You know a Tim Burton movie the moment you see one. His films have become so unmistakably recognisable – twisty and dark, yet quirky and fun — that the term ‘Burtonesque’ is now a part of our everyday lingo. Few directors can juxtapose gothic horror with social satire the way Burton can. Sure, most of his films spring from recycled fairytales, horror films, comics and TV sitcoms, but this doesn’t [...]

When you’re Johnny Depp, remembering which eccentric, creepy character you’re playing this week can be a little confusing.

(This is a parody video, just in case you thought these were actual bloopers.)

In the cutthroat world of Hollywood, it can be hard to make an impression as an aspiring actor, especially when it comes to escaping the range-limiting teen roles that often kick-start young careers. As a result, many fresh-faced stars fail to make the time-limited transition from child star to mature actor, struggling to deal with the scrutiny that comes with any breakout success. The following five female actors, however, have [...]

In 2011, I made close to one hundred and fifty trips to the cinema. The films I viewed came in all shapes and sizes, genres and languages, and ranged from good to bad to just plain unbearable. It’s a feat I’m both pleased and slightly embarrassed by (and one I suspect I may top before this current year comes to a close).

But even the biggest film buff (and I’m certainly [...]

For most actors, the prospects of a lucrative Hollywood career and the lure of superstardom are enough to stick to formula and never stray far from it. The best actors, however, don’t sell tickets solely because of their dashing good looks, or because they’re starring in the latest action epic. No, they sell tickets because they seldom rest on their laurels, challenging themselves with (almost) every film by steering clear [...]

Once upon a time, I would tell anyone who’d listen that the only way to truly experience a movie is in a cinema, plonked in front of a wall-to-wall screen and encased in a circle of sound. I would tell them, unless they can spot the flaws on the faces of the flawless, they haven’t truly seen a movie. And unless they can feel the bass trembling up their spine, [...]