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Film round-up: November 7, 2024
Lego synaesthesia, a tender portrait of poverty, bear-faced capers and premature Santa: The Star's critic MARIA DUARTE reviews Piece By Piece, Bird, Paddington in Peru and Red One
RICHARD CLARKE recommends a hugely valuable text for those seeking theoretical analysis and practical action to defend public services
JOHN HAWKINS is moved by an oral history that examines five black families pushed into homelessness in the US
BOB NEWLAND recommends an outstanding study of how images have shaped narratives of identity, resistance and power in South Africa
While the group known as the Colourists certainly reinvigorated Scottish painting, a new show is a welcome chance to reassess them, writes ANGUS REID
In an exhibition of the graphic art of Lorna Miller, MATT KERR takes a lungful of the oxygen of dissent
The Star's critics review The Sinking Of The Lisbon Maru, Two Strangers Trying Not To Kill Each Other, American Dreamer, When Autumn Falls, and Flow
Piece By Piece (PG)
Directed by Morgan Neville
★★★★
THE closing film at this year’s London Film Festival, Morgan Neville’s psychedelic and innovative documentary chronicles the life of cultural icon Pharrell Williams through a Lego lens.
Williams, his wife, his close friends and colleagues including renowned stars such as Jay-Z, Missy Elliot, Gwen Stefani and Snoop Dogg all appear as Lego figures as they are interviewed although these artists apparently weren’t informed of that little detail at the time.
The loud and brightly coloured Lego settings are initially very distracting as you are captivated by the colourful figures and backdrops rather than what they are saying. It isn’t until you are halfway through the film that the novelty wears off.
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While the group known as the Colourists certainly reinvigorated Scottish painting, a new show is a welcome chance to reassess them, writes ANGUS REID
ANGUS REID recommends an exquisite drama about the disturbing impact of the one child policy in contemporary China
The phrase “cruel to be kind” comes from Hamlet, but Shakespeare’s Prince didn’t go in for kidnap, explosive punches, and cigarette deprivation. Tam is different.
ANGUS REID deconstructs a popular contemporary novel aimed at a ‘queer’ young adult readership
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