Modest but Masterly: the Dardennes’ Brilliant ‘Young Mothers’

I have always failed to understand why the films of the Belgian brothers Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne have seldom attained the box-office success they’ve deserved in the UK. I had been totally knocked out by the first film of theirs I saw – La Promesse - when it played in the 1996 London Film Festival, … Continue reading Modest but Masterly: the Dardennes’ Brilliant ‘Young Mothers’

Meetings with a Remarkable Man: Terence Stamp remembered

I was very saddened indeed to hear today of the passing of Terence Stamp. I met him just a few times, and certainly didn't know him at all well. But like (it seems) all or most others who encountered him, I was utterly charmed by his down-to-earth demeanour, his quiet intelligence, his modesty, his warm … Continue reading Meetings with a Remarkable Man: Terence Stamp remembered

Summer in the City: London’s treasure trove of art

London is always a great city for art, and while there are several current exhibitions I’ve yet to get to*, this summer has some superb painting on offer, in addition to the many masterpieces on permanent display. I’d meant to write before now (but for various reasons didn’t get around to it) recommending the Edward … Continue reading Summer in the City: London’s treasure trove of art