Eye in the Sky review

Gavin Hood’s (X-Men Origins:Wolverine) new film is a tense thriller that explores the ethics and consequences of drone warfare.

The plot of the film follows several individuals who, although separated by vast distances, are closely connected in their efforts to bring down a deadly terrorist cell in Kenya. These include a British army colonel (Helen Mirren), a high-ranking general (Alan Rickman), an American drone pilot (Aaron Paul), and a Somali intelligence agent (Barkhad Abdi). As the film progresses, these people find their consciences challenged as a rapidly changing situation on the ground forces them to make some difficult decisions.

Eye in the Sky opts for a slow build but once it reels its audience in it doesn’t let them go. As well as being an effective thriller, the film also offers an interesting, and very relevant, examination of issues of accountability and collateral damage in modern warfare.

Backing this up is a solid script from British screenwriter Guy Hibbert and some strong performances from its cast, including the late Alan Rickman (to whom the film is dedicated.)

If you want to watch a thriller of the more thought provoking variety this weekend, Eye in the Sky is well worth the price of admission at your nearest multiplex.

Star Rating: 4/5

Trumbo review

During the 1940’s, Dalton Trumbo was one of Hollywood’s most respected and highest earning screenwriters. He was also a keen supporter of worker’s rights and was one of many Americans who joined the Communist Party during World War Two. 

After the end of the war, however, and amidst increasingly hostile relations between the US and the Soviet Union, members of the Communist Party, like Trumbo, were viewed with suspicion. A group called the House Un-American Activities Committee was even used to investigate those thought to have Communist sympathies.

In 1947, Trumbo was one of ten people who were charged with contempt of Congress for refusing to answer questions posed by the committee. As a result of this, Trumbo served eleven months in prison and was blacklisted. This meant that he was effectively prohibited from working in the film industry. Trumbo circumvented this, however, by writing scripts under various pseudonyms and by getting friends to take credit for his work. During this period, two of Trumbo’s scripts – The Brave One and Roman Holiday – received Oscars, although he was unable to take credit for them.

Jay Roach’s film follows Trumbo (Bryan Cranston) through this dark period up until 1960 when he was welcomed back into the Hollywood fold after being publicly credited for his work on the hit film Spartacus.

To Trumbo’s credit, it manages to avoid the po-faced seriousness that might easily befall a film with such subject matter. Indeed, it is less concerned with making political points and more with illuminating the personality of Trumbo himself. 

Bryan Cranston imbues his character with a dry wit and quiet intelligence that makes him both likeable and fascinating to watch. There are also strong performances from a talented supporting cast that includes Michael Stuhlbarg and Louis C. K, although it is Helen Mirren who really gives a scene-stealing performance as a delightfully venomous gossip columnist.

Both funny and compelling, Trumbo offers an interesting and long overdue look into one of the darker periods of Hollywood history.

Star Rating: 4/5