Previews: Proud Mary Trailer, Jigsaw, More!

Plenty in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including the new Proud Mary trailer,  Jigsaw, The Snowman, and more…

Proud Mary Trailer

Here is the new trailer for Proud Mary. Well, you couldn’t really title a film that without featuring Tina Turner’s iconic song. Taraji P. Henson stars as a hit woman working for an organised crime family in Boston. Proud Mary will hit UK screens on 2nd February 2018.

Jigsaw Trailer

Above is the new Jigsaw trailer. The film reignites the Saw franchise, with the killer who was seemingly dead earlier in the series appearing to strike again. Fans of all things creepy will cheer the return of Billy the puppet. Jigsaw is set for release in time for Halloween, on 27th October 2017.

Kingsman: The Golden Circle Trailer

The latest trailer for Kingsman: The Golden Circle reveals a little more about the plot and new characters. The sequel sees the return of Taron Egerton and Colin Firth, who face a new challenge in America. They are joined by an enviable cast that includes Julianne Moore, Channing Tatum, Halle Berry, and Jeff Bridges. Kingsman: The Golden Circle will be released on UK screens on 20th September 2017.

IT Poster

Here is the latest poster for upcoming horror IT. Based on the classic Stephen King novel, the film is about the mysterious disappearance of children in the town of Derry. The film stars Bill Skarsgård as antagonist Pennywise. IT is out in UK cinemas on 8th September 2017.

Only The Brave Trailer

Only The Brave is based on a true story of an elite team of firefighters in American. The film stars Josh Brolin as the leader of the group, who trains his team from local firefighters to well-known task force. The film also stars Miles Teller, Jeff Bridges, and Jennifer Connelly. Only The Brave is set for release later this year.

The Snowman Trailer

This trailer for The Snowman really hones in on the mystery elements of the film. Based on the Jo Nesbø novel, the film is about a detective and his recruit trying to track down a serial killer. The film is directed buy Thomas Alfredson (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy) and stars Michael Fassbender, Rebecca Ferguson, and Charlotte Gainsbourg. The Snowman will hit UK screens on 13th October 2017.

Blade Runner 2049 Trailer

Here is the latest trailer for the hotly anticipated Blade Runner 2049. Set thirty years after the original Blade Runner, the sequel sees the return of Harrison Ford’s Deckard, who has been missing all this time. Ryan Gosling plays K, a LAPD officer. Blade Runner 2049 is out in UK cinemas on 6th October 2017.

Film Review: Nymphomaniac

Lars von Trier’s Nymphomaniac is absorbing, amusing and though-provoking cinema. Behind the rodomontade of controversy, Nymphomaniac is an excellent film.

Seligman finds Joe injured on the streets as he returns to his apartment. Inviting her in to recuperate, self-confessed nymphomaniac Joe begins to tell Seligman her story…

Nymphomaniac Volume I and Volume II are engrossing films best viewed in quick succession. The narrative framing device allows for effective storytelling. Both the storyteller Joe and her listener Seligman are interesting characters. Both bring something compelling to proceedings.

Lars von Trier’s writing in Nymphomaniac is superb. The film works as a straightforward recollection of events. In this way, it is both entertaining and reflective. Notwithstanding, with the addition of other elements, von Trier’s film delivers more. Bringing religion, mythology and mathematics in to embellish the tale adds an extra layer of depth. The interruptions of Seligman (surely a reference to the psychologist rather than a coincidence) are both humorous and insightful.

Much has been made of the prurience of this film, stoked to a certain extent by Nymphomaniac‘s memorable marketing. Whilst the film is very explicit, it is not erotic. The draw here is how the story will unfold. Volume I departs with enough of a hook to reel viewers in for the second part.

Lars von Trier makes the most of nature, as he has done in previous films. Familiar preoccupations of the writer-director are also visible here, with no less potency. Direction is thoughtful, whilst references show a level of sophistication. The use of Rammstein in the film’s opening provides a blistering introduction.

Ultimately, Nymphomaniac is an unequivocally feminist piece. That it uses explicit imagery to tell its story does not negate from the importance or strength of overall message. To a certain extent, the film acts as a riposte to criticism of Antichrist.

Charlotte Gainsbourg is most believable as Joe, as is Stacy Martin as her younger counterpart. Stellan Skarsgård is excellent, whilst Christian Slater and Jamie Bell great. Uma Thurman delivers a star turn in a small role. Shia LaBeouf is less convincing with an erratic accent and hesitant performance.

The protagonists in the film are drawn so well that the shift in these characters is subtle and credible. When the cataclysmic finale arises it is paradoxically shocking and cogent.

Nymphomaniac certainly isn’t for everyone. Nevertheless, the film proves to be provocative and entertaining viewing.

Nymphomaniac Volume I and Volume II are being screened back to back in UK cinemas for one evening only, on Saturday 22nd February 2014.

Film Review: Melancholia

Melancholia is a heart-wrenchingly acute depiction of depression. Those who are not fully absorbed may find the 136-minute running time a bit much, but most will be hooked by Lars von Trier’s film.

On her wedding day, Justine should be the happiest she has ever been. Instead, she cannot seem to shake her negative feelings. At the same time, her sister Claire is anxious about a planet which is set to narrowly pass by Earth in the coming days…

Lars von Trier’s Melancholia is more satisfying film than his last effort Antichrist. There is a completeness to Melancholia that was missing from the 2009 film. Melancholia is more conventional than its predecessor, and this is definitely a good thing.

Notwithstanding, von Trier hallmarks are apparent throughout the film. This is particularly true of the opening sequence. Although the imagery in this segment is beautiful, there is also a healthy dose of pretension. The slow-motion scene seems a specific trait of the director.

The beauty of Melancholia is its ability to compel viewers to identify with Justine, as well as Michael and Claire. Viewers should be able to empathise with Justine, as well as being able to sympathise with the frustration she causes to Claire and Michael. This bodes well for the second half of the film, which lays more emphasis on older sister Claire.

Melancholia‘s portrayal of depression appears incredibly authentic. What makes it so convincing is its multi-faceted nature. The nature of Justine’s plight is made clear as the first half of the film unfolds. It is difficult not to be moved by her condition. Her pained behaviour seems genuine, and illustrative of what a debilitating illness depression is. Similarly, the array of emotions expressed by Claire are equally convincing. The sympathy, frustration and sorrow Claire feels towards her younger sister exemplify why Melancholia is such a great film.

The film is beautifully shot. Lars von Trier and cinematographer Manuel Alberto Claro have done a fantastic job in making the visuals so alluring. There is a good mix of intimate shots and large-scale imagery, and great attention to detail. The effects employed by Melancholia are also good.

Kirsten Dunst offers perhaps her best performance to date as Justine. She is entirely convincing throughout the film. Charlotte Gainsbourg is also great as Claire, while solid support is offered from Alexander Skarsgård, Keifer Sutherland and John Hurt.

Melancholia can be heavy-going, with its sombre subject matter. However, it is an incredibly worthwhile watch.

Melancholia Trailer

http://www.premierpr-online.co.uk/player/player_480x300_no_auto.swf?file=http://www.premierpr-online.co.uk/cinema/me13ia?user=ppr

The cheerfully-titled Melancholia is released in UK cinemas on 30th September 2011. I have been looking forward to seeing the film since it screened at Cannes; you are always promised something interesting from director Lars von Trier, if nothing else. The film features an enviable cast that includes Kirsten Dunst, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Kiefer Sutherland and Alexander Skarsgård. Check out the new trailer for Melancholia above.

The Tree Trailer

The Tree, not to be confused with The Tree of Life, is out in cinemas on 5th August 2011. The film is based on the novel Oh Father Who Art in the Tree by Judy Pascoe. The film is the second feature from director Julie Bertucelli and stars Charlotte Gainsbourg. From the above trailer, the film looks beautifully shot. Given the themes, it may well be a bit of a weepie…