Broken Embraces - Sunday 29th November 5pm

The audience last Sunday was much better than we expected in the circumstances, and I hope that means that most of you will have no trouble in getting to Broken Embraces on Sunday. It’s the latest Pedro Almodovar film of course (you remember Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, All About My Mother, Volver, Talk to Her, Bad Education) whose main two protagonists – director Almodovar and star Penelope Cruz feature on the cover of our autumn brochure.

35 Shots Of Rum - Sunday 22nd November 5pm

Looking ahead to Sunday, it’s good to be able to preview another of Claire Denis’s works: people were pretty impressed by Beau Travail when we screened it in spring 2001, and 35 Shots of Rum (35 rhums) is generally thought to be her best since then. 95% on Rotten Tomatoes, and here’s one more, typical, quote – this time from the Times lady: ‘The magic of Claire Denis’s exquisite 35 Shots of Rum is that although so much is left unsaid, it’s one of the most emotionally eloquent films you’ll see this year.’ Oh, and it’s French!

Ken Russell Weekend

Thanks to everyone who came and supported our Ken Russell weekend. Ken warmed to the task as the weekend progressed, and having sat through all 3 of his films, his reaction was that The Devils confirmed itself in his mind as the best film he’d made; he was quietly pleased with Song of Summer: looking at it again after a very long gap brought back fond memories of the cast; and, 20 years after he’d last seen Mahler, he seemed quite impressed with what a good film he’d made – it must have gone up a notch or two in his opinion of his best work. The conversation with Derek Malcolm flowed well too, Derek’s knowledgeable interjections and questions enticing out a good deal of amusing and interesting anecdotes.

The Grocer's Son - Sunday 8th November 5pm

The Grocer’s Son (Le fils de l’épicier) should certainly appeal to all those who have enjoyed sampling or observing life in the French provinces, particularly Provence, and if you admire landscapes you will enjoy the looming presence of le Mont Sainte Victoire, Cézanne’s favourite subject, of course. But even if those pleasures have thus far escaped you, there’s a general consensus amongst the critics that it’s a well-made, well-acted and intriguing story depicting family tensions, the psychological development of the young protagonists, fascinating and amusing rustic characters – and what you can buy from a French grocery van!