TV FILMS of the week TV Highlights
1 FATAL ATTRACTION Tonight, BBC1, 10.20pm
Cheating husband Michael Douglas finds himself in trouble when obsessive Alex (Glenn Close, pictured with Douglas) refuses to accept their fling was a one-night stand. Kitchen knives are best kept locked away as she snatches his daughter for rollercoaster rides, claims to be pregnant, attempts suicide, pours acid over his car and shows him her unique recipe for rabbit stew in a rage-filled bid for revenge. This classic thriller is the film that gave us the phrase ‘bunny boiler’ to describe an ex who won’t take a hint.
2 A STAR IS BORN Tomorrow, BBC2, 1.40pm
The second version of the classic Hollywood tale gave Judy Garland, left, one of her best roles as a struggling singer who catches the eye of fading matinee idol Norman Maine (James Mason). Before long, her star is on the rise. However, the more successful she becomes, the more Norman struggles with his alcoholism and waning career.
3 ROAD TO PERDITION Monday, Sony Movies, 9pm
Sam Mendes’ Oscar-winning film noir set in 1930s Chicago tells the story of a hit man (Tom Hanks, left) and his son who embark on a personal mission to first find and then exact their bloody revenge upon the men who slayed their family. This dark period chase drama boasts a stellar cast, including Jude Law and Paul Newman.
4 MARY MAGDALENE Tuesday, Film4, 11.15pm
This respectful account of the last days of Jesus is told from the view of his companion, Mary Magdalene. Rooney Mara is compelling as a very modern Mary, who undergoes a political and religious awakening as she forms a close relationship with Jesus, played as a shamanic saviour by Joaquin Phoenix, left, with Mara.
5 SENSE AND SENSIBILITY Wednesday, Channel 5, 10.25pm
Emma Thompson, left, picked up an Oscar for Best Adapted screenplay for this wonderfully witty take on Jane Austen’s novel. Thompson also takes the role of Eleanor, the level-headed older sister of the more impulsive and outwardly emotional Marianne (Kate Winslet). The incredible supporting cast includes Alan Rickman.
6 THE THIRD MAN Thursday, BBC4, 9pm
Carol Reed’s masterful evocation of Graham Greene’s novel sees Holly Martins (Joseph Cotten, left with Alida Valli) arriving in Vienna to meet Harry Lime (Orson Welles), only to find him dead and his reputation besmirched. To clear his pal’s name, Holly intends to hunt down the elusive ‘third man’ spotted at the scene of the crime.
7 COLETTE Friday, BBC2, 10pm
Keira Knightley, left, stars as French novelist Sidonie-Gabriella Colette, who challenged the supposed limitations of her gender in the early 20th century. After Colette documents her formative years on the page, her controlling husband (Dominic West) – takes credit for it. A lavish period drama with a fine cast.