michaelhills

I went into this film not knowing what it was, what it was about and ready to move on if it did not engage. What I found was a profoundly moving exploration of life, loss and the devastating effects it can have, but above all the pursuit to make sense of it all through whatever means, in this case an acting class. The acting is sublime, there are moments of such intensity it takes one's breath away, the directing never obtrusive but compelling, a masterclass of how to transpose a theater play to the screen. This film deserved recognition from the Oscars, Golden Globes etc., yes, it's that good.... but then perhaps there are works of art that are even too good, and personal, for such recognition. Thank you to all involved.

There really is only one way to describe this highly anticipated and controversial series. Pretentious clap trap dressed up as serious Television. Obviously inspired by the work of David Lynch (and one suspects Stanley Kubrick) it falls woefully short on every count. There are plot holes so large you could drive an Airbus through them. The only redeeming element is Mads Mikkelsen who makes the part of Hannibal Lecter, very much his own, even managing to cast off the giant shadow of Anthony Hopkins. To all those acclaiming and applauding this snooze fest as the next best thing in intelligent Television, there is a little voice calling from the throng... "But, the Emperor is not wearing a new cloak".