If you’re in Yorkshire then get ready for a festival onslaught. Not only do you have the Leeds International Film Festival but there’s also the Sheffield Doc/Fest and Bradford Animation Festival to look forward to as well. As it indicates, Doc/Fest is a chance to see some of the best new real life stories committed to the big screen. There’s an enormous amount to go and see, including a preview screening of Michael Moore’s latest film Capitalism: A Love Story, an illuminating film about the life of American comedian Bill Hicks and more industry events and seminars than you can shake a stick at. Though if you did shake a stick at it, someone will probably film it and show it at next year’s festival. The Bradford Animation Festival promises some drawn delights, computer animated cool things and much more besides. The highlights will include a screening of Coraline introduced by the producer, a showing of Fantastic Mr Fox and plenty of enticing short films.
On the new release front, there’s the chance to get in the Xmas spirit (Yes. Already.) with A Christmas Carol, a new animated extravaganza featuring the voice of Jim Carrey as everyone’s favourite miser, Ebeneezer Scrooge. Whilst the story has been adapted countless times, this looks like a lush and impressive animation that will keep you glued to the screen, especially if you get to see the film in 3D. More impressive special effects in 2012 which is an epic disaster movie in the vein of The Day After Tomorrow. Whilst it’s overlong and a bit overblown, those who want to wallow in the cinema for a few hours could do worse and star John Cusack is always excellent value for money, no matter what he’s in. Two of the great auteurs of modern American cinema return with The Coen Brothers and Stephen Soderbergh releasing A Serious Man and The Informant respectively. Whilst both the films aren’t lauded as career highpoints for either, they’ve gained solid critical accolades from across the festival circuit and will be a welcome antidote to the forthcoming onslaught of Christmas blockbusters. Also look out for Amelia, the Hilary Swank starring biopic of legendary pilot Amelia Earhart, and Taking Woodstock, Ang ‘Brokeback Mountain’ Lee’s latest film that looks at the festival that defined the 60s.
On to our beloved Arthouse cinemas now as the Hyde Park Picture House brings up a couple of gems whilst simultaneously playing host to the Leeds International Film Festival. Take the opportunity to check out Lift To The Scaffold, a truly great French Noir film which also is complemented by a brilliant jazz score from Miles Davis. There’s also Bunny and the Bull, the feature debut of Paul King best known for directing The Mighty Boosh TV show. It’s a road movie set in one room, and really shows the ingenuity inherent in British films today. Add in some cameos from many of those you’ll recognise from The Boosh and a lot of fun is guaranteed. Finally, Olsen will return on 29th November for another evening or avant-garde film and video, tea and cake. What more could a person possibly want on a Sunday afternoon? Over at the National Media Museum gives you the chance to see the Cannes winning The White Ribbon. From the confrontational director Michael Haneke, the film is a measured examination of war and collaboration. You can also The Cove, a powerful and disturbing documentary about the treatment of dolphins. This is not an easy watch, with some shocking scenes of animal cruelty, but this is crusading filmmaking at its best. Also look out for archive showings of Belle Du Jour, The Servant and the chance to The Dark Crystal in the glory of 70mm!
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