Well, I have to say, Rialto Channel’s timing couldn’t be more perfect. Just after George Lucas announces he’s selling his company Lucasfilm Ltd to Disney for around US4 billion, Rialto’s playing the hilarious documentary The People vs George Lucas (Friday 16th November, 8.30pm).
Well, I have to say, Rialto Channel’s timing couldn’t be more perfect. Just after George Lucas announces he’s selling his company Lucasfilm Ltd to Disney for around US4 billion, Rialto’s playing the hilarious documentary The People vs George Lucas (Friday 16th November, 8.30pm)
Directed by Alexandre O. Philippe the film delves into Lucas’ legacy and goes some way to explaining why Star Wars fans are some of the most obsessed and dedicated of any cinema franchise. The documentary asks questions like: has Lucas betrayed his masterpiece (and his fans) by re-editing and re-mastering the original Star Wars Trilogy? Has Lucas taken advantage of the fans with the constant release of merchandising goods? And what the heck was he thinking when he released Jar Jar Binks onto the screen in The Phantom Menace? For that matter, what was Lucas thinking when he made The Phantom Menace?
With such a broad collection of contributors, from Hollywood bigwigs to die-hard fans and comedians, it’s funny, revealing and always heartfelt. Interestingly, no one in the documentary thought Lucas would let go of the company he’s worked so hard to retain, and quite a few, including Francis Ford Coppola, feel that as a filmmaker Lucas was trapped by the success of Star Wars and the Indiana Jones franchises. Lucas will now have plenty of time to show us how diverse a filmmaker he really can be.
By the way, according to Starwars.com, Lucasfilm has confirmed that award-winning writer Michael Arndt (Little Miss Sunshine, Toy Story 3) will write the screenplay for the new Star Wars film, Star Wars VII. Here we go again…
Sticking with the entertainment industry, this week the 'Headliners' documentary series (featuring award-winning biographies) is screening festival favourite Being Elmo: A Puppeteer’s Journey (Thursday 15th November, 8.30pm).
It’s a documentary worth capturing on MYSKY so you can watch with the kids. It’s a sweet, uplifting story about a nice young boy from a humble background who followed his dream to be a world famous puppeteer. Kevin Clash not only got to work with his idol Jim Henson before he passed away, but is also the creator of Elmo.
As well as being a personal story, Being Elmo takes you behind the scenes of Sesame St, The Muppets and the films Jim Henson directed to show just how much artistry is involved in developing and bringing to life some of the world’s most adored and recognisable characters. It will have the kids talking like puppets for days!
Also this week, Rialto Channel brings you the delightful screwball comedy and 2012 BAFTA nominee Potiche (Saturday 17th November, 8.30pm).
If you’re feeling a little repressed, taken for granted, or outright neglected by your spouse, then let Catherine Deneuve inspire you in her role as a trophy wife who steps out of her comfort zone to take over the family business while her husband recovers from an illness.
Directed by François Ozon (8 Women, Swimming Pool) and staring a couple of other well-known French thesps, Gerard Depardieu and Fabrice Luchini, it’s Catherine Deneuve’s fabulous performance which provides the most compelling reason for seeing this witty, enjoyable lighthearted farce.
Enjoy.