Culture Vulture 8th to the 14th of February 2025

February 8, 2025 at 7:18 am · Filed under Culture Vulture, Film & DVD Reviews, TV Shows ·Tagged film, Film Reviews, movies, TV

Welcome to Culture Vulture your entertainment guide offering an alternative viewpoint on film, television, and music. Whether you’re drawn to thought-provoking film, you’ll find something intriguing here. If you enjoy compelling documentaries or crave the most striking performances, we have something to challenge and inspire you. Writing is by Pat Harrington, with music selections from Tim Bragg.

This week’s highlights include:

Blue Velvet (1986) – David Lynch’s eerie and surreal masterpiece delves into the hidden darkness beneath small-town America’s surface. It features unforgettable performances from Isabella Rossellini and Dennis Hopper.
The Rise and Fall of the American Rust Belt (PBS America) – A gripping documentary. It examines the economic decline and resilience of America’s industrial heartland. The film gives voice to those affected by deindustrialisation and corporate greed.
The Square (2017) – Ruben Östlund’s film is darkly satirical. It takes a sharp look at the hypocrisy of the contemporary art world. It examines these issues with precision.

Now, let’s dive into the full listings for the week ahead.

Saturday 8th of February 2025

Doctor Zhivago (1965) BBC2 1.15pm

Doctor Zhivago is a sweeping romantic epic set against the turbulence of the Russian Revolution. The film tells the life story of Yuri Zhivago (Omar Sharif). He is a doctor and poet. Yuri is torn between his love for two women—his devoted wife, Tonya (Geraldine Chaplin), and the enigmatic Lara (Julie Christie). As political upheaval engulfs the country, his personal struggles mirror the larger chaos of a collapsing empire. David Lean’s masterful direction and Maurice Jarre’s haunting score make this a visually stunning and emotionally poignant classic.

Sunday 9th of February 2025

Military Masterminds PBS America

2.45pm Rapid Dominance

This episode explores the theory of “shock and awe.” This is a military strategy designed to overwhelm an enemy with swift and overpowering force. The documentary analyses historical examples and modern applications. It shows how speed, precision, and psychological tactics can decide the outcome of war. This can happen before a battle has truly begun.

3.50pm Combat Power

This episode looks at the raw strength of armed forces. It examines advancements in weaponry, technology, and manpower. These advancements have shaped the world’s most formidable militaries. Featuring interviews with strategists and veterans, it highlights how brute force is balanced with strategy.

5.00pm Deception

Misdirection has always been a key element of warfare, from the Trojan Horse to modern cyber tactics. This episode explores the role of deception in military history. It shows how illusion and misinformation can be just as powerful as physical combat.

6.05pm Guerrilla Warfare

When direct confrontation is not an option, smaller forces resort to unconventional tactics. This episode showcases examples from the Vietnam War to modern insurgencies. It highlights how outnumbered and outgunned fighters have used terrain, surprise, and endurance to reshape conflicts.

An Evening With Nat King Cole BBC4 from 9pm

Includes Johnny Mathis: Tribute To Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole In Concert.

Few voices match the timeless appeal of Nat King Cole. His smooth baritone and effortless delivery made him one of the most beloved vocalists of all time. This special evening celebrates his legacy. It features performances from artists inspired by his work. These include Johnny Mathis and his own daughter, Natalie Cole. Classic songs like Unforgettable and Mona Lisa remain as captivating today as when they were first recorded.

Blue Velvet (1986) BBC2 10pm

One of my all-time favourites, Blue Velvet is a dark, hypnotic thriller from David Lynch. It peels back the seemingly idyllic surface of small-town America. It exposes something much more sinister. Kyle MacLachlan plays Jeffrey Beaumont. He is a college student who stumbles upon a severed ear. He is drawn into a twisted world of crime, violence, and obsession. His investigation leads him to nightclub singer Dorothy Vallens (Isabella Rossellini). Her life is controlled by the brutal and sadistic Frank Booth. Dennis Hopper gives an unforgettable performance as Frank Booth. The film masterfully blends dreamlike imagery with nightmarish intensity, capturing a world where innocence is devoured by corruption. Rossellini delivers a raw, heartbreaking performance, while Hopper’s Frank Booth remains one of the most terrifying villains in cinema history. Blue Velvet contains an unsettling atmosphere. It features a haunting score. Its surreal visuals create a masterpiece.

The Elephant Man (1980) BBC2 11.55pm

This deeply moving film is directed by David Lynch. It tells the true story of John Merrick (John Hurt). Merrick was a man suffering from severe physical deformities. He is mistreated and exploited in Victorian England. Rescued by the compassionate Dr. Treves (Anthony Hopkins), Merrick finds dignity and kindness in a world that initially only sees him as a sideshow curiosity. Hurt’s performance is both heartbreaking and dignified, capturing Merrick’s gentle soul and intelligence beneath his outward appearance. Shot in stunning black and white, The Elephant Man is a powerful meditation on humanity, cruelty, and acceptance. Lynch abandons his usual surrealism for a more restrained approach. The experience remains haunting. This makes it one of the most affecting and beautifully crafted biographical films ever made.

Monday 10th of February 2025

The Quiet Man (1952) Film4 4.05pm

John Ford’s The Quiet Man is a lyrical, beautifully shot romance. It stars John Wayne as an American boxer. He returns to his ancestral home in Ireland, hoping for a peaceful life. However, he falls in love with the spirited Mary Kate (Maureen O’Hara). This love leads to conflict with her hot-tempered brother. The result is one of the most famous brawls in cinema history. Full of warmth, humour, and stunning Irish landscapes, this film celebrates love. It also celebrates tradition and the power of home.

The Rise And Fall Of The American Rust Belt PBS America 8.35pm

The Rust Belt was once the backbone of American industry. It was a region where steel mills, automobile factories, and manufacturing plants provided stable jobs. They ensured economic security for millions. This documentary explores how a thriving blue-collar workforce was transformed. It became a landscape of abandoned factories, unemployment, and urban decline. Globalisation, automation, and outsourcing reshaped the economy. With powerful first-hand accounts from workers, industry leaders, and economic experts, the film traces the trajectory of these once-prosperous cities. It covers areas from Detroit to Pittsburgh. The film examines the consequences for communities left struggling in the aftermath. The documentary also highlights the resilience of those who have sought to rebuild. It focuses on revitalisation efforts, new industries, and grassroots movements. These are aimed at reclaiming the region’s identity in a post-industrial world.

Tuesday 11th of February 2025

The Black Phone (2021) Film4 9pm

A tense and gripping horror-thriller, The Black Phone follows Finney (Mason Thames). He is a young boy kidnapped by a sadistic killer called The Grabber (Ethan Hawke). Locked in a soundproof basement, Finney begins receiving calls from the spirits of the killer’s past victims. They guide him in his fight for survival. A chilling mix of supernatural horror and psychological suspense, this film delivers both scares and heart.

Storyville BBC4 10pm

A deep-dive documentary series exploring extraordinary real-life stories from around the world. This episode investigates a gripping, true crime mystery. It blends interviews, archival footage, and investigative journalism. These elements reveal shocking twists and hidden truths. This episode explores the story of the San Quentin’s jail running club. The inmates train all year round for a prison marathon.

Wednesday 12th of February 2025

Locke (2013) Film4 2.05am

Tom Hardy delivers a powerhouse solo performance. This real-time drama follows construction manager Ivan Locke. He takes a fateful drive that will change his life forever. He juggles phone calls involving his job. He also manages those about his family and a personal crisis. We witness a man desperately trying to keep control of his life. Locke is a minimalist film, but it is deeply compelling. It proves that sometimes, all you need is a great actor and a gripping script.

Thursday 13th of February 2025

The Square (2017) Film4 12.35am

A razor-sharp satire of the contemporary art world, The Square follows Christian (Claes Bang), a prestigious museum curator. His latest installation—a conceptual piece meant to promote trust and altruism—sets off a chain of events. These events spiral out of control. As his carefully constructed life begins to unravel, the film exposes the contradictions of elite artistic circles and modern morality. The film presents moments of absurdity and dark humour. It also includes social critique. Ruben Östlund’s Palme d’Or-winning film challenges audiences to examine their own ethical boundaries.

Friday 14th of February 2025

Are You Being Served? Secrets And Scandals Channel 5 9pm

Behind the scenes of the classic British sticom starring John Inman, Molie Sugden and Frank Thornton. The programme describes the battle to keep it on screen and the personal tragedies that hit some of the staff.

Long Shot (2019) BBC1 11.30pm

A sharp and refreshingly modern political rom-com, Long Shot stars Charlize Theron as Charlotte Field. She is a powerful and ambitious Secretary of State. Charlotte is preparing a run for the presidency. Her career is carefully managed, her public image meticulously crafted, and her ambitions are set sky-high. In an unexpected twist, she reconnects with her former childhood neighbor, Fred Flarsky (Seth Rogen). He is an eccentric, socially awkward, and idealistic journalist. Fred has just quit his job in protest. Despite their vastly different worlds, sparks begin to fly between them in a way neither could have predicted.

The heart of the film lies in its odd-couple chemistry. Theron and Rogen make an unlikely but endearing duo. Theron brings grace, intelligence, and emotional depth to her role. Rogen adds his trademark scruffy charm and self-deprecating humor. Their relationship is filled with hilarious clashes. Fred struggles to fit into Charlotte’s polished, high-society world. Meanwhile, Charlotte finds herself in absurdly compromising situations due to Fred’s lack of political finesse. The film mines these contrasts for comedy. It also manages to ground their romance in genuine affection and mutual respect. This makes their growing relationship feel surprisingly authentic.

Beyond the romance, Long Shot offers sharp political satire. It pokes fun at the often-ridiculous demands of public office. It highlights the pressures of maintaining an idealized public image. The film reveals the compromises politicians must make to survive in the modern media landscape. The film addresses issues of sexism and media scrutiny. It also examines the absurd expectations placed on women in power. However, it keeps its message light and accessible. It never feels preachy. Instead, it highlights the absurdities of the system through clever dialogue and biting humor.

What sets Long Shot apart from other rom-coms is its balance of humor and heartfelt sincerity. It embraces laugh-out-loud moments, which include some signature Rogen-style crudeness. Yet, it also takes the time to explore deeper themes of integrity and self-doubt. The film looks into the sacrifices required for success. Theron’s character, in particular, experiences moments of vulnerability. These moments reveal the loneliness and pressure that come with a life in the public eye. Meanwhile, Rogen’s Fred brings a refreshing sense of idealism. He forces Charlotte to confront what she’s willing to compromise for political gain.

Long Shot is a charming romantic comedy. It is surprisingly insightful. The film delivers both sharp laughs and a touching love story. Theron and Rogen deliver excellent performances. The witty script and clever critique of modern politics also shine. The film offers far more depth than its premise might initially suggest. Stay up to watch this film if you want a heartfelt romance. Stay up if you want political satire or just a good laugh.

And finally, Streaming

Walter Presents: R.I.P. Henry – all eight episodes available from Friday 14th February 2025.

Surgeon Henry learns that he has a brain tumor. He searches for a cure. Will he find one and can he come to terms with his feelings? This is a great Norwegian drama.

Bloodline Detectives – new episodes available from Friday 14th February 2025.

This true-crime American series explores how cutting-edge DNA technology is solving cold cases. It brings long-awaited justice to families. It reveals shocking truths hidden for decades.

Picture Credits

Permalink

1 Comment »

satyam rastogi said

February 8, 2025 @ 8:57 am
Nice post 🎸🎸

Loading...

Reply

RSS feed for comments on this post · TrackBack URI

Counter Culture