Press release Sundance Selects presents TRISHNA Theatrical release on July 13, 2012 Based on Thomas Hardy's classic novel Tess of the D'Ubervilles, master filmmaker Michael Winterbottom's newest film stars Freida Pinto who soars as Trishna in her most revealing performance yet. Trishna lives with her family in a village in Rajasthan, India's largest state. As the eldest daughter, she works in a nearby resort to help pay the bills. Jay (Riz Ahmed, FOUR LIONS) is the wealthy son of a property developer. When he takes up managing a resort at his father's request, he meets Trishna at a dance and their fates cross. Jay finds every opportunity to win Trishna's affection and she accepts his efforts with shy curiosity. But when the two move to Mumbai and become a couple, Jay's deep family bond threaten the young lovers' bliss. Shot with Winterbottom's agile camera, Trishna is a powerful look at the tension between ancient privilege and modern equality, between codes of urban and rural life and ultimately a hymn to both the glory and the tragedy that comes with beauty in all forms. Director: Michael Winterbottom Featuring: Frieda Pinto, Riz Ahmed, and Roshan Seth Produced by: Michael Winterbottom, Sunil Bohra, Melissa Parmenter Run Time: 108 minutes Rating:TBD Distributor: Sundance Selects Release Date: July 13th, 2012 Facebook-http://www.facebook.com/TrishnaFilm ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Add Comment (2011-USA-release) Director Michael Winterbottom\'s THE TRIP opens stateside on June 10, 2011! 05/07/2011
Press release IFC Films Presents THE TRIP A film by Michael Winterbottom Playing loose versions of themselves, Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon reprise their hilariously fictionalized roles from TRISTAM SHANDY: A COCK AND BULL STORY and reunite with acclaimed director Michael Winterbottom (24 HOUR PARTY PEOPLE) for an acerbically witty, largely improvised ride through the English countryside. Tapped by The Observer to review fine restaurants throughout the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales, Steve (Coogan) finds himself without a traveling companion after his girlfriend decides not to go at the last minute. After being turned down by everyone else he knows, Steve extends an invitation to Rob (Brydon), and together the pair attempt to navigate the winding back roads of rural England, impersonating popular celebrities such as Michael Caine, Woody Allen and Liam Neeson (among many others) and bickering along the way. Over the course of six different meals at six different restaurants, the ultimate odd couple tests the limits of their friendship, questioning what is most important to them and along the way discover the limits of what they are and are not willing to give up for fame. Release Date: June 10, 2011 Running Time: 107 min Directed by: Michael Winterbottom Cast: Steve Coogan, Rob Brydon FILM FESTIVALS & AWARDS 2010 TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2011 TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ROAD TO GUANTANAMO Thematic sequel to Winterbotton's "In this world" that follows a trio of British-Arab nationals who inadvertently joy ride into Afghanistan only to be picked up and then re-located to Guantanamo Bay for torture and interrogation! 3 stars [(2006)TV movie-UK/2006 USA release/RoadsideAttractions/Rated R] - (1 hr. 35 min.) Directed by Michael Winterbottom & Mat Whitecross Screenplay: (uncredited) Review: Certainly this Michael Winterbottom film will fail to resonate as strongly with Americans as "United 93," but those wishing to see the events of recent headlines fully fleshed out will appreciate much that this film has to offer. What many people fail to grasp, in light of events like Abu Ghraib and the recent suicides at Guantanamo, is that any kind of amoral behavior by the ground troops stems from those above. If the people at the top are corrupt, then it filters down and these types of events are the results. [Editorial comment: The Bush administration is doing much to eclipse the Nixon version in every negative way possible and this film only confirms the inadequacy of Mr. Rumsfeld at the helm of our military participation both here and overseas.] Okay, I've completed my editorial comment and chances are this film will never reach the 'red states' until after its eventual DVD release anyway. Suffice to say, that this is not action packed or tension filled, but a long, slow wide-eyed observation of what effect an invading force can have on those that have emigrated away from their native lands and then decide to return. Passivity and curiousity can easily be mistaken by paranoid ground troops as collusion with the enemy, and plain old visitors like the 'Tipton 3' can find themselves in a world of trouble. The short version of this "true" story is that four young Londoners (of Arab descent) decide to attend a friend's wedding and are then drawn into a 'touring' party to go 'watch' the Americans invade Afghanistan (yeah, war is a spectator sport these days) and possibly help any innocent victims of the occupation forces. The four are captured and three are deemed 'dangerous' enough to be sent to Guantanamo Bay for further interrogation. These British nationals were eventually freed and returned to England, but not until after a long, cruel, and decidedly inconsequential 'debriefing' process had been perpetrated by our military against these innocent men. Plotwise, it's a long road to Guantanamo as the trio travels from London to Pakistan to Afghanistan and on to Cuba, but when the torture does start, the audience gets a taste too! This is NOT an entertainment folks, so be prepared to watch, learn, and empathize (hopefully). [Editorial comment #2: This nonsense has got to stop, and somebody with some common sense has got to be put in charge of the military. The whole ordeal is ridiculous and embarassing to the country as a whole, and the true patriots who created and defended it in years past. Okay, I'm getting off the soapbox (again).] Now go see this movie. Characters/Cast Shafiq - Rizwan Ahmed Ruhel - Farhad Harun Monir - Waqar Siddiqui Asif - Afran Usman With: Ruhel Ahmed, Asif Iqbal, & Shafiq Rasul ++++++++++++++++++++++ 24 HOUR PARTY PEOPLE First hour is a routine docu-drama, but second act is a chaotic treat! 2-1/2 stars [(2002)UK/Rated R] - (1 hr. 53 min.) Directed by Michael Winterbottom Written by Frank Cottrell Boyce Featuring music by: Joy Division, The Happy Mondays, Siouxsie & the Banshees, The Sex Pistols and more! Characters/Cast Tony Wilson - Steve Coogan Alan Erasmus - Lennie James Lindsay Wilson - Shirley Henderson Rob Gretton - Paddy Considine Review: The Sex Pistols first concert in the UK, much like the Velvet Underground's first album release in the USA, wasn't a big deal (with less than 50 people in attendance). But like the Velvet's album, nearly everyone who listened to the Pistols went out and formed their own band thus starting a 'new wave' in rock music. One of those listening to the Pistols did more than that, not only did Tony Wilson (Steve Coogan) open a club (The Hacienda) for this new music, he also started his own record label (Factory Records) for these new emerging bands in Manchester. Shot like a documentary, but actually a dramatized recreation of the life of Granada-TV personality Tony Wilson, "24 Hour Party People" recreates 80's Manchester, England new wave music scene with many backstage insights along the way. Although the film purports to be "about the music" much of the film follows the exploits of the 'voice' Wilson, winningly played by Coogan, and his musical 'discoveries.' Most intriguing piece of information provided by the film is the origination of the bandname 'Joy Division' from a secret Nazi regiment designed to create a new master race from a pool of nubile Aryan females. The realistically staged Joy Division performances are make use of very good look-a-likes, but alas the music takes a backseat to the antics of the performers, Tony, and a bevy of beauties. Then the suicide of Joy Division's lead singer ends the revelry ... temporarily. Although New Order, the reincarnation of Joy Division, was the most successful band to result from Tony's efforts, this film ignores their ascendance and concentrates on The Happy Mondays, a band that failed to translate its Brit success overseas. As with all rock movies, the end of all the success starts with the beginning of the new drug culture. The Mondays' lead singer succumbs to ecstasy, heroin and then crack. And like a line of dominoes, Tony's music empire crashes. The club closes, the record company is sold and the new wave ends as dj's and 'rave' take over. Worth watching for 80's music lovers . Supporting cast: Martin Hannett - Andy Serkis Ian Curtis - Sean Harris Bernard Sumner - John Simm Peter Hook - Ralf Little Shaun Ryder - Danny Cunningham Bez - Chris Coghill Paul Ryder - Paul Popplewell Roger Ames - Keith Allen _______________________ Soundtrack (from IMDbPRO.com) Please note that songs listed here (and in the movie credits) cannot always be found on CD soundtracks. Please check CD track details for confirmation. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "24 Hour Party People (Jon Carter Mix)" Written by Shaun Ryder, Paul Ryder, Mark Day, Paul Davis and Gary Whelan Copyright London Music By kind permission of Warner/Chappell Music Ltd Performed by Happy Mondays Licensed courtesy of London Records 90 Ltd -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "No Fun" Written by Iggy Pop (as James Osterberg), Ron Asheton, David Alexander (as Dave Alexander), Scott Asheton Published by Bug Music / Copyright Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp and Stooges Staffel Music By kind permission of Warner/Chappell Music Ltd Performed by The Sex Pistols Licensed courtesy of Sanctuary Records Group -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Ever Fallen In Love With Someone You Shoudn't've" Written by Pete Shelley Published by Complete Music Ltd Performed by The Buzzcocks -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "World In Motion" Written by Keith Allen, Stephen Morris, Peter Hook, Gillian Gilbert and Bernard Sumner Published by EMI Music Publishing Ltd / Copyright Vitalturn Co Ltd/Rock Music Co Ltd By kind permission of Warner/Chappell Music Ltd Performed by New Order -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Money's Too Tight To Mention" Written by William Valentine and John Valentine Published by EMI Music Publishing Ltd Performed by Simply Red -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Louie Louie" Written by Richard Berry Published by EMI Music Publishing Ltd Performed by Dave Gorman -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Solid Air" Written by John Martyn Used by kind permission of Warlock Music Ltd/Rykomusic Ltd Performed by John Martyn Courtesy of Universal-Island Records Ltd / Licensed by kind permission from The Film & TV Licensing Division, part of the Universal Music Group -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Anarchy In The UK" Written by John Lydon, Glen Matlock, Paul Cook and Steve Jones Copyright Rotten Music Ltd By kind permission of Warner/Chappell Music Ltd Performed by The Sex Pistols -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Make Up To Break Up" Written by Siouxsie Sioux, Steven Severin and Peter Fenton Published by Chrysalis Music Ltd / Copyright Dreamhouse Music/Chappell Music Ltd By kind permission of Warner/Chappell Music Ltd Performed by Siouxsie and the Banshees (as Siouxsie And The Banshees) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "The Passenger" Written by Iggy Pop (as James Osterberg) and Ricky Gardiner Published by EMI Music Publishing Ltd/EMI Virgin Music Ltd/Ricky Garsiner Songs Performed by Iggy Pop -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "In The City" Written by Paul Weller Published by Stylist Music Ltd/BMG Music Publishing Ltd Performed by The Jam -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "No More Heroes" Written by Jean-Jacques Burnel (as Jean Jacques Burnel), Jet Black, Hugh Cornwell and Dave Greenfield (as David Greenfield) Published by Complete Music Ltd Performed by The Stranglers -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Wimoweh" Written by Solomon Linda Published by Cromwell Music Ltd Performed by Karl Denver -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Janie Jones" Written by Joe Strummer, Mick Jones, Paul Simonon and Topper Headon Used by kind permission of Nineden Ltd/ Universal Music Publishing Ltd Performed by The Clash -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Bass Ace" Written by Michael Williams Published by Beatback Ltd Performed by Prince Far I And The Arabs Courtesy of Pressure Sounds -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Dream of a Child" Written by Vincent Reilly Published by Zomba Music Publishers Ltd Performed by The Durutti Column (as Durutti Column) Licensed courtesy of Factory Communications Ltd -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Digital" Written by Ian Curtis, Peter Hook, Stephen Morris and Bernard Sumner Published by Zomba Music Publishers Ltd Performed by Joy Division Licensed courtesy of Factory Communications Ltd -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "A Message" Written by Michael Williams Published by Beatback Ltd Performed by Prince Far I And The Arabs Courtesy of Pressure Sounds -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Internal Dub" Written by Michael Williams Published by Beatback Ltd Performed by Prince Far I And The Arabs Courtesy of Pressure Sounds -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Standing In The Road" Written by Alan Jones, David Farmer, Thomas Farmer and Edward Golga Published by Bucks Music Ltd Performed by Blackfoot Sue Courtesy fo Bucks Music Ltd -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "She's Lost Control" Written by Ian Curtis, Peter Hook, Stephen Morris and Bernard Sumner Published by Zomba Music Publishers Ltd Performed by Joy Division Licensed courtesy of Factory Communications Ltd -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Flight" Written by Martin Moscrop, Donald Johnson, Jeremy Kerr, Simon Topping and Pete Terrel Published by copyright control Performed by A Certain Ratio Courtesy of A Certain Ratio -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Love Will Tear Us Apart" Written by Ian Curtis, Peter Hook, Stephen Morris and Bernard Sumner Published by Zomba Music Publishers Ltd Performed by Joy Division Licensed courtesy of Factory Communications Ltd -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Transmission" Written by Ian Curtis, Peter Hook and Stephen Morris Published by Zomba Music Publishers Ltd Performed by Joy Division Licensed courtesy of Factory Communications Ltd -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Rowche Rumble" Written by Mark Riley, Mark E. Smith (as Mark Smith) and Craig Scanlon Published by Step Forward Music Performed by Martin Moscrop -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Louie Louie" Written by Richard Berry Published by EMI Publishing Ltd Performed by The Factory Allstars -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Atmosphere" Written by Ian Curtis, Peter Hook, Stephen Morris and Bernard Sumner Published by Zomba Music Publishers Ltd Performed by Joy Division Licensed courtesy of Factory Communications Ltd -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Skipscada" Written by Martin Moscrop, Donald Johnson, Jeremy Kerr, Simon Topping and Pete Terrel Published by copyright control Performed by A Certain Ratio Courtesy of A Certain Ratio -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Too Shy" Written by Stuart Neale, Nick Beggs (as Nicholas Beggs), Steve Askew (as Stephen Askew), Jez Strode (as Jeremy Strode) and Limahl (as Christopher Hamill) Published by Gloucester Place Music Publishing Ltd Performed by Margi Clarke -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Blue Monday" Written by Stephen Morris, Peter Hook, Bernard Sumner and Gillian Gilbert Copyright Be Music By kind permission of Warner/Chappell Music Ltd Performed by John Simm -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Jacqueline" Written by Vincent Reilly Published by Zomba Music Publishers Ltd Performed by The Durutti Column (as Durutti Column) Licensed courtesy of Factory Communications Ltd -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "24 Hour Party People" Written by Shaun Ryder, Paul Ryder, Mark Day, Paul Davis and Gary Whelan Copyright London Music By kind permission of Warner/Chappell Music Ltd Performed by cast members -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Freaky Dancin'" Written by Shaun Ryder, Paul Ryder, Mark Day, Paul Davis and Gary Whelan Copyright London Music By kind permission of Warner/Chappell Music Ltd Performed by cast members -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Tart Tart" Written by Shaun Ryder, Paul Ryder, Mark Day, Paul Davis and Gary Whelan Copyright London Music By kind permission of Warner/Chappell Music Ltd Performed by Happy Mondays Licensed courtesy of London Records 90 Ltd -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Voodoo Ray" Written by Gerald Simpson Published by Chrysalis Music Ltd Performed by Gerald Simpson (as A Guy Called Gerald) Courtesy of Nanoplasmic -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Matchstalk Men and Matchstalk Cats and Dogs" Written by Michael Coleman and Brian Burke Published by EMI Music Publishing Ltd trading as Parrott Music Performed by Brian And Michael Licensed courtesy of Sanctuary Records -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Wrote For Luck" Written by Shaun Ryder, Paul Ryder, Mark Day, Paul Davis and Gary Whelan Copyright London Music By kind permission of Warner/Chappell Music Ltd Performed by Happy Mondays Licensed courtesy of Factory Communications Ltd -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Move Your Body" Written by Marshall Jefferson Copyright 1989 Sanlar Music/MCS Music Performed by Marshall Jefferson Copyright 1987 Saber/Trax Recordings Under exclusive license to Demon Music Group Ltd -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Loose Fit" Written by Shaun Ryder, Paul Ryder, Mark Day, Paul Davis, Gary Whelan, Steven Osborne and Paul Oakenfold Copyright London Music By kind permission of Warner/Chappell Music Ltd Performed by Happy Mondays Licensed courtesy of London Records 90 Ltd -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Kinky Afro" Written by Shaun Ryder, Paul Ryder, Mark Day, Paul Davis and Gary Whelan Copyright London Music By kind permission of Warner/Chappell Music Ltd Performed by Happy Mondays Licensed courtesy of London Records 90 Ltd -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Go" Written by Moby (as Richard Hall) and Angelo Badalamenti Used by kind permission of Universal/MCA Music Ltd Copyright The Little Idiot Music/Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp By kind permission of Warner/Chappell Music Ltd Performed by Moby Copyright 1991 Instinct Records under exclusive license to Pinnacle Labels Licensed courtesy of Instinct Records and Pinnacle Labels -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "King of the Beats" Written by Kurtis Mantronik (as Kurtis Khaleel) Used by permision of Screen Gems-EMI Music Ltd Performed by Mantronix Copyright 1990 Licensed courtesy of EMI Records Ltd -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Belfast" Written by Paul Hartnoll (as P) & Phil Hartnoll (as P Hartnoll) Published by Sony/ATV Music Publishing Performed by Orbital Licensed courtesy of Internal Records -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "What Would We Do" Written by Paul Klein, Joe Stone and Lawrence Julian Published by Chrysalis Music Ltd Performed by DSK Courtesy of Fresh Records -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Robinson Crusoe" Written by Robert Mellin, Gian Piero Reverberi and Georges Van Parys Used by permission of EMI Publishing Ltd Performed by The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra Courtesy of Silva Screen Records Ltd -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Satan" Written by Paul Hartnoll (as P) & Phil Hartnoll (as P Hartnoll) Published by Sony/ATV Music Publishing Performed by Orbital Licensed courtesy of London Records 90 Ltd -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Sunshine and Love" Written by Shaun Ryder, Paul Ryder, Mark Day, Paul Davis and Gary Whelan Copyright London Music By kind permission of Warner/Chappell Music Ltd Performed by Happy Mondays Licensed courtesy of London Records 90 Ltd -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Hallelujah" Written by Shaun Ryder, Paul Ryder, Mark Day, Paul Davis and Gary Whelan Copyright London Music By kind permission of Warner/Chappell Music Ltd Performed by Happy Mondays Licensed courtesy of London Records 90 Ltd -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Here To Stay" Written by Stephen Morris, Peter Hook, Bernard Sumner and Gillian Gilbert Copyright Warner/Chappell Music Ltd By kind permission of Warner/Chappell Music Ltd Performed by New Order Licensed courtesy of London Records 90 Ltd ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ IN THIS WORLD Sobering look at two Afghani's as they journey from Pakistan to London (to avoid the U.S. bombing of Afghanistan)! 3-1/2 stars [(2002)UK/2003-USA-release] (1 hr. 29 min.) [In Pashtu & Farsi (subtitled), some English dialogue] Directed by Michael Winterbottom Screenplay by Tony Grisoni (no written dialogue) Mini-Review: A man and a boy decide to go visit relatives in England...no problem, right? They are traveling illegally from Afghanistan...now that could be a problem. Terrifically intimate tale that puts the viewer right there as they pass through every stage of a long, difficult journey. This film is so realistically shot and acted that is could be a documentary, but thankfully it's not due to some tragic circumstances within the storyline. Was that a spoiler? So sorry. An improvised re-creation of events that thousands of immigrants go through every day that will rivet you to your seat ... Now SEE this movie! Characters/Cast Jamal - Jamal Udin Torabi Enayat - Enayatullah With: Imran Paracha, Hiddayatullah, Allah Bauhsh, Hossain Baghaeian, Yaaghoob Nosraj Poor, Ghodrat Poor, Kerem Atabeyoglu, Erham Sekizcan, Nabil Elouahabi [Screened @ Loews 34th St (NYC)/09-26-03: 7pm] ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ CODE 46 This futuristic film concentrates on the human factor, but you might wish you had a smart robot to decode this new world order! 2-1/2 stars [(2003)UK/Rated R (frontal nudity)] - (1 hr. 30 min.) Distributor: United Artists Directed by Michael Winterbottom Written by Frank Cottrell Boyce Music: The Free Association Characters/Cast William Geld (the investigator) - Tim Robbins Maria Gonzalez (the suspect) - Samantah Morton Review: Director Michael Winterbottom ("In this World") has taken even a broader world view of the view than director Ridley Scott offerred in "Bladerunner." However, there are no robots or 'replicants' running around this possible future. Instead the entire world language has been absorbed across the board. So greetings like 'Hello' and 'Goodbye' are now replaced with 'Salaam' and 'Adios'. 'How are you?' is the French 'ca va?' and so on. In addition, all of the invitro fertilization and cloning experiments have forced the World government to enforce DNA rules to eliminate incestuous pregnancies. If a couple wants to have sex their DNA strands must be compared and if they have a genetic match they're banned from having sex. Okay, those are the ground rules, but what happens if a man travelling out of town runs into an interesting woman and goes to bed with her before doing the DNA analysis? What if he returns to see said female again only to find her in a hospital with her memory erased so that she doesn't remember ever having met him? And what's more, who's to determine how much DNA information can be considered incestuous material if the two parties in question were raised by different 'nurture' families are only related genetically (turns out she was fertilized using material from his longdead mother). If any of the preceding sounds remotely interesting or fascinating to you then this may be the film for you. And although I enjoyed the moody music and photography as well as the performances of two of my favorite actors (Tim Robbins & Samantha Morton), I really feel that you should know that this in not your typical Hollywood experience. The situations are presented very realistically with a lot of handheld camera work, and if it weren't for the odd terminology this could be a sort of futuristic "Lost in Translation" type experience (without the laughs). There is also a whole other plotline involving forged limited passports (called 'papelles'), but the suspense and intrigue is kept to a minimum in order to focus on the more personal story of two people in love with just a little too much in common (DNA-wise). Use your own judgement on this one, but if you like your films on the 'different' side of the spectrum, then this might be your kind of romantic/sci-fi experience. May take more than one viewing to get used to the lingo, too! With Backland (the client) - Om Puri Sylvie Geld (the wife) - Jeanne Balibar Jack Geld (her son) - Taro Sherabayani Damian Alekan - David Fahm William's Boss - Shelley King Clinic Doctor - Kerry Shale Code 46 GLOSSARY Papelles - Travel Insurance Virus - Mental enhancement, can vary from language translation to empathy (mindreading capabilities) to sex-inhibitors (to avoid Code 46 violations) Mai Lin Clinic - Performs 'Code 46'-required memory cluster erasures & abortions (as needed) Jebal'ali - City on the Outside in Dubai, United Arab Emirates Cover - Usually a time limit set on travel to other cities, if you are not a resident of the city you are in you can't leave without 'cover' ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ UK-born director Michael Winterbottom 05/07/2011
Future projects: Trishna (2012) Seven Days (2012) The Promised Land (2011) The Trip (UK TV series) - (6 episodes, 2010) The Yorke Arms (2010) Hipping Hall (2010) Holbeck Ghyll (2010) L'Enclume (2010) The Angel at Hetton (2010) The Trip (2010) <--USA release: June 10, 2011 Past projects: The Killer Inside Me (2010) The Shock Doctrine (2009 documentary) A Summer in Genoa (2008) A Mighty Heart (2007) The Road to Guantánamo (2006 TV movie) Tristram Shandy: A Cock and Bull Story (2005) 9 Songs (2004) Code 46 (2003) In This World (2002) 24 Hour Party People (2002) The Claim (2000) With or Without You (1999) Wonderland (1999) I Want You (1998/I) Welcome to Sarajevo (1997) Jude (1996) Cinema Europe: The Other Hollywood (1996 TV mini-series documentary) Go Now (1995) Butterfly Kiss (1995) Family (1994/I TV movie) Cracker (1993 TV series) - (episode "The Mad Woman in the Attic (1993") Love Lies Bleeding (1993 TV movie) Under the Sun (1992) Time Riders (1991 TV series) Alleyn Mysteries (1990 TV series) - (episode "Death at the Bar") Forget About Me (1990) Rosie the Great (1989 TV movie) Boon (1986 TV series) Dramarama (1983 TV series) ++++++++++++++++++++++++ 9 SONGS Possible the first pornographic 'date movie' that lacks the hardcore edge guys expect but does take mainstream ADULT movies to the next level - REAL sex! 3 stars [(2004)UK/2005 USA release/Not rated - ADULTS ONLY] - (69 min.) USA distrib: Tartan USA Written & directed by Michael Winterbottom Characters/Cast Matt - Kieran O'Brian Lisa - Margo Stilley Review: How does a modern man recall his last 'love' relationship? In this case, by the songs they shared together. The man in question is a glaciologist who's airborne research over Antarctica spurs a chronological series of memories broken up by nine LIVE concert segments. To sum up the simplistic plotline of the flashbacks, the two young lovers meet at a rock concert and then each major sex scene at their Islington flat is punctuated with brief concert segments (shot guerrilla-style with the couple in attendance). Director Michael Winterbottom ("24 Hour Party People") has actually done Hollywood (and Planned Parenthood) a service by taking out the 'fake' lovemaking scenes audiences have grown accustomed to and replaced them with REAL sex, actual condoms IN USE, and a female (or male) orgasm that hasn't been staged for dramatic effect. Seriously, the porn industry should take note if this film has any commercial success in the USA, because for my money I'd rather have my human sexuality nicely photographed, lit well, and true-to-life than filled with emotionally forced bad acting, flat lighting, and fake orgasms (with even faker breasts). Name one porn movie with fantastic helicopter shots of Antarctica's icy surface with a science lesson tossed in too. Nada. Best of all are the honest, first-rate acting performances from both Brit acting veteran Kieran O'Brian ("24 Hour Party People") as 'Matt', the very lucky older guy (age 31), and 'Lisa' (Margo Stilley), the young American waif, who gets picked up at a rock concert one night at London's Brixton Academy. In England, where this film has already been released there was quite a brouhaha as first-time movie actress Margo Stilley (age 21) supposedly tried to have her name removed from the credits. Luckily, the scathing reviews by the British press have worn off and the film is being released in the USA with Margo credited and NO NC-17 rating. Although a first-time principle actress, Margo's performance is noteworthy in that her improvised dialogue not only rings true but it speaks to the neuroses of many young 'wild' females way beyond the Paris Hilton experience. She even creates a little comic relief when confronting her 'boyness' in the bathroom mirror. In retrospect, I don't think this film has the artistic merit of last year's ode to eroticism (Bertolucci's "The Dreamers"), but director Michael Winterbottom does make a compelling argument for taking sex scenes to their natural conclusion. Adult audiences are gravitating more and more to NC-17 rated movies (re: "The Brown Bunny," etc.) and it may be time for local cinemas (and Hollywood) to grow up. Hey, if Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt really are 'real-life' lovers then why couldn't they have 'condom sex' on screen for a change, and how much more of an impact would that have on college-age adults practicing 'unsafe' sex than thousands of hours of PSA's and "sex-ed" classes! Even if sex on the big screen isn't your thing, this film is so pure in its intentions it's practically a 'date movie' (except "blind dates"). Even the ladies will enjoy the sensitive approach to the material as the sexual exploits build from cunnilingus to some mild S&M, eventually progressing to the de rigeur 'cum shot'. As I said, it's an ADULTS ONLY experience, but one that might rekindle the sexual romance in your own relationships and give you a forum to converse with your partner about a sensitive subject (in America anyway). _______________ SOUNDTRACK INFO from IMDb.com (source and LIVE noted) Please note that songs listed here (and in the movie credits) cannot always be found on CD soundtracks. Please check CD track details for confirmation. ------------------------------------------------- "Whatever Happened To My Rock and Roll" (Live/SONG #1) Performed by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club (Peter Hayes, Robert Turner, Nick Jago) Composed by Peter Hayes / Robert Been / Nicholas Jago Copyright BRMC Music / WB Music Corp by kind permission of Warner Chappell Music Ltd Courtesy of Virgin Records Limited / Virgin Records America, Inc ------------------------------------------------- "C'mon C'mon" (Live/SONG #2) Performed by The Von Bondies (Don Blum, Marcie Bolan, Carrie Smith, Jason Stollsteimer) Composed by Jason Stollsteimer Published by In The Act Music Publishing Ltd / Courtesy of Warner Bros Records Inc ------------------------------------------------- "Debbie" Written and Performed by Michael Nyman Published by Michael Nyman Limited / Chester Music Ltd Courtesy of Virgin Records Ltd ------------------------------------------------- "Madan" (Exotic Disco Mix) Performed by Salif Keita Published by EMI Music Publishing Ltd Courtesy of Universal Records Ltd, / Licensed by kind permission from the Film & TV Licensing Division, part of the Universal Music Group ------------------------------------------------- "Fallen Angel" (Live/SONG #3) Performed by Elbow (Guy Garvey, Richard Jupp, Craig Potter, Mark Potter, Peter Turner) Composed by Guy Garvey / Mark Potter / Craig Potter / Peter Turner / Richard Jupp Copyright Salvation Music / By kind permission of Warner / Chappell Music Ltd Courtesy of V2 Music Ltd ------------------------------------------------- "Michael" (Live) Performed by Franz Ferdinand (Robert Hardy, Alexander Kapranos, Nicholas McCarthy, Paul Thomson) Composed by Kapranos / McCarthy Used by kind permission of Universal Music Publishing Ltd Courtesy of Domino Recording Company Ltd ------------------------------------------------- "Movin' On Up" (Live/SONG #4) Performed by Primal Scream (Martin Duffy, Bobby Gillespie, Andrew Innes, Gary Mounfield, Robert Young) Composed by Bobby Gillespie / Robert Young / Andrew Innes Published by EMI Music Publishing Ltd / Complete Music Ltd Courtesy of Sony Music Entertainment (UK) Ltd ------------------------------------------------- "Sola" & "Platform" Solo piano Composed and Performed by Melissa Parmenter ------------------------------------------------- "The Last High" (Live/SONG #5) Performed by The Dandy Warhols (Brent Deboer, Peter Holstrom, Zia Mccabe, Courtney Taylor Taylor) Words & Music by Evan Dando and Aourtney A. Taylor Copyright 2003 Published by Chrysalis Music Ltd / Courtesy of Capitol Records Under license from EMI Film and Television Music Ltd ------------------------------------------------- "Horse Tears" Performed by Goldfrapp / Composed by Alison Goldfrapp and Will Gregory Copyright Warner / Chappell Music Publishing Ltd / By kind permission of WWarner/Chappell Music Ltd / Courtesy of Mute Records Ltd ------------------------------------------------- "Slow Life" (Live/SONG #6) Performed by Super Furry Animals (Huw Bunford, Cian Ciaran, Dafydd Ieuan, Guto Pryce, Gruff Rhys) Composed by Huw Bunford / Cian Ciaran / Dafydd Ieuan / Guto Pryce / Gruff Rhys Used by kind permission of Universal Music Publishing Ltd / Courtesy of Sony Music Entertainment (UK) Ltd ------------------------------------------------- "I've Got Your Number" Performed by Elbow - Composed by Guy Garvey / Mark Potter / Craig Potter / Peter Turner / Richard Jupp Copyright Salvation Music / By kind permission of Warner/Chappell Music Ltd / Courtesy of V2 Music Ltd ------------------------------------------------- "Jacqueline" (Live/SONG #7) Performed by Franz Ferdinand (Robert Hardy, Alexander Kapranos, Nicholas McCarthy, Paul Thomson) Composed by Kapranos / McCarthy / Hardy Used by kind permission of Universal Music Publishing Ltd / Courtesy of Domino Recording Company Ltd ------------------------------------------------- "Nadia" (Live/SONG #8) Written and Performed by Michael Nyman Published by Michael Nyman Ltd / Chester Music Ltd / Courtesy of Virgin Records Ltd ------------------------------------------------- "Love Burns" (Live/SONG #9) Performed by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club (Peter Hayes, Nick Jago, Robert Turner) Composed by Peter Hayes / Robert Been / Nicholas Jago Copyright BRMC Music/WB Music Corp / By kind permission of Warner Chappell Music Ltd Courtesy of Virgin Records Limited / Virgin Records America, Inc +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Counter for webmaster use only 03/04/2011
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