Retrospective 2017 – A Year in Film

October

Autumnal Smorgasbord

Image sources: Marvel, Sony & Netflix

The healthy mix of autumnal releases continued in October as UK audiences were treated to a range of films which were crowned by two long-awaited blockbuster releases which did not disappoint, the Marvel comedic left turn which was ‘Thor: Ragnarok‘ and ultra stylish sci-fi sequel thirty-five years in the making ‘Blade Runner 2049‘.

The month also threw up an ecclectic mix of smaller releases which included probable award-contending poised LGBT coming-of-age drama ‘Call Me by Your Name‘ and Noah Baumbach’s latest idiosyncratic character dramedy ‘The Meyerowitz Stories‘, as well as Andy Serkis‘ period drama directorial debut ‘Breathe‘ and ultra-violent prison thriller ‘Brawl in Cell Block 99‘.

London Calling

As usual October welcomed the world’s media and the good and the great of global cinema to London town for the 61st edition of the world’s most accessible major international film festival the BFI London Film Festival, with nearly 250 films from all corners of the globe being showcased during 12 days of film appreciation, as well as the obligatory red carpet galas and celeb-watching of course.

Image Source: Getty Images

In what is quickly becoming a new tradition at the LFF, the festival was officially opened with a gala screening of yet another biographical British period piece with a strong social message, as Andy Serkis assembled his cast for a European premiere of his directorial debut ‘Breathe‘—the story of British adventurer Robin Cavendish and his extraordinary life after becoming paralyzed by polio.

The festival also featured gala screenings for much anticipated films like ‘Battle of the Sexes‘, ‘The Shape of Water’ and ‘Downsizing’ among many others, you can check out our full coverage and recap of this year’s festival here, plus all our reviews for the featured films so far here.

Those We Lost

Image source: Warner, MGM, Curzon & Sony

October saw the passing among others of veteran British TV & film actor Roy Dotrice (94) (Amadeus, Game of Thrones) and golden age French actress Danielle Darrieux (100) (Alexander the Great, Persepolis), as well as seasoned British actress Rosemary Leach (81) (A Room with a View, Whatever Happened to Harold Smith?) and veteran American actor Robert Guillaume (89) (Benson, The Lion King).

November next page>

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