Neon lighting was invented in the early 1900s and was used throughout the century, mostly for advertising purposes. One immediately pictures New York’s Time Square lit up at night. In the movies, it often feels like cinematographers and directors discovered neon lighting in the 1980s. But that’s not quite true. There was a resurgence in […]
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10 Best Movies of the Decade So Far
Here we are, in the middle of the decade. What better time to look back at the previous five years and pick out ten movies that have impressed me the most? Lists of this nature are as much about personal preference as they are attempts at objectively celebrating the very best in cinema. That’s why […]
10 Movies You Should Watch in 2015
It’s that time of year, the beginning of a new one, where we take a close look at the movie calendar and pick out upcoming titles that have caught the eye. It feels like cinema is in very good health at the minute, with classic picture after classic picture being released. Is this a golden […]
30 Best Movies of 2014
During the year, certain films stick out from the crowd. However, writing up lists can be a pain. You end up leaving plenty of worthy titles by the wayside. What you freaked out about in January can be forgotten by September. It happens. Some movies that my fellow critics raved about, I don’t see as […]
10 Amazing Modern Japanese Films
As a nation, Japan has always had a strong cinematic heritage. Some of the finest films and directors ever to grace the silver screen have come from these shores. Think of Akira Kurosawa and Yasujiro Ozu and the works of art they have created. Modern Japanese cinema has just as much to offer. New filmmakers […]
Top 10 Films: BFI London Film Festival 2014
The BFI London Film Festival lacks the prestige of Cannes and Venice. Its position, coming towards the tail end of the year, right before the full-on assault of awards seasons, means that it struggles to be a truly major event. However, the festival’s position in the movie calendar means that it can pick the best […]
5 Meaty Cannibal Movies
Whispered tales of gore and recounted stories of cannibalism have been with us since human culture began, in a variety of forms. Cinema, however, a more recent-ish medium, has offered servings of butchered flesh in a buffet of bloody movies. The rise of the cannibal flick coincided, in certain regards, with censorship becoming more lax […]
5 Visually Stunning European Films of 2014
The diversity of films made by directors inside Europe, in any year, is always inspiring. In spite of the many political problems of the Eurozone and the European Union, and the knock-on funding pressures that this has placed on filmmakers, a wealth of talent and creativity has emerged in 2014. Focusing on the most visually engaging […]
10 Inspiring Movies for Art Lovers
When people think of movies made for art lovers there are a handful of titles that always crop up. These are usually biopics of great 20th century artists like “Pollock” and “Basquiat” respectively. But there is room for a different kind of art film, one that embraces a broader selection of genres, for example low […]
10 Great Poster Designs
Words are formed from curly octopus tentacles, and fresh cake slices are served on another poster—these visuals are thought-out by graphic designers who need to capture attention and communicate effectively to a target audience. Included here, are one-sheet designs from 10 individuals like master designer Stefan Sagmeister who continues to inspire so many creatives, to […]