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Reviews
Mahler (1974)
Time for a proper film about Mahler
This film, though good in parts and with a fascinating performance by Robert Powell, is too stylised and idiosyncratic to be looked on as a true representation of Mahler's life and works. Rather it should be seen as an essay on Ken Russell's view of his inner struggles, and particularly his conversion to Catholicism. Too much of the dialogue and camera-work is stilted, and it has the look of a film on a budget, using locations in the lake district and Derbyshire (Chatsworth House) to represent Austria. This last comment may seem nit-picking, but using well known locations that many know are not where they are supposed to be can be distracting. Georgina Hale didn't really convince as Alma for me, a strong, stunning and seductive woman that Hale can't quite portray.
Given the fascination of Mahler (and a ready made soundtrack of stunning music!) its perhaps time filmmakers had another go at portraying his life, works and tragic death. The perfect actor for the lead role - Robert Powell (who can forget that silhouette of Powell's face on the train, looking exactly like famous photos of Mahler himself?) - is perhaps too old now, though he could portray him in his later years. It would be one of those bio-pics of people I had always been intrigued to see on film (others include Alexander the Great, Howard Hughes, Hitler - all who have been portrayed recently).
Life on Mars (2006)
A promising twist on the time travel concept
This looks promising: a senior police officer in 2006 Manchester is involved in a serious road accident - the way its filmed makes it quite a shock to the viewer let alone DCI Tyler! He wakes up in 1973, with all the naff fashion, furniture and TV of the era!
Some of the "haven't things changed in 33 years" dialogue is a bit forced: Walks into a pub and orders "Diet Coke", keeps mentioning his "mobile", all women are "crumpet" etc, and some of John Simms "moments of intuition" seem a bit theatrical, but this is interesting stuff none the less. What it portrays so well is how trapped you would feel in the same circumstances and the desperation and panic it would engender. This feeling is intensified by odd moments when people from the "real world" (ie 2006) seem to be trying to contact DCI Tyler.
Only 1 episode so far but I will be following this one!
La cabina (1972)
La Cabina - a film not easily forgotten
Like so many of the other reviewers, I saw this film in the early eighties on BBC2 and have never managed to see it since. It's one of those films you see in your childhood and then later in life, wonder if you'd dreamt it. I'm glad to find I hadn't and that I'm one of a select band who remember that BBC2 showing!
It's a film you'd never forget once seen. Particularly the ending, which would disturb anyone, but especially an impressionable youngster. It's in that "surreal reality" style that Spanish filmmakers seem to do best and has continued since(eg 'Abre los ojos').
Although the first 45 minutes of the film portray what - to a degree - could be seen as "normality" (ie a man getting stuck in a phone box and the attempts to release him), I remember as a child a strange feel of unease throughout, even though I didn't know the ending. Maybe it's just my claustrophobia, but I think Antonio Mercero managed to maintain the ideal mix of "normality" and "strangeness" to keep you transfixed.
Quite why it's not been shown again on terrestrial in the UK is a mystery. Yes, it's disturbing, but so are a lot of films shown today. It's also a film of quality and one that I'd recommend to anyone who wants something different and something that will leave a lasting impression. Clearly from the points made by others this film does!