V for Vendetta - 2006 - Hugo Weaving, Natalie Portman, John Hurt

Dark, stylish and definitely provocative.

Written by the Wachowski's (Matrix Trilogy), V for Vendetta is based on Alan Moore's graphic novel and takes place in a Britain that is corrupt; a society run by "the party", and its leader, High Chancellor Adam Sutler (John Hurt). The film follows Evey (Natalie Portman), a meek, unassuming young girl who gets saved by V (Hugo Weaving), a vigilante whose well articulated/masked rebellion against the establishment could be the wake-up call society needs.

What pours out of this film from the outset is its provocative nature through its commentary on social anxiety. V for Vendetta plays on the fear of a totalitarian government, constant surveillance, media manipulation and, of course, corporate greed and corruption. By creating a film that has such dark yet relevant subject matter, it forces questions onto an audience that already possesses these fears.

Where the film lets itself down is in the human story. The sort of romantic sub-plot with V and Evey simply doesn't work. I find they have moments that are attempting to be real and thoughtful but I found it was difficult to translate to the audience due to a distinct lack of sensuality between the characters. What holds the film together quite wonderfully is the always interesting V, whose magnetism ensures the story doesn't fade too far away from the original goal; not through lack of trying with Evey's whole imprisonment period, which I found to be overly involved.

The acting performances and cast were on top form. I found the way Hugo Weaving held the character to be superb; being unable to display facial expression didn't diminish his portrayal due to the brilliant delivery of a script that possessed tendencies of over-complication. The rest of the cast performed admirably, including an enjoyable showing from Stephen Fry as closeted homosexual talk/comedy show host Gordon Deitrich.

Lets itself down at certain parts, yet overall a film that is stylish, extremely entertaining and without a doubt thought-provoking.

J.Henderson

Just about 7/10.

Nightcrawler - 2014 - Jake Gyllenhaal, Rene Russo, Riz Ahmed

A one-man show.

Director and writer Dan Gilroy (writer of The Bourne Legacy (2012)) has created a gripping thriller set in LA's gruesome night-life. Jake Gyllenhaal (Prisoners, Brokeback Mountain) stars as Lou Bloom, a highly motivated man looking for a sustainable career with very little luck until he finds to world of crime journalism. The high-speed life of nightcrawling finds Lou and his employee Rick (Riz Ahmed) hunting down fires, car crashes and murders so that they can get their piece and sell it onto veteran TV news director Nina (Rene Russo). As Lou finds his business growing he continues to pursue bigger and bloodier stories, but how far will Lou go to achieve the perfect news story?

The stand-out aspect, of the whole film, is without a doubt Gyllenhaal. He manages to portray Lou, this deluded, self-important, creep with fathomless brilliance. Lou hands himself the title of CEO of his own 'professional news gathering service', yet in reality this is simply Lou and his 'employee' Rick sitting in Lou's car waiting on the most gruesome 911 call. Gyllenhaal's ability to play the emotionless, sociopathic Bloom carries this film to a height that it would otherwise only wish to be at. This is not to say other aspects of the film are poor, however, Nightcrawler is not a world beater.

The film, at times, is extremely thrilling and has the capability to get your heart pounding. On the other hand, when these pulsating scenes have come and gone the film has moments of feeling terribly slow. Additionally, although Lou Bloom is psychotic beyond compare with a moral compass that is simply non-existent, the development of Bloom as a character is lacking completely, with the viewer knowing everything about his make-up within 5 minutes.

Although the performances of Russo and Riz Ahmed (Four Lions) are perfectly admirable, Nightcrawler unfortunately has the feel of a one-man show as Jake Gyllenhaal will, for sure, get many nominations for this performance. Dan Gilroy has delivered an excellent directorial debut with moments of superb intensity with a lead character that you just cannot take your eyes off; unfortunately, the overall film is just slightly lacking.

Should be watched just for Gyllenhaal.

J.Henderson

7/10

  

Glue - 2014 - Billy Howle, Jordan Stephens, Callum Turner.

Much more than a whodunnit.

Writer Jack Thorne (Skins, This is England 86') creates Glue, a teen drama set in a remote village in the English countryside. When the body of Cal Bray (Tommy Knight) is found face down in the mud, the investigation into his death forces his friends, and this quiet village, to confront their own demons and dark secrets; secrets that will change the face of this small community forever.

From the outset of the series it is clear that Glue is more than a simple whodunnit; with diverse and complicated characters forced upon the viewer due to the almost claustrophobic nature of the intertwining relationships in this remote community. Jack Thorne manages to create a bizzare situation whereby you feel that everyone involved are the closest of friends only for lies and secrets to throw all of it up in the air. This brilliant aspect of the writing means that Thorne has created a drama that has the potential to continuously keep the audience guessing and be fixed firmly to the edge of their seat.

Although the cast is young, they are certainly talented. Jordan Stephens, of Rizzle Kicks fame, gives an extremely enjoyable performance as the care-free, slightly sociopathic Rob, who cares more for having a good time than trying to come to terms with the backlash of the murder investigation. However, the stand-out performance for me is Billy Howle. Howle plays James Warwick quite brilliantly; you can feel the tension in the relationship with his mother, you can see how he feels trapped in his life and that he wants nothing more than to get away. Howle, along with Thorne's script, manages to translate James' journey throughout the series superbly.

I am trying to discuss Glue with no spoilers at all because I found the whole series to be a rollercoaster that I couldn't stop myself from talking about; from trying to piece together the clues left in each episode, only to find out I was completly wrong. But, I'm afraid, there is very little I can discuss without giving something away, therfore, I will leave you with this - as Telegraph writer Jonathan McAloon puts it, Glue is "a triumph of style and content" and I believe it should not be missed.

Catch up now on 4oD!

J.Henderson.