2011 was an impressive year for Irish/German actor Michael Fassbender; he stared in five films, receiving a number of awards and nominations for his efforts, and proved that as long as you’re good enough there’s no such thing as being typecast.
2011 was an impressive year for Irish/German actor Michael Fassbender; he starred in five films, receiving a number of awards and nominations for his efforts, and proved that as long as you’re good enough there’s no such thing as being typecast.
From literary classics (Jane Eyre) to mainstream blockbuster sci-fi (X-Men: First Class), action thrillers (Haywire) to an intense relationship drama (A Dangerous Method), Fassbender can do it all. But his most noteworthy and revealing, literally, performance of the year was in the Steve McQueen directed and co-written Shame (Saturday 23rd February, 8.30pm).
Fassbender plays Brandon, a slick New York executive with an insatiable appetite for sex, whose very private life begins to unravel when his sister (Carey Mulligan) comes to stay. The relationship between the damaged siblings is at the heart of this story and, while their past is never clearly explained, it contributes to the relationships and feelings of self-loathing, humiliation, and shame that run through this film.
Shame is an uncomfortable, intense, sad and gripping portrayal of one man’s relationship with sex and his screwed up sister. Despite all the graphic, leave-nothing-to-the-imagination visuals the meaning of this film isn’t as obvious as you might think, and will give you something to ponder.
This month Rialto Channel has livened up Friday nights with a collection of Spanish horror films, and we wrap up the series this Friday with Julia’s Eyes (Friday 22nd February, 8.30pm). As much as I’ve appreciated the opportunity to immerse myself in this genre, I’m glad the creepiness is almost over!
Julia’s Eyes, directed by Guillem Morales and produced in part by Guillermo Del Toro, is the story of Julia, a woman with a degenerative eye disease who tries to unravel the mystery surrounding the suicide of her sister Sara. Sara was blinded by the same condition and, as Julia discovers the truth of the dark details surrounding Sara’s death, she too slowly goes blind.
This suspenseful psychological thriller is a stylish affair with plenty of attention given to lighting (or intentional lack of) and settings. It all contributes to the tension and creepiness of a story that builds slowly throughout, and lead us to a cracker final act.
Keeping with the Spanish theme for the week - our final film from director Pedro Almodovar, Bad Education, screens this Sunday in Rialto Channel’s Directors Showcase at 8.30pm.
Starring Gael Garcia Bernal and Fele Martinez, Bad Education is Almodovar’s rift on Catholic education, individuality and the freedom of expression that came from the loosening up of Spanish society in the 1980s. It’s part drama, comedy and film noir - once again a unique and original vision from Spain’s most important and internationally renowned director working today.
I hope you’ve entered our competition to win a trip for two to Spain - check the website for how to enter.
Enjoy.