A light but impressive selection of new releases

27/08/2008

The last week in August is light on new releases, but heavy on major names. For once, European titles monopolise Belgian screens this week. Although there are only three new films hitting theatres (two of which are US co-productions), audiences will nonetheless have the chance to discover three works – hailing from Belgium, France and the UK – which represent different trends in European film, from auteur fare to shoot-outs.

It should also be noted that this week’s three new titles are being released across the country, both in Dutch-speaking and French-speaking Belgium, which is quite a rare occurrence.

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After an eventful shoot and a rather lukewarm critical reception in France last week, Mathieu Kassovitz’s new film, Babylon A.D. [+see also:
trailer
film profile], continues its staggered release across Europe, which will last until October 3. The film – produced by 20th Century Fox (USA), Légende Entreprises and MNP Entreprise – is being launched in Belgium by UIP on 24 screens.

Mike Leigh’s latest film, Happy-Go-Lucky [+see also:
trailer
film profile], has enjoyed much better word-of-mouth publicity. This began in February at the Berlinale, where the film’s star, Sally Hawkins, picked up the Silver Bear for Best Actress. Enchanted by the surprisingly light-hearted tone of the film by a director more often associated with harsh depictions of reality, the press have responded enthusiastically to Leigh’s production. This should help draw viewers to the 10 theatres showing the film.

Important local heroes, the Dardenne brothers, will be in the spotlight this week when their latest film hits Belgian screens. After its Cannes screening, Lorna’s Silence [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Arta Dobroshi
interview: Arta Dobroshi
interview: Jean-Pierre et Luc Dardenne
interview: Olivier Bronckart
film profile] looks set to attract fans of the Dardenne brothers and mainstream audiences alike, and benefit from its late summer programming.