Author: Jeff Mitchell

Remember Martin Landau in ‘Remember’ on Amazon Prime

Jeff Mitchell

Oscar winner Martin Landau passed away on July 15 at the age of 89, and his long, distinguished career spanned 64 years and over 170 roles in film and television.  A character actor by trade, he always seem to add intrigue to a picture by bringing a distinct flair of gravitas to his supporting performances.  One usually sat up a bit more in the theatre seat and paid stricter attention to the words spoken, when Landau appeared on screen.  Typically, his characters seem to carry more knowledge and comprehension of the given cinematic surroundings than…

Five excellent Donald Sutherland performances to watch at home

Jeff Mitchell

Every Monday, ArtHouseFilmWire looks for movies for you to watch at home, and since Donald Sutherland celebrates his 82nd birthday on July 17, let’s turn to the man who is much, much, much more than President Snow of “The Hunger Games” series. He has starred in over 100 feature-length films to date and just completed filming “The Leisure Seeker” (2018) with Helen Mirren, so Mr. Sutherland is not slowing down. Let’s look back at some classic Sutherland performances!  There are so many to choose from, but here are five of…

‘War for the Planet of the Apes’ prefers less combat, more drama

Jeff Mitchell

“War for the Planet of the Apes” – Lions may be the kings of the jungle, but apes are the animal rulers of dystopian civilization cinema.   Hands – with opposable thumbs – down.  Six films and two television series donned the big and small screens, respectively, before director Rupert Wyatt resurrected the franchise in 2011 with “Rise of the Planet of the Apes”.   Wyatt did not monkey around (sorry, I couldn’t resist), as he opened a prequel-door to reveal key moments that led to the apes’ rise.  The pronounced bond…