The End of the Affair
Directed by Neil Jordan Starring Julianne Moore, Ralph Fiennes, Stephen Rea, Ian Hart
Described by its director as an "austere" interpretation of Graham Greene's novel, this very sparseness gives this film its power. The relationship between Moore and Fiennes in Blitz-era London is played out on dark, empty streets and shadowy rooms (the influence of Carol Reed is apparent). Not surprisingly, Greene's particular brand of Catholicism gets a Jordan-ish slant, particularly in the perspective on the two "miracles" which bookend the story. But what's most impressive is Jordan's confidence as a film-making storyteller these days.
A Room for Romeo Brass
Directed by Shane Meadows Starring Andrew Shim, Ben Marshall, Paddy Considine, Frank Harper, Bob Hoskins
Working in the tradition of Ken Loach, 25-year-old Meadows adds weight to his claim to be one of the most promising filmmakers in Britain today with this thought-provoking and affecting work. Set on a working-class Nottingham estate, the film follows the fortunes of two schoolboys on the cusp of adolescence, whose friendship is put under strain when they meet a local eccentric (Considine). Meadows interweaves his multiple stories with skill and ingenuity - you never quite know where this film's going to go next.
The Bargain Shop
Directed by Johnny Gogan Starring Garrett Keogh, Brendan Gleeson, Emer McCourt, Stuart Graham, Ruth McCabe
It's notable how so few of the films and TV dramas made here in the last decade have addressed the issues of corruption, greed and injustice which dominate our media. Gogan's 57-minute drama, made in 1992 before the true extent of the scandals was revealed, is a rare exception, with its tale of a Dublin shop-owner (Keogh) whose dreams of shiny commercial expansion are in thrall to the evil machinations of property developer Gleeson. Unfortunately, the drama suffers from a bad dose of rare auld times nostalgism in its depiction of inner city life.
