Contributor Simon Bland

A man with a thick beard and intense gaze, set against a warm, golden-brown background.
In Praise Of

In defence of Darren Aronofsky’s The Fountain

by Simon Bland

Dismissed as a self-indulgent folly upon release, this fatalistic fantasy drama deserves a second look.
Two people, a smiling woman with short dark hair and a man with bright red hair, make enthusiastic facial expressions against a pink background.

Poo jokes and a visit from Prince – The making of Drop Dead Fred

by Simon Bland

Director Ate de Jong tells the inside story of one of the craziest and most unique studio films of the 1990s.
Large yellow ogre-like creature sitting in a swampy pond surrounded by floating flower petals.
In Praise Of

From far, far away to 4chan – The surprising legacy of Shrek

by Simon Bland

Directors Andrew Adamson and Vicky Jenson reflect on the cultural afterlife of their 2001 computer animation.
Hooded figure wearing a Guy Fawkes mask in front of a sign reading "Strength through Unity, Unity through Faith"
In Praise Of

“We were projecting forward” – James McTeigue on V for Vendetta at 15

by Simon Bland

The director reflects on the making and lasting cultural impact of his 2005 dystopian thriller.
Two young men with friendly expressions, one with curly blond hair and the other with dark hair, both smiling and wearing casual clothing.
Oral History

An oral history of Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure

by Simon Bland

The inside story of how a goofy script by two unknown screenwriters became a beloved cult hit.
Three men in business attire conversing in an office.
In Praise Of

“There were times when I was sore from laughing” – Adam McKay on The Other Guys at 10

by Simon Bland

The director reflects on the making of his 2010 buddy cop comedy, and the serious message at its heart.
Two women in a car, one wearing a yellow checked shirt and the other a black hat.
In Praise Of

“I wanted it to feel like entering a world that makes you happy” – Amy Heckerling on Clueless at 25

by Simon Bland

The writer/director muses on one of the best and most beloved literary adaptations of modern times.
A man in a gladiator costume shouting with arms outstretched.

The supernatural, Nick Cave-scripted Gladiator sequel that never was

by Simon Bland

The Bad Seeds frontman wrote a screenplay for Russell Crowe, resurrecting his Roman warrior.
Three people in a photography studio, one holding a camera and speaking to the others.

“I saw Bateman as kind of a buffoon” – Mary Harron on American Psycho at 20

by Simon Bland

The director reflects on the creation of one of cinema’s enduring monsters, Patrick Bateman.
Group portrait of 6 adults with theatrical costumes and makeup. Includes a man in a military beret, a woman with a pink flower in her hair, and a man with a beard and headband.
Oral History

Spaced at 20: How we made a British cult classic

by Simon Bland

An oral history of the beloved sitcom with Jessica Hynes, Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright.

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