The King's Speech: A Royal Occasion

Blogger: Greg Spencer

The furore surrounding The King's Speech is quite astounding. After being nominated for a plethora of awards including Best Motion Picture - Drama at the Golden Globes, and Colin Firth picking up Best Actor in the same night, The King's Speech is the film of 2011. After performing well at the Screen Actors Guild Awards and the Toronto Film Festival, the film is expected to clean up at the Oscars and the BAFTAs.

The impact of a film being nominated for the main Oscar awards is huge. U.S. online ticket seller Fandango reported a 76% increase in ticket sales in the 24 hours after the Oscar nominations were revealed, a fact that illustrates just how much impetus just being nominated can have.

In the Oscars' Best Picture category, The King's Speech finds itself up against such films as 127 Hours, Black Swan, Inception, True Grit, Toy Story 3, The Social Network, The Kids are All Right, The Fighter and the surprise inclusion, Winter's Bone. I think the strongest competition will be from David Fincher's The Social Network and Darren Aronofsky's Black Swan, though the Coen brothers' True Grit may be a shock winner, having made $148m in the U.S. in six weekends.

It will take something special to knock The King's Speech of its Royal perch - people in this country are applauding at the end of screenings; something us reserved Brits aren't used to. We musn't underestimate that Americans are fascinated by our monarchy, as demonstrated by Helen Mirren winning Best Actress in a Leading Role for her role in The Queen in 2006. Our monarchy is something that other cultures admire, and this is undoubtedly a big factor in the success of both films.

What do you think of The King's Speech? Is it really worthy of all the hype?

Filming a BIFF Trailer with the Stars

Blogger: Ben Eagle, BIFF Producer

It occurred to me, rather belatedly, that Bradford International Film Festival has never had a trailer.

Having discussed the extremely limited budget and what we wanted to achieve, we settled on the idea of asking previous BIFF guests to remember a moment in their personal cinema history.

I approached several high-profile guests from previous Festivals and was delighted to have positive responses from Imelda Staunton and Jim Carter. It seemed rather handy that, as they are married, they could film their 'editions' on the same day. We wanted to film the guests in familiar and comfortable surroundings, and where better than their own front room?

Along with Emma Shaw, the Museum's Media Developer and expert camerawoman, I set off to the Staunton/Carter household early one December morning. Jim had called me on the way to inform us that the council had decided to prune the trees outside their house – today of all days, when what we really needed was silence! Imelda and Jim greeted us with the warmness and kindness which they both exude in abundance. We enjoyed a very welcome cuppa with Hobnobs while Emma and our sound man, Jason, set up the lighting and camera in the front room.

Imelda sat stroking their lovely dog whose name I now forget, and asked how long her "speech" should last. We were aiming for each trailer to be approximately 40 seconds long, so Jim was ready, just off-camera, with his wristwatch – ensuring the 40 seconds was adhered to. She quickly spoke it through and we went for our first take. As was to be expected, Imelda did it perfectly and after a few differing close-up shots we had it in the can. During the various takes, Imelda frequently glanced at Jim to ensure she wasn't going over the allotted time, to which he frequently told her that the takes were "two hours long, love".

As we quickly rearranged the furniture, and some of the ornaments – including the photograph behind Jim, which features their daughter in a TV programme – Jim took the position and began to talk about his experience of "Lords acting" in Harrogate. Imelda frequently repaid the favour of reminding Jim his takes were way too long – and after a few takes, I hope you'll agree, his enthusiasm and passion for film really comes across.

Our next subject was the ever-popular John Hurt. John received the BIFF2010 Lifetime Achievement Award and both John and Anwen, his wife, have become friends of the Festival. A similar trip ensued with Emma and Sven – the Museum's Gallery Developer, and soundman on this occasion. John and Anwen live in Norfolk, which is a lovely journey and we arrived at their desirable country abode in time for lunch. Without doubt, the friendliest and most welcoming showbiz couple I know, John and Anwen had prepared a lovely lunch and so after the five hour journey, we sat around their kitchen table and discussed all-things-film. It was a treat.

Afterwards, we made our way into John's purpose-built artist's studio, in which hangs oil paintings featuring his sons, self portraits, and various sketches. He was working on an amazing self portrait which I loved - a really great use of colour and clearly the work of an experienced artist. I urged John to have them displayed in an exhibition - they were certainly of a high enough standard.

As we set-up the camera and sound equipment, John quickly talked through his plans for the trailer, comprising three separate cinema experiences: his first trip to the cinema to see Robinson Crusoe; a truly mesmerising viewing of Alec Guinness as Fagin in David Lean's Oliver Twist and finally Jules et Jim – the one we chose to feature in the finished trailer, and the one John felt most captures his passion for film. We left after a great day with a true gent and a genuinely lovely, bonefide movie star.

It has, thus far, been a privilege to work with the guests mentioned above, and I sincerely thank them for their time and generosity. We still have more to come, hopefully, so watch this space!

Visit the Bradford International Film Festival website

West is West Preview Screening with Bradford Actor Aqib Khan

On Saturday, we were proud to present an exclusive preview screening of West is West prior to it's release next month - and even better for our audience, the tickets were completely free!

Demand was high, but those lucky enough to secure tickets for the event were joined by local actor Aqib Khan. Our Film Programmer, Tom Vincent was there:

"Hosting the preview screening of West is West in the hometown of Aqib Khan, the 16 year old star of the film, was a real pleasure.

"Aqib landed the role of young Sajid Khan – his first ever acting job - after a teacher at Nab Wood school passed on information about a local audition.

"An amazing break for a newcomer, but one with a lot riding on it: West is West is a sequel with a high profile thanks to the much-loved original, East is East, Aqib's character is in almost every scene, and the shoot required a lengthy trip overseas that clashed with Aqib's studies.

"Yet Aqib has met all these challenges head on, taking on acting tips from the likes of the great Om Puri. And going by the enthusiastic response on Saturday, he's already making the very best of his big break.

"Aqib fielded questions from the audience after the film, and spoke about the shoot, developing as an actor, and his own self-belief in stepping up to the part. With West is West's release coming on 25 February, we wish him every success!"

West is West is playing here from 11 March.

2010 at the Cinema

With great style, no shortage of black humour, and an intriguing concept at the heart of its strange tale, Greece's Dogtooth has topped our poll of Museum staff's favourite films of 2010.

Dogtooth had a relatively small cinema release, so has become something of a grassroots champion, one that made a big impression on those who saw it back in spring. Early birds caught this story of an isolated family and their misinformed way of life when it previewed at Bradford International Film Festival in March - proof that you can trust us to seek out the good stuff! – and the film has just been entered as Greece's contender for the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar.

In our survey each member of staff was asked to list their five favourite new films on general cinema release in 2010, and were also asked to list any films they're looking forward to for early 2011. Did you see many of our staff's choices? Do you agree with us, or have we got it all wrong? Please add your own list in the comments section below. It's fun to share!

Toni Booth, Collections Manager

Ponyo - Miyazaki effortlessly creates another magical world, very nearly reaching the heights of My Neighbour Totoro.

Dogtooth - a perfect mix of unsettling visuals and narrative.

Exit Through the Gift Shop - Was I being made a fool of? I didn't really care as this was smart, entertaining and at times hilarious.

Revanche - a stunning, serious film dealing with adult themes whilst avoiding the usual melodrama pitfalls.

Hump Day - this one just saw off The Kids are All Right, for its less polished, more awkward and entertainingly juvenile world view.

For 2011: The Great White Silence - Very much hoping to be able to see Herbert Ponting's restored film of the Scott Expedition on the big screen in 2011. Cave of Forgotten Dreams - Herzog's dramas are always entertaining (Bad Lieutenant), but it's his documentaries where he really shines.

Sarah Crowther, Internet Gallery Researcher:

Enter the Void - Hypnotic and mind-bending. Not so much a film as an experience.

Dogtooth - Brave and stylised filmmaking. Simultaneously hilarious and disturbing in equal measure.

Micmacs - Fun, quirky and charming. A Gallic delight to warm the cockles.

House of the Devil - A love letter to 80's horror - slow-burning and utterly involving. Extra points for the simultaneous VHS/DVD release.

Alice in Wonderland - A visual feast as ever from king of the genre Tim Burton.

Ben Haller, Duty Manager:

Inception - a masterpiece in modern suspense cinema that achieved new heights in cinematography. Nolan's meticulous study into the depth of character was a revelation.

The Town - a captivating reinvention of the heist movie, with stand-out performances from Jeremy Renner, Blake Lively and Pete Postlethwaite. The prison scene with Ben Affleck and Chris Cooper is the best scene I've seen all year.

Splice - haunting look into genetic research which pushes the boundaries of comfort with horrific intent. I was gripped throughout, Adrien Brody and Sarah Polley are brilliant as scientists caught between love, science and reality!

A Single Man - luxurious in style, elegant in process and harrowingly honest in character...Colin Firth's finest role to date.

Bad Lieutenant - Nic Cage delivers an inspired performance as a corrupt cop weaving his sinister way through the destruction of post-Katrina New Orleans. Magnificent filmmaking!

For 2011: Never Let Me Go, Blue Valentine, The Fighter, Immortals, Captain America - The First Avenger.

Kathryn Penny, Film Manager:

Dogtooth - dark, funny and different - that poor cat!

Winter's Bone - gripping tale of determination - amazing performance from Jennifer Lawrence.

Inception - great fun and visually great - just don't think about it too much.

Four Lions - I laugh every time I see a Mini Babybell. Great to see the premiere at the Bradford International Film Festival.

For 2011: Animal Kingdom. Intense Australian suburban crime drama - marry me Guy Pearce!

Sven Shaw, Assistant Gallery Developer:

The Social Network - Utterly compelling, slick interpretation of the events leading to creation of the website that defined an era.

The Arbor - Highly original, haunting account of Andrea Dunbar's life and the family she left behind.

Cemetery Junction - Very funny re-visitation of the Kitchen Sink genre which keeps the audience guessing.

Greenberg - Good characterization and great performance from the leads in this existentialist black comedy.

Valhalla Rising - Slow paced, atmospheric and immersive Viking drama.

Jen Skinner, Film Education Officer:

Toy Story 3 - What a rollercoaster ride of emotion, I had to sob silently so that my four year old son didn't notice, definitely the film of the year in terms of personal engagement with the characters.

A Town Called Panic - Animated equivalent of popping candy, totally exhilarating and a joy to watch.

Exit Through the Gift Shop - Clever and inventive. Really lifted Banksy to another level in my view.

A Prophet - Intense, brutal and beautiful.

Dogtooth - I watched this film very early on in the year, at 9.00am without knowing anything about it, I think it took me a while to digest it, I knew it was good but it has grown on me so much as the year has gone on and is now my top new film of the year, so powerful, it's incredible, a breath taking film.

For 2011: I'm very excited about the new Coen brothers film True Grit and I've seen Animal Kingdom which is brilliant.

Tom Vincent, Film Programmer:

The Arbor - Achieved much in many many ways. The British film of the year was also the most vital talking point on Bradford's screens.

Still Walking - Deep emotional impact that accumulated so subtly - I sometimes forget that films can do this. Ozu would approve, and Kore-eda is a great.

Jackass 3D - Along with Piranha, this strange film, the gayest multiplex movie since Top Gun, is the crass, joyous state of 3D art; no need to pretend otherwise.

The Social Network - Mark Zuckerberg's overactive brain races his status anxiety and loses by a whisker. Obsession breeds obsession in Fincher's movies.

I Am Love - The font used in the opening titles told us this was going to be great. Tilda Swinton reclaims melodrama from middlebrow pap.

For 2011: Black Swan (Aronofsky), 13 Assassins (Miike), Animal Kingdom (Michôd), The Descendants (Payne).

Tom Woolley, Curator Of New Media:

The Social Network - excellent script, punchy dialogue and great acting had me gripped. Also proved that it's possible to make a compelling film about websites.

Heartbreaker - a smart, stylish and highly enjoyable comedy with another star turn by Romain Duris.

A Single Man - beautifully shot and dripping in style, Tom Ford's debut perfectly captures those rare moments of clarity. Transcendent and moving.

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo - a thrilling introduction to Stieg Larsson's world of corrupt media, computer hacking and twisted family trees.

Ponyo - an enchanting animation that deserves to be seen by as many people as possible.

In 2011: I'm especially looking forward to seeing the film version of Murakami's Norwegian Wood. From the stills it looks like Anh Hung Tran has captured the mood of the novel and a soundtrack by Radiohead's Jonny Greenwood makes it a must-see. Also intrigued to see new documentary Catfish and the forthcoming drama Never Let Me Go - after The Social Network and Red Riding, it’s exciting to see Andrew Garfield's ascent to stardom.

Neil Young, The Hollywood Reporter, International Consultant, Bradford International Film Festival:

Involuntary - Ruben Östlund's glacial, brilliant dissection of social boundaries world-premiered in 2008, but was only released in UK cinemas this year – all things Swedish now being apparently very cool thanks to Lisbeth Salander, Kurt Wallander and Let the Right One In.

Monsters

The Disappearance of Alice Creed

My Son, My Son, What Have Ye Done - 2010 proved a banner year for Werner Herzog, with Bad Lieutenant sneaking into multiplexes and his jawdropping making-of-Fitzcarraldo diary Conquest of the Useless finally appearing in English-language paperback.

I Am Love

For 2011: Darren Aronofsky's Black Swan; John Carpenter's The Ward; Joanna Hogg's Archipelago; Elliot Lester's Blitz and the re-release of Frank Ripploh's Taxi Zum Klo.

Thanks to our Film Programmer, Tom Vincent, for putting this together, and to all the staff who submitted their top fives.

Do you disagree with any of these choices? Let us know your films of 2010.

Annie Leibovitz Visits the National Photography Collection

World renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz visited the Museum on Tuesday - the latest stop on a personal journey she is undertaking looking at places relating to inspirational and culturally significant people.

Her travels, which will be documented in an upcoming book titled Pilgrimage, brought her to Bradford to view and photograph items belonging to Julia Margaret Cameron (1815 – 1879), part of the Royal Photographic Society Collection in the National Photography Collection which is held here.

Annie looked at personal letters, photographs, albums and a folio, all of which belonged to Cameron, one of the earliest pioneers of photography. Cameron, like Annie, was celebrated as a great photographer and for her work producing portraits of famous people and historical figures of the era.

Our Collection includes photographs Cameron took of Charles Darwin, Alfred Lord Tennyson, Robert Browning and Sir John Herschel.

Annie said:

"I am very impressed with how you care for such legacies – of Julia Margaret Cameron's work and items from the Royal Photographic Society period. There really are treasures here.

"It is one thing to take care of such work but to give this access to anyone who wants to study or see it is fantastic."

To view a selection of items from the National Photography Collection including Cameron's work, visit our website:
http://www.nationalmediamuseum.org.uk/Collection/Photography