Contributor Simon Bland

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In Praise Of

A Goofy Movie hits different as a parent

by Simon Bland

Despite flopping on release, Disney's heartwarming story of a dad trying to bond with his son on a summer road trip has become a cult classic – especially for people with children of their own.
Two men in coats standing in a grassy field against a cloudy sky.
Interviews

‘It completely changed the course of my life’ – Shane Meadows on Dead Man’s Shoes at 20

by Simon Bland

Two decades ago, a grim Northern revenge western starring Paddy Considine as a man on the war path shocked audiences and made Shane Meadows one to watch out for. He reflects on the long legacy of Dead Man's Shoes.
Two people wearing green clothing with "VOTE FOR PEDRO" printed on the shirt, set against a floral patterned background.
Interviews

‘It was hard to hit me in the face with the steak’ – Jon Heder on 20 years of Napoleon Dynamite

by Simon Bland

Two decades on from an unlikely cultural phenomenon, the star of Jarred Hess's lo-fi cult classic talks Moon Boots, Jamiroquai and doing his own stunts.
A young man with dark hair and a serious expression, wearing a blue shirt, looking towards the camera.
Interviews

“People have said they feel less alone after seeing this film” – Bill Hader on The Skeleton Twins at 10

by Simon Bland

From Saturday Night Live’s MVP to indie-movie darling, Bill Hader explains how this small emotional indie paved the way towards his critical hit Barry.
Closeup of a smiling person's face in a red-tinted frame against a blurred background.
Interviews

‘Tom understood this wasn’t a film about being tough, it was about fairies’ – Nicolas Winding Refn on Bronson at 15

by Simon Bland

The Drive director reflects on smuggling Bronson’s actual moustache out of prison and the personal story behind his ethereal biopic of the UK’s most notorious inmate.
Two men in suits standing on a Blackberry smartphone against a purple background.
Interviews

Matt Johnson: “People say ‘Now you’ve got to make the Twitter movie'”

by Simon Bland

The writer, director and co-star of BlackBerry – an irreverent take on the rise and fall of a tech giant – reflects on his third feature while making his way across Toronto.
Two women in black outfits posing against a concrete wall.
Interviews

“The emotional part overwhelmed me” – Catherine Hardwicke on Thirteen at 20

by Simon Bland

Partially inspired by the turbulent home life of one of its stars, this hard-hitting coming-of-age drama still packs a punch – even for director and co-writer Catherine Hardwicke.
Two people wearing brightly coloured clothing against a pale background.

“I modelled the movie off of Broadcast News” – Jason Segel on Forgetting Sarah Marshall at 15

by Simon Bland

Writer and star Jason Segel spills on the naked real-life inspirations and upcoming small-screen future of his heartbreak-based modern comedy classic.
A man in a white coat appears to be flying over a cityscape at night, with the lights of the buildings and streets visible below.
In Praise Of

The Big Lebowski at 25: How embracing ‘Dudeism’ can lead to a happier life

by Simon Bland

Oliver Benjamin, the founder of the world’s “slowest growing” religion, reflects on how The Coen Brothers' classic crime caper inspired him to start a global movement.
Old man in dinner jacket seated at table with roast turkey and Muppet characters.
Interviews

How Christmas Saved The Muppets – The Muppet Christmas Carol at 30

by Simon Bland

It's hard to image the holiday season without this zany reimagining of Dickens' classic tale – but as puppeteer Steve Whitmire explains, The Muppet Christmas Carol was make or break for the beloved company.
Three people in formal attire against a blue background.
Interviews

‘Our pact with the devil was to try and pull it off’ – Ghostwatch at 30

by Simon Bland

Creator Stephen Volk and director Lesley Manning reflect on the chaos and unlikely impact of their meta-Halloween horror.
Two young people exploring rural landscape, man holds map, woman carries flowers and suitcase.

“There were certain dance moves that were all me” – Jared Gilman on Moonrise Kingdom at 10

by Simon Bland

The now 23-year-old actor returns to Camp Ivanhoe to share his memories of making a film with Wes Anderson.

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