The Hunt

2012, 15, Directed by Thomas Vinterberg
Starring: Mads Mikkelsen, Thomas Bo Larsen, Annika Wedderkopp, Lasse Fogelstrøm

It has almost been two decades since Thomas Vinterberg's Dogme-entry Festen was unveiled upon an unsuspecting world. But now with the Danish director returning to the radar in the UK (for the first time since 2004's Dear Wendy), he has recaptured his directorial flair through crafting another genuinely mesmerising picture about the issue of child abuse. The Hunt is little-less than flawless in its abilities at depicting what occurs when a popular male nursery school teacher is falsely accused of sexual misconduct due to one little girl's casual accusation. Making an impossible situation all the more worse, that same girl is the daughter of his best pal. Casino Royale’s Mads Mikkelsen takes this challenging role, delivering a Cannes-winning performance that deserves every future accolade laid upon him. As Lucas, he manages to deeply solidify his innocence to such an extent that the close-knit town's reactionary ambush of someone they once loved makes for painful viewing; initially surprised at hearing the accusation has been made, the unjust actions that follow prove to Lucas that this isn't something that can simply be brushed under the table in time for tea. 

Once you are invested into what The Hunt is all about, the way is paved for certain standout scenes to stop the heart - most notably, scenes in which Lucas visits the local supermarket, or attends Christmas Eve mass. Not only do these scenes stop the heart, they come close to breaking it. Cards are laid on the table from the offset - there is no doubt, no twists, no rug-pulling; this is a likable guy who has fallen victim to a false accusation that cannot be ignored and, as enduring time proves, will never be forgotten. The Hunt, hugely relevant due to recent news, is terrifying. Raising questions that will linger in your memory for some time after, the way in which Vinterberg depicts these gruelling events to a backdrop of autumnal bleakness is just one of the countless reasons you should hunt down this immersive character study. 

4.5/5

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BFI London Film Festival picks: 10-6

The 56^th BFI London Film Festival is almost upon us (it’s about time an’ all!), boasting a fresh new layout courtesy of new Festival director Clare Stewart. With over 200 films set to be shown over an 11-day period across Central London, here is Part 1 of my pick of what screenings you should be down as attending. Part 2 follows tomorrow…

10. Quartet

Directed by Dustin Hoffman
Starring: Maggie Smith, Tom Courtenay, Billy Connolly

  

 Mon 15^th: 19:30 OLS / Sat 20^th: 13:00 OWE2 (American Airlines Gala)
It may be difficult to comprehend that Quartet boasts Dustin Hoffman's first directorial credit, his debut in the field. This largely is the reason why the film has garnered plenty of excitement, although the respected cast that the screen legend has compiled will impress many. Ranging from Dame Maggie Smith to Billy Connolly, here is The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel for orchestra lovers. If the plot doesn’t manage to tickle your fancy, just remember the name ‘Dustin Hoffman.’

9: Frankenweenie

Directed by Tim Burton
Starring: Martin Landau, Winona Ryder, Catherine O’Hara

Wed 10^th: 19:00 OLS / Wed 10^th: 19:00 IMAX (Opening Night Gala)

This year’s Opening Night Gala comes courtesy of Tim Burton’s latest foray into stop-motion animation 28 years after his short of the same name saw him fired from Disney; Frankenweenie, the black and white 3D comedy horror which sees the director delve back into what he does best; merging the hilarious and the terrifying into an all-round ball of charm. A variation of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, the plot sees a young inventor named Victor devise a way of bringing his beloved dog back from the deceased. Even if Burton of late hasn’t fulfilled your expectations (Alice in Wonderland, Dark Shadows), a new film from the prolific guy is always something to tinge the movie world with some excitement, especially when themes hark back to his best work: Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands, Corpse Bride.  

8. The Hunt

Directed by Thomas Vinterberg
Starring: Mads Mikkelsen, Thomas Bo Larsen, Annika Wedderkopp

Thurs 11^th: 15:30 OWE2 / Sat 13^th: 18:30 OWE1 / Mon 15^th: 15:00 VUES

If there is one reason to see this, it is for Mads Mikkelsen – a performance for which Le Chifre himself won a Best Actor gong at this year's Cannes Film Festival. Starring as primary school teacher Lucas, a man wrongly accused of abusing his best friend's daughter, Thomas Vinterberg's best film since Festen is a hard-hitting reflection upon what consequences can be had due to one girl's statement, be it truth or false.

7. Celeste and Jesse Forever

Directed by Lee Toland Krieger
Starring: Rashida Jones, Andy Samberg, Ari Graynor

 

Sat 20^th: 17:30 OWE1 / Sun 21^st: 12:30 OWE2

A small-time comedy about the pitfalls of divorce between a couple who are still best friends, Celeste and Jesse Forever's inclusion in this year's Festival proves this is not your run-of-the-mill offering, instead raising the hype and boosting writer and lead actress Rashida Jones as a force that should be reckoned with. Saturday Night Live regular Andy Samberg plays Jesse to Jones' Celeste, and having been fortunate enough to see the film, their on-screen partnership is layered with honest humour and emotion; it’s been a while since a comedy has had this much heart. Seek it out.
 

6.Amour

Directed by Michael Haneke
Starring:Jean-Louis Trintignant, Emanuelle Riva, Isabelle Huppert

Thurs 11th: 20:45 Mayfair 1/Sat 13^th: 12:15 Mayfair 1 (Love Gala in association with Time Out)

Arguably the most hyped film from outside the UK, Amour- a tale of a long-married couple who are forced to deal with devestating news - has already made a name for itself throughout 2012. Winning the coveted Palme d'Or at Cannes (the second for Michael Haneke), it appears that the divisive Danish auteur has broadened his appeal to the masses without changing a thing. Though his style may be polarising to some, his films are mesmerising to many, and for this reason Haneke's Amour needs to be witnessed.

  
 
   

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