It’s Academy Awards weekend, that time of year when the film industry obsesses over who will win what, and why.
But there’s more going on than just the Oscars. The Independent has compiled a guide to the best cultural activities and events taking place over the next few days, for our weekly Arts Agenda. Critics and editors recommend a diverse range of options from the worlds of art, literature, film, music, stage and TV.
Arts editor Jessie Thompson heralds an exciting new project from feminist publisher Virago, and discusses the divisive Bake Off musical currently storming the West End. Features editor Adam White has good things to say about the new Scream film, which features Wednesday star Jenna Ortega. Chief art critic Mark Hudson urges everyone to go and check out the Cézanne exhibition while there’s still a chance, and features writer Annabel Nugent walks us through...
But there’s more going on than just the Oscars. The Independent has compiled a guide to the best cultural activities and events taking place over the next few days, for our weekly Arts Agenda. Critics and editors recommend a diverse range of options from the worlds of art, literature, film, music, stage and TV.
Arts editor Jessie Thompson heralds an exciting new project from feminist publisher Virago, and discusses the divisive Bake Off musical currently storming the West End. Features editor Adam White has good things to say about the new Scream film, which features Wednesday star Jenna Ortega. Chief art critic Mark Hudson urges everyone to go and check out the Cézanne exhibition while there’s still a chance, and features writer Annabel Nugent walks us through...
- 3/10/2023
- by Culture Staff
- The Independent - TV
Paul Mescal has spoken about an unexpected visit he received from Nicole Kidman after performing in a London theatre.
The Irish actor is currently playing Stanley Kowalski in Rebecca Frecknall’s revival of Tennessee William’s classic play, A Streetcar Named Desire.
Appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Thursday (2 March), Mescal recalled greeting the Australian actor in nothing but his “sweaty underwear” after the play one night.
“We heard a knock on the [dressing room] door, and we thought it was the stage manager or something, and I go to open the door,” the actor recalled, “and it’s Nicole Kidman, and I’m standing there in, like, sweaty underwear.”
“You’d think the next smart step is [to] put on some trousers, but there’s something incredibly undignified about the act of [pulling up trousers].”
“It’s not a look you want to be caught in, [bending] over,” he added.
Taking a shot at Kidman’s viral 2021 advert for AMC Theatres,...
The Irish actor is currently playing Stanley Kowalski in Rebecca Frecknall’s revival of Tennessee William’s classic play, A Streetcar Named Desire.
Appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Thursday (2 March), Mescal recalled greeting the Australian actor in nothing but his “sweaty underwear” after the play one night.
“We heard a knock on the [dressing room] door, and we thought it was the stage manager or something, and I go to open the door,” the actor recalled, “and it’s Nicole Kidman, and I’m standing there in, like, sweaty underwear.”
“You’d think the next smart step is [to] put on some trousers, but there’s something incredibly undignified about the act of [pulling up trousers].”
“It’s not a look you want to be caught in, [bending] over,” he added.
Taking a shot at Kidman’s viral 2021 advert for AMC Theatres,...
- 3/3/2023
- by Tom Murray
- The Independent - TV
Abba Voyage show will soon travel “around the world”, organisers have reportedly said.
The virtual concert, which sees hologram- style “Abba-tars” of the pop band performing a full setlist in a purpose-built arena, has seen enormous demand.
The unique concert, which opened last May, has sold over a million tickets.
Following its success, Universal Music Group has reportedly said that the show will soon go on tour around the world.
“Plans are now in development to take ‘Abba Voyage’ around the world,” said Universal Music Group chairman Lucian Grainge while on a company earnings call, reported Variety.
A representative for Abba Voyage declined to comment, but a source close to the project said that the focus was on London for the forseeable.
Abba, who formed in Sweden in 1972, are famous for multiple hits including “Dancing Queen”, “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight) and “Mamma Mia”.
The group is made up of Agnetha Fältskog,...
The virtual concert, which sees hologram- style “Abba-tars” of the pop band performing a full setlist in a purpose-built arena, has seen enormous demand.
The unique concert, which opened last May, has sold over a million tickets.
Following its success, Universal Music Group has reportedly said that the show will soon go on tour around the world.
“Plans are now in development to take ‘Abba Voyage’ around the world,” said Universal Music Group chairman Lucian Grainge while on a company earnings call, reported Variety.
A representative for Abba Voyage declined to comment, but a source close to the project said that the focus was on London for the forseeable.
Abba, who formed in Sweden in 1972, are famous for multiple hits including “Dancing Queen”, “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight) and “Mamma Mia”.
The group is made up of Agnetha Fältskog,...
- 3/3/2023
- by Megan Graye
- The Independent - Music
The third weekend of February brings some fascinating exhibitions, some left-field film releases... and a cocaine-fuelled bear. Yep, you read that right.
But that’s not all that features in this week’s Arts Agenda, The Independent’s guide to the best cultural activities each and every weekend. Our team of critics and editors have selected a range of options from across the different spheres of culture: art, books, film, music, stage and TV.
Among the highlights are David Hockney’s new immersive experience at Lightroom (we’ve also got an exclusive interview with the man himself). TV editor Ellie Harrison talks about the return of ITV’s Unforgotten – sadly sans Nicola Walker – while film editor Adam White has found the perfect Netflix film to fill the Jennifer Coolidge-shaped hole in all our lives after The White Lotus. Arts editor Jessie Thompson, meanwhile, enthuses about Coco Mellors’ bingeable novel Cleopatra and Frankenstein,...
But that’s not all that features in this week’s Arts Agenda, The Independent’s guide to the best cultural activities each and every weekend. Our team of critics and editors have selected a range of options from across the different spheres of culture: art, books, film, music, stage and TV.
Among the highlights are David Hockney’s new immersive experience at Lightroom (we’ve also got an exclusive interview with the man himself). TV editor Ellie Harrison talks about the return of ITV’s Unforgotten – sadly sans Nicola Walker – while film editor Adam White has found the perfect Netflix film to fill the Jennifer Coolidge-shaped hole in all our lives after The White Lotus. Arts editor Jessie Thompson, meanwhile, enthuses about Coco Mellors’ bingeable novel Cleopatra and Frankenstein,...
- 2/24/2023
- by Culture Staff,Mark Hudson,Ellie Harrison,Roisin O'Connor,Adam White and Jessie Thompson
- The Independent - TV
The third weekend of February brings some fascinating exhibitions, some left-field film releases... and yet another awards ceremony.
But that’s not all that features in this week’s Arts Agenda, The Independent’s guide to the best cultural activities each and every weekend. Our team of critics and editors have selected a range of options from across the different spheres of culture: art, books, film, music, stage and TV.
Among the highlights this week are a new exhibition at the Barbican showcasing the work of Alice Neel. TV editor Ellie Harrison talks about the Baftas, and the unlikely Netflix film poised to be a major contender. Speaking of awards, Adam White sings the praises of the off-kilter Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, an animated film that might just take home an Oscar in a few weeks. Arts editor Jessie Thompson, meanwhile, enthuses about Richard Hawley’s new musical,...
But that’s not all that features in this week’s Arts Agenda, The Independent’s guide to the best cultural activities each and every weekend. Our team of critics and editors have selected a range of options from across the different spheres of culture: art, books, film, music, stage and TV.
Among the highlights this week are a new exhibition at the Barbican showcasing the work of Alice Neel. TV editor Ellie Harrison talks about the Baftas, and the unlikely Netflix film poised to be a major contender. Speaking of awards, Adam White sings the praises of the off-kilter Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, an animated film that might just take home an Oscar in a few weeks. Arts editor Jessie Thompson, meanwhile, enthuses about Richard Hawley’s new musical,...
- 2/17/2023
- by Culture Staff
- The Independent - TV
It’s the weekend again. If you’re not sure what to do, The Independent’s got you covered.
Welcome to The Independent’s Arts Agenda, our guide to the very best culture to catch up with across your Saturday and Sunday.
Carefully curated by our critics and editors, this round-up features hot tips across the worlds of art, film, TV, theatre, dance, comedy, opera, books and music. Whether you’re after a must-see new production or an under-the-radar gem you might have overlooked, we’ve got you covered.
This week, TV editor Ellie Harrison looks ahead to the series finale of BBC One’s acclaimed crime drama Happy Valley, and arts editor Jessie Thompson steers you towards Cheryl’s stage debut in 2:22 A Ghost Story. Film editor Adam White had a blast with M Night Shyamalan’s latest, Knock at the Cabin, while chief art critic Mark Hudson...
Welcome to The Independent’s Arts Agenda, our guide to the very best culture to catch up with across your Saturday and Sunday.
Carefully curated by our critics and editors, this round-up features hot tips across the worlds of art, film, TV, theatre, dance, comedy, opera, books and music. Whether you’re after a must-see new production or an under-the-radar gem you might have overlooked, we’ve got you covered.
This week, TV editor Ellie Harrison looks ahead to the series finale of BBC One’s acclaimed crime drama Happy Valley, and arts editor Jessie Thompson steers you towards Cheryl’s stage debut in 2:22 A Ghost Story. Film editor Adam White had a blast with M Night Shyamalan’s latest, Knock at the Cabin, while chief art critic Mark Hudson...
- 2/3/2023
- by Culture Staff
- The Independent - Music
No plans this weekend? Let us fix that for you. Welcome to The Independent’s Arts Agenda, our brand new guide to the very best culture to catch up with across your Saturday and Sunday.
Carefully curated by our critics and editors, this round-up will bring you our hot tips across art, film, TV, theatre, dance, comedy, opera, books and music. Whether it’s a must-see newly opened show, or a gem you might have missed, we hope our recommendations mean you’re never stuck for something to see or do.
This week, if you haven’t watched The Last of Us yet, our TV Editor Ellie Harrison says you’re in store for a treat, while our Arts Editor Jessie Thompson is very curious about Melanie C’s Sadler’s Wells dance show. Elsewhere, our Film Editor Adam White says you can now watch Damien Chazelle’s Babylon at...
Carefully curated by our critics and editors, this round-up will bring you our hot tips across art, film, TV, theatre, dance, comedy, opera, books and music. Whether it’s a must-see newly opened show, or a gem you might have missed, we hope our recommendations mean you’re never stuck for something to see or do.
This week, if you haven’t watched The Last of Us yet, our TV Editor Ellie Harrison says you’re in store for a treat, while our Arts Editor Jessie Thompson is very curious about Melanie C’s Sadler’s Wells dance show. Elsewhere, our Film Editor Adam White says you can now watch Damien Chazelle’s Babylon at...
- 1/20/2023
- by Culture Staff
- The Independent - TV
Has your heart stopped hammering in your chest yet? No, not because it’s Christmas Eve tomorrow. But because The Traitors – the best reality TV show of 2022 – aired its finale last night, with more twists and turns, backstabbing and roaring fires than Game of Thrones. And we need to talk about it.
BBC One’s sleeper hit (watched by more people in the UK than Netflix’s Harry and Meghan) saw 22 strangers play a game, akin to Mafia or Werewolf, in a Scottish Highlands castle in the hope of winning up to £120,000.
Hosted by Claudia Winkleman – who was so invested in proceedings that she actually cried in the final episode – the show divided the contestants into traitors and faithfuls. The traitors “killed” off faithfuls one by one, all while trying to go undetected, and the faithfuls selected who to banish on suspicion of being a traitor.
It has been totally addictive for several reasons.
BBC One’s sleeper hit (watched by more people in the UK than Netflix’s Harry and Meghan) saw 22 strangers play a game, akin to Mafia or Werewolf, in a Scottish Highlands castle in the hope of winning up to £120,000.
Hosted by Claudia Winkleman – who was so invested in proceedings that she actually cried in the final episode – the show divided the contestants into traitors and faithfuls. The traitors “killed” off faithfuls one by one, all while trying to go undetected, and the faithfuls selected who to banish on suspicion of being a traitor.
It has been totally addictive for several reasons.
- 12/23/2022
- by Ellie Harrison
- The Independent - TV
Alison Hammond has reacted to her unexpected cameo in the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s Netflix documentary, Harry and Meghan.
While hosting This Morning on Tuesday 13 December, Hammond told viewers: “I’ve watched all three episodes, and I don’t know if you know, but in the third episode, you do actually hear my voice.”
The clip of Hammond comes from archival footage of Harry and Meghan meeting the public during their first royal walkabout together in Nottingham. From the crowd, Hammond yells: “Meghan, we love you!”
“You hear me in Nottingham going, ‘Meghan! We love you!’ Really, really loud,” the presenter exclaimed on This Morning.
Telling viewers that she is “obsessed” with the documentary, Hammond continued: “It was actually in the documentary – so I was watching the documentary, and I was like, ‘That’s my voice!’
“I was like, this is so good! I’m all over this documentary.
While hosting This Morning on Tuesday 13 December, Hammond told viewers: “I’ve watched all three episodes, and I don’t know if you know, but in the third episode, you do actually hear my voice.”
The clip of Hammond comes from archival footage of Harry and Meghan meeting the public during their first royal walkabout together in Nottingham. From the crowd, Hammond yells: “Meghan, we love you!”
“You hear me in Nottingham going, ‘Meghan! We love you!’ Really, really loud,” the presenter exclaimed on This Morning.
Telling viewers that she is “obsessed” with the documentary, Hammond continued: “It was actually in the documentary – so I was watching the documentary, and I was like, ‘That’s my voice!’
“I was like, this is so good! I’m all over this documentary.
- 12/13/2022
- by Ella Kipling
- The Independent - TV
For the first time since 2019 BC (Before Covid), Christmas is starting to look like Christmas again. Employees will humiliate themselves at festive work parties. Families will guiltlessly gather around the dinner table. For a few years now, these traditions have been out of reach, but the thing that’s been a constant, and is back again this year, is Christmas TV. Whether it’s worth watching, though, is less of a sure thing.
As a festive gift from us to you, we’ve watched a selection of some of the biggest shows that are on the way, so we can help you choose what to prioritise between glasses of sherry and naps on the couch. From the return of Happy Valley after a six-year hiatus and the arrival of new drama Without Sin, to the court-case-inspired comedy Vardy v Rooney, here’s what you can expect on your screens this Christmas…...
As a festive gift from us to you, we’ve watched a selection of some of the biggest shows that are on the way, so we can help you choose what to prioritise between glasses of sherry and naps on the couch. From the return of Happy Valley after a six-year hiatus and the arrival of new drama Without Sin, to the court-case-inspired comedy Vardy v Rooney, here’s what you can expect on your screens this Christmas…...
- 12/10/2022
- by Ellie Harrison,Jacob Stolworthy,Jessie Thompson,Inga Parkel,Megan Graye,Louis Chilton,Annabel Nugent,Nicole Vassell,Roisin O'Connor and Charlotte Cripps
- The Independent - TV
Graham Norton kicked off his eponymous talk show Friday (9 December) night with a joke at the royal family’s expense.
The British royalty have been in the headlines this week thanks to the release of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s tell-all documentary series about their journey on Netflix.
“An especially big welcome to any new viewers who are watching us after cancelling their Netflix subscription,” Norton told his BBC audience before cutting to a photo of King Charles and Camilla, Queen Consort on a sofa.
“That’s ruined their Netflix and chill night,” the host added.
In the series, the couple, who stepped down as senior royals in 2020, give intimate interviews alongside “family and friends who’ve never spoken publicly about the couple’s relationship before”.
Among the revelations in the series was Harry suggesting that the royal family allegedly referred to his wife’s treatment in the press...
The British royalty have been in the headlines this week thanks to the release of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s tell-all documentary series about their journey on Netflix.
“An especially big welcome to any new viewers who are watching us after cancelling their Netflix subscription,” Norton told his BBC audience before cutting to a photo of King Charles and Camilla, Queen Consort on a sofa.
“That’s ruined their Netflix and chill night,” the host added.
In the series, the couple, who stepped down as senior royals in 2020, give intimate interviews alongside “family and friends who’ve never spoken publicly about the couple’s relationship before”.
Among the revelations in the series was Harry suggesting that the royal family allegedly referred to his wife’s treatment in the press...
- 12/10/2022
- by Tom Murray
- The Independent - TV
The viewing figures for Netflix’s Harry & Meghan have been revealed.
According to the independent ratings body Barb, the first episode of the tell-all royal docuseries was watched by 2.4 million people on TV sets on its launch day (8 December).
The figure marks the biggest one-day audience for any Netflix show since the streaming service began being monitored by Barb in October.
Barb’s figures only take into account people watching the programme on TV sets – not those watching on phones, laptops, or other devices, which could comprise millions more.
The 2.4 million figure is more than double the viewership the first episode of The Crown’s latest season reached on day one (1.1 million).
Episode two of Harry & Meghan attracted 1.5 million viewers, and episode three clocked up a tally of 800,000. Further episodes will be released on Netflix on Thursday 15 December.
Per Barb, Harry & Meghan fell considerably short of the day’s most-watched programmes,...
According to the independent ratings body Barb, the first episode of the tell-all royal docuseries was watched by 2.4 million people on TV sets on its launch day (8 December).
The figure marks the biggest one-day audience for any Netflix show since the streaming service began being monitored by Barb in October.
Barb’s figures only take into account people watching the programme on TV sets – not those watching on phones, laptops, or other devices, which could comprise millions more.
The 2.4 million figure is more than double the viewership the first episode of The Crown’s latest season reached on day one (1.1 million).
Episode two of Harry & Meghan attracted 1.5 million viewers, and episode three clocked up a tally of 800,000. Further episodes will be released on Netflix on Thursday 15 December.
Per Barb, Harry & Meghan fell considerably short of the day’s most-watched programmes,...
- 12/9/2022
- by Louis Chilton
- The Independent - TV
Robert De Niro has admitted that he doesn’t know the names of all of his dogs.
The legendary actor appeared on Jessie Ware’s Table Manners podcast on Wednesday (26 October) alongside chef Nobu Matsuhisa and film producer Meir Teper, with whom he founded the sushi restaurant Nobu.
During the interview, host Ware – who presents along with her mum Lennie – asked De Niro what his favourite dish on the menu at the restaurant was.
The actor was unable to remember the name of his top picks, saying: “There’s so many things that come up that I don’t know the names.”
He then continued: “I have a bunch of little dogs, I don’t even know all their names. They’re all there, I love them, but I just don’t know.”
Asked by Ware how many dogs he had, the Goodfellas actor responded: “I have a few. More...
The legendary actor appeared on Jessie Ware’s Table Manners podcast on Wednesday (26 October) alongside chef Nobu Matsuhisa and film producer Meir Teper, with whom he founded the sushi restaurant Nobu.
During the interview, host Ware – who presents along with her mum Lennie – asked De Niro what his favourite dish on the menu at the restaurant was.
The actor was unable to remember the name of his top picks, saying: “There’s so many things that come up that I don’t know the names.”
He then continued: “I have a bunch of little dogs, I don’t even know all their names. They’re all there, I love them, but I just don’t know.”
Asked by Ware how many dogs he had, the Goodfellas actor responded: “I have a few. More...
- 10/26/2022
- by Isobel Lewis
- The Independent - Film
Nick Cave has said Blonde is his “favourite film of all time”, disregarding the largely damning critical response surrounding the new Marilyn Monroe biopic.
The 65-year-old Australian singer worked alongside Warren Ellis to record the soundtrack for the Ana de Armas-led adaptation of Joyce Carol Oates’s novel of the same name.
And despite “disgusted” viewers having already branded it “unwatchable” since its release on Netflix last month, Cave has proudly proclaimed it his “favourite” film.
In the latest edition of the singer-songwriter’s newsletter The Red Hand Files – in which fans can send questions to the star – he was asked: “What is your favourite film of all time?”
“Dear Sourav, Blonde. Love, Nick,” he responded.
In her one-star review, The Independent’s Jessie Thompson wrote that director Andrew Dominik’s movie “is degrading, exploitative and misogynist, yet mercilessly boring”.
The Independent’s Amanda Whiting agreed, adding that Marilyn...
The 65-year-old Australian singer worked alongside Warren Ellis to record the soundtrack for the Ana de Armas-led adaptation of Joyce Carol Oates’s novel of the same name.
And despite “disgusted” viewers having already branded it “unwatchable” since its release on Netflix last month, Cave has proudly proclaimed it his “favourite” film.
In the latest edition of the singer-songwriter’s newsletter The Red Hand Files – in which fans can send questions to the star – he was asked: “What is your favourite film of all time?”
“Dear Sourav, Blonde. Love, Nick,” he responded.
In her one-star review, The Independent’s Jessie Thompson wrote that director Andrew Dominik’s movie “is degrading, exploitative and misogynist, yet mercilessly boring”.
The Independent’s Amanda Whiting agreed, adding that Marilyn...
- 10/12/2022
- by Inga Parkel
- The Independent - Film
David O Russell’s new film Amsterdam is projected to lose up 100m (£90.5m) in box office sales, according to reports.
The period drama is set in the Thirties and follows three friends who witness a murder, become suspects themselves, and uncover one of the most outrageous plots in American history.
The cast includes Christian Bale, Margot Robbie, Taylor Swift, John David Washington, Rami Malek, Robert De Niro, and Anya Taylor-Joy.
According to report by Deadline, the comedy film had a shot at opening to double of what it did this past weekend based on the star-studded cast.
However, it only earned around 6.5m (£5.8m) in 3,005 theatres, boosted by Imax and Plf ticket sales that accounted for more than a third of that number.
Overall, it totalled to a 10m (£9.05m) worldwide start.
The production cost of Amsterdam is reportedly financed by New Regency per its deal with 20th Century Studios.
The period drama is set in the Thirties and follows three friends who witness a murder, become suspects themselves, and uncover one of the most outrageous plots in American history.
The cast includes Christian Bale, Margot Robbie, Taylor Swift, John David Washington, Rami Malek, Robert De Niro, and Anya Taylor-Joy.
According to report by Deadline, the comedy film had a shot at opening to double of what it did this past weekend based on the star-studded cast.
However, it only earned around 6.5m (£5.8m) in 3,005 theatres, boosted by Imax and Plf ticket sales that accounted for more than a third of that number.
Overall, it totalled to a 10m (£9.05m) worldwide start.
The production cost of Amsterdam is reportedly financed by New Regency per its deal with 20th Century Studios.
- 10/11/2022
- by Peony Hirwani
- The Independent - Film
David O Russell’s star-studded period drama Amsterdam performed poorly in its domestic box office debut, earning just 6.5m (£5.8m)) compared to its 80m (£72.4m) production cost.
Set in 1930s New York, the murder mystery stars Christian Bale, Margot Robbie and John David Washington as three suspects who are trying to prove their innocence, and also features appearances from Anya Taylor-Joy, Rami Malek, Robert De Niro and Taylor Swift.
But its famous cast couldn’t avoid poor reviews from critics and little buzz from audiences upon its release on 7 October, causing it to flop at the US box office despite initial hopeful predictions.
According to pre-release tracking, Amsterdam was predicted to open with earnings from 17m to 20m (£15.3m to £18.1m), but those projections were revised down following negative press.
In a three-star review for The Independent, Jessie Thompson wrote that despite being stylish and packed with charming performances, Amsterdam is full of “manic plotting,...
Set in 1930s New York, the murder mystery stars Christian Bale, Margot Robbie and John David Washington as three suspects who are trying to prove their innocence, and also features appearances from Anya Taylor-Joy, Rami Malek, Robert De Niro and Taylor Swift.
But its famous cast couldn’t avoid poor reviews from critics and little buzz from audiences upon its release on 7 October, causing it to flop at the US box office despite initial hopeful predictions.
According to pre-release tracking, Amsterdam was predicted to open with earnings from 17m to 20m (£15.3m to £18.1m), but those projections were revised down following negative press.
In a three-star review for The Independent, Jessie Thompson wrote that despite being stylish and packed with charming performances, Amsterdam is full of “manic plotting,...
- 10/10/2022
- by Furvah Shah
- The Independent - Film
Netflix users are being left particulary outraged by a “horrifying” scene in new Marilyn Monroe film Blonde.
The controversial new movie from director Andrew Dominik was adapted from Joyce Carol Oates’s fictional book about Monroe, which was released in 2001.
For some time now, the project, which stars Knives Out actor Ana de Armas, has been hyped up as being a shocking watch, with the film being handed an Nc-17 age certificate in the US.
For those in the UK, this is similar to an 18 – but American directors tend to try and edit their films in order to avoid the certificate as, when cinema releases are concerned, it typically equates to less money at the box office.
Many may believe Blonde to be a standard biopic about Monroe, but the opposite is true: due to the source material, the film features several imagined scenes from the Hollywood star’s life,...
The controversial new movie from director Andrew Dominik was adapted from Joyce Carol Oates’s fictional book about Monroe, which was released in 2001.
For some time now, the project, which stars Knives Out actor Ana de Armas, has been hyped up as being a shocking watch, with the film being handed an Nc-17 age certificate in the US.
For those in the UK, this is similar to an 18 – but American directors tend to try and edit their films in order to avoid the certificate as, when cinema releases are concerned, it typically equates to less money at the box office.
Many may believe Blonde to be a standard biopic about Monroe, but the opposite is true: due to the source material, the film features several imagined scenes from the Hollywood star’s life,...
- 10/2/2022
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - Film
Netflix users are being left particulary outraged by a “horrifying” scene in new Marilyn Monroe film Blonde.
The controversial new movie from director Andrew Dominik was adapted from Joyce Carol Oates’s fictional book about Monroe, which was released in 2001.
For some time now, the project, which stars Knives Out actor Ana de Armas, has been hyped up as being a shocking watch, with the film being handed an Nc-17 age certificate in the US.
For those in the UK, this is similar to an 18 – but American directors tend to try and edit their films in order to avoid the certificate as, when cinema releases are concerned, it typically equates to less money at the box office.
Many may believe Blonde to be a standard biopic about Monroe, but the opposite is true: due to the source material, the film features several imagined scenes from the Hollywood star’s life,...
The controversial new movie from director Andrew Dominik was adapted from Joyce Carol Oates’s fictional book about Monroe, which was released in 2001.
For some time now, the project, which stars Knives Out actor Ana de Armas, has been hyped up as being a shocking watch, with the film being handed an Nc-17 age certificate in the US.
For those in the UK, this is similar to an 18 – but American directors tend to try and edit their films in order to avoid the certificate as, when cinema releases are concerned, it typically equates to less money at the box office.
Many may believe Blonde to be a standard biopic about Monroe, but the opposite is true: due to the source material, the film features several imagined scenes from the Hollywood star’s life,...
- 10/1/2022
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - Film
Netflix users are being left particulary outraged by a “horrifying” scene in new Marilyn Monroe film Blonde.
The controversial new movie from director Andrew Dominik was adapted from Joyce Carol Oates’s fictional book about Monroe, which was released in 2001.
For some time now, the project, which stars Knives Out actor Ana de Armas, has been hyped up as being a shocking watch, with the film being handed an Nc-17 age certificate in the US.
For those in the UK, this is similar to an 18 – but American directors tend to try and edit their films in order to avoid the certificate as, when cinema releases are concerned, it typically equates to less money at the box office.
Many may believe Blonde to be a standard biopic about Monroe, but the opposite is true: due to the source material, the film features several imagined scenes from the Hollywood star’s life,...
The controversial new movie from director Andrew Dominik was adapted from Joyce Carol Oates’s fictional book about Monroe, which was released in 2001.
For some time now, the project, which stars Knives Out actor Ana de Armas, has been hyped up as being a shocking watch, with the film being handed an Nc-17 age certificate in the US.
For those in the UK, this is similar to an 18 – but American directors tend to try and edit their films in order to avoid the certificate as, when cinema releases are concerned, it typically equates to less money at the box office.
Many may believe Blonde to be a standard biopic about Monroe, but the opposite is true: due to the source material, the film features several imagined scenes from the Hollywood star’s life,...
- 9/30/2022
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - Film
Netflix has finally released its controversial Marilyn Monroe drama Blonde – but some viewers have complained that the film is “unwatchable”.
Many viewers specified on social media that they had been unable to make it more than 20 minutes into Blonde before abandoning it.
The 18-rated movie, based on the novel of the same name by Joyce Carol Oates, stars Ana de Armas as Monroe. It has divided critics, with particular scrutiny being levelled at the film’s harrowing depiction of trauma and sexual assault.
In a one-star review for The Independent, Jessie Thompson wrote: “Blonde is not a bad film because it is degrading, exploitative and misogynist, even though it is all of those things. It’s bad because it’s boring, pleased with itself and doesn’t have a clue what it’s trying to say.”
Other viewers have piled in on Twitter, condemning the film’s failings.
“While the...
Many viewers specified on social media that they had been unable to make it more than 20 minutes into Blonde before abandoning it.
The 18-rated movie, based on the novel of the same name by Joyce Carol Oates, stars Ana de Armas as Monroe. It has divided critics, with particular scrutiny being levelled at the film’s harrowing depiction of trauma and sexual assault.
In a one-star review for The Independent, Jessie Thompson wrote: “Blonde is not a bad film because it is degrading, exploitative and misogynist, even though it is all of those things. It’s bad because it’s boring, pleased with itself and doesn’t have a clue what it’s trying to say.”
Other viewers have piled in on Twitter, condemning the film’s failings.
“While the...
- 9/30/2022
- by Louis Chilton
- The Independent - Film
Adrien Brody defended Netflix’s film adaptation of Joyce Carol Oates’ Marilyn Monroe novel, Blonde, amid a divided response.
So far, the movie starring Ana de Armas as the 1950s Hollywood icon has been condemned by some critics for its harrowing portrayal of Monroe’s life.
In a one-star review for The Independent, Jessie Thompson wrote: “Blonde is not a bad film because it is degrading, exploitative and misogynist, even though it is all of those things. It’s bad because it’s boring, pleased with itself and doesn’t have a clue what it’s trying to say.”
In a new interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Brody – who plays Monroe’s third husband, playwright Arthur Miller – called director Andrew Dominik “beautifully brave”.
“I think that since it’s told in this first-person perspective, it works somehow for the film to be a traumatic experience,” Brody explained. “Because you’re...
So far, the movie starring Ana de Armas as the 1950s Hollywood icon has been condemned by some critics for its harrowing portrayal of Monroe’s life.
In a one-star review for The Independent, Jessie Thompson wrote: “Blonde is not a bad film because it is degrading, exploitative and misogynist, even though it is all of those things. It’s bad because it’s boring, pleased with itself and doesn’t have a clue what it’s trying to say.”
In a new interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Brody – who plays Monroe’s third husband, playwright Arthur Miller – called director Andrew Dominik “beautifully brave”.
“I think that since it’s told in this first-person perspective, it works somehow for the film to be a traumatic experience,” Brody explained. “Because you’re...
- 9/29/2022
- by Tom Murray
- The Independent - Film
John Thomson has admitted that he would be reluctant to reprise his role on Coronation Street. The Cold Feet actor, who played hapless children's entertainer Jesse between 2008 and 2010, said that his character left the soap at the right time.
Pic: John Thomson's last scenes as the colourful Jesse Thomson told Metro: "I've been fortunate. I've had a varied career and like popping in and out of things. I was in it for ten months and felt I'd run my course." Jesse Chadwick, who carried his pet parrot everywhere, was involved in a comedy love triangle with Eileen Grimshaw (more)...
Pic: John Thomson's last scenes as the colourful Jesse Thomson told Metro: "I've been fortunate. I've had a varied career and like popping in and out of things. I was in it for ten months and felt I'd run my course." Jesse Chadwick, who carried his pet parrot everywhere, was involved in a comedy love triangle with Eileen Grimshaw (more)...
- 4/17/2012
- by By Paul Millar
- Digital Spy
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.