Film Club

In this episode of Film Club we turn up the level of ridiculous to 11 as we probe Rob Reiner's cult classic comedy This Is Spinal Tap. Poking its sharp, satirical stick in the eye of Rock n Roll, does it still remain as fresh nearly 30 years on and is there still non more black?

The 26th entry into Film Club's catalogue is the ninth pick from Mal. The only film thus far to come from Tom Ford is a beautifully pieced together mix of emotion as English professor George comes to terms with the death of his partner Jim in 1960's Los Angeles. Displaying both style and substance Ford's only feature and passion project delivers a lot but how much of it agrees with you?

This episode of Film Club see's us discussing Dan's latest pick, the Charlie Chaplin vehicle City Lights. Our first foray into silent cinema provides plenty to admire and like. From the wonderful combination of humour and tenderness, the full body performance of Chaplin and the films ability to spin both commentary on class and personal relationships from somewhat dark source material.

In this episode, Michael Haneke's original version of Funny Games (the latest public pick) shatters the fourth wall and divides its audience firmly down the middle. But which side of the fence does his home invasion thriller come cinematic lecture leave you standing on?

After a slight delay Film Club returns and throws you grunts deep beyond enemy lines as we crawl across Stanley Kubrick's political war/anti-war classic, Full Metal Jacket. An unflinching look at the dehumanisation of marines during the vietnam war, Kubrick's 87 view of conflict raises more than its fair share of eyebrows and makes one lasting impact.

Episode 23 see's us introduce our first documentary and what a doc to break us in. Hoop Dreams is widely considered a bonafide classic in the genre and an example of how encompassing natural, real world story telling can be. It follows two hopeful prospects from the inner city of Chicago pursuing their dreams of playing basketball. But you dont have to know or even remotely like the sport to get something from Hoop Dreams. A multi functional story that takes on board so much and delivers twice as much as it unravels.

The 22nd instalment of Film Club see's us sink our teeth into 2009's rock n roll vampire comedy Suck. Does the film live up to its namesake? Or does it have more bite than than you would perhaps expect? Only one way to find...

In this episode we merge the very real problems of the Spanish civil war with the mysterious fantasy that lies beneath. Young Ofelia is our protagonist and veil between both worlds in Guillermo Del Toro's epic fairy tale for Adults. Pans Labyrinth is a layered and enchanting forest of intrigue and a might fine film to boot.

In this our 20th episode we discuss Dan's latest pick, the noir bending thriller and all round classic Chinatown. Smart, layered and complex script, not to mention detailed and multi-dimensional characters Roman Polanski murky juxtaposition of golden Hollywood and the dirty undergrowth of corruption it hides is a tale that lingers in the memory and twists you up in the moment.

In this episode we dial back the clock and delve into the critically adored spark of French New Wave, Breathless. Over 50 years on whether, you hate it, love it or find it perplexing. Your more than likely to find its disregard of the cinematic rule book, interesting in the least.

In a somewhat left field turn Mal picked a disney classic for his latest entry into the film club catalogue. But how does its animation and its storytelling hold up against a much glossier, contemporary world of animation. Only one way to find out, put on your most prestigious outfit and slip into the enchanted ballroom of cinematic chatter.

This episode see's us kickstart the new year with Dans number six pick The Social Network. David Fincher's film about Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg is one thats crisp, cutting and expertly crafted. From the arrogance of youth to broken friendships and personal longing, a film based on the birth of a website should be boring but The Social Network is anything but.

This episode see's something dark, powerful and utterly symbolic emerge from the Han River. Joon-Ho Bong's creature feature The Host is much more than just a roaring, rampage of CGI destruction. With dysfunctional families, social commentary and political satire hung underneath dark humour theres more to this monster than what resides beneath the water.

This episode see's us enter the dark, twisted vision of Andrej Zulawksi. His 1981 cult favourite Possession is a very open ended affair which looks at faith, relationships and sexuality to name just a few. Its unorthodox manner provides many questions but it's packed full of symbolism and punctuated with some truly turbulent and traumatic performances.

This episode gives us a realistic vision of post world war 2 Rome as we delve into Vittorio De Sica's inspirational and aspirational film Bicycle Thieves. With its wonderfully effective subtleties and symbolism, it's easy to see how much of an influence this grounded drama has become.

This episode see's us once again fly over to the land of the rising sun, as we delve into the 1989 crime centered action film Black Rain. Our second offering from Ridley Scott is somewhat of a mixed bag as it has us looking at moody settings, over powering soundtracks, good performances and the not so good performances that feature throughout.

This episode see's us dig into Andrea Arnold's 2009 indie drama Fish Tank. With it's grotty and honest depiction of council estate Britain, subtle symbolism, ambiguous characters and understated performance . Fish Tank is a film with many depths too it, some of which are quietly concealed.

This episode sees the grandmaster of controversy Lars Von Trier break opinions with his 96' film Breaking The Waves. From its confused intentions, misogynistic connotations, dogme film style and dividing statements on sex, love and organised religion. It certainly packs enough theoretical and cinematic gun powder to make plenty of noise. But is that a good thing or is Breaking The Waves simply a case of Von Trier playing god with with his audience?

This episode see's us set on the trail of adventure and fortune, as we head back to 1985 and delve into Richard Donners cult hit The Goonies. From its timeless core of childhood friendship, to its distinct 80's flavour the films duality is just one thing thats made it as beloved as it is today.

This episode sees us take a stroll down the streets of Richard Linklater's Austin, Texas. We look at what makes Slacker a definitive reflection of generation x whilst being a timeless staple-mark for Indie film making.