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| Hunger Games Photo: Lionsgate |
The full series of these superior YA films, adapted from Suzanne Collins' hit books and starring Jennifer Lawrence are now available to stream for free on ITV's impressively wide-ranging streaming service. The first is arguably the pick of the bunch as Lawrence steps into the shoes of Katniss Everdeen in the future dystopia of Panem. Each year a lottery is held in which a boy and girl are sent from each district to compete against others in gladiatorial-style combat to the death live on television. Featuring kinetic camerawork, this is a film that, though noting the disturbing dispatch of the players, is built upon anxiety and dread rather than gore. The sequels may not be quite so successful but they have their own charms as Katniss finds herself groomed to be a figurehead of revolution - a role that sits uneasily with her. Not just an adventure series but one that offers plenty of food for political thought without forgetting the age of its target audience. Great support is offered across the franchise by Donald Sutherland, Woody Harrelson and, in particular, Elizabeth Banks.
The Two Faces Of January, 11.15pm, BBC2, Monday, April 8
Jennie Kermode writes: A dream cast brings tenderness and soul to Hossein Amini's adaptation of Patricia Highsmith's melancholy thriller. Oscar Isaac, in one of his first leading roles, plays Rydal, a young man who makes his living by guiding tourists around Athens, with the odd bit of swindling and seduction along the way. He meets his match in elegant yet sociopathic conman Chester (Viggo Mortensen) and his much younger wife Colette (Kirsten Dunst). When the three leave the city in haste after Chester kills a private detective, their fortunes become increasingly bound up together. This is complicated by Rydal and Colette's mutual attraction, though it's between the two men that the sparks really fly. Rydal sees Chester as a surrogate father figure but it's plain that there's more to it than that, and as Colette finds herself squeezed out, her existence becomes increasingly precarious. Beautiful, bleached cinematography presents Classical ruins in a whole new way and an orchestral score full of yearning and regret completes the picture. It's a must see for mystery fans who find themselves most intrigued by the human dimension.
Luzzu, BBC iPlayer streaming now
BBC's free streaming service, like ITVX, continues to offer up plenty of gems, including this recent indie cracker. Alex Camilleri elicits heartfelt and magnetic performances from the non-actors in his neorealist drama about the struggles faced by traditional Maltese fishermen in the face of increased commercialisation. He opens a window to this world through the story of Jesmark (Jesmark Scicluna), who is struggling to keep his traditional family luzzu boat afloat, both literally and figuratively. Camilleri shows how small fry like Jesmark not only face being caught in a net of corruption but also huge environmental challenges, while never losing sight of the human drama at his film’s heart.
Jour De Fête, 9.30am, Talking Pictures TV, Thursday, April 11
Jacques Tati, who would go on to become one of France's most feted film comedians, made his debut with this whimsical tale about a country postman, which still packs a fair amount of charm. He expanded his tale from short film School For Postmen, reprising the role of postie Francois, who decides to take a leaf out of the US postal service book. While he would go on to make more polished films like Playtime and Monsieur Hulot's Holiday, the physical comedy Tati became renowned for is still very much in evidence. The film's highlights are when it is at its simplest, involving site gags with Tati and a bicycle.
The Power Of The Dog, 11.05pm, BBC2, Friday, April 12 then on iPlayer
Jane Campion's western-inflected psychodrama might not be her best work - thanks largely to an exceptionally reverent approach to the material and weaker than usual female characterisation - but it still generates plenty of tension by the time it reaches its climax. Benedict Cumberbatch gets another chance to test his range out on the range as a sullen and bath-avoiding cowboy, who takes against the new wife (Kirsten Dunst) and effete son (Kodi-Smit McPhee) of his brother (Jesse Plemons - who should be getting a lot more leading roles himself). Beautifully shot with an eye for open spaces it also offers up erotic intimacy in unexpected places.
Spartacus, 5.15pm, ITV4, Sunday, April 14
Jennie Kermode writes: It’s one thing to escape the gladiatorial arena; one thing to tour the countryside with a growing army of slaves, banners raised in defiance of Rome; quite another to take on the full might of the Roman army with all those untrained men. There isn’t really a point at which Kirk Douglas’ Spartacus expects to win, but what matters is making an impression on the Romans that they’ll never forget, letting slaves everywhere know that it’s possible to fight back. To do this they need to employ whatever they can find in their immediate environment, using sticks and stones as a back-up for swords and breaking up phalanxes with rolls of hay. As often in battle, the lie of the land is also a crucial factor, as the motivation of those involved. With a huge cast and breathtaking scope, this was, in its time, the greatest cinematic battle ever staged.
And Then There Were None, 10.05pm, Talking Pictures TV, Sunday, April 14
This might not be the most successful Agatha Christie adaptation that's ever been made but it has all the key ingredients that make them a success, not least the all-star international cast, which, as always, beautifully reflects the era in which the film was made. That means we get Herbert Lom and Oliver Reed, plus Richard Attenborough and Goldfinger himself Gert Fröbe not to mention Charles Aznavor (who even gets to give us a tune on the old Joanna at one point). Shot with stylish verve by Peter Collinson and veteran Spanish cinematographer Fernando Arribas, it may look rather kitsch now, but somehow that only adds to the nostalgic appeal and the central whodunnit - concerning guests bumped off one by one at a remote hotel - is one of Christie's best.
This week's short selection is Repressed directed by Jimmy Olsson
Repressed (Förträngd) Short film by Jimmy Olsson from Jimmy Olsson on Vimeo.
