As Disney’s four-pronged assault on UK audiences continues, why not consider some counter-programming from among these rare delights, screening in and around London next month? In 10 years’ time, when Avengers 7 is the only movie playing at your local cinema, you’ll look back on these times fondly.
Notorious (BFI Southbank, August 9th – 22nd @ various times) (book here)
Hitchcock’s post-war paranoia trip, starring Ingrid Bergman and Cary Grant, returns in a stunning 4K restoration. The BFI are also programming a Grant season to celebrate, showcasing gems like His Girl Friday, The Awful Truth and The Philadelphia Story. It couldn’t be more sophisticated unless it came with a free Martini (bring your own).
Mauvais Sang (Rio Cinema, Sunday 11th August, 3:30 PM) (book here)
A 35mm screening of the second feature by Leos Carax, very much the ‘weird teenage cousin’ of French cinema, presented by Mubi. Set in an alternate-universe Paris, the incomparable Juliette Binoche leads a great cast in a story of love, crime, and sex. And more sex.
Crossfire (The Cinema Museum, Wednesday 14th August, 7:30 PM) (book here)
Crossfire is an iconic film noir of the genre’s imperial phase. If you haven’t seen it, you must book a ticket for The Cinema Museum’s screening (organised by Kennington Noir) in mid-August. In a brutal story of persecution in post-war America, Gloria Grahame and Robert Mitchum are two familiar faces doing career-best work.
Streets of Fire & The Warriors (Prince Charles Cinema, Wednesday August 21st, 6:25 PM & 8:45 PM) (book here and here)
Warriors, come out to play! Gritty, fantastical, and thrilling, this 70s/80s double bill by B-movie king Walter Hill will make you afraid to go out at night – in a good way. And the soundtracks still slap.
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