Author Archives: Sartaj Govind Singh

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About Sartaj Govind Singh

Notes from a distant observer: “Sartaj is a very eccentric fellow with a penchant for hats. He likes watching films and writes about them in great analytical detail. He has an MA degree in Philosophy and has been known to wear Mickey Mouse ears on his birthday.”

Review: Phantom Thread (2018)

Posted on February 5, 2018 by Sartaj Govind Singh

Much like the lavish and regally constructed dresses that the renowned central character makes throughout Phantom Thread: Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest feature is a nimble and cunningly made drama that has many surprises woven within its fabric. Set in 1950s London … Continue reading →

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Editorial: My Top Five Questions for Cinema in 2018 (Inspired by Filmspotting)

Posted on January 30, 2018 by Sartaj Govind Singh

In an attempt to make my blog seem less like a cranky and sputtering machine that magically manufacturers reviews: I have resolved to write more editorials for the express purpose of making the blog much more accessible much like a warm … Continue reading →

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Brief Consideration: A Ghost Story (2017)

Posted on January 23, 2018 by Sartaj Govind Singh

David Lowery’s A Ghost Story is an unflinchingly forlorn film that in its every breath conveys more truth about the human condition than most movies could ever hope to achieve. Told in a minimalist style that comprises of a single … Continue reading →

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Review: The Disaster Artist (2017)

Posted on January 15, 2018 by Sartaj Govind Singh

The Disaster Artist is a movie that is continually searching for an epiphany and never finds it. James Franco directs and stars in a story about Tommy Wiseau (James Franco) and Greg Sestero (Dave Franco) coming to Los Angeles and their … Continue reading →

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Review: Ocean’s Eleven (1960)

Posted on January 5, 2018 by Sartaj Govind Singh

With the release of Ocean’s 8 looming over the horizon, the prospect of seeing the original Ocean’s Eleven held as much appeal as being dragged to an antique show in the middle of a desert. However, much to my surprise, … Continue reading →

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My Top Ten Films of 2017

Posted on December 31, 2017 by Sartaj Govind Singh

1) Blade Runner 2049 In many regards, the sequel to Ridley Scott’s 1982 film resonates with the hermetically sealed innocence of a snow globe. 2) Dunkirk Dunkirk has a genuine emotional truth that both horrifies and enlightens in the same … Continue reading →

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Brief Considersation: The Beguiled (2017)

Posted on December 29, 2017 by Sartaj Govind Singh

The Beguiled is a sumptuous and terse Southern Gothic that uses the conventions of the rarefied genre to illustrate the brewing tensions between old-fashioned respectability and individualistic desire. The American Civil War period drama chronicles the recovery of a wounded … Continue reading →

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Review: Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017)

Posted on December 15, 2017 by Sartaj Govind Singh

The Last Jedi is an assuredly bold and subversive film that digs beneath the surface of the space fantasy franchise, finds its mythological heart and puts it on a monumentally striking canvas. Immediately following the events of The Force Awakens, … Continue reading →

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Brief Consideration: Song to Song (2017)

Posted on December 4, 2017 by Sartaj Govind Singh

At his very best, Terrence Malick can move the audience with an impressionist style that weaves imagery together like a constantly shifting and mesmerising puzzle in motion. At once, his imperceptible films can reveal deeply personal remembrances as well as … Continue reading →

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Russian Film Week II: Pagans (2017)

Posted on November 28, 2017 by Sartaj Govind Singh

In the post-screening Q&A for Pagans, lead actor Valentin Samokhin and director of photography/producer, Maxim Trapo sketched out the origins of the film. The picture initially started life as a play (written by Ann Yablonskaya) that was performed twice a month in … Continue reading →

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