V FOR VENDETTA (James McTeigue, 2005) (Magdalen Auditorium, 7:00pm Monday 27th Nov)

V for Vendetta is loosely based on the eponymous comic book series by Alan Moore. The screenplay was a pet project of the Wachowski brothers of Matrix fame and was started even before their rise to fame with the original Matrix. However, so the rumour goes, after the mediocre reaction to the Matrix sequels they handed over directorial control of the project to James McTeigue.
The film tells the story of the shadowy freedom fighter codenamed V (Hugo Weaving) and his ambiguous relationship with Evey Hammond (Natalie Portman). V meets Evey after rescuing her from a group of fingermen (secret policemen), who were in the process of raping her. V gradually pulls Evey into his not so secret agenda to overthrow the totalitarian government. While this film is often been billed as an action film, it does pose some interesting questions, and provides an entertaining and very watchable social commentary on contemporary western society. This film should also be noted for indirectly making possible, the comical Natalie rap video (see Youtube etc).

Anton Baker (Magdalen FilmSoc President)

SIN CITY (Frank Miller/Robert Rodriguez, 2005) (Magdalen Auditorium, 9:20pm Monday 27th Nov)

The cinematic translation of a graphic novel is an especially hefty feat, dogged by failure. Joel Schumacher's 'Batman & Robin' (1997), Mark Steven Johnson's 'Daredevil' (2003), Guillermo del Toro's 'Hellboy' (2004): such big-budget flops are testimony to the inherent difficulties and dangers of such a venture. With the amoral verve of Robert Rodriguez' 'Sin City' (2005), however, a tour-de-force in style, speed, and tongue-in-cheek nastiness, there is newfound hope for the format. Yoking together three of Frank Miller's original tales ('The Hard Goodbye', 'The Big Fat Kill', 'That Yellow Bastard'), Rodriguez' terse sensory assault is conducted with unerring faith to Miller's aesthetic. His trademark economy of line and colour is exploited to phenomenal effects, the monotone dour of Basin City punctured with flashes of primary brights. Mickey Rourke is superb as the monstrous, lovesick Marv, whilst Nick Stahl is unforgettable as the quite sickening Yellow Bastard. Other standout performances include Bruce Willis as 'good cop' Hartigan and Jessica Alba's alluring turn as Nancy Callahan - the whole cast revel in their dissolute roles, dazzling against the gritty milieu. 'Slick', 'iconic', 'adrenalin-fuelled', 'Sin City' is truly deserving of the sort of critical jargon bestowed on lesser offerings with indiscriminate ease - an automatic classic and an absolute pleasure.

Rachel Harris (Magdalen FilmSoc Committee)