Brian McFarlane

Comments

Brief Encounter

Archetypal drama deriving from the conflicting pressures of love and morality.

The Tragedy of Macbeth

In my view the most intelligent and insightful film version of a Shakespearean play.

Great Day

Intricately constructed version of lives in a small village viewed against the sense of a wider background.

Nashville

Irresistible study of lives involved in the Country and Western world, with huge, sharply distinguished cast and great music.

Minari

Riveting and heartfelt account of the lives of a Korean family that moves to Arkansas. Perfectly cast and acted.

Pather Panchali

Wonderful sense of a family making a life in the face of many difficulties

Random Harvest

Brilliant adaptation of James Hilton's famous novel. Cleverly constructed and very moving as acted by a fine cast.

The Searchers

In my view, the greatest western ever, with moments of stunning visual and emotional power.

The Third Man

Unforgettable beginning – and ending – and utterly engrossing in between. Superb black-and-white cinematography and irresistible musical score.

Battleship Potemkin

Crucial item in the history of film, with a dazzling melding of mise en scène and editing.

Further remarks

Sorry not to have time for further comments on the films, but am under pressure at the moment from other writing projects.