Atonement in October

Home , Adrienne Shelly, Julie Delpy, Marina Hands, Nikki Blonsky

MAGAZINE

ATONEMENT

IN OCTOBER..

“possibly Britain’s most beautiful cinema...” (BBC)

OCTOBER 2007 Issue 31 www.therexcinema.com 01442 877759 Mon-Sat 10.30-6pm Sun 4.30-6.30pm To advertise email [email protected] INTRODUCTION

Gallery 5, 7, 9 October Evenings 12-21 Coming Soon 22 October Films at a glance 22 October Matinees 23-27 Dear Mrs Trellis 29, 31 SEAT PRICES: Circle £7.00 Concessions £5.50 At Table £9.00 Concessions £7.50 Royal Box (seats 6) £11.00 or for the Box £60.00 BOX OFFICE: 01442 877759 Mon to Sat 10.30 – 6.00 Sun 4.30 – 6.30 (Credit/Debit card booking fee 50p) Disabled and flat access: through the gate on High Street (right of apartments) “They paved paradise…” beautiful High Street trees in full leaf… August 2007

Some of the girls and boys you see at the Box Office and Bar: n mid August six trees were be dragged from them by their Rosie Abbott Eva Jaurena severely chopped. So what? lolling tongues and made to Katie Anderson Jo Littlejohn They were in full leaf and listen to Schubert”. Emily Doyle Bethany McKay I Christine Linda Moss formed part of the beautiful Fressineau Louise Ormiston avenue along the High Street. It nce uttered, there can Karina Gale Julian Paredes Jemma Gask Amberly Rose seems this destruction was be no sane argument Holly Gilbert Charlotte Stephens ordered in the name of Public against such weazel Rosa Gilbert Tina Thorpe O Olivia Glasser Alex Tucker Protection. words. Who dares argue with Beth Hannaway Beth Wallman Did you know we had such a ‘public safety’? The worst Oliver Hicks Olivia Wilson Sarah Holloway Keymea Yazdanian dept in Dacorum? When you danger with all ‘health and hear “in the public interest” or safety’ business is that if they Sally Thorpe In charge Alun Rees Chief projectionist (Original) “in the interests of public prove a need-to-protect, Jon Waugh 1st assistant projectionist safety…” you know you’re in however flimsy, they can do Martin Coffill Part-time assistant projectionist Jacquie Rose Chief Box Office & Bar for something nasty. Imagine what they like. Of course the Greg Tomkins Film director the reverse: “It is in the interest Landscape, Tree Protection Jane Clucas & Lynn Hendry of public safety and well-being Dept must give way to the PR/Marketing/FoH that all parking restrictions will Public Protection Dept to Laurence Wiper Bar supervisor Ian Muirhead Accountant be lifted (except for those who destroy summer leaves Resident creative builders park on pavements, leaving you blocking street surveillance Darren Flindall nowhere to walk – these will be cameras. Michael Glasheen Artists shot on sight and their vehicles Curiously, these cameras can Andrew Dixon blown up) and all traffic only observe what is Paul Rowbottom wardens will be sacked” happening. They can’t stop it. Advisors and Investors Paul Fullagar OR “In the greater public Nor when they record it, can Alan Clooney interest, smoking will be they do anything about Ed Mauger Genius resumed in all pubs and bars catching those grainy, indistin - Demiurge Design Designers 01582 791996 with immediate effect” OR “In guish able figures kicking Allison Nunn Publisher 07786 540418 the interests of public peace someone to death. They won’t James Hannaway CEO 01442 877999 and happiness, those crammed, save your life. They will simply Betty Patterson Company Secretary and THE ORIGINAL VISIONARY of The Rex. yelling, junior gargoyles, record your lonely demise. The Rex High Street (Three Close Lane) blasting loud bass from ugly Public Protection has priority Berkhamsted HP4 2FG www.therexcinema.com cars with revvy exhausts, will over beautiful trees. “They paved paradise...” www.therexcinema.com 5

I’d rather not be publicly August 2007 ‘protected’ by a camera and keep the beautiful trees – though a few beat-coppers eighteen hours a day would be useful.

hat aside, this wholesale ‘terrorist’ panic has Tmade us all compliant with these big-brother measures. I am assuming those still reading, will understand ‘big-brother’. They’ve got us all agreeing to being watched, so they can catch the baddies. Worse, an industry has been created of health and safety ‘professionals’. They are non- jobs. They are not manufacturing, creating things for the general good, or enhancing life by protecting us from savages. They are protecting us from things we don’t need protecting from – like every day life. They are stopping us doing normal everyday things in case we hurt ourselves.

e know how to cross the road, walk Camera Wdownstairs and boil a kettle. Please spend our overtaxed wages on Teaching and clean, safe hospitals, not on absolving yourselves from blame, onus or duty, by spending billions on these new leeches, created by Government after government, to protect us from ourselves. In the meantime, if you insist on your cameras, site them somewhere where they cannot harm what is already there. Why not hide them in the trees…? "Stars ... and lips as red as wine" www.therexcinema.com 7

Colin Farrell ? ?

Richard Gere Joan Chen

Francis Ford Coppola?

? Alex Cox at Rex stand

Bill Murray

Charleze Theron Venice 64. Mostra 2007 www.therexcinema.com 9

Fishing in Venice

La Biennale

Washing in Venice Beth in Venice OCTOBER EVENINGS OCTOBER EVENINGS www.therexcinema.com 13

Two Days in Paris Moliére Waitress Mon 1 7.30 Tue 2 7.30 Wed 3 7.30

Director: Laurent Tirard Starring: Fabrice Luchini, Laura Morante, Romain Duris, Ludivine Sagnier Certificate: 12A Duration: 120 mins Origin: France 2007 By: Pathe Distribution

In 1645, the French playwright This must be the surprise of the Molière went missing, probably to avoid debtors. This comedy-drama year. Julie Delpy: lightweight A hit at Sundance, Waitress serves is inspired by his disappearance and poppet, writes, directs and stars in up a sweet, sassy and delicious slice- imagines all manner of possibilities - her own movie. It can’t get much of-life tale, revealing the power of and what mischief he might have worse…? She has taken the ultra- friendship, motherhood and the made? At the time, Molière (Duris) lightweight Before Sunrise/Sunset willingness to take a chance. was touring the French countryside and played with them until she It follows a small-town waitress who with his theatre company. He was yet created something worth watching. transforms her hopeless life into a to be recognised as a great author or Clearly she was plotting it the whole hilarious and unexpected love story. make any money. time while having to face Ethan At Joe’s Diner, Jenna (Russell) is He is recruited by Jourdain Hawke, take after tergid take. They known as a ‘pie genius’, and she (Luchini), a wealthy man who has say this one “sparkles very brightly names her confections after the fallen in love with a young widow, indeed”. We’ll see. tumultuous events of her life. When Célimène (Sagnier), despite having a she discovers that she is pregnant, beautiful wife and two daughters “…news that the 38-year-old gamine she immediately bakes an ‘I Don’t already! has not only directed Two Days in Want Earl’s Baby’ pie. But the He needs someone to help with his Paris but produced, written, edited, pregnancy changes the course of her acting and to polish his self- scored the music for and starred in it life, giving her an unexpected and indulgent, terrible play, designed to might be slightly terrifying… But it’s new found confidence via letters to seduce Célimène. “Brilliantly written great.” (Times) her unborn baby. We expect Waitress and directed, Molière is witty and “Two Days in Paris turns out to be a to do for pie making what Sideways handsomely played, and is very likable, smart, offbeat film… did for Pinot Noir. representative of French cinema at its ..the time has come to stop The brutal murder of director, writer very finest…” It is totally patronisingly thinking of Julie Delpy Adrienne Shelly, totally eclipsed the speculative, hence a great story, told as a blonde actress, and start giving release of this, her first film. She was with certain knowledge of Molieire - her some respect as an auteur” (Peter beaten to death last November by a but no idea where he went or what Bradshaw, The Guardian) neighbour after complaining about his happened during his absence. It is the “Julie Delpy’s second feature as a noise. Let’s hope it was caught on “knowing him” which creates this writer-director is a smart and spiky Public Protection cameras. likely tale. Come and be wooed by self-reflective comedy” (Time Out) “Funny, gentle, unpatronising, unusual inspired fantasy, Duris’ presence and “Funny, entertaining and observes its in being sensitive, supportive and more Laura Morante’s face. particular world with veracity.” attuned to women’s concerns than is (Derek Malcolm) usual in mainstream Hollywood If they’re all going ga-ga, it must be movies” (Time Out) worth a look. What a waste.

Director: Julie Delpy Director: Adrienne Shelly Starring: Adam Goldberg, Julie Starring: Keri Russell, Nathan Delpy Fillion, Jeremy Sisto, Cheryl Hines Certificate: 15 Certificate: 12A Duration: 101 mins Duration: 104 mins Origin: France, Germany 2007 Origin: USA 2007 By: The Works UK Distribution By: Twentieth Century Fox 14 Box Office: 01442 877759 OCTOBER EVENINGS

Withnail and I Thu 4 7.30 The Bourne Ultimatum Fri 5 7.30, Sat 6 7.00, Sun 7 6.00

Matt Damon returns as the trained assassin Jason Bourne for the latest showdown in the Bourne series. Director Greengrass teams up with new additions to the cast, David Strathairn and Paddy Considine. All Bourne wanted was to disappear. Instead, he is now hunted by the people who made him what he is. Having lost his memory and the one person he loved, he is undeterred by “Robinson’s nostalgic and semi- the barrage of bullets and a new autobiographical debut quickly generation of highly trained killers. blossomed into an acerbic student Bourne has still only one objective: cult classic but it is also justifiably to go back to the beginning and find lauded as one of the finest British out who he is. He can’t afford to comedies of its time. The film squander any more time. It is crucial concerns two unemployed actors he finds out now – there isn’t another living in Camden in 1969. “I’’, or film! Marwood (McGann), is a drifter and “Damon’s amnesiac superspy creates Withnail (Grant) is his eccentric, more white-knuckle excitement using selfish roommate. Fed up with a book as a weapon than all the London, they embark on a disastrous summer’s pirate-ships, superheroes weekend in the country…. and giant robots put together” At times riotously funny, and at other (Guardian) times delicately understated and “The Bourne series is the only loaded with poignancy, this is a film action-thriller franchise of the past to cherish again and again.” decade that actually thrills” (Telegraph) This is what they still say. Unemployed actors living in Camden Director: Paul Greengrass in 1969 are not interesting. They are Starring: Matt Damon, Julia Stiles, irrelevant, depressing and never Joan Allen, Paddy Considine funny. Who cares for actors who Certificate: 12A never became stars but need to write Duration: 115 mins all about it? It has an empty Origin: USA 2007 arrogance, hiked to cult status by a By: Universal Pictures (UK) Ltd poisoned decade with no spine and terrible music. A few nice kids were born, other than that… Sorry, I didn’t like it very much, but that never puts you off.

Directors: Bruce Robibson Starring: Paul Mcgann, Richard Griffiths, Richard E Grant Certificate: 15 Duration: 107 mins Origin: UK 1987 By: Park Circus Films OCTOBER EVENINGS www.therexcinema.com 15 Transylvania Il Postino Tue 9 7.30 Mon 8 7.30

Directors: Tony Gatlif Starring: Birol Unel, Asia Argento, Amira Casar Certificate: 15 Duration: 103 mins Origin: France, Romania 2006 By: Peccadillo Pictures

Tracking down the Romany musician who left her pregnant, Zingarina an Italian woman, becomes lost in a world of Gypsies in this meditative road drama. She is determined to find him. This is part of the ever fluid “Peter Hence, she travels to Romania. Clark Season”. Eventually she tracks him down to a Absolutely beautiful from start to remote village festival, where it all finish... ends in tears – what a surprise. When, in 1952, the exiled Chilean Left alone, she forms an unlikely poet and diplomat Pablo Neruda bond with itinerant trader Tchangalo, (Noiret) takes up residence in a whose gruff exterior masks an inner house on a quiet little island off the beauty. Neapolitan coast, the fan mail he “Raw, ragged, rambling and romantic receives is so copious that the - if the sound of a furious violin postmaster hires Mario (Troisi) to drifting down the alley quickens your deliver only his mail. pulse, you may find Gatlif’s gypsy When the postman falls for Beatrice drama a seductive and potent (Cucinotta), the poet agrees to help experience” (Channel 4) him win her. “Tony Gatlif, cinema’s great poet and Inspired by an incident in Neruda’s chronicler of the Romany world, life in 1952, the story’s blend of easy returns with a characteristic drama… humour and sunny romance takes beautifully shot.” (P Bradshaw, hold from the start and never lets go. Guardian) A film of rarely matched beauty, it is Come for the sights and sounds… our first opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the extraordinary and lovely Philippe Noiret. He died in November 2006, aged 76. We are chipping away at Cinema Paradiso. It remains out of print but that has never been a reason to give up. (Peter loved these films. He died five years ago in August 2002, aged, at no age - 55ish only sixteen months before we opened).

Director: Michael Radford Starring: Massimo Troisi, Philippe Noiret Certificate: U Duration: 108 mins Origin: France, Italy 1995 By: Buena Vista International 16 Box Office: 01442 877759 OCTOBER EVENINGS

Daratt Atonement Mon 15 7.30 Directors: Mahamat-Saleh Haroun Wed 10 7.30 Thu 11 7.30 Starring: Aziza Hisseine, Youssouf Fri 12 7.30 Sat 13 7.00 Djaoro, Ali Barkaï, Djibril Ibrahim Sun 14 6.00 Tue 30 7.30 Certificate: PG Duration: 95 mins Wed 31 7.30 Origin: Austria, Belgium, Chad, France 2006 One summers day in 1935, 13-year- By: Soda Pictures old Briony (Saoirse Ronan) sees her older sister Cecilia (Knightley) Despite a post-civil-war amnesty, strip off and plunge into the garden young Atim, in accordance with fountain. Watching too is Robbie tradition, must avenge the murder (McAvoy) their housekeeper’s son of his father. This is demanded and and childhood friend. By nightfall the under the express wishes of his lives of all three will have changed grandfather. But Nassara, a baker for ever. Robbie and Cecilia will have whom is suspected of the crime, not crossed that irretrievable kissing line, only offers the youth a job as his so become the victims of the younger assistant but also turns out to be a girl’s vengeful jealousy. As she ages rather kindly and philosophical man (through Romola Garai and later of great dignity. Vanessa Redgrave), her guilt grows. Suspenseful, visually striking and not From all accounts this is a stunning without moments of droll humour, film, beautifully shot and played by Chad fimmaker Haroun’s stark, taut all, particularly Kiera and young study of obsession and duty succeeds ‘kisser’ McAvoy. (Kiera has been as a profoundly relevant and powerful quoted in one gutter or another that parable for our times. he is the “best kisser ever” – another With beautifully understated huge notch. Well done Mr Tumnus). performances, it is both very “Knightley’s tawny beauty is both affecting and wise in its quiet but victim and provocateur, depending on insistent humanity. how Wright replays the scenes. She This exceptional African film stands and McAvoy are like the forbidden Director: Joe Wright out as thrilling study of shifting lovers in Brief Encounter: all starched Starring: James McAvoy, Keira loyalty in the face of humanity. passion and brittle cut-glass accents.” Knightley, Romola Garai Will he or won’t he…? (Times) Certificate: 15 Duration: 125 mins Origin: UK 2007 By: Universal Pictures (UK) Ltd OCTOBER EVENINGS www.therexcinema.com 17

La Vie En Rose Sparkle BAFTA PREVIEW Tue 16 7.30 Wed 17 7.30 Stardust Thu 18 7.00 Director: Neil Hunter, Tom Husinger Starring: Stockard Channing, Bob Hoskins, Lesley Manville, Shaun Evans Certificate: 15 Duration: 100 mins Origin: UK 2007 By: Vertigo Films

The third feature from writer- director team Hunsinger and Hunter (The Lawless Heart) is another intricately shaped ensemble piece that offers a thoughtful picture of modern life, After a huge sell-out run in August love and relationships with all its and September, La Vie En Rose is messy complications. Sparkle opens back and no doubt will be back in Liverpool where a chance again and again. encounter with a lonely bachelor, “Cotillard is little short of genius”. Vince (Hoskins), leads mother and She elevates this tragic tale of one son Jill and Sam Sparks (Manville huge, tiny life. This little girl’s and Evans) to move to London and magnetism and instant presence lifts into the basement flat of Vince’s the whole film into something above home. The change of scene triggers expectations. From the slums of Paris their ambitions, and Jill seeks work as to the limelight of New York, Piaf’s a cabaret singer, while Sam is hired life was a constant battle to sing and as the personal assistant of a survive, to live and love. successful PR magnate (Channing). ‘Little Sparrow’ flew so high it was The consequences are astutely inevitable she would burn her wings observed in this bittersweet and in bravado, brilliance and self- insightful picture. The makers destruction. “Marion Cotillard developed the story through expertly impersonates the legendary improvisation. singer whose passionate vibrato, like So it could be good or the opposite. a demented car-alarm, electrified the nation….a great performance” (PB Guardian) Don’t listen to them. Come for a heartbreaking story, beautifully told and sung.

Director: Matthew Vaughn Director: Olivier Dahan Starring: Claire Danes, Michelle Starring: Sylvie Testud, Marion Pfeiffer, Charlie Cox, Robert De Niro, Cotillard, Pascal Greggory Ricky Gervais, Mark Strong, Sienna Certificate: 12A Miller, Peter O’Toole Duration: 140 mins Certificate: 15 Origin: Czech Republic, France, Duration: 128 mins UK 2007 Origin: UK, USA 2007 By: Icon Film Distribution Ltd By: Paramount International Pictures 18 Box Office: 01442 877759 OCTOBER EVENINGS

3:10 to Yuma Sat 20 7.00, Sun 21 6.00

1408 Directors: James Mangold Fri 19 7.30 Starring: Peter Fonda, Ben Foster, Christian Bale, Gretchen Mol, Russell A writer renowned for debunking Crowe infamous paranormal events is Certificate: 15 confronted by a force that he Duration: 123 mins cannot explain upon checking into Origin: USA 2007 room 1408 of the notoriously By: Lionsgate Films UK haunted Dolphin Hotel. Having constructed an entire career on his Even a railway timetable wouldn’t ability to dispel superstitious ‘haunted call itself this. Nevertheless, this house’ rumours, author Mike Enslin superb remake of the 1957 (Cusack) is convinced that the psychological Western classic afterlife is a manmade construct “breathes life into a dying art”. It has designed to offer false comfort to the already signalled a major revival of weak-minded. Implored by the hotel the cowboy. Watch out for Brad Pitt’s manager (Jackson) not to enter room Jessie James in January. Like High 1408, Mike defiantly procures the Noon, 3:10 hangs its tale and fate on key and prepares to dispel yet another the railroad – will it bring fair or the spectral sham. very unfair? Now, as is the case with many of In Arizona in the late nineteenth life’s most profound jolts, the writer century, infamous outlaw Ben Wade who thought he knew it all is caught (Crowe) and his vicious gang have entirely off guard at the precise been terrorising the Southern moment he least expected. Railroad. When Wade is captured, A must for Stephen King fans and as Civil War veteran Dan Evans (Bale), close as we can get to Halloween… struggling to survive on his drought- Come and laugh at each other being plagued ranch, volunteers to deliver scared out of your wits… him alive for trial by catching the train on time – thus the terrible title. Along the way, Evans and Wade, each from a very different world, begin to Directors: Mikael Håfström earn each other’s respect. But with Starring: Mary Mccormack, John Wade’s outfit on their trail – and Cusack, Samuel L Jackson, Jasmine dangers at every turn – the mission Anthony soon becomes an impossible journey Certificate: 15 toward each man’s destiny. Definitely Duration: 105 mins worth seeing, especially for those Origin: USA 2007 who think of the Western as black By: Paramount International Pictures and white hats denoting good and evil. OCTOBER EVENINGS www.therexcinema.com 19

Born and Bred Hairspray Mon 22 7.30 Tue 23 7.30

Director: Adam Shankman Starring: Nikki Blonsky, John Travolta, Michele Pfieffer, Christopher Walken Certificate: PG Duration: 116 mins Origin: USA 2007 By: Entertainment Film Distribution

This haunting, metaphorical drama Fat girl dances, makes good and follows Santiago, a successful gets her boy in this remake of John interior designer, torn apart by an Waters’ 1988 sparky, dirty and accident. He abandons life in Buenos edgy original. This is not edgy in the Aires and emerges in emotional and slightest, but sparky it is, albeit at the literal exile on the frozen plains of other end of the spark and it wouldn’t Patagonia. be a Waters if it wasn’t dirty. As he stumbles silently in desperate It’s taken more from the hit musical avoidance of his past, the narrative than the cult movie, and as such, combines to produce a deeply moving zings from the start. and resonant film. Stunning It has irresistible tunes, irrepressible cinematography creates that rare energy and a stellar cast. atmosphere where you are not able to “Though not as scabrous, as sharp or move from your chair. even as musically memorable as John Waters’ original, it retains much of “… impressive piece of work, his big-hearted sensibility (he cameos diligently focusing on a family man as a happy flasher) and is less wrenched by tragedy into a personal deadeningly stagey than that other purgatory in remote Patagonia…an recent film-of-the-musical-of-the- existential trip of grief, guilt and film, The Producers” (Time Out) penance” (Time Out) They’re all fabulous, Nikki Blonsky wins on points but doesn’t steal it “Palo Pandolfo’s folky score is from Travolta in chunky-drag, appealing, and Guillermo Nieto’s Walken’s for ever weirdness and the pale, crunchy photography is terrific” ever gorgeous Ms Pfff. (Telegraph) Drop the ironing… Come.

“Trapero creates a cinematic eco- system that moment by moment, scene by subtle scene, completely enfolds you.’ (Guardian)

“an atmosphere you could push with a snow plough” (Observer)

Don’t think twice, just come.

Directors: Pablo Trapero Starring: Martina Gusman, Guillermo Pfening, Federico Esquerro Certificate: 15 Duration: 99 mins Origin: Argentina, Italy, UK 2007 By: Axiom Films 20 Box Office: 01442 877759 OCTOBER EVENINGS

Knocked Up Hallam Foe Fri 26 7.30, Sat 27 7.00 Wed 24, Thu 25 7.30

This is a bittersweet coming-of-age story merged with a distinctly Freudian psychological drama. Hallam suspects his stepmother of killing his mother, and he begins spying on her to obtain evidence. Soon his spying turns voyeuristic. “This summers big hit ‘Knocked As he becomes more convinced of his Up’ is the latest in a new genre of stepmother’s guilt, the more alluring romantic comedies in which an she appears. He runs away to unappealing hero gets together with Edinburgh, where he meets Kate who a gorgeous, successful woman. The reminds him of his mother… uh oh! critics loved it - but if this offensive “It’s that kid from ‘Billy Elliot’, who misogynistic nonsense is the future of we are supposed to find charming cinema then we’re in deep trouble”. and likeable, even though he’s an Joe Queenan. unfathomable, slippery little character, ultimately, nigh on “The critics found it hilarious, I impossible to believe…” (Time Out) didn’t… I think women need to start “Adapted from Peter Jink’s novel has there own film industry: this one isn’t Jamie Bell as Hallam, an eccentric working… Where is this leading? Glasgow lad with a propensity for To a future so dark that women will peeping and an obsession about his recall the decade of The Runaway father’s new wife whom he thinks Bride as a golden era….? Anyone killed his mother. Very well shot, Directors: David Mackenzie who finds Judd Apatow’s films directed and acted even if not entirely Starring: Jamie Bell, Ciaran Hinds, amateurish, derivative, juvenile and credible.” (Standard) Claire Forlani, Sophia Myles offensive is simply out of luck.” (The As always…its up to you. Certificate: 18 Guardian) Duration: 96 mins Origin: UK 2006 “The sharpest and most intelligent By: Buena Vista International Hollywood comedy of the year, from writer director Judd Apatow who made the 40m year old virgin. Seth Rogan stars as Ben, whose one night stand with Katherine Heigl’s Alison gets her pregnant and him trying for a change of life style.” (Standard)

Take your pick – it’s on twice in case you’re not sure.

Directors: Judd Apatow Starring: Paul Rudd, Leslie Mann, Catherine Heigl, Seth Rogen Certificate: 15 Duration: 129 mins Origin: USA 2006 By: Universal Pictures (UK) Ltd OCTOBER EVENINGS www.therexcinema.com 21

Shut up and sing Lady Chatterley Mon 29 7.30

Sun 28 5.00 Directors: Barbara Kopple, Cecilia Peck You know the story. Lawrence was Pascale Ferran with Marina and Jean- obsessed with men’s bits, and Louis excellent in the title rolls. Tender Starring: Natalie Maines, Martie Maguire, Emily Robison women’s needs - all in a thick and rather lyrical rather than prudent Yorkshire accent. (In 1961, Dr No but erotic as well…” (Standard). Certificate: 15 was much more exciting...) But here it “erotic as well…”? Luckily the film is Duration: 93 mins is told with a quiet sensitivity and French, so the loin tension is likely to Origin: USA 2006 beauty, underpinned by a restrained have a little more to it “as well”. By: Momentum Pictures and powerful commitment from Come for this and bring your wives In March 2003, invasion on ‘red- Marina Hands (Terry’s daughter – well and servants.. alert’, Natalie Maines declared, on- well?) and Jean-Louis Coullo’ch. stage at the Shepherds Bush “Drawing on (only) the second film Empire, “We’re ashamed that the version of D.H. Lawrence’s tale of President of the United States is burgeoning desire, Ferran’s expansive, from Texas”. And with that the best- beautiful film achieves the near- selling female band in US chart impossible by staying faithful to the history entered a very dangerous text in a uniquely cinematic way.” brave new world. It traces the group’s Whatever that means. journey from “Best Selling Female “The atmosphere is all-absorbing, as is Band in History” to “Hated Red State the chilly emptiness and clockwork Pariahs”. Don’t miss. regularity of empty winters, nursing Blacklisted by radio stations, branded Clifford in the big house. As chill gives traitors, even targeted with death way to flourishing Spring, all straining threats, the Chicks became a bodices are about to break loose… lightning rod for the dark side of the Winner of numerous César awards, jingoistic Middle America’s flag including best actress and best film, fever. Never mind all that, this film this sensual, poignant yet charts their first worried response, unsentimental love story is quite Directors: Pascale Ferran hoping it would blow over as a joke, simply a masterpiece…” (Synops) Starring: Hippolyte Girardot, to them gradually becoming less ‘You won’t find a more effective Marina Hands, Jean-Louis Coullo'ch apologetic and more questioning; hosanna for the existential healing Certificate: 18 through to them standing against the powers of humping.’ (Time Out, New Duration: 168 mins threats and fighting back. A fantastic York) Origin: Belgium, France, UK 2006 eveolution. They are gorgeous in “Surprisingly good adaptation of the D By: Artificial Eye every way, and really grow on the H Lawrence novel from director audience. Pity about their mouth- almighty (Brit) manager. Hope they’ve moved on. Don’t miss. 22 Box Office: 01442 877759 OCTOBER EVENINGS

Coming Soon OCTOBER FILMS AT A GLANCE Please check times carefully and watch out for early shows. New releases MON 1 TWO DAYS IN PARIS 2.00, 7.30 Run, Fat Boy, Run TUE 2 MOLIERE 12.30, 7.30 As You Like It WED 3 WAITRESS 2.00, 7.30 The Singer THU 4 WAITRESS 2.00 The Sound of Music THU 4 WITHNAIL AND I 7.30 When Did You Last See Your Father FRI 5 THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM 7.30 Once SAT 6 MEESHEE THE WATER GIANT 2.00 Shoot ‘em up SAT 6 THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM 7.00 SUN 7 THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM 6.00 Back by demand MON 8 THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM 2.00 Not Here to Be Loved MON 8 TRANSLYVANIA 7.30 TUE 9 THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM 12.30 TUE 9 IL POSTINO 7.30 WED 10 ATONEMENT 2.00, 7.30 THU 11 ATONEMENT 2.00, 7.30 FRI 12 ATONEMENT 7.30 SAT 13 TALES FROM EARTHSEA 2.00 SAT 13 ATONEMENT 7.00 SUN 14 ATONEMENT 6.00 Control MON 15 ATONEMENT 2.00 Death Proof MON 15 DARATT 7.30 TUE 16 ATONEMENT 12.30 TUE 16 LA VIE EN ROSE 7.30 WED 17 SPARKLE 2.00, 7.30 THU 18 ATONEMENT 2.00 THU 18 BAFTA PREVIEW 7.00 FRI 19 1408 7.30 SAT 20 HAIRSPRAY 2.00 SAT 20 3:10 TO YUMA 7.00 SUN 21 3:10 TO YUMA 6.00 MON 22 HAIRSPRAY 2.00 Michael Clayton MON 22 BORN AND BRED 7.30 TUE 23 SURF'S UP 12.30 TUE 23 HAIRSPRAY 7.30 WED 24 HAIRSPRAY 2.00 WED 24 HALLAM FOE 7.30 THU 25 SURF'S UP 2.00 THU 25 HALLAM FOE 7.30 A Mighty Heart FRI 26 KNOCKED UP 7.30 SAT 27 SURF'S UP 2.00 SAT 27 KNOCKED UP 7.00 SUN 28 LADY CHATTERLEY 5.00 MON 29 LADY CHATTERLEY 1.00 MON 29 SHUT UP AND SING 7.30 TUE 30 ATONEMENT 12.30, 7.30 WED 31 ATONEMENT 2.00, 7.30 OCTOBER MATINEES

ALL MATINEES: Balcony £5.00 • Table seats £6.50 • Royal Box seats £10.00 24 Box Office: 01442 877759 OCTOBER MATINEES

Two Days In Paris Moliére Waitress Mon 1 2.00 Tue 2 12.30 Wed 3, Thu 4 2.00 Matinee Warning: May contain babies Director: Laurent Tirard Starring: Fabrice Luchini, Laura Morante, Romain Duris, Ludivine Sagnier Certificate: 12A Duration: 120 mins Origin: France 2007 By: Pathe Distribution

This must be the surprise of the In 1645, the French playwright year. Julie Delpy: lightweight Molière went missing, probably to poppet, writes, directs and stars in avoid debtors. This comedy-drama A hit at Sundance, Waitress serves her own movie. It can’t get much is inspired by his disappearance and up a sweet, sassy and delicious slice- worse…? She has taken the ultra- imagines all manner of possibilities - of-life tale, revealing the power of lightweight Before Sunrise/Sunset and what mischief he might have friendship, motherhood and the and played with them until she made? At the time, Molière (Duris) willingness to take a chance. created something worth watching. was touring the French countryside It follows a small-town waitress who Clearly she was plotting it the whole with his theatre company. He was yet transforms her hopeless life into a time while having to face Ethan to be recognised as a great author or hilarious and unexpected love story. Hawke, take after tergid take. They make any money. At Joe’s Diner, Jenna (Russell) is say this one “sparkles very brightly He is recruited by Jourdain known as a ‘pie genius’, and she indeed”. We’ll see. (Luchini), a wealthy man who has names her confections after the fallen in love with a young widow, tumultuous events of her life. When “…news that the 38-year-old gamine Célimène (Sagnier), despite having a she discovers that she is pregnant, she has not only directed Two Days in beautiful wife and two daughters immediately bakes an ‘I Don’t Want Paris but produced, written, edited, already! Earl’s Baby’ pie. But the pregnancy scored the music for and starred in it He needs someone to help with his changes the course of her life, giving might be slightly terrifying… But it’s acting and to polish his self- her an unexpected and new found great.” (Times) indulgent, terrible play, designed to confidence via letters to her unborn “Two Days in Paris turns out to be a seduce Célimène. “Brilliantly written baby. We expect Waitress to do for very likable, smart, offbeat film… and directed, Molière is witty and pie making what Sideways did for ..the time has come to stop handsomely played, and is Pinot Noir. patronisingly thinking of Julie Delpy representative of French cinema at its The brutal murder of director, writer as a blonde actress, and start giving very finest…” It is totally Adrienne Shelly, totally eclipsed the her some respect as an auteur” (Peter speculative, hence a great story, told release of this, her first film. She was Bradshaw, The Guardian) with certain knowledge of Molieire - beaten to death last November by a “Julie Delpy’s second feature as a but no idea where he went or what neighbour after complaining about his writer-director is a smart and spiky happened during his absence. It is the noise. Let’s hope it was caught on self-reflective comedy” (Time Out) “knowing him” which creates this Public Protection cameras. “Funny, entertaining and observes its likely tale. Come and be wooed by “Funny, gentle, unpatronising, unusual particular world with veracity.” inspired fantasy, Duris’ presence and in being sensitive, supportive and more (Derek Malcolm) Laura Morante’s face attuned to women’s concerns than is If they’re all going ga-ga, it must be usual in mainstream Hollywood worth a look movies” (Time Out) What a waste

MeeShee The Bourne Ultimatum Atonement Water Giant Mon 8 2.00, Tue 9 12.30 Wed 10 2.00 Thu 11 2.00 Sat 6 2.00 Mon 15 2.00 Tue 16 12.30 Thu 18 2.00 Tue 30 12.30 Wed 31 2.00 Director: John Henderson Matinee Warning: May contain babies Starring: Bruce Greenwood, Daniel Magder, Rena Owen, Phyllida Law, Joe Director: Joe Wright Pingue Starring: James McAvoy, Keira Certificate: PG Knightley, Romola Garai Duration: 95 mins Certificate: 15 Origin: Germany 2007 Duration: 125 mins By: The Works UK Distribution Origin: UK 2007 Matt Damon returns as the trained By: Universal Pictures (UK) Ltd A New York City oil company assassin Jason Bourne for the latest troubleshooter is brought to a showdown in the Bourne series. “Joe Wright’s adaptation is a triumph” remote B.C. lake to look for some Director Greengrass teams up with lost machinery. Cancelling a trip to (Guardian) new additions to the cast, David “…shows he is a more imaginative Disney World with his son, he Strathairn and Paddy Considine. decides to bring the boy along. than others of his school, capable of All Bourne wanted was to disappear. winning over large audiences with They both end up experiencing more Instead, he is now hunted by the excitement than Mickey could ever daring endeavours.” (Time Out) people who made him what he is. ‘Knightley’s tawny beauty is both conjure in Orlando, when they meet Having lost his memory and the one up with bad guys and a legendary victim and provocateur, depending on person he loved, he is undeterred by how Wright replays the scenes. She creature. A young boy is devastated the barrage of bullets and a new when the planned vacation with his and McAvoy are like the forbidden generation of highly trained killers. lovers in Brief Encounter: all starched father is cancelled due to an Bourne has still only one objective: to emergency salvage mission at a passion and brittle cut-glass accents.’ go back to the beginning and find out (Times) remote Canadian lake. But when he who he is. He can’t afford to discovers the lake is known as the “Joe Wrights adaptation of the Ian squander any more time. It is crucial McEwan novel unfolds like a hair home of a mythical creature, Mac he finds out now – there isn’t another makes it his mission prove there’s raising version of the classic film! Hollywood rom-com The Philadelphia more to the myth than just legend. “Damon’s amnesiac superspy creates Forging a connection with the Story. Keira, sublime as the high more white-knuckle excitement using society goddess coming face-to-face creature is easier for Mac than a book as a weapon than all the getting his father’s attention until with class oppression… They’re all summer’s pirate-ships, superheroes good, but it is she who knits both man and beast need all the help and giant robots put together” they can get. everything together. In fact, her (Guardian) performance is a revelation.” “The Bourne series is the only action- (Standard) thriller franchise of the past decade “Atonement oozes good taste… but in that actually thrills” (Telegraph) fact it’s a snobbish middlebrow drama… the cinematic equivalent of Classic FM thinking its Radio 3… Its like a photo shoot from The World of Interiors.” (Sun Times) As always you choose…See pg 16 for synopses.

Director: Paul Greengrass Starring: Matt Damon, Julia Stiles, Joan Allen, Paddy Considine Certificate: 12A Duration: 115 mins Origin: USA 2007 By: Universal Pictures (UK) Ltd 26 Box Office: 01442 877759 OCTOBER MATINEES

Tales from Sparkle Hairspray Earthsea Wed 17 2.00 Sat 20, Mon 22, Wed 24 Sat 13 2.00 Matinee Warning: May contain babies 2.00 Director: Neil Hunter, Tom Husinger Starring: Stockard Channing, Bob Hoskins, Lesley Manville, Shaun Evans Certificate: 15 Duration: 100 mins Origin: UK 2007 By: Vertigo Films

From Studio Ghibli, the team that The third feature from writer- Fat girl dances, makes good and brought you Spirited Away and director team Hunsinger and gets her boy in this remake of John Howl’s Moving Castle, comes Tales Hunter (The Lawless Heart) is Waters’ 1988 sparky, dirty and From Eathsea, which marks the another intricately shaped edgy original. This is not edgy in the directorial debut of Goro Miyazaki, ensemble piece that offers a slightest, but sparky it is, albeit at the son of the legendary Hayao thoughtful picture of modern life, other end of the spark and it wouldn’t Miyazaki. Based on the unique series love and relationships with all its be a Waters if it wasn’t dirty. of books by Ursula Le Guin, this messy complications. Sparkle opens It’s taken more from the hit musical enchanting story takes place in a in Liverpool where a chance than the cult movie, and as such, fantasy world of dragons and encounter with a lonely bachelor, zings from the start. wizards. A ship is being tossed by a Vince (Hoskins), leads mother and It has irresistible tunes, irrepressible raging sea and two dragons appear son Jill and Sam Sparks (Manville energy and a stellar cast. from the storm clouds, only to devour and Evans) to move to London and “Though not as scabrous, as sharp or each other. into the basement flat of Vince’s even as musically memorable as John This is seen to be a terrible omen that home. The change of scene triggers Waters’ original, it retains much of the balance of the world is collapsing. their ambitions, and Jill seeks work as his big-hearted sensibility (he cameos The wizard Sparrowhawk sets out on a cabaret singer, while Sam is hired as a happy flasher) and is less a quest to find the source of the evil as the personal assistant of a deadeningly stagey than that other forces and save the world… successful PR magnate (Channing). recent film-of-the-musical-of-the- Fab stuff, don’t miss if you’re 10 and The consequences are astutely film, The Producers” (Time Out) over. It is likely to scare little ones observed in this bittersweet and They’re all fabulous, Nikki Blonsky and worse, might not be that easy to insightful picture. The makers wins on points but doesn’t steal it follow. developed the story through from Travolta in chunky-drag, improvisation. Walken’s for ever weirdness and the So it could be good or the opposite ever gorgeous Ms Pfff. Drop the ironing… Come.

Director: Adam Shankman Director: Goro Miyazaki Starring: Nikki Blonsky, John Starring: Teruyuki Kagawa, Junichi Travolta, Michele Pfieffer, Christopher Okada, Aoi Teshima, Bunta Sugawara Walken Certificate: PG Certificate: PG Duration: 115 mins Duration: 116 mins Origin: Japan 2006 Origin: USA 2007 By: Optimum Releasing By: Entertainment Film Distribution OCTOBER MATINEES www.therexcinema.com 27

Surf’s Up Tue 23 12.30, Thu 25, Sat 27 2.00 Lady Chatterley Mon 29 1.00 Director: Chris Buck, Ash Brannon Starring: Zooey Deschanel, Jeff You know the story. Lawrence was Pascale Ferran with Marina and Jean- Bridges, Shia LaBeouf obsessed with men’s bits, and Louis excellent in the title rolls. Tender Certificate: PG women’s needs - all in a thick and rather lyrical rather than prudent Duration: 85 mins Yorkshire accent. (In 1961, Dr No but erotic as well…” (Standard). Origin: USA 2007 was much more exciting...) But here it “erotic as well…”? Luckily the film is By: Sony Pictures Releasing is told with a quiet sensitivity and French, so the loin tension is likely to beauty, underpinned by a restrained have a little more to it “as well”. A surfing penguin currently riding and powerful commitment from Come for this and bring your wives the wave of success enters his first Marina Hands (Terry’s daughter – well and servants. professional competition in this well?) and Jean-Louis Coullo’ch. computer animated family comedy. “Drawing on (only) the second film Cody Maverick (LaBeouf) may be a version of D.H. Lawrence’s tale of relative amateur when it comes to burgeoning desire, Ferran’s expansive, hanging ten, but he’s sure he has what beautiful film achieves the near- it takes to surf his way to impossible by staying faithful to the superstardom. text in a uniquely cinematic way.” With a little help from his Whatever that means. cantankerous King Penguin mentor “The atmosphere is all-absorbing, as is and ex-surfing legend Big Z the chilly emptiness and clockwork (Bridges), and a little encouragement regularity of empty winters, nursing from star Pen Gu Island lifeguard Clifford in the big house. As chill gives Lani (Deschanel), there may be hope way to flourishing Spring, all straining for this tuxedo-clad wave twister bodices are about to break loose… after all. James Woods, Jane Winner of numerous César awards, Krakowski, Michael McKean, Jon including best actress and best film, Heder, Mario Cantone and Brian this sensual, poignant yet Benben all lend their voices to this unsentimental love story is quite Directors: Pascale Ferran inspirational tale which proves simply a masterpiece…” (Synops) Starring: Hippolyte Girardot, anything is possible when you put ‘You won’t find a more effective Marina Hands, Jean-Louis Coullo'ch your heart and mind to it. hosanna for the existential healing Certificate: 18 Sounds a bit slushy, so come for the powers of humping.’ (Time Out, New Duration: 168 mins funny bits. York) Origin: Belgium, France, UK 2006 “Surprisingly good adaptation of the D By: Artificial Eye H Lawrence novel from director DEAR MRS TRELLIS... www.therexcinema.com 29 Welcome to Autumn 2007

he autumn programme better. Individuals and small already looks fantastic, if a independent companies started Tlittle crazy. Every Thursday telling good stories. Ironically, the throughout the year, five or six films best were and remain, small foreign are released in the UK. It is always language titles. Thursday to hit the weekend. In parallel, the video market In October and November, we are blossomed, home computers hit the warned there will be seventeen big time, mobile phones went from releases on two or three Thursdays! bricks to tiny vibrators; then best of So choosing will be fun. all, and against all this heavy stay-at- The industry is humming. The home bombardment - everybody European and South American wanted to go out again. markets are producing a record The most satisfying part of the Rex’ amount of independent films year by story so far is: it has brought people year. Many of them better than out who had stopped going out. anything Hollywood or the Brits can The techno revolution designed to produce for a tiny fraction of the keep people at home glued to one cost. That said, some British films box/screen, captive to advertisers, made on a shoestring, could be backfired. Pubs started showing big- among the best (TV comedy cross- screen football, chain restaurants overs, and anything from Coogan, (unfortunate though most are) made Gervais or Winterbottom, apart). eating out easier and cheap reality In November watch out for a couple TV continues to insult. of Irish films - “Once” and “Small By lucky coincidence, we opened in Engine Repair”. Dec 2004 just as all of these things were coming together. Nineteen years ago when the Rex closed, the industry seemed to be on ow that our repertory its knees. programme is firmly It was said at the time, the surge of Nestablished with a different multiplexes, home video and the film most nights, we can experiment infancy of the computer age were to with titles no one else is showing. blame. There was something else… This can be dangerous, as Shortbus, Big titles were dependent on handful Dumplings, Longing, Edmond and of big studios and individuals Battle In Heaven have proven. making hits for the teenage Friday However, Mondays and early night market: Arnie, Bruce, Mel and weekdays flourish with small Stallone, George Lucas and independent titles, leaving weekends Speilberg. Foreign language films for blockers and fun. Though were considered very sweet Mondays can be fun too, they tend arthouse, but no threat. They could to be more thought-provoking, not find a plex screen anywhere and sometimes heartbreaking, uplifting the small local single screen cinemas and always surprising – and they sell were being demolished or turned to out. bars, bingo, flats and the odd nutty I’m not pushing, just bragging. evangelical church – Finsbury Park Come on the door for the raffle any Astoria. night. It’s a chance worth the journey. e were very lucky, twice. Almost always, we squeeze Firstly, the Grade II everybody in. Wlisting meant nobody Above all keep coming to see things could touch the building inside or you might once have overlooked, out. Then in the sixteen years it took especially if all the big noises are to secure and restore it, films got sold out. Welcome to Autumn. DEAR MRS TRELLIS... www.therexcinema.com 31 VENICE: BICYCLES AND FLOOZIES RANTS AND PANTS

like a lot, because I never see a cinema like this, is very Ibeautiful – Spanish – Me gusto mucho, porque mumca habia visto um cime como este, es muy guapo. – Cecilia Cayado Nicolas – Oviedo (Asturias, Spain), 21/08/07

Please stop changing the wine!! Dare I say it’s got a lot more tasteless and uninteresting every time! Please bring back the quality of the originals. – Sue D 03/09/07

Sorry Sue, you’re right. The wine list has been up and down. I’ve listened to too many, some of whom told me one wine should taste dusty while another should smell of cats-pee…! So I’ve chosen the new list without consultation. There are three whites plus a special Sauv Blanc (no cats) by the bottle only: £18.50. Of the four reds there’s a lovely, unfashionable Valpolicella plus a gorgeous Rioja by the bottle: £18.50 and a cheeky little Pinot Blush. They are all smooth, taste of very little and none of them hurt.

One day at the box office a small boy about nine, asked: “why are the carpets red? Why are the seats red?….. it just so happens, I don’t like red!!”