17 Comments
Jan 15Liked by Gareth Bradwick

I would have to say Oppenheimer exceeded all expectations I had of it beforehand (given that it is a Christopher Nolan film, I can't help but have high expectations). Beautifully shot and completely immersed me in the life of such a complex man.

I have not given silent films that much attention, but I might have to start now if I truly want to appreciate the roots of cinema.

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Jan 15·edited Jan 15Author

Totally agree on Oppenheimer. I saw it on IMAX and it blew me away. The sound design in particular was amazing.

Yes silent films are great from an historical context as well as surprisingly entertaining (it shouldn’t be surprising of course, but it’s great to see them hold up so well). I love seeing the film makers work out what the medium can do in front of your eyes.

Hopefully I’ll be able to shine some light on early cinema for you in this newsletter. 😊 Thanks David, I appreciate it!

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I’m rooting for Cillian Murphy to win that Oscar. He is immense in this film. He is the film!

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Jan 14·edited Jan 14Liked by Gareth Bradwick

I honestly wouldn't know what to count as a favorite movie of 2023. Maybe 'The Boy and the Heron,' which is one of the few December premieres that I managed to catch in a movie theater,

though I'm not sure I'd qualify it as 'great.' Imo, it was good but still a somewhat lesser Miyazaki picture. There just simply hasn't been enough time in 2023 to see new movies. Many potentially great titles, but just no real time.

Btw, that Fellowship poster is amazing!

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I’ve not seen The Boy and the Heron yet. I’ll look forward to it. There were some great movies in 2023. My favourite last year was Past Lives if you get the chance. I loved it.

Yes to the poster. I need to buy a print! 😅

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Okay. I remember now - I think my favorite of 2023 was the amazing indie 'Aftersun' starring Paul Mescal. Def-ly the one that stands out most in my memory.

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Ah I still need to see this too! You're uncovering my blindspots haha

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Jan 15Liked by Gareth Bradwick

@ReidsonFilm has a podcast incoming this week, and the subject is The Boy and the Heron

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Great. I’ll give it a listen. I heard your awards one so I’ll look forward to it! :)

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A Greater or Lesser Miyazaki? You should check out our @ReidsonFilm podcast to get the definitive answer!

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Jan 15Liked by Gareth Bradwick

Wow, lots of interesting stuff! I never cared for The Power of the Dog but learning tidbits about a film usually makes me want to watch them so I can understand better that new information. I have three favourites from 2023: Oppenheimer, Past Lives and Anatomy of a Fall. Wonka gets a special mention as it really brightened up the Christmas period.

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Thanks Cristina. Im going to watch Anatomy of a Fall tomorrow. Past lives was my no. 1 for the year! Wonka was great you’re right. So joyful. I wasn’t too fussed about Power of the Dog either but I enjoyed the look of it. I love a western style!

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Jan 15Liked by Gareth Bradwick

Hope you enjoy Anatomy of a Fall. I’m sure you’ll have lots to write about it afterwards. I now need to see if The Power of the Dog is still on Netflix. Westerns aren’t my thing either but Benedict Cumberbatch always delivers :)

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Jan 14Liked by Gareth Bradwick

A great Keaton recommendation for sure. I am a fan of Harold Lloyd too, the timing and ability is amazing. Another quality piece here.

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Thanks Jon. I must admit I haven’t seen much Harold Lloyd. I’ll get on to it!

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Jan 14Liked by Gareth Bradwick

I didn't know it was watch Lord of the Rings Month last month, but we did watch all three Hobbits this month so I think that's a good start for 2024.

Best new film for me of last year was Oppenheimer and best new to me film was The October Man (1947) starring John Mills, excellent British film noir.

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well it's not really LOTR month, but it's a great time of year to watch them all! haha. Oppenheimer was amazing. I'm interested to see if it still holds up when watching at home, and not on the big screen. Adding October Man to my list!

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