17 - 23 JUNE 2023

Watching a film all the way through isn’t always convenient, or possible, even for me. So, for more years than I care to remember, if I am at home and I know that a film is about to start, I’ll tune in for the opening credits. It is a good way to absorb detail and keep the memory in play. Also, it can be a fascinating reminder as to how few became an overnight success, but built a career over several years. Two recent discoveries: Dalton Trumbo (Spartacus) wrote the story for The Lone Wolf Strikes (1940); director William F. Claxton (Bonanza and The High Chaparral) was the editor of Miss Mink of 1949. Of course, it is different now: film school, make a video, $50 million dollar budget . . .
BLACKBIRD (2019) Saturday 17 June 10.15pm-12.15am Channel 4    P         
Susan Sarandon channels her many years of experience in diverse roles into Lily, a family matriarch with motor neurone disease. Kate Winslet and Mia Wasikowska offer splendid support as her daughters. 
THE KILLING OF TWO LOVERS (2020) Monday 19 June 10.55pm-12.35am Film Four    P          
In contrast, here we have a tense drama with an interesting premise: a man who is attempting to mend fences with his ex-partner becomes increasingly agitated when she dates someone else. 
MURDER IN REVERSE? (1945) Tuesday 20 June 4.25-6.00pm TP (Channel 82)         
This is our modest/once thought lost ‘oldie of the week’! (William Hartnell (the first Dr Who, of course), who has just served 15 years for killing his wife’s lover, attempts to find out what really happened. It doesn’t quite live up to its ambitions, but is worth a look. 
LIMBO (2020) Tuesday 20 June 9.00-11.10pm Film Four    P         
Ha! We welcome the final film of our post-Covid, half-season to Freeview. This was the comedy drama about asylum seekers, who were unhappily in residence on a remote Scottish island whilst their fate was decided. Remember? The Radio Times gave it 5-stars on release; our 74% reaction didn’t quite match that – but there was only a single 1-star rating! 
IN CONVERSATION: ELLIOT PAGE Wednesday 21 June 10.00-10.25pm BBC 3
Back in 2007, one of the talked-about films on the film society circuit (although we didn’t book it) was Juno. Ellen Page was very good indeed in the role of a pregnant teenager. Now Elliot Page, after transitioning, he talks candidly here about Hollywood, mental health and other issues. It should be a fascinating interview, if you have 25 minutes to spare.