Oscar-winning filmmaker Steve McQueen is known for his in-depth, human exploration of characters and history, which is executed with an artist’s eye. We speak to McQueen about the release of his new film, ‘Blitz’, which details the lives of 20th-century Britons during the Second World War. Then: Monocle’s Fernando Augesto Pacheco and ‘Monocle on Culture’ regular Leila Latif share their takes on the film. Plus: titles to look out for this winter. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hello and welcome to Monocle on Culture with me, Robert Bound.
On today's program, we're rounding up the best of the current crop of cinema as we approach year's end.
We'll hear from the director Steve McQueen about his new film Blitz.
We'll discuss its merits and then we'll plunge into a round up of the best of the rest in cinemas right about now.
That's all coming up right here on Monocle On Culture.
Now, a new Steve McQueen film is always an event and the multi awarded British filmmakers back catalogue is much admired.
From the silver to the small screen, McQueen's work is a masterful blend of characters and situations, full of humanity and the rub of history, all executed with an artist's eye.
His new film is Blitz, set in World War II London.
Scher Saronen is Rita, the young mother to George, played by new talent Elliot Heffernan.
Rita has to pack George off to the safety of the countryside, but George isn't convinced by promises of walks and farmyards.
And after an emotional goodbye, the boy jumps from the train and tries to pick his way back to London.
It's a journey full of the perils and some of the joys of self discovery, where he meets rogues and racism, but also makes vital friends along the way.
And our very own Monocle's Fernando Augusto Procheco had a chat with Steve McQueen ahead of the release of Blitz.
But before that, here's a clip from the film.
In this scene, George is trying to understand why his mum Rita can't come with him on an adventure that is just for children.
Why can't you come with me?
Sweetheart, I told you, it's an adventure for children only grown up's not allowed.
But it's gonna be great.
You're gonna make new friends.
My friends already are.