Welcome to Culture Vulture, your go-to weekly guide for an alternative take on entertainment. This carefully curated selection is brought to you by Pat Harrington. Music by the talented Tim Bragg accompanies the . writing. This week's highlights are thought-provoking and diverse. They feature a compelling mix of historical drama, Shakespearean intensity, and investigative documentary.
First, we have Suffragette (2015). It is a powerful historical drama. It focuses on the working-class women who played a pivotal role in the fight for the right to vote. Carey Mulligan stars as Maud. She is an ordinary woman whose journey of radicalization reflects the courage of countless suffragettes. These brave women risked everything in the struggle for equality. With its unflinching portrayal of the movement’s violent tactics, Suffragette highlights activism's personal cost. It is both an emotional and inspiring watch. Viewers are asked to consider the sacrifices behind societal progress.
Next, delve into the gripping modern adaptation of Shakespeare's Coriolanus (2011). Ralph Fiennes directs and stars in this tense political thriller. The film transports the Bard's tale of war and betrayal to a contemporary setting. Fiennes portrays a proud and unyielding general. His tragic downfall stems from an inability to connect with the people he serves. Urban warfare forms the backdrop of this adaptation. It resonates powerfully with present-day themes of populism. It also highlights the dangers of unchecked authority.
Finally, there’s The Undercover Police Scandal: Love and Lies Exposed. This investigative documentary series exposes the shocking emotional toll and ethical dilemmas of undercover policing tactics. The first episode highlights the harrowing stories of individuals deceived by covert operatives. It focuses on the profound impact of these betrayals on their personal lives. It’s a deeply unsettling yet essential exploration of authority and trust, revealing a hidden world that demands public scrutiny.
A full transcript is available here