In Praise Of | Little White Lies

In Praise Of

Two people, a woman wearing a wide-brimmed hat and a man in a white shirt, standing and conversing outdoors against a blurred, natural background.
In Praise Of

The serene, sophisticated beauty of Claire Denis’ Chocolat

by Sophie Monks Kaufman

The French writer/director’s debut feature from 1988 is an elegant, perfectly poised character study.
Two people, a man and a woman, stand close together in a black and white image. The woman has short dark hair and appears pensive, while the man has a serious expression.
In Praise Of

How A Taste of Honey put a female spin on the British New Wave

by Stephen Puddicombe

Shelagh Delaney’s voice stood out from the angry young men who dominated British cinema in the mid 20th century.
Sleeping girl nestled amidst Totoro and forest creatures in a lush, verdant woodland scene.
In Praise Of

My Neighbour Totoro at 30: In praise of Hayao Miyazaki’s gentle giant

by Beth Webb

How this great grey tree-dweller became the Studio Ghibli co-founder’s most beloved creation.
Two people - a man in a leather jacket and a woman in a patterned blouse - sitting at a table in an indoor setting.
In Praise Of

Why I love Marisa Tomei’s performance in My Cousin Vinny

by Catherine Pearson

With her strong self-belief and striking dress sense, Mona Lisa Vito is a character we can all get behind.
Two cowboys standing in a desert landscape, one wearing a black hat and the other a tan hat, both with guns on their belts.
In Praise Of

How Once Upon a Time in the West reflects the social anxiety of 1968

by Dan Einav

Sergio Leone’s landmark western, which turns 50 this year, is a fascinating product of its time.
Portrait of a person with their eyes closed, wind blowing through their hair.
In Praise Of

Morvern Callar and the search for something beautiful

by Tom Williams

Lynne Ramsay’s masterful second feature from 2002 offers a visceral depiction of grief and longing.
A man in a suit and tie standing in front of framed artwork on a wall.
In Praise Of

The Long Goodbye: Robert Altman’s hooray for Hollywood

by Sam May

This 1973 pulp classic sees Elliott Gould’s Philip Marlowe navigate LA’s seedy underbelly.
An elderly Asian man in a dark coat and hat pointing a pistol at the camera.
In Praise Of

Why Death Wish’s pro-gun politics are just as complex as ever

by Justine Smith

The film’s glamorisation of vigilante justice resonated with an increasingly paranoid audience in 1974.
Two figures standing in a shadowy corridor; a woman with a serious expression facing the camera, and a man in a hat and coat standing behind her.
In Praise Of

The surreal, stylistic brilliance of Dark City

by Danilo Castro

Alex Proyas’ homage to classic tech-noirs like Blade Runner, Brazil and Akira was released 20 years ago.
A person in a black suit and red hat flying on ski jumping equipment against a blue sky.
In Praise Of

Werner Herzog’s ski jumping film is essential viewing this Winter Olympics

by Harry Harris

The German director’s 1974 short The Great Ecstasy of Woodcarver Steiner shows why sport is so compelling.