Black Book (2006)

Recommended

The Netherlands/Germany/Belgium

Feature Film
Original Title: Zwartboek
Director: Paul Verhoeven
Writers: Gerard Soeteman, Paul Verhoeven
Cinematographer: Karl Walter Lindenlaub
Composer: Anne Dudley
Cast: Carice van Houten, Sebastian Koch, Thom Hoffman, Halina Reijn, Waldemar Kobus, Derek de Lint, Christian Berkel, Dolf de Vries, Peter Blok

Verhoeven’s exploration of the exploits of the Dutch resistance during the Second World War, with the questions it raises about the difference between terrorists and freedom-fighters by book-ending the film with scenes in Israel, and despite an occasionally rather cartoonishly on-the-nose score, proves to be an intelligent, thrilling, and lovingly crafted film. Iain.Stott

Read More

Interview (2007)

Cautiously Recommended

USA/The Netherlands/Canada

Feature Film
Director: Steve Buscemi
Writers: Steve Buscemi, David Schechter, Theodor Holman, Hans Teeuwen
Cinematographer: Thomas Kist
Composer: Evan Lurie
Cast: Steve Buscemi, Sienna Miller

Buscemi’s remake of murdered film-maker Theo van Gogh’s Interview (2003), a sparring match between a slumming political journalist and a famous actor, is, despite two stunning performances and Lurie’s delightful score, a seldom believable if thoroughly engaging piece of nonsense. Iain.Stott

Read More