North By Northwest

A Timeless Classic

Director: Alfred Hitchcock

Release Date: 1959

Rating: PG
Running Time: 130 mins

Genre: Action/ Comedy/ Mystery
Actors: Cary Grant, Eva Marie Saint

If anyone see's a crop-duster these days, most will be able to picture Cary Grant trying to out run it.

Cary Grant is given his turn to team up with the spectacular Alfred Hitchcock in the tense mystery classic ‘North by Northwest’. When New York advertising executive, Roger Thornhill (Cary Grant) is kidnapped and misread for a supposed government agent, he’s forced to go on the run from just about everyone and pushed right to the edge for survival. Fantastically tense and captivating thriller, audiences are able to really see the great director take on the ‘action’ genre of cinema and again produce, what is arguably a highly original cinematic experience, way ahead of its time.

In spite of ‘North by Northwest’ being a rather confusing story for audiences throughout the majority of the film, I found myself rather enjoying the adventure all the same. I was especially impressed by the way that Hitchcock could still entertain the audience through the comedy and light-hearted humor that was smartly woven into the rather serious story. One of the most admirable things about Alfred Hitchcock’s films, is how there are a large amount of enigmas and mystery’s thrown in to confuse and almost ‘play’ with the audience. Straight away for me ‘North by Northwest’ grabbed me as an intriguing and mystifying story but also very witty. One particular scene that stood out for me, showed Cary Grant being taken into a police station in a heavy state of inebriation after a very serious drink driving episode where he almost drove a Mercedes convertible off a cliff and is then forced spend the night in jail.

It’s safe to say this film does not hold back on being so wonderfully ‘Hitchcock’. ‘North by Northwest’, like other films by the director, features many of the typical ‘Hitchcock stamps’ and typical clichés repeated in most of his films.  At the very start we see a cameo from Alfred Hitchcock running for a bus about to drive off where the doors close on him, adding to the comedy side of the film. Moreover, another is the trademark blonde girl, played by Eva Marie Saint as the heroin and romantic interest of the protagonist; other Hitchcock films include dazzling actresses such as Grace Kelly and Tippi Hedren. Nevertheless it also can be argued that ‘North by Northwest’ is able to offer a different type of genre for the Hitchcock fans as it’s able to explore so much more in terms of scenery. If we look at works by Hitchcock prior to this film such as ‘Rear Window’ and ‘Rope’,  we see both take place in the same setting throughout both of the films, therefore meaning they don’t really explore much in terms of scenery and locations. As well as this we are able to see Hitchcock work with a new leading role rather than Jimmy Stewart, seen in other works such as ‘Rope’, ‘Vertigo’ and ‘Rear Window’. Yet despite this the role of Roger Thornhill did appear to be similar roles James Stewart has played in the past so it was surprising that Hitchcock didn't go with him for the part. Nonetheless Cary Grant portrays the character very well and provides a highly creditable and humorous performance in this film, finding the perfect combination of comedy, romance and tension.

It’s safe to say with ‘North by Northwest’ that Alfred Hitchcock really didn't want to give anything away with his rather ambiguous title given that it doesn't really tell us anything at all about what the film might involve.  So the confusing and strange film is definitely one to check out despite it leaving the audience constantly guessing and asking questions.

Typical Hitchcock playing with us all.

8/10

Rear Window

The Master of Suspense At His Best

Director: Alfred Hitchcock

Release Date: 1954

Rating: PG

Running Time: 112mins

Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Starring: James Stewart, Grace Kelly

'6 weeks I've been stuck in this apartment with nothing to do but look out the window at the neighbours.'

The legendary Alfred Hitchcock teams up once again with the brilliant Jimmy Stewart to produce the fascinating ‘Rear Window’. This film for me is such a classic ‘Hitchcock type’ film in the way that it’s shot and directed, I was amazed at the simplicity of the idea but the overall complexity of the story. The audience are really made to focus on this film and are left asking question throughout as we continue to see the events unfolding outside the rear window. Hitchcock is able to do this in such a unique way that really makes ‘Rear Window’ stand out as a real timeless piece.

When Jeff Jefferies (James Stewart) breaks his leg, he is made wheelchair bound for the next two months and is therefore trapped in his apartment with nothing to do other than look out the window at his neighbours lives. The film is able to capture a number of different stories and characters from the point of view of James Stewart and really make the audience feel like they’re seeing the world through his eyes. It’s amazing how Hitchcock is able to capture the frustration of being in one room for the whole film, but furthermore how he can keep the audience intrigued for the whole film.

What’s so great about Hitchcock’s work is the originality of it all and arguably how ahead of it’s time his films are. In ‘Read Window’ the film can be said to be a representation of how nosy and interested in other peoples business the world was becoming at that time. This is shown through the way the camera keeps panning to other apartment windows and we see a new story that keeps being returned to as the film progresses making us interested in what’s going on with all the neighbors and what’s more impressive is how Hitchcock is able to almost make the audience feel guilty as they too are spying.

James Stewart, known from other films such as ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ and ‘Vertigo’ is able to once again able to deliver high standard performance in this bizarre mystery thriller. The majority of film takes place in his character’s apartment, as he is unable to leave, so the camera for the most part will pan around the various sights out the window from his perspective and then cut to show his reactions adding elements of comedy and humor, but also suspicion as the film develops. Once again we are able to see James Steward do what he did best, be James Stewart in front of a camera, due to his character being similar to other roles he’s done prior, none the less carrying out a superb performance.

Alfred Hitchcock also uses another trademark featured in all his films, the ‘blonde heroin’. This time performed by Grace Kelly who is able to bring a coating of romance and sexuality to the part making ‘Rear Window’ quite a broad film in terms of it’s genre. The film does focus quite heavily on the relationship between Jimmy Stewart and Grace Kelly. Despite the age gap between the two actors (21 years) they are able to perform very well together and effectively convey the intimate relationship of the two characters.

In spite of the year this film was released, much like all of Hitchcock’s films, there is a real sense of agelessness about it, meaning that it could be set in any year. The originality and experimentation with the effects in those times made the film appear to be very much ahead of it’s time and was a main reason why it was able to gain it such a high rating among audiences. ‘Rear Window’ is a classic piece of Hollywood cinema depicting both Stewart and Hitchcock at their best, a film I strongly recommend checking out.

10/10

Inglorious Basterds

Bloody Ambitious, Typical Tarantino

Director: Quentin Tarantino
Release Date: 2009
Rating: 18
Running time: 153mins
Genre: War/Drama
Actors: Brad Pitt, Christoph Waltz, Melanie Laurant


‘Inglorious basterds’, possibly Tarantino’s most ambitious film to date, we see a group of eight Jewish-American soldiers lead by Brad Pitt, drop into Nazi occupied France and begin ruthlessly striking back against the German soldiers. What I admire most about this film is the way that it’s not a historical retelling of WWII, nor in any way factual, but one thing you can say about ‘Inglorious Bastards’ is it’s bloody good cinema!

Despite the majority of the film taking place France and a large proportion of the dialogue being spoken in French, I don’t think this takes any of the enjoyment away from the film. In fact in my opinion I think that Tarantino’s bold move of having the actors speak French and German turned out to be a smart decision as it’s able to make the audience feel like they've been placed in 1944 France, and make it feel that little bit more realistic. One of the things I enjoy most about this film is how it was able to the impact of the Nazi invasion on the French population and moreover, sets the film up for its incredibly explosive climax.  

Due to the film having this multinational cast, it gave Tarantino a chance to work with actors such as the superb Christoph Waltz, a German-Austrian actor who plays the fantastically evil Colonel. Hans Lander, a ruthless Nazi leader who, due to his profession in the film, is nicknamed ‘The Jew Hunter’. Waltz also appeared in the Academy Award winning ‘Django Unchained’ and amazingly well crafted Spaghetti Western that honed in on the controversial topic of slavery. Waltz was able to give a tremendous, yet slightly over the top, performance speaking not just German, but French and English as well, proving just how talented the actor actually is. The write up for this character was so good that Waltz actually went on to win the Oscar in 2010 for best supporting actor which I believed added a lot to audience interest and partly to the films overall success. As well as this we got to see other brilliant performances from actors such as Michael Fassbender (also known for his role in ‘X-men: First class’) and other roles performed Hollywood actors Brad Pitt and Mike Myers. As well as the films narration being done by Samuel L. Jackson who actually made his fifth appearance in a Quentin Tarantino film.

The thing I admire most about Quentin Tarantino, is the way he takes the unconventional people who don’t usually play the role of a hero in typical genre’s of films but transforms them into such roles. In ‘Inglorious Basterds’ we see Shoshanna, a Jewish French girl who flees to central France after her family were savagely murdered by Nazis. In the film Shoshanna evolves into the role of the alternative protagonist who begins plotting her bloody revenge on the leaders of Nazi group who were responsible for her family’s demise. Another thing worth pointing out about ‘Inglorious Bastards’ is the gore which plays a key role in demonstrating the way the basterds like to work. The concept of the ‘Inglorious Basterds’ ties in well with theme of Jews fighting back against Hitler and sets the film up for its astoundingly detrimental climax for the unsuspecting Germans. When the basterds drop into France and we see ‘The Basterds’ take on the Nazis in their own sadistic and brutal ways. Moreover as the film continues we see just how far the basterds are willing to go to bring down German troops. It could be said however that the characters in this film are astonishingly brave but perhaps also recklessly stupid in their methods of counteracting the Germans and consequently this may leave a few audience members slightly confused and perhaps disappointed with how everything turns out.

Nevertheless Tarantino’s effort in creating an audience pleasing WWII drama manages to live up to audience expectations and once again I think the screenwriter/director manages to outdo the creativity he uses compared to previous films he’s done. Despite not necessarily being altogether factual, it certainly manages to create a film that audiences would very much love to see, so it’s worth checking out as long as you don’t mind a bit of blood.

8/10

This Is England

Harrowing, Powerful, Genius

Director: Shane Meadows

Release Date: 2006
Rating: 18
Running time: 101mins
Genre: Drama
Actors: Stephen Graham, Thomas Turgoose, Joe Gilgun, Vicky McClure

‘That’s what we need man, that’s what our nation’s been built on, proud men…proud fucking men,’ 

Shane Meadows takes on the highly compelling story of a young boy growing up in the early 80’s, who is enrolled into a skinhead subculture and shown just what it means to be English at that time. Meadows works with a highly likable and credible cast of under the radar actors who piece together this fascinating drama about life in the north of England during Margaret Thatcher’s reign as Prime Minister and the Falklands war. 

This ‘close to the knuckle’ story is able to show audiences the historical background of early 80’s England to highlight the events leading up to and influencing the films story. When 11 year old Shaun is having trouble at school with bullies he meets Woody, a likable northerner who, with the help of his friends, introduces Shaun to their boisterous and rebellious antics of being a skinhead turning his life around. That is until he’s taken under the wing of Combo (Stephen Graham) a white supremacist who wants to rid the country of anything and anyone who isn't

wholly English.

‘This Is England’ is one of the best British Dramas of this century that’s able to show the harsh reality and poverty of England at the time and shows audiences that maybe it isn't all that to be English. What’s especially good about this film is how Meadows was able to give a real insight into both the skinhead subculture and also the north of England at that time. Plus despite it being set in only a small part of the country it can be appreciated by a large population of people and shows a story that everyone should be able to relate to in one way or another and keep people fixated right up until its dramatic climax.

What’s more is, the films success was able to go onto produce two follow on drama series’ on channel 4 ‘This is England 86’ and ‘This is England 88’ where we are able to see what happens to all the characters 3 years on after the events of the film. We’re able to get a more in depth look into not Shaun’s life but develop other characters stories as well. What’s especially clever about this series is how it was able to highlights the constant changes that went on in the late 1980’s and difficulties faced by people in both their social and economical aspects. A truly fascinating story worth checking out. 

9/10

Saw

The Franchise That Shocked The World

Director: James Wan

Release Date: 2004
Rating: 18
Running time: 103mins

Genre: Crime/Horror/Mystery
Actors: Leigh Whannell, Cary Elwes, Tobin Bell

'Hello, I want to play a game.'

“A load of constant blood without any story or point to it” is the usual response from people when Saw comes into a conversation. The thing that attracts me to this grizzly franchise from ‘Twisted Productions’ however, goes much deeper than just the blood and guts pouring onto the screen. A word of advice I wish someone had told me before I watched Jigsaws wicked story would be “remember everything you've ever heard about Saw and forget it and just enjoy the film with an open mind”.

The main thing that I find so fascinating about Saw is its plot line. The fact that it’s able to keep the audience transfixed and terrified the whole way through the film shows just how successful the idea was. I doubt there are many people around who wouldn't associate the words ‘I want to play a game’ with the films. It amazes me what a successful franchise the Saw series has turned out to be given the small budget it was given and shot in only 18 days. This is further extenuated as the story line is just simply about two guys chained up in a bathroom with two hacksaws and a dead body lying in the middle of the room. The way the film managed to keep the audience so keen right to the very end earned itself a phenomenal following and an astonishing 6 sequels each more disgustingly gruesome than the last. As the films progress furthermore the story line keeps on expanding providing the audience with more shockingly brilliant twists and disgustingly inventive new traps.

The first three instalments were written by Leigh Whannell, who also plays the slightly pitiable character Adam in ‘Saw I’ from my guess he most likely set out to write ‘Saw’ as a trilogy rather than a seven part torture porn gore-fest it later turned out to be. Furthermore, like any good trilogy Whannell was able to hold the audience in complete suspense throughout and was able to lay it out in traditional trilogy style. Having said this I think it’s a fair judgement that the first ‘Saw’ was by far the unsurpassed film given that the idea was so wonderfully original and simple. The simplicity of the original idea made it really captivating and subsequently made me want to see more. As well as this it was also able to reassure me that these films do in fact have a narrative driving them forward rather than just Jigsaw racking up an unnecessary amount of corpses. From what I've seen of Whannell’s work, when you watch one of his films you a guaranteed a shocking twist and you will most likely be left asking questions. So it’s safe to say that the ‘Saw’ films did not lack suspense or shock and they did literally have me captivated right up until the very end of its horribly ingenious conclusion. The films really were able to give an insight into what ‘Saw’ is really about and why we see all these people pushed to the absolute limit to survive. Nevertheless both ‘Saw II’ and ‘Saw III’  also had very intriguing and exciting story lines whereby at the same time the producers were allowed to really freak out the audience and do their best to make them wince and even feel physically sick as much as they could. One of the most inventive traps appeared in ‘Saw III’ when a man was tied to the floor of a large basin that was slowly filling up with liquidated pig guts, really gross stuff! But fans of the fist ‘Saw’ it may not necessarily be able to follow such a brilliant narrative and may have even be put off the film altogether. None the less I think it’s fair to say that there’s something in ‘Saw’ for all horror/thriller fans and if the first one kept them guessing then they definitely will not be disappointed with II and III.

Another factor that deserves to be credited about 'Saw' is Tobin Bells portrayal of the character 'Jigsaw'. The name 'Jigsaw' was given to him as from each of his victims he removes a piece of flesh in the shape of a jigsaw piece, representing the survival instinct that people lack. The film mostly revolves around his characters past and the audience being to discover why he chooses to make the victims 'Play the games' and we are finally shown the big picture developing. With 'Jigsaw' I find that there's something weirdly likable and perhaps even admirable about his character in a bizarre sense. Despite his inherent evil he is a very moral character  unlike others in the franchise, and he does his best to follow 'the rules' laid out which he expects others to follow as well. Given that he is the only actor to appear in all 7 films, it is arguably Bells franchise given it's the story behind his character that carries the story forward.

So there must be something about people slashing their limb off and fighting for their lives that audiences all around the world find so appealing whether it is the gore or the sheer madness of it people just can’t resist finding out for themselves. Whether you’re a twisted horror fanatic or not, my advice would be if you enjoy a good film check it out cause it might just change your opinion.

"Game Over".

6/10

Django Unchained

A Controversial Western Like No Other

Director: Quentin Tarantino

Release Date: 2012
Rating: 18
Running time: 165mins
Genre: Western/Adventure/Drama
Actors: Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz, Leonardo Dicaprio

“I like the way you die boy”. 

Quentin Tarantino once again manages to outdo himself in his new Oscar winning Spaghetti Western of a freed slave turned Bounty Hunter. The first time I saw Django I was amazed at the how Tarantino was able to combine comedy, action and adventure into such a serious film. Of course like any Tarantino film there is a large amount of bloody gore involved that may require quite a strong stomach to view. What’s so fantastic about Tarantino’s style of filming is the over exaggerated use of the blood that makes the film more fantastically gory if not perhaps slightly more slapstick than a normal action or western. Having said this however I don’t think this takes anything away form the film as it does in a sense, lighten up the brutality and dark story line featured. This film mainly focuses on the central narrative of revenge and heroism but it cannot just be given a Western genre, specifically because it has so many other aspects to it as well; romance, comedy, action, gore, all underlined by the massive controversial issue of slavery.

In ‘Django Unchained’ we see Django (Jamie Foxx) and Dr. King Shultz (Christoph Waltz) saddle up and set out on a blood splattered quest to save Django’s wife from an evil Mississippi slaver, Calvin Candie (Leonardo Dicaprio). The thing that surprised me the most with Django was how Dicaprio was able to play such a sadistically evil character compared to when he first started out in Titanic 15 years earlier where we see his acting career launch. This film however is very far off from where he first started and it’s actually quite hard to believe the difference in character. The film features an almost overdose of the ‘N’ word given that this film takes part during the time of the slave trade. Therefore as a result of this the film can be seen as very controversial and perhaps even upset or offend some audiences. In one particular scene we see Dicaprio hand a slave a hammer and tell him to murder another slave who is lying helplessly on the floor after a brutal wrestling match known as ‘Mandingo fighting’. This scene is very distressing and really emphasizes the brutality and evil that lurked within slavers at that time. The scene was actually awarded one of Hollywood’s most brutal scenes of all time which is not hard to believe given the realistic and historical connotations connected with it which would make it even harder to watch than just any gore fest. As well as this we also see a young slave girl being dragged along the ground and another depicts Django’s wife, Hildy (Kerry Washington), being whipped which is also very disturbing for viewers. However don’t let that shy you away from watching the film as the scenes discussed, as horrifying as they may be, is really able to capture the injustice that existed at that time that people should remember, which in a sense is what spurs on Django’s revenge.

Another actor playing a role that may differ to ones audiences have seen in the past is Christoph Waltz’s character of Dr. King Shultz. Arguably in Django he is almost a complete opposition to his previous role in Tarantino’s last film ‘Inglorious Basterds’ where he plays an evil Nazi colonel nicknamed ‘The Jew Hunter’. Waltz’s performance in Django however should be highly credited, given that his character was in my opinion both well written and brilliantly performed by the Austrian actor. The thing I found most likable about the character was how even in the dark period that the film was set, he was able to come across to the audience as both entertaining but moreover create a sense of ease for the audience. For me, Waltz was one my favourite things about ‘Dango Unchained’, an Oscar thoroughly deserved.

When I think of Django I think that it could of been filmed in two parts given the contrast between the first hour and the next hour and a half that followed. In the beginning we see Django freed and is taken under the wing of a German Bounty hunter Dr. Shultz. We see the two of them set out and track down enemies of the state all guns blazing, which is very trademark of Tarantino yet also brilliant viewing as it combines humor and action together to make a very worthwhile film. The layout of the first half of ‘Django Unchained’ works almost as both a tribute to the old 60’s westerns with scores from the music composer Ennio Morricone (also known for such films like ‘The Good, The Bad and The Ugly’). Moreover I think that Django can be viewed as a very modern film despite being set 150 years ago due to the contemporary hip hop music used during such scenes as the shoot out, which makes it look seriously cool, like in the shootout and when the characters are en route to ‘Candie Land’, the house where Calvin Candie lives. The music is able to capture Django’s anger of the situation and also can provide a modern day feel to the film as well as racism is still a big issue today.

What makes ‘Django Unchained’ different to any western that audiences mightn't have seen before is how it’s able to give Black Americans a western folkloric hero, who is able to fight back against the evil that polluted the US at that time. What’s more I think everyone should be able to have connection with Django as there’s something in there for everyone. For me Django is a character who really stands out as a symbol of racial equality. As well as just this, Tarantino is able to really take the 19^th century western context and drive it home into the modern day to give it real feel agelessness by the way that it is still meaningful to the people of today and not just a story.

10/10

Shaun of the Dead

Bloody Hillarious




Director: Edgar Wright

Release Date: 2004

Rating: 15
Running time: 99mins

Genre: Comedy/Horror
Actors: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Dylan Moran, Kate Ashfield

For my first review I thought I’d start with something lighthearted but creditable all the same. I saw ‘Shaun of the Dead’ for the first time when I was 9 years old and I found it completely horrifying but at the same time I could not stop laughing the whole way through. I found it hard not to fall in love with the comedy double act straight from the word go, as every line they came out with had me in stitches. It’s safe to say that Simon Pegg and Nick Frost really hit the ground running with their first installment in their fantastically funny ‘Cornetto Trilogy’. The originality of it for me was amazing and I love the way that ‘Shaun of The Dead’ still gets referred to in Pegg and Frost’s films and how it’s still regarded so highly as a British comedy nearly 10 years on.

For a bit of background into what the films actually about we’re introduced to Shaun (Simon Pegg) trying to win back the heart of his recently ex-girlfriend, Liz, as well as her uptight and judgmental friends, Dianne and David. To make problems even worse for Shaun has to try to keep his friendship with his old best mate, Ed (Nick Frost), who is a drug dealing bum that is constantly landing Shaun in trouble with his housemate, Pete, a hard up business man due to his lack of common sense and sheer laziness. Plus to make matters even worse for Shaun, he must try and manage all this whilst also trying to survive a zombie apocalypse that’s developing in the middle of London. Shaun and Ed decide the best thing to do is to rescue Liz and Shaun’s mum and go to the safest place for any man to be…The pub, where they can wait for all of it to blow over, or so they think.

I find this film so fantastically funny through the way that it shows how simple the situation could be for them, but instead, through lack of thought and Ed’s laziness they end up making the situation very complicated for themselves. What I think really added to the comedy in this film is the fact that ‘Shaun of the Dead’, minus the zombies and gore, is just a love story about two people and their annoying friends. The zombie aspect tied in with this really symbolizes for me how routine and laziness makes the world seem like everyone already is a zombie, so ironically when the apocalypse comes about in the film it’s hard to see any different from before.

I think it's fair to say ‘Shaun of the Dead’ is a hilarious and outrageously smart comedy horror that will certainly have you both cringing and laughing for the whole film. If you’re a fan of dark British humor and enjoy slapstick gore it’s definitely worth checking this one out. Also a must see if you like 'Shaun of the Dead' would be the next two instalments in the 'Cornetto Trilogy' - 'Hot Fuzz' and 'The Worlds End' as Pegg and Frost still have a lot more to offer!

8/10

About Me

About Me

My Names Francis Fanning,


I'm an 18 year old student and just setting out into the world of film journalism.


I'm going to be writing up reviews of films both old and new that I hope you'll find interesting and amusing, hopefully as well they might influence you to see some films you haven't got round to seeing yet, perhaps a few you've never heard of and maybe even a couple you would never have wanted to see.


Being a bit of a film geek as well as a film student is good as it means I've got some time to check out some great films. Hopefully I'll be able to introduce you to some films that most audiences love and maybe a few that aren't as popular as the normal Hollywood blockbusters. I hope you can check out some of my reviews and  perhaps even give the films a go as who knows, maybe it might change your opinion of a couple of them.