Welcome to the first of a series of film/TV recommendations and reviews to keep us all going through isolation. May we all emerge better and bigger (probably) people.
THE ULTIMATE ANTI-VIRAL - Ladybird
If you liked 'Little Women' you will love this coming of age story starring Saoirse Ronan and Timothee Chalamet. Also written and directed by Greta Gerwig this is the heartwarming tale of 'Ladybird', a seventeen year old girl trying to escape her childhood town (Sacramento, California). This a touching portrait of adolescence in post 9/11 suburban America. I think that Saoirse Ronan is one of, if not the, best actors of our time.
Netflix
NEW ONE - Marriage Story
Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson at their best (both nominated for an Oscar). Marriage Story documents a New York couple on the road from blissful married life to divorce. This film gives us a glimpse into the reality of married life, the nitty-gritty facts about an intense relationship. Highlight: Laura Dern's performance as the terrifyingly glamorous divorce lawyer (winning her an Oscar for best supporting actress). It's an emotional rollercoaster but a beautiful film. After this film I started to understand why even the strongest relationships could break down.
Netflix
CLASSIC - Some Like It Hot
It might be in black and white but this film is a masterpiece of comedy and after ten minutes I've completely forgotten there's no colour. A chaotic tale of criminals, jazz bands, Florida, Sugar and the dazzling Marilyn Monroe. This is a must-see!
Amazon Prime
ROMCOM - My Best Friend's Wedding
This is known as the film which began Cameron Diaz's career. She stars alongside Julia Roberts and Rupert Everett, need I say more? The outfits may be a bit old fashioned but this is a 90s classic about Jules who just might be in love with her best friend... An easy watch.
Amazon Prime
DRAMA - The Girl on the Train
You will have to be in the right mood to watch this psychological thriller. Emily Blunt stars in this incredible depiction of Paula Hawkins' novel of the same name. Rachel is an alcoholic who spends her days on the train dreaming about the life she used to have, until one day she sees something from the window of the carriage and her world begins to make sense, piece by piece. Maybe don't watch this one alone.
Youtube
ACTION - All of the James Bond films
Yes, all of them. When are you ever going to have time again? This will be perfect preparation for the release of the next one, which has (you guessed it) been postponed.
FAMILY FUN - Mamma Mia
We all know this one, but I watched it again and it was perfect for forgetting the global situation - a positivity booster.
Amazon Prime
TRUE STORY - Catch Me if you Can
A Spielberg has to make it onto the list. This is a lesser known Leonardo DiCaprio film, here he plays Frank Abagnale, who was a very successful con artist. At nineteen years old Frank had stolen millions of dollars by posing as a Pan American pilot, a doctor and a lawyer. This is the story of how the FBI chased Frank around the country in an operation led by agent Carl Hanratty (played by Tom Hanks). This is slightly dated because we don't use cheques so frequently any more but all the same it's a riveting true story of a cat and mouse chase.
Now TV
MUSICAL - Moulin Rouge
The story of the love between a cabaret actress, Sabine (Nicole Kidman) and a young writer, Christian (Ewan McGregor). The whole film, directed by Baz Luhrmann, is beautiful and mad. There are no words to describe this one, other than that it has everything and more. The music is a mash-up of ultimate hits and this was the first time I fully appreciated the talent of Nicole Kidman.
Amazon Prime
There are also plenty of theatres live streaming their shows at the moment - I will let you know how to find these soon.