Contributor Stephen Puddicombe

Black and white image of two runners in a park, one in the foreground with a focused expression and the other in the background.
In Praise Of

Is this the greatest sporting drama ever told?

by Stephen Puddicombe

The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner underlines the importance of competing on your own terms.
Two people in a black and white film scene, a man sitting in a chair and a woman standing beside him, both dressed in 1940s-style clothing.
In Praise Of

The film noir that exposed the everyday horrors of domestic violence

by Stephen Puddicombe

George Cukor’s 1944 Gaslight was the first major Hollywood picture to depict an abusive relationship.
A woman with blonde hair wearing a blue dress stands in a colourful, vibrant setting with pink and blue hues.
In Praise Of

Is La La Land an homage to The Umbrellas of Cherbourg?

by Stephen Puddicombe

Director Damien Chazelle has admitted this ’60s classic is a key influence on his forthcoming musical.
A person wielding a chainsaw against a sunset background in a rural setting.
In Praise Of

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and the sound of violence

by Stephen Puddicombe

It may not be the most iconic piece of film music, but Tobe Hooper’s organic, visceral soundtrack is uniquely unsettling.
Two men in a black-and-white photograph, one looking into a mirror.

How Archibald Leach became Cary Grant

by Stephen Puddicombe

From finding his feat as touring acrobat to earning Hollywood leading man status, the story of this enduring icon is full of intrigue.
A man in a cowboy hat and brown coat standing in a desert landscape with rocky formations and cloudy sky.
In Praise Of

In praise of Sterling Hayden – cinema’s nicest tough guy

by Stephen Puddicombe

With Johnny Guitar returning to cinemas, we tip our hat to one of the most towering acting talents of his generation.
A woman in a black dress posed on rocks, silhouetted against a blurred, heavily textured background.
In Praise Of

How Federico Fellini mastered the magic hour

by Stephen Puddicombe

Dawn plays an important role in the Italian director’s 1960 film La Dolce Vita.
Man with bloody face and distressed expression, standing against a red and textured background.
In Praise Of

Taxi Driver and the frightening truth about our current political climate

by Stephen Puddicombe

Is the alt-right giving rise to a new generation of Travis Bickles?

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