Previews: Ad Astra Poster, The Current War, More!

Lots to see in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including the new Ad Astra poster, The Current War, Pain And Glory, and more…

Ad Astra Poster

Here is the brand new Ad Astra poster. The film, directed by James Gray, is about an astronaut who travels to the edge of the solar system to find his missing father. Brad Pitt heads the cast, and is joined by Tommy Lee Jones and Ruth Negga. Ad Astra launches onto UK screens on 18th September 2019.

The Current War Trailer

Above is the trailer for the forthcoming The Current War. Set in the late 19th century, the film is about the rivalry between Thomas Edison and entrepreneur George Westinghouse. The enviable cast includes Michael Shannon, Benedict Cumberbatch, Katherine Waterston, Nicholas Hoult, and Tom Holland. Counting Martin Scorsese as an executive producer, The Current War hits UK cinemas on 26th July 2019.

Pain And Glory Trailer

Here is the latest trailer for Pain And Glory. Directed by Pedro Almodóvar (The Skin I Live In, I’m So Excited), the film is about an ageing film director and a series of re-encounters. The film, which stars Antonio Banderas and Penelope Cruz, will be released in UK cinemas on 23rd August 2019.

21 Bridges Poster

21 Bridges is an upcoming thriller with quite a cast. The film stars Chadwick Boseman, Sienna Miller, Taylor Kitsch, Stephan James, and J.K. Simmons. 21 Bridges is a thriller about a New York detective involved in a city-wide manhunt for a pair of cop killers. The film is set for release in UK cinemas on 27th September 2019.

BFI August Season

There is plenty to look forward to at the BFI Southbank this August, leading with a season of Cary Grant films. Classics such as The Philadelphia Story, His Girl Friday, and Notorious will be screened in August. Other highlights include a preview of Pain And Glory and a Q&A with Pedro Almodóvar, and a preview of Netflix’s upcoming The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance television series. More details of the full programme can be found here.

Film Review: The Skin I Live In

The Skin I Live In is an excellent film. Pedro Almodóvar’s film is unusual and fascinating, and is highly recommended.

After his wife was horrifically burned in a car accident, plastic surgeon Dr Robert Ledgard has been trying to develop artificial skin. After much testing, he has developed skin that is more resilient than natural skin, and is immune to mosquito bites.  With his faithful assistant Marilia at his side, Robert needs to test his creation out on a subject…

What works so well in The Skin I Live In is the way in which the narrative is constructed. Almodóvar throws viewers into the action, before offering some explanation and background in lengthy flashback sequences. The film retains a sense of mystery until the reveal. There are clues, so some viewers may already guess the outcome. Those that do not guess, will find the reveal surprising and welcome. There are indications that the film may head in a different, even more surreal direction.

Despite the dramatic nature of The Skin I Live In, the film does have some humorous moments. In keeping with the tone of the film, any comedy is unmistakably black. The drama in Almodóvar’s film is sometimes shocking, but never unconvincing. The Skin I Live In is very well crafted, and ensures that the audience is always absorbed.

The film walks the fine line between quirky and accessible. The narrative is bizarre and the film offers a number of surreal moments. These are executed very well, and can be amusing or surprising. Nonetheless, the film never veers too far off the path; it is mainstream despite its peculiarities. The film works on a surface level, as well as delving underneath the epidermis.

Art direction in the film is superb. The whole picture is preoccupied with the form. The cinematography is beautiful. It perfectly captures the flawless skin of Vera. The film has a sheen reminiscent of a glossy magazine. It is highly polished and immensely pleasing to the eye.

Antonio Banderas gives a solid performance as Robert. Elena Anaya is fantastic as Vera. Her beauty makes her perfectly for the role, and she shows a good range. Marisa Paredes is great as the loyal Marilia, while Jan Cornet is well cast as Vicente.

The Skin I Live In is highly recommended. If you manage to avoid finding out the reveal beforehand, then the film is even better.

The Skin I Live In Trailer

Pedro Almodóvar’s The Skin I Live In is released on 26th August 2011. The film, starring Antonio Banderas, received praise on its debut at this year’s Cannes Festival. The above teaser trailer is pretty attention-grabbing; it is unclear what direction the film will take. Given Almodóvar’s earlier work, The Skin I Live In is bound to be an interesting watch.