Current Releases and Old Favourites

Just a prompt, if any of the films we showed on Tuesday looked tempting.....

For recent Polish cinema, Staysci (The Extras) is showing on Sunday (8 pm). By all accounts, a broad comedy of stereotypes, but sounds a nice commentary on the use of Poland as a 'location shoot' by external cinemas, something the industry has encouraged post Communism.
Further ahead, is 'The Saragossa Manuscript' ('Rekopis znaleziony w Saragossie'). See David Thompson's write up in the brochure: a Polish classic, based on an epic novel. Remembering the introduction of Zbigniew Cybulski in 'Ashes and Diamonds' (on Tuesday), he is present here in the main role. It has a layered narratives, which start to blend and collapse into each other. The film has been highlighted for its absurdist and black humour.
Obviously, no need for an excuse to see 'A Matter of Life and Death', (on 16th January) directed by Powell, written by Powell and Emeric Pressburger. Pressburger was a Hungarian-born, Jewish refugee from Nazi Europe; as Roy said, teamed with Powell through the agency of (Hungarian) Alexander Korda. I think it's easy to see the commentary on the British of an outsider, with an 'affectionate' eye. (Jack Cardiff, its cinematographer - amongst many other films - will be there in conversation before the film).
Another collaborative masterpiece, with links to our area (not on at Bradford), is 'The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp' with Roger Livesey in the lead. A narrative about a British soldier and his German counterpart (controversial in 1943, so much so that Winston Churchill wanted it banned), it has (I think) a European sensibility in the way it is filmed, perhaps provided by Pressburger's outsider's view.
Finally, please let me confirm I am not on any commission from Pictureville etc.....