A little unease at Pooh Corner
Domhnall Gleeson, Margot Robbie, Kelly Macdonald The true story behind the birth of Winnie the Pooh. EVERY few years or so, Hollywood decides to run roughshod over your childhood by revealing the true story — sometimes sad, sometimes very sad — behind the creation of that classic book you enjoyed in your youth.
Not long ago, the unpleasant family history that inspired Mary Poppins was brought to light in Saving Mr Banks. Not long before that, Finding Neverland disclosed the melancholic backstory of Peter Pan.
This is not to say that these films and others like them are JIGSAW Just when you thought you were safe from diabolic serial killers, the sadist from the Saw movies makes a gruesome comeback. (MA, Village and Reading) Batman, Wonder Woman and their super-powered pals team up to take on the latest baddie looking to make trouble on Earth. (M, Village and Reading) complete downers — they tend to point out that the works in question provide happiness to people the world over, a noble and worthwhile goal for any creative individual.
Still, it can be sobering to find that stories that appear lighthearted and carefree sometimes have origins or attachments that are anything but.
I mean, who would have guessed that post-traumatic stress disorder and childhood exploitation had anything to do with the birth of Winnie the Pooh and his animal friends from the 100 Acre Wood?
That’s what the literary biopic Goodbye Christopher Robin uncovers by telling the story of the beloved storybook bear brought to life by AA Milne in the early 20th century. Investigative journalist Louis
It is, in all honesty, fascinating material, this uneasy coexistence of warm, whimsical make-believe and the sometimes cold and calculating way that make-believe was packaged and sold to the public.
Goodbye Christopher Robin, unfortunately, has a bit of trouble finding the balance. Its whimsy is a tad treacly, its harsh realities a little too bracing. And the movie awkwardly seesaws between the two tones.
There are times when it hits just the right emotional spot. But maybe that’s because I’m a sucker for stories of stiffupper-lip types unwilling or incapable of expressing their feelings until it’s too late.
In this case, it’s Milne (Domhnall Gleeson), a writer who returns from World War I Theroux’s latest documentary sees him delving into America’s soaring addiction to both prescribed and illegal drugs. (M, Pivotonian) The life story of artist Vincent van Gogh is told in this beautifully “painted” animated drama. (M, Village and Pivotonian) This French drama explores the complicated life of a midwife as her personal and