Flash Gordon
Saturday, ITV4, 11:35am
A campy cult classic from 1980, Flash Gordon is a sci-fi adventure that’s as vibrant as it is cheesy. Directed by Mike Hodges, this film follows the titular character, played by Sam J. Jones, as he battles the evil Emperor Ming (Max von Sydow) to save Earth. With its vivid colors, over-the-top action, and an iconic soundtrack by Queen, Flash Gordon is a nostalgic trip to an era when space operas were all about fun and spectacle rather than grit and realism.
The film's soundtrack, composed and performed by the legendary rock band Queen, is as much a character in the film as the actors themselves. The pulsating main theme, with its instantly recognizable "Flash! Ah-ah!" chorus, drives the film's action and adds to its larger-than-life feel. The blend of rock music with orchestral elements was innovative for its time and remains one of the most memorable soundtracks in cinema history.
Did You Know? The iconic line "Gordon's alive?!" delivered by Brian Blessed, who plays Prince Vultan, was completely improvised and has since become one of the most quoted lines from the film.
Directed by Mike Hodges: Get Carter (1971), Croupier (1998), Pulp (1972)
Scored by Queen: Highlander (1986), Iron Eagle (1986), Flash Gordon is Queen's only full film score.
Released in 1980: The Empire Strikes Back, The Shining, Raging Bull
Get Carter
Sunday, BBC2, 10:00 pm
Michael Caine delivers a career-defining performance in Get Carter, a gritty British crime thriller from 1971. Directed by Mike Hodges, this film follows Jack Carter, a cold and methodical gangster who returns to his hometown of Newcastle to avenge his brother's death. With its stark portrayal of the criminal underworld, bleak landscapes, and Caine’s unforgettable intensity, Get Carter stands as one of the finest examples of British noir cinema.
Roy Budd’s minimalist, jazz-infused score plays a crucial role in setting the film's menacing tone. The main theme, featuring a distinctive harpsichord riff, underscores the cold, calculating nature of Carter’s quest for vengeance. Budd's music is both haunting and stylish, perfectly capturing the mood of the early 1970s and enhancing the film's gritty atmosphere.
Did You Know? The opening sequence of Get Carter, which features Michael Caine on a train to Newcastle, was filmed without permission, with the crew using handheld cameras to capture the footage discreetly.
Directed by Mike Hodges: Flash Gordon (1980), Croupier (1998), Pulp (1972)
Scored by Roy Budd: The Stone Killer (1973), The Black Windmill (1974), Kidnapped (1971)
Released in 1971: A Clockwork Orange, The French Connection, Dirty Harry
3:10 to Yuma
Monday, Film4, 3:20 pm
3:10 to Yuma is a tense, character-driven Western that pits morality against desperation. Directed by James Mangold, this 2007 remake of the 1957 classic stars Russell Crowe as the charismatic outlaw Ben Wade and Christian Bale as the struggling rancher Dan Evans. As Evans agrees to escort Wade to the train that will take him to prison, the film delves into themes of honor, justice, and survival, all set against the backdrop of the American West.
The film's score, composed by Marco Beltrami, is a modern take on the classic Western sound. It uses a blend of orchestral and traditional Western instruments to create a sense of tension and impending conflict. Beltrami’s score complements the film's dramatic moments, amplifying the stakes and deepening the emotional resonance of the characters' journey.
Did You Know? Russell Crowe performed all of his own stunts in the film, including the intense horseback riding scenes, further adding to the authenticity of his portrayal of the outlaw Ben Wade.
Directed by James Mangold: Logan (2017), Walk the Line (2005), Ford v Ferrari (2019)
Scored by Marco Beltrami: Logan (2017), The Hurt Locker (2008), A Quiet Place (2018)
Released in 2007: No Country for Old Men, There Will Be Blood, Zodiac
Inglourious Basterds
Tuesday, Film4, 9:00 pm
Quentin Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds is a bold reimagining of World War II, blending history with his signature style of dark humor, sharp dialogue, and brutal violence. Released in 2009, the film follows multiple storylines, most notably a group of Jewish-American soldiers led by Brad Pitt’s Lt. Aldo Raine, who embark on a mission to take down the Nazi regime. With standout performances, particularly by Christoph Waltz as the chillingly charismatic Colonel Hans Landa, Inglourious Basterds is a cinematic tour de force that plays fast and loose with history to deliver an unforgettable experience.
Tarantino’s eclectic soundtrack for Inglourious Basterds is a mix of genres and eras, ranging from Ennio Morricone's spaghetti Western scores to David Bowie's "Cat People." The soundtrack is an integral part of the film’s narrative style, often juxtaposing unexpected music with intense scenes to heighten the emotional impact. The diverse musical choices add layers of irony and tension, characteristic of Tarantino's unique approach to storytelling.
Did You Know? Christoph Waltz, who plays Colonel Hans Landa, spoke four languages fluently in the film—German, French, Italian, and English—a skill that impressed Tarantino and played a key role in his casting.
Directed by Quentin Tarantino: Pulp Fiction (1994), Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003), Django Unchained (2012)
Scored by Ennio Morricone (used in the film): The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966), The Untouchables (1987), The Hateful Eight (2015)
Released in 2009: Avatar, District 9, Star Trek
Fury
Wednesday, Film4, 9:00 pm
David Ayer’s Fury (2014) is a visceral, gritty war film that plunges viewers into the harrowing final days of World War II. Starring Brad Pitt as battle-hardened tank commander Don "Wardaddy" Collier, the film follows a Sherman tank crew on a deadly mission behind enemy lines. The movie is notable for its intense action sequences and its unflinching portrayal of the horrors of war, balanced by strong performances from its ensemble cast, including Shia LaBeouf, Logan Lerman, and Jon Bernthal.
The score for Fury, composed by Steven Price, is a powerful accompaniment to the film’s brutal visuals. Price’s music is both haunting and epic, using a combination of orchestral and electronic elements to evoke the chaos and devastation of war. The score adds an emotional depth to the film, capturing the relentless tension and the camaraderie among the soldiers as they face almost insurmountable odds.
Did You Know? The production team used real, operational World War II-era tanks in the film, including the last working Tiger tank, which was borrowed from the Bovington Tank Museum in England.
Directed by David Ayer: End of Watch (2012), Suicide Squad (2016), Training Day (2001)
Scored by Steven Price: Gravity (2013), Baby Driver (2017), The Aeronauts (2019)
Released in 2014: Guardians of the Galaxy, Interstellar, The Grand Budapest Hotel
Duel
Thursday, Legend, 3:00 pm
Steven Spielberg's Duel (1971) is a masterclass in suspense, marking the legendary director's first foray into feature-length film. The movie follows David Mann (Dennis Weaver), an ordinary businessman who becomes the target of a relentless and mysterious truck driver while on a remote highway. With minimal dialogue and a focus on pure tension, Duel is a gripping psychological thriller that showcases Spielberg’s early talent for creating edge-of-your-seat drama.
Billy Goldenberg's score for Duel is sparse yet incredibly effective, relying heavily on dissonant, percussive sounds to heighten the film’s tension. The music mirrors the relentless pursuit of the truck and Mann’s growing desperation, using sharp, jarring notes to keep the audience on edge. Goldenberg’s work underscores the psychological intensity of the film, making the chase scenes even more terrifying.
Did You Know? The truck in Duel was chosen by Spielberg himself, who picked the vehicle for its menacing appearance. The director even added extra details, like splattered bugs on the windshield, to make it appear more intimidating.
Directed by Steven Spielberg: Jaws (1975), E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982), Jurassic Park (1993)
Scored by Billy Goldenberg: The Legend of Lizzie Borden (1975), The UFO Incident (1975), Kojak: The Belarus File (1985)
Released in 1971: A Clockwork Orange, The French Connection, Dirty Harry
Sleepy Hollow
Friday, Film4, 11:05pm
Tim Burton’s Sleepy Hollow (1999) is a gothic horror tale that brings Washington Irving’s classic story to life with the director’s signature dark, whimsical style. Johnny Depp stars as Ichabod Crane, a nervous, eccentric investigator sent to the eerie town of Sleepy Hollow to uncover the truth behind a series of gruesome beheadings. With its atmospheric visuals, haunting score, and a blend of horror and humor, Sleepy Hollow is a visually stunning reimagining of a timeless legend.
The film’s score, composed by Danny Elfman, is quintessentially Burton-esque, with a haunting and grandiose orchestration that perfectly complements the film’s dark aesthetic. Elfman’s use of choirs, strings, and eerie melodies creates an atmosphere of dread and mystery, enhancing the film's gothic tone. The music is integral to the film’s mood, weaving through the narrative to underscore the supernatural elements and the sense of impending doom.
Did You Know? The production design of Sleepy Hollow was so detailed that an entire fake forest was constructed, complete with 500 meticulously crafted trees, to create the film’s eerie atmosphere.
Directed by Tim Burton: Edward Scissorhands (1990), Beetlejuice (1988), Batman (1989)
Scored by Danny Elfman: Batman (1989), The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993), Edward Scissorhands (1990)
Released in 1999: The Matrix, The Sixth Sense, Fight Club