Films

Lawrence of Arabia

Made in 1962 and directed by David Lean this is my favourite film of all time. Using a fair bit of artistic licence to tell the story of T.E. Lawrence it knocked me sideways when I first saw it. The acting is, by and large, superb and Peter O’Toole in the lead role is mesmerising. The scenery is also a star, Lean pulling off some of the most beautiful shots ever seen on film.

Henry V

This adaptation of Shakespeare’s play was made, in part, as a piece of propaganda to instil feelings of patriotism during the Second World War. Despite this the film is still very enjoyable today. In a wonderful touch, the film begins in the Globe theatre, with the actors dressed as in Elizabethan times before moving to the battlefield, and correct period costume. The music is stirringly beautiful and Olivier is stunning. This is as close as anyone now can get to seeing him on stage.

Interview With the Vampire

This film is unpopular with some Anne Rice fans because, in places, it’s unfaithful to the book. Well, it is but it’s still a darn good film. Ok, so Brad Pitt looks as if he’d rather be anywhere else but then his character is depressed… Tom Cruise has a fair go at capturing Lestat and Kirsten Dunst is unsettlingly good as the child vampire Claudia. Plus it’s very hard to dislike a film with Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise and Antonio Banderas in it…

Withnail and I

I could try and explain the plot of this but well there isn’t one really. Two unemployed actors go on holiday (by mistake) and then, um, come back. Trust me it is good! Very very funny, endlessly quotable and even touching in places it’s defiantly one to watch. Just don’t play the drinking game. No good will come of it.