Join us every week for a trip into the weird and wonderful world of trailers. Whether it’s the first teaser for the latest installment in your favourite franchise, an obscure preview for a strange indie darling, whether it’s good, bad, ugly or just plain weird – your favourite pop culture baristas are there to tell you what they think.
Mege: “The performance of Frances McDormand’s career”? Honestly, Mr Bradshaw? Are you just playing with my movie-going feelings here? I really want to believe you, but that is a very, very tall order. In a career that has some of the most memorable performances, if Nomadland really is that good, then we don’t just have Dune to look forward to.
Matt: What is it with the Greek and weird films? Apples by writer-director Christos Nikou doesn’t appear to embrace the bleak, uncaring cruelty of some of Yorgos Lanthimos’ films, but it too seems to be set in a world out of joint, just more gently so, and the characters don’t come across as quite as doomed as Lanthimos’ protagonists. Perhaps it’s time for me to expand my knowledge of Greek film beyond Lanthimos and… erm… there must be someone… give me a minute… it’s on the tip of my tongue… Costa-Gavras!
… who is Greek-French.
Julie: Did you ever hear the story of the guy who fell off a skyscraper? On his way down, past each floor, he kept reassuring himself: so far, so good… So far so good… When you are a person without perspective, who is routinely othered. Who is rejected by society but still has their role, their very identity defined by the society which despises you, because of your race or background. When oppression, police brutality and violence is at the centre of your world: hatred breeds hatred. La Haine, now in 4k restoration, is back in cinemas, for those lucky few who have a chance to go. If not, seek it out any way you can. It was essential viewing when it was released, and it is even more vital now.
Eric: It’s safe to say that India cultivates the aura of spiritual mystique around its classical music. A friend of mine’s lifelong hobby is unearthing rare recordings of classical singers and making them accessible to the public – for if one must commune with the universe, one must know how to speak to it. The Disciple leans less into monomyth than most stories about aspiring artists, as you can see by the craftiness of its voiceover on ‘the path to the divine’ contrasting with video billboards displaying a thoroughly westernised ideal of sexiness along with the requisite come hither gesture. The truth of artistic endeavour is knowing if you have the wherewithal for it – Chaitanya Tamhane’s last movie explored the absurdities of India’s court system with a withering eye, and this one looks set to explore the realities of pursuing your ambition with the same plangent wit. ‘If you want to walk this path, learn to be lonely, and hungry.’
A Damn Fine Cup of Culture 