena Linley, Hannah Rothschild on Leonardo da Vinci, the new breed of entrepreneurs, Vogue dons white coats and learned how to give good facials, Norma Kamali – and doesn’t she look amazing! Katie Holmes gives her Style File.

Most magazines this month had at least one article on perfume.

There is a rise in vegetarians, but Vogue has a good article on people rediscovering meat.

Marie Claire has Reese Witherspoon on the cover. ‘I didn’t realise how anxious I was about being a single parent’ she tells Marie Claire.

There is a new column from writer Lindsay Kelk; a Northern lass turned New York singleton who will be charting her journey to find Mr Right.

Marie Claire reports on a beauty pageant for men to become the cover stars of romance novels, yes, really.

There is a really good article on the inspirational Mary Portas. Make your wardrobe fashion editor fabulous. Jamie Oliver, Are you the new Type A? , DNA Dating, Is it time for a career shuffle?, Martin Daubney gives it all up to become a full-time father, Dolly Parton, Gossip Girl Stylist Eric Daman, Tali Lennox, Nicole Roberts.

My life in books by Caroline Aherne.

Lionel Shriver, Rachel Evan Woods, perfume, save your skin facials, Christina Aguilera, curb your cravings. 12 reasons you’re tired all the time, Pixie Lott’s food heaven.

Marie Claire have a special sex section, ahem. No comment from me.

Vanity Fair has Johnny Depp on the cover. ‘Basically if they’re going to pay me the stupid money, I’m going to take it’ he says.

Florence Welch, Mario Batali, Amber Heard, Bobbi Brown, Tinie Tempah, Moby Dick, The Tea Party, Tailor’s Anderson and Sheppard, Marisa Berenson, Haruki Murakami, Michael Lewis asks if California will sink the US, Elisabeth Warren, gossip columnist Liz Smith, Milton Gendal, Meryl Streep as Margaret Thatcher, Courtney Love unravels, Woody Allen, Ethan Coen, Elaine May, Desmond Tutu.

There is a free supplement: Vanity Fair On Couture with Rebecca Hall on the cover. Catherine Middleton is on their best dressed, Giorgio Armani, Nicky Haslam, Giambattista versus Azzedine Alaia, Karl Lagerfield, Chanel, Ann Bonfoey Taylor, Elie Saab, Daphne Guinness, Amanda Harlech, Lucy Birley.

The Hamptons International Film Festival

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Now entering its 19th year, The Hamptons International Film Festival was
founded to celebrate independent film, and to introduce a unique and varied
spectrum of international films and filmmakers to its audiences. Set for
October 13-17, the festival is committed to exhibiting films that express
fresh voices and differing global perspectives, aiming to enlighten
audiences, provide invaluable exposure for filmmakers and present inspired
entertainment for all.

For this year’s festival, T&F was responsible for the design and production
of promo spots which began airing widely last week. T&F also did a
tremendous amount of editorial work on its original live-action content —
and audio, leveraging original music and sound designs donated by Copilot.

Here’s the link to see the :15 promo: <http://vimeo.com/29840585>
http://vimeo.com/29840585

“The Hamptons International Film Festival has been going strong for many
years, and for good reason,” T&F partner and director Scott Matz says.
“Though we had a relatively clean slate to build upon, we were tasked with
remaining loyal to the brand equity of the HIFF established last year by
Greenfield & Co. We originally pitched a great deal of creative. Some was
driven by graphic animation and some by live-action storytelling. Our team
ultimately landed on a mix of both for the festival.

“Our team continues to be incredibly passionate about what we do and is
growing in inspiring ways,” Scott adds. “Our work for the HIFF is yet
another testament to the fact that we never compromise great creative
vision, and we firmly believe in only the highest production value.”

For more information, please visit http://hamptonsfilmfest.org.