Films and TV

According to a recent government-commissioned report all school children should be given the opportunity to undertake film studies. These proposals come in the light of recent British successes in the film industry.

The panel has been looking into the demand for British films here in the United Kingdom and has recommended that these productions receive the backing of the nation.

Lord Smith explained:

“British film is going through a golden period. A run of British-made and British-based movies has been taking audiences around the world by storm. But we cannot be complacent.”

It would certainly prove to be a popular choice in schools where many pupils see traditional subjects as boring, but would jump at the chance to learn more about their favourite movies and how they are made.

The usual rivals ITV and BskyB have been unanimous in their justification of the money they invest in the British film industry after they were both named in a report advising them to do more.

Lord Smith, chairman of the Film Policy Review Panel, and his team highlighted the lack of support for British production projects and recommended the government could alter legislation to ensure a greater contribution is made by these broadcasters.

However, quite understandably, both broadcasters did not take this lying down.

An ITV spokesman said:

“ITV invests almost £1bn annually in programming on its channels, with the majority focussed on original UK-produced content from a broad range of suppliers.”

A spokesman for the satellite broadcaster said:

“A healthy UK film sector is good for our customers and good for Sky. That’s why we support efforts to increase investment in all UK content.”

It has been revealed that the season two premiere of the hit fantasy series Game Of Thrones will only be delayed by a day in the United Kingdom following its screening in the United States.

Our American friends have traditionally enjoyed watching shows weeks or months ahead of us, but Sky Atlantic viewers will be able to tune in to the channel and watch the premiere on April 2.

With just over two months to wait until the world of George RR Martin’s A Song Of Ice And Fire is revisited means that fans can now look to what they can expect in the second season.

Game of Thrones star Peter Dinklage, who plays Tyrion Lannister in the fantasy series, made an unusual acceptance speech when collecting his award at the ceremony last Sunday night.

The actor suggested that the audience and viewers Google the name Martin Henderson when he went on stage to be presented with the Best Supporting Actor in a TV Series gong.

Within minutes a 37-year-old aspiring actor from Somerset ended up being a global trending topic on the social networking site Twitter as people looked to find out why Dinklage had made this peculiar request.

In fact, the reason why Henderson was highlighted in this way by his fellow dwarf was because he had recently suffered an attack which had left him with painful leg and back injuries.

Mr Gervais may not be too concerned by the critics who panned his performance as host of the Golden Globes ceremony for the third time, but it does make you wonder what the Americans want.

Last year, the British comedian angered, upset, appalled and shocked his US counterparts in the film industry with his gags putting down the rich, the famous and the well-respected.

This Sunday, Ricky did tone down his act a little bit and has been described as ‘boring’ by The Huffington Post. The Office creator won’t be too downhearted by stating he won’t be doing it again in any case, although he admitted: “I had a blast actually. It was by far my favourite of the three hosting stints.”

Now, I didn’t see Lars Von Trier’s 2009 Antichrist, and to be honest, I am not sure I want to! I would like to see his latest film Melancholia, however. Although it doesn’t appear to be about a more cheerful subject (the end of the world, depression etc.), reviews have raved about Kirsten Dunst’s performance as a manic depressive bride. They have also praised Charlotte’s Gainsbourg’s performance as the bride’s sister.

The film did well at Cannes, despite the furore over Lars Von Trier’s unsettling comments about Hitler, and so everything points to a film worth seeing. It may not be a comforting chick-flick or a rom-com to laugh along to, but it’s probably one of the films to go and see this autumn.

Roman Polanski has finally been able to collect his lifetime achievement award from the Zurich film festival – two years after it was awarded.

He was on his way to the event in 2009 when he was arrested at Zurich airport and placed under house arrest in Switzerland, as the US tried to get him extradited to face charges of unlawful sex with a thirteen year old girl in 1977.

Switzerland eventually refused to comply with the extradition request, and Polanski was released, although his movements are still limited. He is still wanted in the US, having fled to France after pleading guilty to a lesser charge. He can only now travel to countries that do not hold extradition agreements with the States.

There was a huge outcry from some of the most prominent members of the cinematic community at the time of his arrest.

Having missed the first screening of BBC 4’s Danish crime series The Killing, as well as the American version that was aired on Channel 4, I actually got round to watching the first series when it was repeated recently. I was hooked from the first episode, and for a month, Sunday to Thursday evenings revolved around being ready to watch the latest instalment, which is sad, but true.

So, I am glad to hear that the BBC has already bought the second series and is due to show it in November. While I feel slightly disappointed knowing that Lund’s sidekick Meyer will not feature, as well as other prominent characters from the first story, I am waiting for the new story line with anticipation. I am sure it will make for some great, dark entertainment as the winter nights draw in.

Pedro Almodovar’s latest offering sees the return of some familiar themes for the Spanish director, in this portrayal of a Spanish plastic surgeon.

The surgeon, played by Antonio Banderas, has developed a new type of skin that could be used to help burns victims recover from terrible injury and disfigurement. He appears to be experimenting in secret on a mysterious young woman he keeps captive in his home.

As the plot unfolds, we are asked to question constructions of identity and the self, and examine the relationship between captor and captive. Science, too, plays an important role, and raises questions about ethical boundaries and transgression, as the surgeon takes the role of god in his captive’s life.

This is a dark and macabre thriller that is beautifully filmed and definitely worth a watch.

Jeremy Clarkson, the veteran Top Gear presenter, is never far from insulting someone or something on his popular motor show. However, before anyone dare suggest that he move north with the BBC to Salford next year, he has already decided that the place has little to offer ambitious TV personalities such as himself.

Despite coming from Doncaster in South Yorkshire, unless you “do a Dick Whittington” and head to the bright lights of the capital, you are limiting your ambitions and stifling your talent. But what about those who have succeeded in “the north” as he puts it?

Good old Stuart Hall has stuck up for the city as well as the northern way of life, echoing the sentiments of the shadow culture secretary, Ivan Lewis, describing outspoken opponents of the move as having “outdated prejudices” and “negativity about the north”.