aixcentric

… and what both these films have in common is a passion for the cinema, yes the old-fashioned big screen, projectors, popcorn and all.

‘The Fabelmans’ , directed by Steven Spielberg, tells his own story, his literal and professional journey, from a quiet New Jersey suburb back in 1952 all the way across America to become a film-maker in Hollywood.

His loving Jewish parents took him as a child to a cinema to see The Greatest Show on Earth, Cecil B DeMille’s circus-themed spectacular featuring a ultra-realistic train wreck. It left him at once terrified and fascinated, and his obliging parents bought him a camera and a train set.  His obsession with making films was ignited.

It’s a long film at 2:30 hrs but I found myself engrossed in the story.  ‘The Fabelmans’ has been nominated for 7 Oscars.  It starts at the Cézanne, next Wednesday, 22nd February.

‘Empire of Light’ has also been Oscar-nominated, but just once in the Cinematography section. Indeed that is where the Sam Mendez-directed film excels.  It is set in Margate in the 80s, a time when the seaside town was a bit of a has-been, down-trodden resort. (For non-Brits it isn’t any more!)

Storyline: Hilary (Olivia Colman) is a cinema manager struggling with her mental health, and Stephen (Micheal Ward) is a new employee longing to escape the provincial town where he faces daily adversity. Together they find a sense of belonging and experience the healing power of music, cinema, and community.

There are wonderful sweeping shots of the seascape and the vintage cinema, insights on the art of the projectionist, and a creepy turn from Colin Firth.

You can see the preview on 27 Feb at 20:30 at the Mazarin, or on general release from 1 March.  It’s a nuanced film with a great cast.