pha96lgc Reviews

Carnival of Souls (1962)

Why is this film not better known?

[3 April 2000]

It always amazes me how some awfull films can pick up the tag "classic", whilst some real gems lie completley ignored. There is no arguing with the fact that this film is one of the most interesting ever made- showing how a stunning atmosphere and amazing visual prescence can be achieved with a low budget- and even a slightly flawed script.

Makers of "Blair Witch.." , "Scream 1,2,3...." etc. watch and learn - this is first rate film making. The cinematography is brilliant, the soundtrack terrifying and the script is remarkably intelligent for a "horror" flick. This is how to make a great film without relying on internet hype and clever marketing.Go see it.

From Beyond the Grave (1974)

Sadly Underrated

[30 March 2000]

From the plethora of Horror films from the Amicus and Hammer studios in the late 1960's and early 70s, this is one that stands out above many of the others. The opening sequence with the camera moving through the mist graveyard is a masterful piece of horror film. Each of the stories is built up very well with an excellent element of tension in each. If you want to see a great example of the British horror film genre, this is the place to start.

Man Bites Dog (1992)

On the whole, an excellent piece of thought provoking cinema

[24 March 2000]

I think the whole point of this film is to make the viewers sit up and ask some questions. As film watchers we should be asking ourselves why we might find the premise of the film initially hilarious. Why is it so funny when he announces in a mundane voice that he likes to start the month by killing a postman, in much the same way that you might announce that you go to the bank at the start of every month?Why do we as viewers ,stick with the trail of violence as it moves from the stuff of comic books to the deeply disturbing realms of sexual violence? How do we feel at the end when these thoroughly unpleasant people die? All these questions can only be answered by each individual, and therefore the film is trying to tell us more about ourselves and our own attitudes to violence, than it is about the whole of society. As consumers of cinema, we hold valid opinions about these issues, and it is very rare that a film really provokes us to ask such questions- this one does it marvellously however, and in a much more entertaining way than say "Funny Games", which tries to do the same ,but doesn't quite manage it. On the whole, a thought provoking masterpiece.

The Breach (1970)

Frankly, a disappointment

[24 March 2000]

After having heard so much about the work of Chabrol, I was frankly disappointed with this film, which was my first encounter with his work. Not only did I find the pacing of the film agonisingly slow and lumbering, I found the plot to be frankly ludicrous. Whilst this is not always a problem,I can't believe that people can appreciate such an ill thought out plotline . I also found the hints at symbolism to be deeply confused and the anti-bourgeois sentiment to be far to "in your face". On the whole, a let down.

Up the Junction (1968)

A must for all 1960's fans!

[24 March 2000]

An absolute must see for all lovers of 1960's culture. Not only does it boast some of the decades finest actors, it has a beautiful soundtrack from Manfred Mann and the cinematography perfectly captures the feel of what it was like to live in that decade. The plotline also deals with some of the pressing social issues of the time as well, including a very sensitive portrayal of back street abortion, the only one coming even slightly close to the masterly "Alfie". Even watching this film now, I think you can really get a feel for what it was like to be young and working class in the 1960's. Great Stuff.