A Summer of Romanticism and Costume Drama on ARTE

Posted by Speakeasy News > Friday 16 June 2023 > What's On

As we swelter in unseasonable heat, what better prospect than a summer spent watching rainy British costume dramas? ARTE has a great season lined up called “English Passions” with lots of Jane Austen, Jane Eyre and the reboot of the series that inspired Downton Abbey. Settle back with a cup of tea and enjoy! You … Continue reading “A Summer of Romanticism and Costume Drama on ARTE”

Emily Brontë Biopic

Posted by Speakeasy News > Friday 10 March 2023 > What's On

Emily Brontë was one of the most extraordinary group of siblings in British literature. Although she wrote just one novel, Wuthering Heights, it has resonated across the world since 1847. A new biopic tries to imagine how Emily got inspiration for her Romantic classic. Emma Mackey (Eiffel, Death on the Nile) embodies the fierce, shy … Continue reading “Emily Brontë Biopic”

The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll

Posted by Speakeasy News > Tuesday 21 June 2022 > What's On

Baz Luhrmann’s new film is a biopic of Elvis Presley, the founding father of rock ‘n’ roll. Australian writer-director Baz Luhrmann (Romeo + Juliet, The Great Gatsby, Moulin Rouge) has long been fascinated by Elvis Presley. But to tell his story on film, he decided to focus on the relationship between Elvis and his manager, … Continue reading “The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll”

Elvis

Posted by Speakeasy News > Friday 17 June 2022 >

Elvis. Just his first name is enough for everyone to know who we’re talking about! Or certainly for adults to know. The King of rock ‘n’ roll is still alive thanks to not only his fans but also Baz Luhrmann whose latest movie takes us into the King’s world. Luhrmann explores the dark side of … Continue reading “Elvis”

King Richard

Posted by Speakeasy News > Thursday 09 December 2021 > What's On

King Richard is a film about a man with a mission: Richard Williams, who decided two years before his daughter Venus was born, that he would have two daughters destined to become tennis champions. This would seem a pretty wild ambition even if Williams had been from a tennis-playing background. However, that couldn’t have been … Continue reading “King Richard”

Respect: Aretha Franklin Biopic

Posted by Speakeasy News > Monday 23 August 2021 > Ready to Use

A new biopic of soul diva Aretha Franklin takes its title from one of her most famous songs, “Respect”. This resource will introduce pupils first to the song, which became an anthem for the women’s movement and the civil-rights movement. Then they can discover the biopic. Jennifer Hudson was chosen by Franklin herself before her … Continue reading “Respect: Aretha Franklin Biopic”

Billie Holiday: Blues and Civil Rights

Posted by Speakeasy News > Thursday 20 May 2021 > What's On

A new biopic of Billie Holiday alleges the blues singer was persecuted by the Federal Bureau of Narcotics over her support for the civil rights movement and her insistence on singing the powerful anti-lynching anthem “Strange Fruit.” Jazz singer Andra Day won a Best Actress Golden Globe for her portrayal of Holiday. The United States … Continue reading “Billie Holiday: Blues and Civil Rights”