Movie of the Week – First Blood
The movie that introduced us to the iconic character of John Rambo, First Blood plays late Friday night at the Lighthouse. In this first movie, Rambo is a melancholy figure, scarred by his war experiences and forced into violence by the corrupt cops of a small town. Its serious tone couldn’t be more different to that of the over the top flag-waving sequels that would follow.
Doctor Zhivago
Also at the Lighthouse Friday night and Saturday afternoon is the latest installment of their David Lean season – Doctor Zhivago. Lean’s Russian set movie is the very definition of epic filmmaking, and as with most of his work, the big screen is where it really should be seen.
Bridge of Spies
The week’s best new release is the latest from Steven Spielberg, whose favourite director just happens to be Lean! Bridge of Spies is a cold war thriller based on the true events around negotiations between the US and USSR to trade two captured spies. It’s by no means vintage Spielberg, and it runs a half hour too long, but it’s a very interesting tale that will have cold war buffs captivated.
Carol
Also set in the 1950s is Carol. Adapted from a Patricia Highsmith novel, it’s the tale of the forbidden affair between two lesbians, played by Rooney Mara and Cate Blanchett. The period detail is fantastic, but while it’s a beautiful film to look at, there’s a coldness to the proceedings that never allows you to get completely involved.
By Eric Hillis of themoviewaffler.com
