There’s always a wide selection of great films available on Freeview but sometimes the choice can be quite overwhelming, so here LSi has compiled a weekly list of the best films on TV. This week we get scared by Anthony Hopkins, lust after Tom Hiddleston and spend a week with Marilyn Monroe.
MONDAY – Never Let Me Go (Film4 21:00)
Based on Kazuo Ishiguro’s novel of the same name, Never Let Me Go is a powerful film that is thought provoking but rather depressing with its dystopian science-fiction setting that can be too similar at times to our reality. Bleak and distressing it is not everyone’s cup of tea, but the politics around the central idea of children bred as organ donors is intriguing and intelligent. Carey Mulligan, Andrew Garfield and Keira Knightley all give wonderful performances in this underrated indie flick.
TUESDAY – The Silence of the Lambs (ITV4 22:30)
With the Oscars just gone, now is the time to revisit the last film to win the ‘Big Five’ (Picture, Actor, Actress, Screenplay and Director). A classic film about the legendary Hannibal Lecter, it is a spectacular work that leaves you not at all surprised it won so many awards. Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins give phenomenal performances, although Hopkins creepy smile will haunt your nightmares after watching it.
WEDNESDAY – The Deep Blue Sea (Film4 23:30)
Based on Terrence Rattigan’s play, The Deep Blue Sea is a rich, melodramatic and faithful adaptation that works well as a film. Rachel Weisz is sublime as a wife having an affair with a Royal Air Force pilot played beautifully by Tom Hiddleston in this dark romance. A throwback to films of the fifties to you will be absorbed by the lush cinematography.
THURSDAY – My Week With Marilyn (BBC2 21:00)
This 2011 film about the tense interactions between Marilyn Monroe and Sir Laurence Olivier during production of The Prince and the Showgirl really brings to life the characters thanks to the spot on performances from the likes of Michelle Williams, sublime as Marilyn, and Eddie Redmayne. A bittersweet exploration of the golden age of Hollywood, it is entertaining and light-hearted perfect for essay relief.
FRIDAY – The Last Station (BBC2 23:05)
Another historical drama that received critical acclaim, it is Russian author Leo Tolstoy ‘s life that is explored in The Last Station. Engaging and entertaining, it is a well written story with well-developed characters brilliantly portrayed by a cast of high talent including Helen Mirren and James McAvoy. Perfect for a Friday night!
SATURDAY – Limitless (Channel 4 21:00)
If you are planning a night in on Saturday make sure Limitless is that film that you watch. An action packed drama with an intelligent idea at the centre, it is not your usual blockbuster. It asks the question what would people do with a pill that allowed you to have superhuman intellectual abilities, leading to thought-provoking drama. Bradley Cooper and Robert De Niro bounce off each other with flair, with good performances all round from the rest of the cast.
SUNDAY – About A Boy (ITV2 17:20)
Nicholas Hoult may be all grown up now and dating Jennifer Lawrence, but we will always remember him as the adorable kid from About A Boy. Based on the book by Nick Hornby, it is a fun and delightful story about the friendship between a cynical man, Hugh Grant of course, and a wise young boy. It is worth watching for the Countdown scenes alone!
Emily Murray