Monthly Archives: December 2008

Director Robert Mulligan dies at 83

By Ray Bennett LONDON – American director Robert Mulligan, who has died aged 83, never matched his 1962 classic “To Kill a Mockingbird” but he was always able to draw out fine performances from his actors. Not only that, but … Continue reading

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Oscar winners and wannabes in February film releases

By Ray Bennett Everything comes in pairs in the United Kingdom’s February film releases. Two Oscar-winning veteran filmmakers show how it’s done with Clint Eastwood’s “Gran Torino” and Woody Allen’s “Vicky Cristina Barcelona” (pictured above). Two famous characters from the … Continue reading

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THEATRE REVIEW: Ralph Fiennes in ‘Oedipus’

By Ray Bennett LONDON – Bloodied and screaming, Ralph Fiennes brings the tortured title role of Sophocles’ “Oedipus” to vivid life in a new version by Irish playwright Frank McGuinness. On a set that is both stark and imposing and … Continue reading

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Movie star Van Johnson dies at 92

By Ray Bennett LONDON – Colourful and self-deprecating American character actor Van Johnson, who has died aged 92, was never a great actor but he always gave good value when he stopped by the American TV talk shows. He gave … Continue reading

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We shall not cease from exploration …

We shall not cease from exploration and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.                         … Continue reading

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How Radiohead helped Giles Borg to make rock film ‘1234’

By Ray Bennett LONDON — If you want to make a film about kids who dream of becoming rock stars, it helps if you know one or two genuine rock stars. For Giles Borg, knowing Ed O’Brien of Radiohead from … Continue reading

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Don’t read about ‘Dean Spanley’, just go see it

By Ray Bennett If you like droll, dry and eccentric English movies then “Dean Spanley” is for you. It’s a small picture set in Edwardian times and stars Jeremy Northam, Sam Neill (pictured) and Peter O’Toole, who all perform beautifully. But … Continue reading

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