Change Your Image
alecchristie
Reviews
Another Girl Another Planet (1992)
An interesting look at personal relationships
I loved this film. I love the use of pixelvision, the way it obscured the image and gave the audience an impression of the scene rather than a clear view of what was going on. This effectively reflected the central character's lack of clarity over his relationships. I also liked the use of cartoon footage, the elephant, the music and the central metaphor. When I watched this back in 1994 at the Warwick Arts Centre the audience was compelled and engaged by the film. Yes it is experimental but the central theme is one we can all relate to which was dealt with in a clever, innovative and unique way. The use of the Fisher-Price PXL2000 camera just goes to show that even in the digital age despite our obsession with high definition images as long as a story is well told the end result will be compelling. I don't think the choice of camera was a gimmick, as I said before I think the pixelation reflected the central character's own lack of clarity.
Invasion (2005)
Invasion - like Lost but more intelligent
When bright lights fall from the sky during a hurricane Parks Ranger Russell Varon notices changes in his ex wife. Slowly she comes to terms with the fact that she is no longer the woman she was before the hurricane. Varon and family notice changes in the community as more and more of their friends and associates join a survivors group in the local church.
This show was excellently written, well directed and brilliantly acted. An intelligent sci fi thriller that engaged the viewer and posed questions of identity. I am devastated to hear that ABC have cancelled it after just one season. So many questions are left unanswered. I hope they re-consider.
Mrs. Henderson Presents (2005)
It is rare that a movie can make you laugh and cry
Magnificent performances from Bob Hoskins and Judi Dench make this the film of 2005. It is a fantastic example of British cinema doing what it does best. Combining a period setting with comedy, pathos and tragedy this is a film that takes you from tears to laughter in a matter of moments. Judi Dench's opening scene takes us from the sober and controlled environment of a pre-war aristocratic Englishman's funeral to a moment of pure emotional release in the apparent privacy of a rowing boat on an English river. Mrs Henderson copes with the loss of her father not by attending coffee mornings or charity functions, but by purchasing the Windmill Theatre and putting on a bawdy burlesque revue. Enter Bob Hoskins as Vivian Van Damm, the cigar smoking Dutch Jewish theatre manager. The two have a love hate relationship which is so well acted the chemistry between the two of them is electric. (possible spoiler) At one point Mrs Henderson approaches Vivian Van Damm after he has received news of the round up of Dutch Jews by the Nazis. This scene is underplayed which such sensitivity by both actors it elicited an emotional response in myself and all the people I was watching the film with. Excellent casting from Leo Davis. Kelly Reilly is the one to watch out for in 2006. Thelma Barlow and Christopher Guest were hilarious as Lady Conway and Lord Cromer. Martin Sherman script is clever, witty and deeply moving. I left with a tear in my eye and joy in my heart. Unmissable. And Will Young can act as well as sing.