32 h. ago ‘We used a beachball as an alien!’ John Carpenter on his gloriously shonky sci

‘The control room buttons were upside-down ice-cube trays, one space suit had a dish-drying rack on it – and the special effects guy wrote the theme tune lyrics’In 1970, I partnered with Dan O’Bannon, a classmate at the University of Southern California, on a senior student project. We wanted to make a science fiction movie inspired by Dr Strangelove and 2001. We had no money but we did have enormous ambition. Dan co-wrote it, and he was also its production designer and editor, and he acted in the movie, playing Sergeant Pinback. Continue reading...

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3 d. ago Breaking Bad legend's 'extremely bloody' action film with 80s icon on TV tonight

A Breaking Bad star's "brutal" film has been compared to Keanu Reeves' unforgettable John Wick franchise.

Events

3 d. ago Breaking Bad icon's 'must see' film dubbed 'better than John Wick' on TV tonight

An "extremely bloody" action thriller that’s been likened to Keanu Reeves’ John Wick franchise will be airing this evening.

Culture

4 d. ago John Travolta's son actor Spencer Lofranco dies as brother pays tribute

Spencer Lofranco, who played John Travolta's son in the mobster film Gotti, has died as his brother payed a touching tribute.

Events

5 d. ago Liars by Sarah Manguso audiobook review – livid tale of marriage gone awry

Rebecca Lowman narrates a superb, claustrophobia-inducing plunge into a relationship descending from bad to worseHalfway through Liars, the story of a new relationship that becomes a marriage, our protagonist, Jane, is asked by a neighbour: “Why are you with him?” It’s a question that has been on the listener’s mind for some time.Jane’s partner, John, lies about his feelings, his financial status, where he is going and where he has been. He is chaotic, lazy, resentful, entitled and given to getting drunk and spending money he hasn’t got. At the start of their marriage, Jane’s career as a writer and academic is on the up, while John – a visual artist and aspiring film-maker – has hit a professional wall. Time and time again, he insists they move cities for better work opportunities, which soon puts a spanner in his wife’s working life. It comes as no surprise that, after their son is born, Jane is left to do the parenting while her husband absents himself from his responsibilities.Av...

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6 d. ago The haircut men should never get: 'Micro fringes' are the new edgy trend that just doesn't work

It's one of the most divisive hairstyles out there, but hate it or love it, full fringes are the new in thing, with celebrities around the globe, including Paul Mescal and Matt Smith reaching for the scissors.

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7 d. ago Wicked: For Good review — Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande have changed cinema for the better

If this sequel to Wicked doesn’t get more Oscars, I’ll eat my witch’s hat

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1 week ago John Cleese Packs It In review – former Python goes on the road in sickness and in health

Such is his grumpiness, it isn’t clear why the 85-year-old wanted to make the film – though ‘I need the money’ is a running gagThe long and fabled history of Monty Python has now reached its footnotes and afterthoughts era. After years of interpersonal disputes, multiple forays into the culture war and one very expensive divorce, 85-year-old John Cleese goes solo with a thin 80-minute travelogue, undertaking a European mini-tour while enduring a roll call of ailments (partial deafness, bone spurs, vertigo) which appears at least as substantive as his onstage material. Explaining his motivation, Cleese is not untypically blunt: a wheezy “I need the money” is the closest this film locates to a running gag.What are we offered in return? Near-relentless gripes and grievances that mesh with Cleese’s recent media profile, ranging from the endless repacking to being filmed at all hours. (Perhaps understandable, given director Andy Curd’s often unflattering angles.) Also lambasted: audience...

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1 week ago Nuremberg review – Russell Crowe is Hermann Göring in this very glossy Nazi drama

Rami Malek, Michael Shannon and John Slattery co-star in this unexpectedly zippy film, which stumbles more than it soars

Events

1 week ago Netflix's new Luther movie to reunite Idris Elba with 'dangerous' legend

Netflix has announced that Idris Elba is returning as DCI John Luther in a new feature film, which will follow on from Luther: The Fallen Sun

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2 w. ago Idris Elba and Ruth Wilson to reunite for second Luther movie, Netflix announces

Wilson, who did not appear in the first film, will reprise her role as Detective Chief Inspector John Luther’s sidekick, Alice Morgan

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2 w. ago Idris Elba and Ruth Wilson to reunite for second Luther movie

The next instalment of Luther will see Elba’s character secretly called back into service to investigate a murder spree.

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2 w. ago Charli XCX opens up on Wuthering Heights collaboration with Velvet Underground icon: ‘It made me cry’

Pop star says she’s a ‘huge fan’ of John Cale as they collaborate on harsh song for new film adaptation of Emily Brontë’s novel

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2 w. ago Charli XCX opens up Wuthering Heights collaboration with Velvet Underground icon: ‘It made me cry’

Pop star says she’s a ‘huge fan’ of John Cale as they collaborate on harsh song for new film adaptation of Emily Brontë’s novel

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2 w. ago Paul McCartney exclusive interview: ‘At first, John, George and Ringo weren’t too positive about Wings’

In an exclusive interview, Sir Paul McCartney talks about his rivalry with the other Beatles, practising his songs with Paul Mescal and how he is now in a ‘really, really active period’

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2 w. ago Paul McCartney exclusive: ‘At first, John, George and Ringo weren’t too positive about Wings’

In an exclusive interview, Sir Paul McCartney talks about his rivalry with the other Beatles, practising his songs with Paul Mescal and how he is now in a ‘really, really active period’

Politics

3 w. ago Dads in peril: Which Paul Mescal film does the John Lewis ad rip off?

The new John Lewis advert is a sentimental look at masculine strictures, and has an unlikely inspiration

Politics

3 w. ago PREVIEW: The Music of Zimmer vs Williams – the ultimate cinematic showdown at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall

Blockbuster movie music from Star Wars to Pirates of the Caribbean will be performed live in Edinburgh to crown the greatest film composer of all time - will it be Hans Zimmer or John Williams?

Culture