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The Bounty

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Directed by Kiwi Roger Donaldson, The Bounty, starring Mel Gibson and Anthony Hopkins, is based on the infamous true story, about the friction between Captain William Bligh, and first mate, Fletcher Christian, which led to the mutiny of the title Naval ship, Bounty. This has been filmed twice before, the other two films, Mutiny on the Bounty, in 1932, and later, under the same name, in 1962. Both versions are lush and extensive, hut this version, starring Mel Gibson and Anthony Hopkins in the leading roles, is the most visceral and realistic of the three. Filmed in bold colour and with an atmospheric and moving score by Vangelis, the perfect backdrop is set for a grand and powerful drama. Ultimately, this story is about a clash of wills; that of the ship's captain, William Bligh, a harsh and sinister character, yet Hopkins plays him with compassion and depth, leaving the viewer wanting to know more about what lurks beneath his rigid and unfathomable face. This versus the energe
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Howards End, a film review.

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A timeless classic, is Howards End, directed by the infamous team of Ismail Merchant and James Ivory (the Bostonians, A Room With a View, Wings of the Dove). It's and oldie but a goodie, and always worth a re-watch now and then. This film was released way back in 1992, but more than stands the test of time. Based on the sublime novel by E M Forster, circa 1910, it is about empire and Englishness, class and the differences between class, rich and poor, and the wider gulf between. It's also about the clash of cultures, the theme of ideas, the gap between men and women, country and town, and the poetry and the prose that colours much of everyday life. Based around two very different families, the practical, robust  and wealthy Wilcoxes and the more dreamy, intellectual and well-off Shlegel's, it is also about contrast, very opposing veiws of life and varying sets of values. Sisters Margaret and Helen Shleagel represent the inspirational and daring intellectuals, whilst t
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