Ingrid Bergman in 'Anastasia', 1956. Getty Images Many mysteries still hang over the life of the last Romanovs, including their relationship with the ‘Mad Monk’ Rasputin and the circumstances of their murder. It’s therefore no surprise that filmmakers from Russia, Hollywood, and Europe continue to take inspiration from their story. 1. Anastasia (1956) Featuring Ingrid Bergman and Yul Brynner, the movie tells the story of Anna Koreff, who claimed to be Grand Duchess Anastasia, daughter of Nicholas II, who by some miracle apparently survived the massacre of the Russian royal family in 1918. Still, not everybody in Paris’ Russian emigre circles believe in her. 2. Nicholas and Alexandra (1971) This British movie follows the life of the Russian royal family, especially relations between Nicholas II and his wife Tsarina Alexandra, from the beginning of the 20th century until their execution. The movie was nominated for six Academy Awards, winning two: Best … [Read more...] about 8 best movies about Russia’s dethroned royal family: The Romanovs
Movies
Mile 22 movie review: ‘choppy, confusing, and structurally unsound thriller that struggles to make sense, let alone entertain’
Mile 22 movie review: 'choppy, confusing, and structurally unsound thriller that struggles to make sense, let alone entertain' Independent.ie OH DEAR. Let me begin by saying that I’m usually a fan of the Mark Wahlberg/Peter Berg partnership. Wahlberg — though often difficult to warm to — is a decent actor when he needs to be. Likewise, Berg (the director) has proven himself, on several occasions, to be a tremendous storyteller. https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/movies/movie-reviews/mile-22-movie-review-choppy-confusing-and-structurally-unsound-thriller-that-struggles-to-make-sense-let-alone-entertain-37340085.html https://www.independent.ie/incoming/article37340084.ece/4a0fc/AUTOCROP/h342/mile%2022%202.jpg Email OH DEAR. Let me begin by saying that I’m usually a fan of the Mark Wahlberg/Peter Berg partnership. Wahlberg — though often difficult to warm to — is a decent actor when he needs to be. Likewise, Berg (the director) has proven … [Read more...] about Mile 22 movie review: ‘choppy, confusing, and structurally unsound thriller that struggles to make sense, let alone entertain’
The Little Stranger review: ‘It’s not a Wes Craven style horror
It’s based on a 2009 Sarah Waters novel that Abrahamson has wanted to adapt ever since he first read it. Set in the glum austerity of postwar England, it stars Domhnall Gleeson as Faraday, a country doctor who works hard but lives alone and seems tightly wound. One day he’s called to Hundreds Hall, a grand but dilapidated 18th century mansion to tend to a sick maid. The girl complains of hearing noises in the upper rooms and claims the place is haunted: Faraday, a man of science, diagnoses exhaustion and quietly advises the girl to pull herself together. The house is owned by the Ayres, a grand but penniless aristocratic bunch whose surly superiority is exemplified by Angela (Charlotte Rampling), a stern matriarch who gives Faraday a swift once over and expertly diagnoses humble origins. He is chippy, and his tightly clipped moustache bristles with indignation, but Faraday gets a warmer reception from Angela’s daughter, Caroline (Ruth Wilson). Unkempt but pretty, she … [Read more...] about The Little Stranger review: ‘It’s not a Wes Craven style horror
Danny Boyle’s replacement on Bond 25 announced
Fukunaga will replace Danny Boyle, who stepped down from the 25th Bond film in August over “creative differences”. The film, referred to as Bond 25, will also be released at the later date of February 14 2020. It was originally slated to be released on October 25 2019. A tweet from the film franchise’s official Twitter read: “Michael G. Wilson, Barbara Broccoli and Daniel Craig announced today that #Bond25 will begin filming at Pinewood Studios on 4 March 2019 under the helm of director, Cary Joji Fukunaga with a worldwide release date of 14 February 2020. “’We are delighted to be working with Cary. His versatility and innovation make him an excellent choice for our next James Bond adventure,’ said Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli.” Fukunaga won an Emmy Award in 2014 for directing the first series of crime drama True Detective, as well as a TV Bafta for the programme. His big-screen efforts include 2015 war drama Beasts Of No … [Read more...] about Danny Boyle’s replacement on Bond 25 announced
Cate Blanchett: ‘A psychic told me I would play Veronica Guerin on film’
When I get to them, Cate is eating chocolate and needs to stand up for a while, Jack wants to know how to spell my name, has Cate ever been to Dublin, and, if she had Guinness there, because it tastes better. He wants to know if I have ever heard of Marlay Park because he played there. "I did not have a 'high five' with Bono but I did stay in his hotel, by the river there, what's that street where all the music is? Bible?" Temple Bar? "Temple, not Bible, of course!" Cate has not only been to Dublin, but spent time filming there, she played our late colleague Veronica Guerin in Joel Schumacher's moving film. "I had this very strange moment," she says, describing how research for a role as a psychic two years before she ever heard of Veronica, led her to visit a psychic to learn how to use the cards. "The psychic told me, 'You're going to play a writer, short hair, she dies before her time, she's got some foreign sounding name, Guavin, something like that and you're going to have two … [Read more...] about Cate Blanchett: ‘A psychic told me I would play Veronica Guerin on film’