The Shadow of War
Mon 22 Jan 2018
Dr Robert Colls sets the scene for Churchill's election, the shadow of war over Britain, and contextualizes the events of the film The Darkest Hour. (Duration 25mins)
Phoenix blog
All our news, some views and articles by our friends…
If you’d like to write for Phoenix, drop us an email. If you have a press enquiry please call 0116 242 2800 or email press@phoenix.org.uk.
The Whys and Wherefores of Film Awards
Fri 19 Jan 2018
Do we need film awards? Who makes these decisions anyway? We try to demystify the people behind film awards, if we need them, and the problems - and benefits - of these systems and events. (Duration 16min)
The Thrills of Horror
Sat 13 Jan 2018
With our Thriller Season continuing in January we sit down with a horror cinephile to chat about what makes a 'thrilling' horror film, why we create them, and just what it is that makes the thrill linger long after the movie has ended. (Duration 15mins)
Musicals & The Greatest Showman
Mon 8 Jan 2018
We kick off the New Year talking about the magic of musicals, why we like them, why they get made, and The Greatest Showman, Hugh Jackman's daring original musical that shares subject matter with the stage musical Barnum. (Duration 15mins)
The Legacy of Marie Curie
Wed 3 Jan 2018
Listen to the Phoenix Talks introduction for our screening of Marie Curie: The Courage of Knowledge, presenting Mme Curie's work, impact, and lasting legacy on science and our lives.
(Duration 14mins)
The New Jedi
Tue 19 Dec 2017
The Force has reached magical levels and we're here to talk it out. We share our take on why Star Wars is such a success, how The Last Jedi is all about failing, and the future possibilities the franchise has opened up for itself. (Duration 1hr 4mins) Warning: Spoilers!
Inventing Dickens
Thu 14 Dec 2017
As The Man Who Invented Christmas visits Phoenix, we talk to Dr Hila Shachar about Charles Dickens, author biopics, and A Christmas Carol's impact and success. (Duration 19mins)
Pressures on The Sexes
Fri 8 Dec 2017
With Battle of the Sexes well underway, we talk with Dr. Ellen Wright about the depictions of female athletes, the differing pressures regarding body images, and our reactions to the feminist representations in the film. (Duration 20mins)
The Wonder Of Waititi
Tue 28 Nov 2017
With two Waititi films coming up, we talk with Kieran Foster, Harry Abbot, and Ethan Hargreaves from the Film department at De Montfort University, about Taika Wititi, his filmography, his work with Marvel for Thor Ragnarok, and why we love the style that is all his own. (Duration 27mins)
Ageing Film Stars in Liverpool
Fri 24 Nov 2017
We had three film and Hollywood experts discussing the life and career of Gloria Grahame, the double standards in Hollywood, ageing actresses, and the film's treatment of its stars in Film Stars Don't Die in Liverpool. (Duration 27mins)
Awkward Love in Call Me By Your Name
Fri 17 Nov 2017
Following our screening of Call Me By Your Name, Professor Claire Monk helps give some history around the film's ties to Merchant Ivory, its place within contemporary queer film, and her reactions to the changes made in the adaptation. (Duration 23mins)
Moustache on the Orient Express
Fri 10 Nov 2017
Dr. Anna Blackwell of DMU, discusses the character of Hercule Poirot, the various adaptations of this story, and Kenneth Branagh's career. (Duration 15 mins)
Death of a Dictator: Stalin and His Party
Fri 3 Nov 2017
Chris Goldsmith, Department of Politics and Public Policy, DMU gives some insights about the lead up to, and aftermath, of Stalin's death on Russian politics and the men who then vied for his power. (Duration 20mins)
The Key to the Future: Blade Runner and 2049
Wed 11 Oct 2017
We get a group together to talk about Blade Runner and 2049, the impact of the original film and the changes and new characters of 2049. (Duration 1hr 20mins)
Fire & Ice: Borg, McEnroe, and Sport Films
Fri 6 Oct 2017
Martin Polley's introductes Borg vs McEnroe - talking about sport films, the lead up to the match, and how this famous match affected Wimbledon's process of modernising. (Duration 16 mins)
Close Encounters Of the Cinematic Kind
Fri 29 Sep 2017
For its 40th anniversary, Phoenix brought this restored classic back to the big screen. Associate Professor Matthew Jones shares some insights regarding the cinematic history and impact of this film, as well as how it helped revive the cinema industry of the 70s. (Duration 23mins)
Charlize Theron Fights Like a Girl
Fri 8 Sep 2017
Charlize Theron's acting choices, Atomic Blonde, and women action stars. A podcast talking with Dr. Ellen Wright from De Montfort University. (Duration 12mins)