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Since we will all be staying in for a while, here are three selections available on Netflix to consider chosen by our movie guy, James Finnegan…
One of Alfred Hitchcock’s most famous films is Rebecca.
Based on the novel by Daphne du Maurier and made in 1940, it got him his only Oscar for Best Picture. This remake is directed by Ben Wheatley, and is not quite his usual fare.
Lily James plays either a “Lady’s Companion” or “Staff” depending on your point of view. She is somewhat naive, and put upon by her employer. She does not even have a character name at this part of the story.
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However, she does catch the eye of the unhappy widower Maxim de Winter (Armie Hammer). They marry, and he brings her to his country home, Manderley, which is almost a shrine to the first Mrs. De Winter, the aforementioned Rebecca.
The house is run by Mrs Danvers, played with relish by Kristen Scott Thomas, who makes it very clear to the newcomer that she will never live up to the standards set by her predecessor, for who she was unhealthily devoted.
Lily James in ‘Rebecca’.
This is a somewhat darker version of a Downton Abbey type story The costumes and set are stylish and although set in 1935, there is no social depression here, so it is very pretty to look at.
Next, I recommend the documentary David Attenborough – A Life On Our Planet. This is a truly spectacular examination of how humanity has changed the biodiversity of the planet during his ninety three years, particularly his sixty year career as a naturalist.
David Attenborough.
The cinematography is, as you would expect, stunning, with the juxtaposition between the sounds and colours of the natural habitat, with the results of the effects of humankinds relentless harvesting of the planet’s resources, stark.
However, there is hope if we change our attitudes and there are examples of potential measures that can be taken to reverse the damage. There is no voice better qualified and more respected to point out the self-inflicted damage to all our futures.
Finally, a film that is simply funny. As No Time To Die is postponed until the New Year, who can we call on to save the world? None other than Johnny English played by Rowan Atkinson in this third of the film series, Johnny English Strikes Again.
Due to a cyber attack, the identity of all M17’s field agents has been exposed. Therefore, the previous generation of agents are brought out of retirement by the Prime Minister (Emma Thompson) to protect Queen and Country. English is now a teacher, who prefers to spend his time showing his pupils espionage techniques, rather than geography.
English is soon the only agent left to face Russian spy Ophelia Bhuletova (Olga Kurlenko from Quantum of Solace), with only his former sidekick Bough (Ben Miller), an Aston Martin and a number of specialised gadgets, including explosive jelly babies, to help him. Enjoy, stay home and stay safe!
