Films Of 2011

At this time of year, thoughts turn towards what visual treats we will soon be honoured with at the cinema, on TV, on stage, etc. So I like to try and pinpoint exactly what will spark my interest over the next twelve months. Let's start with film.

Interestingly, at least three of the films in my alphabetical top ten are all released in January, so I'd better make sure I have a bit of dough on me next month! These are all films that I really want to see in the cinema. Last year when I attempted this I failed massively, due to other projects (directing a play, etc) and lack of funds. So hopefully my determination will last longer than is usual for a typical New Year's Resolution!

Here we go then:

• Black Swan: Two years ago Darren Aronofsky's The Fountain topped my Best Films list, beating (incredibly) The Dark Knight. This film promises to be another dark tale of obsession and of mental breakdown, with Oscar buzz already surrounding Natalie Portman; and when was the last time you saw a really good film about Ballet? Probably not since The Red Shoes, all the way back in the 40s! As for that scene between Portman and Mila Kunis...well, I guess we'll have to see it in its context. Due January.

• Brighton Rock: Sam Riley is one of the best young British actors working today; just take a look at his performance in Control, for example. In this new version of the Graham Greene novel, he takes on the role of Pinky Brown, famously played by Richard Attenbrough in the first screen adaption. Here the story has been brought forward to 1964, and features some interesting, familiar faces. Should be one to watch. Due February.

• Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 2: The end of an era, this one. The last Potter story we will probably ever see. Anyone who has read the book is aware of what a bloodbath potentially awaits. Could it be the first Potter film to be given a straight 12 certificate here in the UK? Due July.

• The King's Speech: Critics have been raving about this film for a good while now; it's already picked up quiet a few awards, including at the British Independent Film gongs. Could this be the retribution for Colin Firth following last year's disappointment at the Oscars? The signs are good so far. Once again we potentially have a British film that could cause a few upsets over the next two months. Due January.

• Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides: The second summer blockbuster on my list, and one I just couldn't help putting on it. Despite the general confusion surrounding the third film, At Worlds End, there's just something about the franchise that keeps pulling us back in. Plus, it gives us all another chance to enjoy the company of Jack Sparrow, played of course by Greatest Character Actor Living, Johnny Depp. Due May.

• Secret Of The Unicorn: I'm a huge Tintin fan, so this long-awaited adaptation will have high expectations surrounding it. Thankfully, when you have a crew that involves, among others, Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson, and a cast with Andy Serkis, Jamie Bell, Daniel Craig...surely, surely they can't muck it up? Due October.

• Sucker Punch: One of my two risky entries on this year's list. Zack Snyder has quite an impressive CV, with 300 and Watchmen to boot. This is his first original story, and there's something intriguing about a load of ladies in a mental asylum going on an "epic quest" in CGI land. Due March.

• Tangled: After several years of triumphs, sadly Pixar this year have decided to go with a sequel to Cars as their release. This doesn't fill me with much joy - though good, Cars isn't a patch on the far superior back catalogue that Pixar has created surrounding it, not least the epic, Best Film Of This Year Toy Story 3. So for my animation fix I must look to the House of Mouse and Tangled, which, on inspection of the trailer, looks like it could be a giggle reminiscent of the much underrated The Emperor's New Groove. Due January.

• The Tempest: Ah, Shakespeare. Probably the most high-art film on this list, yet perhaps more enticing is the prospect of Helen Mirren playing Prospera, the gender-changed title character. Plus the fact it's directed by Julie Taymor, one of the most visionary directors working on stage and screen today. But, if that doesn't rock your boat (no pun intended) - Russel Brand is in it. There you go. Something for everyone. Due March

• The Woman In Black: Our final choice is this probably bed-wetter of a film. Daniel Radcliffe takes on his first post-Potter role in the film version of Susan Hill's brilliant ghost story. The stage version has been running in the West End for over twenty years and is perhaps one of the most brilliant pieces of theatre I have ever seen. Scare the life out of me too. Hopefully the film can live up to the reputation. Due 2011.

So there we have it. The films I must, must, must try and see during next year. So now it's your turn. What are you looking forward to seeing at the cinema? Do you agree/disagree with my choices? Let me know!

Introduction

Culture is in danger, people. Incredible danger.

Not from a war between low and high. That's always being going on for almost as long as culture has existed. Anyway, does it even really matter? Yes, you can moan and whinge about the crassness of culture today, the way in which reality/ talent TV has seeped into our psyche, our artwork. Boo hoo. Boring. It's been said already.

The X Factor is just as much a part of culture as Rembrandt is. You can like both equally, though this is perhaps a rare breed of human. I'm one of them, though. And I can recognise where the danger to culture truly lies.

It's in finance, in the economy. Culture in general is due to suffer a massive set back due to cuts in spending and the removal of certain vital bodies, from the UK Film Council to the cutting of funds to local theatres. This is a big problem, people. A big problem.

And so, though I will probably become a hypocrite within the first day I intend to use this blog as a tool to bring together everything that is good about culture and celebrate it. Bring it all out into the open to the general attention of everyone and anyone who discovers this little blog. And I want your help too - yes, you, oh reader. You are very important to the cause. Spread the word about something you've seen or heard - an exhibition, a play, a film or a new album.song. It doesn't matter what it is, I want to hear about it and I want the rest of the world to hear about it too. Send me your links, your reviews. Bring me flesh and bring me wine, so to speak.

I'm a rare breed. How about you?