Highly Recommended
Horror of Darkness (1965) A bleak and depressing play, but very well-made and with brilliant performances by Nicol and Glenda Jackson. Can be watched for free at the BFI’s Mediatheque in their South Bank building, usually without the need for an appointment.
Return to Oz (1985) Nicol makes a fine Nome King in this underrated film which has a deservedly strong cult following and remains the only feature directed by celebrated sound and film editor Walter Murch. Available on DVD. Note that the 30th anniversary Blu-ray edition features no extras.
Mistress of Suspense: A Curious Suicide (1989) The American title of this series was Chillers and this episode is available on a DVD entitled Chillers 4. I have to admit that the other 3 episodes on this disc I found to be unwatchably bad, but it’s worth it for Nicol’s one. He was in a bad way when he made this but still manages to give a riveting performance. The DVD has gone out of print and is not available at the time of writing on Amazon UK but Amazon US still have some cheap secondhand ones listed here.
The Hour of the Pig (1993) This is an unusual and wonderful film with a marvelous cast that also includes Colin Firth, Ian Holm, Donald Pleasence and Harriet Walter. Unfortunately, Harvey Weinstein had money in it and he recut and re-titled it as The Advocate for its American release. Only this butchered version is available on DVD, apart from a Hungarian DVD which appears to be dubbed and have no English option. Old VHS copies of the original cut are now hard to find.
John Osborne and the Gift of Friendship (2006) Tony Palmer’s excellent documentary features an exclusive interview with Nicol and rare footage of him on stage with Jill Townsend performing scenes from Inadmissible Evidence. Essential viewing for anyone interested in Osborne or British theatre.
No comments:
Post a Comment