Tag Archives: Ian Holm

Oldies but goldies: Alien (1979, director’s cut)

Director: Ridley Scott, Main Cast:  Sigourney WeaverTom SkerrittJohn HurtIan Holm;

alien

This film is a classic for both sci-fi and horror genres and it stands the test of time splendidly! The director’s cut includes additional footage that gives more insights about some characters and the creature. The lighting, the claustrophobic yet desolate shots, the futuristic design that now seems almost quaint, the little details: from the cigarette’s smoke to eating cereals to workers’ rights, we know it all and saw it a million times but it all appears in this film for the first time and made it a classic. On its way back from a routine trip a freight spaceship intercepts a distress signal from an unknown planet, the crew is awakened and sent to investigate: they will find something unexpected and terribly dangerous that will pick them off one by one! The motion detector is as efficient as John Williams’ two notes in Jaws in being anxiogenic and panic-inducing. One lesson learned from this movie: if there’s a big, human-eating monster up and about don’t go looking for the cat, he will be fine,  it’s your safety you should worry about! Amazing —9/10

 

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The Madness of King George

Director: Nicholas Hytner, Main Cast: Nigel HawthorneHelen MirrenIan HolmRupert GravesRupert EverettJulian Wadham

For my regular dose of period drama I’ve watched this film again and it does not disappoint! Witty dialogues, lavish sets and costumes, engaging plot and brilliant actors, what more can one ask? The film tells the story of the first episode of “mental illness” of George III of England (suspected later by historians to be due to porphyria, a blood disorder). While the king slowly loses his marbles, we see how mister Pitt (the PM) and his political allies struggle to maintain a hold onto power and the Prince of Wales conspires with the leader of the opposition to promote a bill that nominates him Regent. The Queen has been forbidden to see her husband but manages to recommend a “specialist” in mental disorders to Mr. Pitt to help the King. Who finally recovers after months of “therapy” and retake is rightful place as the head of the state. Interesting parable about the perception of where the power is and where really lies.  Captivating–8/10

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