Author: robdeb

The Warriors Watching ‘The Warriors’ in a cinema is a surreal experience. It’s a film that was a part of my daily life growing up, from the baseball guys to the iconic ‘come out to play’ scene that even inspired an Xbox game. Yet, there’s a unique thrill in sitting with the characters on their…

400 Blows This website would only exist with this film. It might, in some form, but really no. I studied cinema in France when I was barely in my 20s. This opportunity existed for two reasons: the E.U. and France had greater recognition of film as an art form.  I studied French cinema in Edinburgh.…

Ciff Film Festival June Redeeming features (Alex wilding, Oliver Halls) I saw a mate play at the 12 bar about 15 years ago. It was a Tuesday. Two guys with no one there to see them were one. Angry, frustrated and borderline psychotic as we sat in chairs waiting for our friend. I hated my…

There is something strangely reassuring about Gaumont productions. I first encountered them in the 90s while living in Nanterre. It was my first time being exposed to French cinema in such a strong way, the historical context, the trade values of men and women, and the theme of strength vs. sensuality. It was quite idiosyncratic…

I was in line for a sundance brunch. I was talking to a much younger man. Dan. he spoke fondly of the Zone of interest. Being fond is not the right word, but it was good. It hit me then and there. I’m 48; I know people from the war. Seeing where I belong, I…

La chimaera Alice Rohrwacher. My uncle came from Ireland. Earlier in the week, we got out the cine reel DVDs dating back to my mum and dad in the late 60’s to the mid 80’s. We had them transferred about 15 years ago. Looking worn and small frames or blown up absurdly. It’s weird how…

Original Short film (Blake House) AI is killing creativity! You can sport it a mile off in the hands and the eyes! The eyes! The eyes! That’s what mediocre folk who have been phoning it in for years will tell you. Personally, I don’t think they have the right idea. A. It doesn’t need to…

Alo  (Director: Xenia Glen, Producers: Amy George, Xenia Glen)Alo, an undocumented Filipino worker, lives in an overcrowded house share in London. When an unexpected seizure strikes him, and he becomes trapped internally in the throes of his symptoms, the residents feel pressured to call an ambulance, which catapults Alo into the UK health and immigration…

Your Monster (Caroline Lindy) There is nothing that sends a shiver down my spine. Then those immortal words, “This is hard for me too!” It’s because, for many, it is true, but they are never the ones who burden the person suffering directly with it. It’s the frenemies and ticky box signal of folks who…

Kneecap “You should call it potato curry” Hiuh.  This was when I was launching the site. He was what I thought was a mate. It was a callback to a joke I stopped making years ago. But he loved it, putting me in my place like a fucking Lannister. We stopped talking very soon after.…