Stuff To Look At

Plenty of cinematic treasure this week, with the new A Million Ways to Die in the West trailer, Noah, Captain America: The Winter Soldier and more…

A Million Ways to Die in the West

Warning: this A Million Ways to Die in the West trailer is red band. A Million Ways to Die in the West is the latest film from Seth MacFarlane, who also leads a cast that includes Charlize Theron and Liam Neeson. A Million Ways to Die in the West is set for release on 6th June 2014 in the UK.

Noah

This is the Superbowl TV spot for Darren Aronofsky’s Noah. It is an intriguing prospect; a director like Aronofsky doing a large-scale biblical epic. The story of Noah does not seem meaty enough for a feature film, so it plot must be fleshed out somehow. The mystery of the unicorns perhaps. Noah is released in UK cinemas on 4th April 2014.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier

This new character poster for Captain America: The Winter Soldier suggests Scarlet Johansson’s Black Widow has a prominent role to play in this Marvel sequel. Given her somewhat ambiguous nature in previous appearances, it will be interesting to see what director’s Anthony and Joe Russo do with her here. Captain America: The Winter Soldier is hits UK screens on 26th March 2014.

The LEGO Movie

I used to love Lego so I find The LEGO Movie appealing. From the above featurette, the film smartly does not seem to take itself seriously. With a host of star names and featuring Batman, I am hoping the film will be an amusing adventure. The LEGO Movie is released in cinemas on 14th February 2014.

A Long Way Down

An adaptation of Nick Hornby’s novel, A Long Way Down offers a rather macabre premise made humorous. Starring Pierce Brosnan, Toni Collette and Aaron Paul, A Long Way Down is out in UK cinemas on 21st March 2014.

Starred Up

Starred Up is a new British drama starring Jack O’Connell and Rupert Friend. The film is about Eric, a troubled teenager transitioning from young offenders’ institute to prison. You can watch the trailer here. Starred Up is released on 21st March 2014.

Maleficent

This new trailer for Maleficent was released earlier this week, with Lana Del Ray’s rendition of ‘Once Upon a Dream’. Angelina Jolie was looks like she was made for the title role, in physical appearance at least. Maleficent looks like it will be quite dark, going back to its fairy tale roots. Maleficent hits UK cinemas on 30 May 2014.

The Invisible Woman

Here is a TV spot for the upcoming film The Invisible Woman. The story of Charles Dickens and his young lover Nelly, the film stars Ralph Fiennes (who also directs) and Felicity Jones. You can read my review here. The Invisible Woman is released nationwide in the UK on 21st February 2014.

Film Review: The Invisible Woman

Ralph Fiennes’ The Invisible Woman is beautifully shot and well acted. Unfortunately, it is also rather dull.

Nelly Ternan is an aspiring young actress from a family of performers. When she meets author Charles Dickens at the height of his career, the pair begin a friendship that will have significant consequences to both their lives…

Ralph Fiennes’ second directorial outing is a period drama based on Charles Dickens and his relationship with the young Nelly Ternan. The Invisible Woman‘s narrative unfolds at a glacial pace. There is some substance to the actual story, which screenwriter Abi Morgan based on Claire Tomalin’s book. However, the few scenes of ardour do not balance out the rest of the film, which feels stripped of passion.

The film concentrates on the developing relationship between Dickens and the young actress. The focus, as the title suggests, is more on Nelly. Given the framing device employed, it would have been interesting to briefly account for the time in between the periods that the film depicts.

The Invisible Woman portrays Charles Dickens as an interesting and charismatic fellow. It is not difficult to see why people where drawn to him. There is not much to Nelly besides a pervading feeling of forlornness. It is difficult to be excited by this protagonist.

The Invisible Woman is beautifully shot by Fiennes. There are plenty of close ups to give a sense of intensity, especially combined with a good use of lighting. The costumes are also great. Fiennes makes a convincing Charles Dickens, whilst Joanna Scanlan puts in a fantastic turn as Catherine Dickens.

The Invisible Woman looks the part of a sumptuous period drama, but falls flat in terms of generating emotion and an engrossing narrative.

The Invisible Woman is being screened at the BFI London Film Festival in October 2013.