Projects matching: Simon Callow

Synopsis

A widowed chef, is inspired to cook, live and love again when he meets an American food critic.

Synopsis

Edwardian Magician Aleister Crowley, dubbed the 'Wickedest Man in the World', shocked the establishment with his exploration of sexual magic, experiments with hallucinogenic drugs and his bizarre occult ceremonies. Although he gloried in the notoriety, calling himself 'The Beast', Crowley was a sensitive poet, a world champion mountaineer, a skilled chess player and an expert in occultism. Astonishingly, he was an enthusiast of the new science of quantum physics. So when a secret experiment goes awry leaving occult obsessive lecturer Professor Haddo, believing he is resurrected as Crowley, his masonic counterparts at Cambridge try and put a stop to his progressively wild indulgencies in drugs, sexual magic and obscene rites. But when Crowley's magic comes into conflict with quantum physics the outcome is extraordinary, with one of the most amazing triple twist endings in movie history.

Synopsis

Having failed at an endless stream of entry-level jobs, an accident prone man finds a job as a butler. Despite wreaking utter havoc, he manages to do a few things right and wins the family he has always longed for. This is a hilarious comedy sure to delight children, families, and lovers of films such as Uncle Buck, Big Daddy and Mrs. Doubtfire.

Synopsis

A contemporary urban satire set during a week in the life of a tabloid newspaper. Its tyrannical tycoon chairman and clever but desperate editor (who is also sleeping with the chairman's wife) battle for political supremacy in the boardroom, using staff journalists as pawns in the power-games they play out on the front pages of the press. Set against the backdrop of the US election and the current celebrity culture, Rag Tale gives a witty, behind-the-scenes look at the tabloids.

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From the day Patrick Smash was born he has intrigued doctors, parents and teachers alike with what can only be described as a special gift. His parents tried hard to be kind, tried to accommodate their unusual child but before too long they lost their sense of humour. Shunned by his own family, Patrick's only real friend is fellow scapegoat and child prodigy, Alan Allen. Together they dream of a day when they will not be bullied, when they can pursue their dreams, which in Patrick's case is to become a spaceman. Patrick soon learns to the surprise of many that he can turn his gift into a special talent, and with Alan he wins a non-assisted flight competition. Then, under the tutelage of Sir John Osgood, the world's second best opera singer, Patrick travels the world, secretly filling in the high notes for Osgood. A conspiracy that the world's leading opera star, Placido Placeedo, is about to expose when Patrick unwittingly causes his demise. Not only is Patrick denounced by the world's media, but in a further twist he is sentenced to death for his crime! His only hope lies in his true friend Alan and the clever people at the US Space Centre who eventually sit up and take a closer look at this extraordinary boy.

Synopsis

This satirical look at war tells the bizarre tale of enemy soldiers, Tchiki and Nino, who find themselves stranded in no-man's land during the 1993 Bosnian conflict. As Tchiki and Nino try to figure a way out of the fog, a brave UN commander goes to help them, despite being ordered not to intervene. In a tense stand off between the many sides involved in the conflict, Nino and Tchiki desperately try to negotiate for their lives amidst the insanity of war.

Synopsis

Bedrooms and Hallways is a sparkling comedy of contemporary manners set in London. The action stems from the mis-adventures of two flatmates - Leo a reserved witty artisan who is secretly desperate for love and Darren a man with an extrovert personality hooked on dangerous liaisons. While Darren pursues his erotic encounters in various properties being sold by the seemingly conservative estate agent, Jeremy; Leo confides in his boss Adam, who persuades him to attend his weekly 'new-man' group therapy sessions held in a bizarrely minimalistic house in Kensington. Despite his initial reservations, Leo finds himself drawn into this quirky men's group - primarily because of the presence of the dishy Irish baker Brendan, currently in the throes of a trial separation with his girlfriend Sally, the mother of their child Rachel. The New Age men's group is run by the well intentioned Keith in the ridiculously elaborately themed rooms within his home. Affectionate friction between him and his wife Sybil, a dedicated therapist running her own women's group, is evident by their conflicting bookings for the "Moroccan Room" (complete with honesty stone), "Eskimo Room" (equipped with harpoon) and the "Zen Room", an apparent haven of peace until interrupted by the primeval re-birthing experiences undergone by the men's group downstairs! Leo surprises everyone in the group, including himself, when he confesses his attraction to Brendan. Little does he realise the impact his remarks will have on everyone within his orbit.

Synopsis

In nineteenth century rural England, a German hussar serving with King George III's personal cavalry, Matthaus Singer, falls madly in love with Frances Groves, the only daughter of a West Country solicitor. Based on the short story 'The Melancholy Hussar' by Thomas Hardy

Synopsis

Normally, people who are dead stay dead, just as normally it is the criminals who are locked up rather than the victims. But then there was nothing normal about what happened to Marian Fairlie and her sister Laura. Except perhaps the beginning, and the arrival of a new drawing master, Mr Hartright. Mr Hartright brings with him the tale of a mysterious encounter on the road with a ghostly figure: a woman dressed all in white. Great fans of Gothic tales, Laura and Marian are intrigued by this. When they spy this same woman themselves, wandering in the grounds of their home, Limmeridge House, late at night, they determine to find out all they can about her. But before much is learned, their idyllic summer is cut short by their friend Mr Hartright being forced to leave them in disgrace, and Laura's marriage to Sir Percival Clyde removing them from their home to the distant Blackwater Park. Once there, the unhappy story of the woman in white unfolds, drawing the women into a vortex of secrets, crime and passion - and into a treacherous involvement with the fascinating but sinister Count Fosco.

Synopsis

Young Cambridge graduate Maurice Hall is trapped by the oppressiveness of puritanical Edwardian society as he tries to come to terms with his sexuality. He must strive to realise his dreams. The restoration, by the Cohen Media Group, used a 4K scan of the original camera negative. Director James Ivory gave the nod to the digitally restored version of his film, and cinematographer Pierre Lhomme supervised the colour correction. Official Selection Berlinale 2017 - Berlinale Classics - World premiere (Digital Restoration)