Movie Talk on Sunday - British Films

I like MTOS, but I can't participate very often. The last one was about British films, so I thought I should answer the questions anyway (even four days later). But I started answering them, I understood that I'm not very familiar with true British cinema. I hope to catch up later. All questions were thought up by two hosts - @thommoj03 and @maxwellhubbard.

1. What is your all-time favourite British film?
"The Duchess", because it has Keira Knightley, who is always great in historical dramas; is based on the interesting life of a real person; is very dramatic, visually stunning, and its score is great.

2. Who do you consider the best British director?
Charlie Chaplin is my favourite. I watched every film (!) made by him or where he stared. If I had to choose alive directors, I'd say Tom Hooper (yes, I enjoyed "The King's Speech" very much); Richard Ayoade ("Submarine" is one of the best films I've seen in 2011) and Joe Wright (because of "Atonement" and his "Pride and Prejudice" adaptation).

3. Who is the best British actor/actress alive today?
I can't name the only one actor and just the only one actress. James McAvoy, Ralph Fiennes, Ian McKellen, Rhys Ifans, Alan Rickman, John Hurt, Colin Firth, Bill Nighy, Jude Law, Christian Bale are good and great: on the other hand there are Helena Bonham Carter, Keira Knightley, Maggie Smith, Emma Thompson, Julie Andrews, Kristin Scott Thomas, Kate Winslet. If I forgot someone I hope they won't be offended.

4. What characteristics define 'the best of British'?
Intelligence, originality, wise budget use, talented actors.

5. What genre does British cinema do best? (give examples)
I'm a big fan of period dramas (see films mentioned in this post before).

6. What makes British films different from mainstream Hollywood movies?
Everything. Mainstream Hollywood movies are all the same (meaningless comedies with stupid jokes or action flicks with lots of invisible 3D). What I like about British films is that they aren't becoming mainstream, though David Cameron thinks they should (don't listen to him). Also it is great that British filmmakers don't forget their history and continue adapting classics.

7. Do you think British films are better than those from America?
Definitely. Because British directors are trying to make something new, and not to remake something old.

8. If you could get a cinema re-release for one British film what would it be?
My childhood dream is to watch two first Harry Potter films on the big screen.

9. 2011 was a great year for film. Which British film was the best of the bunch last year?
"Submarine" by Richard Ayoade.

10. Finally, which British film will wow audiences this year?
I'm waiting for "The Woman in Black", "Skyfall", and "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" is also partly British.

If you know some great British films, please write them in comments below so I could watch them! Thank you.

"SKYFALL" (2012) - First picture

Empire website released the very first image from upcoming 23rd James Bond film. It is called "Skyfall", and Daniel Craig continues playing its legendary main character. This picture was made while filming at the Four Seasons hotel in London. Everyone knows that James Bond films are more for guys, but I doubt that this particular promo can attract the sterner sex with Craig's muscular almost naked body... On the other hand now I'm waiting for it.

"Skyfall" stars a bunch of good actors - Javier Bardem, Ralph Fiennes, Judi Dench, Helen McCrory, and is directed by the Academy Award winner Sam Mendes. The film opens this fall.

Helena Bonham Carter in "Great Expectations"

Helena Bonham Carter looks gorgeous and majestic wearing this white dress on the set of "Great Expectations". She reminds me of a character from Tim Burton's "Corpse Bride", if there was a not-animated version.

"Great Expectations" is Mike Newell's adaptation of the classical novel by Charles Dickens. Mike has never got a chance to work with this incredible actress before, though both of them helped to create "Harry Potter" films in different times.

Helen is Miss Havisham; other parts are played by Jeremy Irvine, who is portraying the main character, Jason Flemyng, Holliday Grainger and Sally Hawkins. But I really glad to see there Ralph Fiennes and Robbie Coltrane. With Mr. Newell as the director, it feels like a reunion '6 years later'.

Images - COLLIDER

"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2" (2011) - Rare posters

Yes, this story is over, but I've found some rare character posters and thought I should post them. Probably, some of them are fan-made, still all posters look good.

More about "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2". (news, trailers, clips, interview, premieres, quotes, posters, stills and more)

Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley)

Domhnall Gleeson (Bill Weasley)

Jason Isaacs (Lucius Malfoy)

Matthew Lewis (Neville Longbottom)

Emma Watson (Hermione Granger)

Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley)

Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter)

Ralph Fiennes (Lord Voldemort)

Posters - Movie posters DB

"Coriolanus" (2011) - Trailer, synopsis

Ralph Fiennes presents his directorial debut, which appears to be a modern adaptation of the play "Coriolanus" by William Shakespeare. Synopsis: "Caius Martius Coriolanus (played by Ralph Fiennes himself), a revered and feared Roman General is at odds with the city of Rome and his fellow citizens. Pushed by his controlling and ambitious mother Volumnia (Vanessa Redgrave) to seek the exalted and powerful position of Consul, he is loath to ingratiate himself with the masses whose votes he needs in order to secure the office. When the public refuse to support him, Coriolanus's anger prompts a riot which culminates in his expulsion from Rome. The banished hero then allies himself with his sworn enemy Tullus Aufidius (Gerard Butler) to take his revenge on the city." (Official Icon Entertainment site) Also starring Brian Cox as Menenius and Jessica Chastain as wife Virgilia. Movie was presented In Competition at the 61st Berlin International Film Festival.

Review from The Guardian.

Рэйф Файнс представляет нам свой режиссерский дебют, который является современной адаптацией пьесы "Кориолан" Уильяма Шекспира. Сюжет: Кай Марций Кориолан (Рэйф Файнс), почитаемый римский полководец находится в центре конфликта с городом и его жителями. Подталкиваемый своей амбициозной мамашей Волумнией (Ванесса Редгрейв) он делает стать консулом, но ненавидит себя за то, что втирается в доверие к людям, да бы заполучить их голоса. Когда граждане отказываются его поддерживать, злость Кориолана провоцирует массовые беспорядки, которые приводят к его изгнанию из Рима. Тогда изгнанный герой вступает в схватку со своим давним врагом Туллом Авфидием (Джерард Батлер), что бы отомстить городу. Другие роли исполняют Брайан Кокс и Джессика Честейн. Фильм был представлен в рамках 61го Берлинского кинофестиваля.

Release dates - 1 December 2011 (Russia), 2 December 2011 (USA), 20 January 2012 (UK).

"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2" - London premiere

It was amazing watching this premiere live along with making a live coverage on Twitter.

This main show lasted more than three hours, but I was very exited to be a part of it.

Daniel Radcliffe and J.K. Rowling have arrived the last, but the people were incredibly happy to see them finally. But Emma, Rupert, Bonnie, Jason Isaacs, James and Oliver Phelps arrived earlier and were happy to spoke with fans and hosts. I've reposted here some favorite phrases, which are almost chronologically right (the first one was Rupert and the last one was Jo). Also Jo named the 'big seven' (the very last words, which also made me cry, because this magical story will be over soon) and said a very beautiful speech at the end.

"I can't believe it. This is great." - Rupert Grint
"This one [film] was very special." - Rupert Grint
"There is a huge epic battle and love and death. It's amazing." Rupert Grint on "Deathly Hallows 2"

 

Matthew Lewis (Neville Longbottom) has arrived.
Matthew liked his special part in the Deathly Hallows.

"He [Lucius] ends up like an alcoholic... It was a glorious journey." Jason Isaacs
"Yeah, I've seen the film. It's great." Jason Isaacs
"I wanna say thanks, it was amazing ten years." Jason Isaacs

James and Oliver Phelps came!

 

Tom Felton arrived with his girlfriend.
"It's a strange feeling. I'm very exited to be here for the last film." Tom Felton
"I could broken down in tears every moment." - Tom Felton about the last scene filming.

Michael Gambon (Albus Dumbledore) has arrived. I love his character.
"I'm so shy, but it's wonderful." - Michael Gambon

"She [Luna] was so fun to play. And she was very inspiring." Evanna Lynch
"Today I feel I actually leaving it." Evanna Lynch

Julie Walters (Molly Weasley) joined the premiere.
Everybody loves Julie Walters' line from the last book - "Not my daughter, you bitch!"
"It took a couple of days to recover." - Julie Walters on her scene with Helena Bonham Carter

Clemence Poesy (Fleur Delacour)

"Tom [Felton ] was a delight to meet. He is such a gentleman." Helen McCrory

Domhnall Gleeson (Bill Weasley) came!

Natalia Tena (Tonks) has arrived too.

"All these people love Harry Potter. I can't believe it!" - Warwick Davis

"My first line was 'good luck'." - Bonnie Wright

"My favorite [moment] is the big fight between Harry and Voldemort." David Yates
"It's a very beautiful mix of action." David Yates

"The brilliance in Jo's [Rowling] work is in details." Steven Kloves (screenwriter)

"You're incredible, everybody!" David Barron, producer

Jim Broadbent (Horace Slughorn) and Miriam Margolyes (Pomona Sprout) have arrived.

"Here is Robbie Coltrane. A legend of the British television and cinema."
"It's scary, but very optimistic [ending]." Robbie Coltrane

"We were nervous, we were quit." Emma Watson on the kiss with Rupert
"I'll miss being Hermione." Emma
"Just thank you so much." Emma Watson

"Now it's strange to see myself with the nose." Ralph Fiennes

I like Imelda Staunton (Dolores Umbridge) more, when she's not wearing pink.

David Thewlis (Remus Lupin) has arrived.

"I always wanna play Hermione. And Emma was a big help." Helena Bonham Carter
"She [Bellatrix] is so insane. She's beyond evil." Helena
"We have to take breaks." Helena on the scene with Julie Walters (Molly Weasley)

Mark Williams (Arthur Weasley) was in a good mood.

Maggie Smith (Minerva McGonagall)

"Something's happening." laughs Alan Rickman
"He [Snape] wasn't entirely free in his role [of headmaster]. He had some things to do." Alan Rickman

"This is damn cool!" Daniel Radcliffe
"I've got two pairs [of glasses]. The one from the 1st and the one from the last one movie." Dan
"It is amazing. I'm so proud of this film. We couldn't make a better version of this film." Dan
"He [Voldemort] is pretty terrifying. " Dan

"I love them. I love each and every one of them." JK Rowling about her fans
"I've trusted them. They are amazing." JK Rowling on the film creators
"I always knew I'd stand in the Trafalgar square and people will chanting my name." JK Rowling
"Thank you." - JK Rowling's message to her fans

Timothy Spall (Wormtail) has arrived.

"They've really grown into beautiful young people and beautiful young actors." David Heyman, producer

"It's a celebration of the ten years' story." David Yates, director

"Dan, you didn't get lucky, you were and always be a perfect Harry." Emma

"I love you, I really do." says Rupert to Emma and Jo

"Maybe I'll just write another one. It's a joke. But I never have been closer to write new one than now. Emma just finished me, Rupert crucified me." JK Rowling was so emotional.
"The great 7. Dan, Rupert, Emma, Matt, Evanna, Bonnie and Tom." JK Rowling

For more pictures visit http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/.