Films

The revolution introduced me to art, and art, in its own turn, brought me to the revolution.

Sergei Eisenstein

Wednesday, 02 November 2016 15:35

I, Daniel Blake demands a political response

Written by Mark Stephens

in Films

Professor Mark Stephens argues that the underlying solution to the misery inflicted on the characters portrayed in David Loach’s film lies in reforming policy, not charity. Ken Loach’s Palme d’Or winning film, I, Daniel Blake, has publicised the way in which the social security system is administered and, in particular,…

Daniel Blake Ken Loach DWP

Thursday, 13 October 2016 14:53

‘Bomb the river’: space, class, and masculinity in Shane Meadows' films

Written by Steve Presence

in Films

Steve Presence looks at the way space, class and masculinity are represented in two films directed by Shane Meadows. Introducing his book Cinematic Countrysides (2007), Robert Fish emphasises the ‘rich and diverse spatial imagery’ evoked when considering cinematic representations of rural space. Exploring representations of the countryside on film also,…

Shane Meadows Twentyfourseven A Room for Romeo Brass

K2_PUBLISHED_ON Wednesday, 12 October 2016 14:49

‘Poor Cinema’ links Cuba with Scotland

in Films

Written by Chris Bartter

Chris Bartter tells us about an unlikely countercultural film festival in Cuba, and an even more unlikely link with Glasgow. What do you think of when you hear the words ‘Film Festival’? Cannes? Celebrities? Multi-million media tycoons? It might be good to bring your attention to an increasingly celebrated film…

Cine Pobro Glasgow Film Festival Tangerine

K2_PUBLISHED_ON Saturday, 17 September 2016 14:14

'If we stop fighting, the world will die': a review of Casablanca

in Films

Written by Phil Brett

Phil Brett draws some lessons for today's refugee crisis from Casablanca. Casablanca often features in lists of favourite films, and often receives highbrow scoffing. The novelist and critic Umberto Eco, for example, says of the movie, 'To make a good story, a single archetype is usually good enough. But Casablanca…

K2_PUBLISHED_ON Friday, 19 August 2016 15:58

Films for Corbyn

in Films

Written by Andrew Warburton

Andrew Warburton interviews one of the organisers of screenings of some socialist films at the islington Mill, Salford. One proof of Jeremy Corbyn’s ability to inspire grassroots action among Labour members and in the community as a whole is the ever-expanding list of cultural projects and activities bearing the name…

jeremy corbyn Momentum Islington Mill

K2_PUBLISHED_ON Sunday, 19 June 2016 17:36

Once Upon a Time this West was full of Radicals: Sergio Leone, Revolution and Religion

in Films

Written by James Crossley

James Crossley analyses Sergio Leone's spaghetti Westerns, unearthing their twin discourses of a materialist explanation of American capitalism and an expression of a revolutionary Christianity. Even if someone has somehow not seen Sergio Leone’s Westerns, the poncho-wearing, cigar-smoking, gun-toting, stubble-growing image of its breakout star, Clint Eastwood, as well as…

Sergio Leone Clint Eastwood Ennio Morricone Fistful of Dollars The Good the bad and the ugly once upon a time in the west

Tuesday, 07 June 2016 19:21

Sleaford Mods: Invisible Britain

Written by Will Stone

in Films

Is there a British band in today's music industry that definitively reflects or comments on the consequences of Tory austerity? Or one that is a direct reaction to 21st century Toryism? Well, the makers of new documentary Sleaford Mods: Invisible Britain seem to think so. But who are the Sleaford Mods? Not…

Tuesday, 26 April 2016 15:19

Streams from the same water: a review of The Pearl Button

Written by Elliott O'Sullivan

in Films

Elliot O'Sullivan reviews the second film in Patricio Guzman's trilogy about Chilean culture and politics. 'We are all streams from the same water', says the narrator in Guzman's new film. There are moments of wide eyed wonder in The Pearl Button, and there is plenty of sorrow and heartbreak as…

Guzman Chile cultural genocide

Thursday, 10 March 2016 12:38

The Big Short

Written by Alex Simpson

in Films

Is 'The Big Short' a big con? Alex Simpson looks closely at a film where Robin Hood steals money from the rich and keeps it for himself. At heart, ‘The Big Short’ – which just won Best Adapted Screenplay at the Oscars – is a parable. Much like Robin Hood,…

finance capitalism Wall Street Hollywood

Friday, 19 February 2016 21:56

Don't Tell Him Pike!

Written by Mark Perryman

in Films

Mark Perryman describes Dad’s Army as the most popular front of them all. 1968 was a tumultuous year. The Tet Offensive, the civil rights movement, the May events of ‘Paris, London, Rome, Berlin/We shall fight, we will win’ and the Prague Spring. This was also the year, 15th April to…

Dad's Army AntiFascism