Eileen Gray’s uncompromising vision defined and defied the practice of modernism in decoration, design and architecture. Known for her lacquer work and tubular steel furniture, Gray became a sought after decorator before reinventing herself as an architect, a field in which she laboured largely in obscurity: her first building, the E-1027 villa on the French Riviera, was long credited to her mentor, Le Corbusier.
One of the most beloved documentaries in recent memory, Jiro Dreams of Sushi is a compelling portrait of renowned master sushi chef Jiro Ono, who at the age of 85 is as inspired and inspiring as ever in his pursuit of perfection. Jiro is the proprietor of Sukiyabashi Jiro, a three-star Michelin rated, 10-seat restaurant inauspiciously located in a Tokyo subway station. From his unparalleled success in the culinary world to his complicated relationship with his sons, this delectable film chronicles all aspects of Jiro’s life and craft in tantalizing style and detail.
Immerse yourself in the extraordinary world of celebrated Mexican painter Frida Kahlo. Made during the height of the Mexican Revolution, Kahlo’s work was radical and deeply personal—reflecting the anguish she suffered following a brutal car accident, years of traumatic surgery, and endless heartache. Filmed at the Blue House in San Angel she called home and weaving together stunning archival images and soul-stirring music, this rarely-seen biopic offers an intimate portrait of one of the most astonishing artistic figures of the twentieth century.
Arguably the greatest stand-up comedian of all-time, Richard Pryor is at his hilarious peak in the classic 1980s special, Live on the Sunset Strip. A fiery performer, Pryor delivers rapid laughs and provocation but most notably, he shares one of his most personal sets, musing on his roots, race in America, and his most notorious exploits—including frank discussion of that time he set himself on fire. His legacy speaks for himself but if there’s one surefire proof of Pryor’s genius, here it is.
Multi-disciplinary artist Laurie Anderson has long been a creative pioneer in music, film and live performance. In her first feature film in thirty years, she takes us on an unforgettable cinematic journey through the nature of love, loss and absence. Centered on Anderson’s beloved dog Lolabelle, who died in 2011, and dedicated to her late husband Lou Reed, Heart of a Dogseamlessly weaves together childhood memories, video diaries, and philosophical musings on the meaning(s) of life.
A true 20th century trailblazer, Harvey Milk was an outspoken human rights activist and one of the first openly gay U.S. politicians elected to public office; even after his assassination in 1978, his message of hope and equality continues to inspire people around the world. As groundbreaking as its subject, the Oscar-winning The Times of Harvey Milk was one of the first documentaries to address gay life in America, vividly capturing the emergence of queer culture in San Francisco.
50 years after her death, boxes of Marilyn Monroe’s personal writings were discovered in the home of her acting coach. A star-studded cast including Glenn Close, Marisa Tomei, Paul Giamatti and Viola Davis bring her letters to life on screen, revealing never-before-told tales and insights into the life and career of the Hollywood icon. Get to know the human being inside the bombshell in this intimate and poignant portrait from Oscar-nominated director Liz Garbus (Bobby Fischer Against the World, The Fourth Estate).
We’re proud to present this special broadcast of The Royal Shakespeare Company’s critically acclaimed new revival of Romeo & Juliet. Set in a world very like our own, this Romeo and Juliet is about a generation of young people born into violence and ripped apart by the bitter divisions of their parents. The most famous story of love at first sight explodes with intense passion and an irresistible desire for change, but leads all too quickly to heart-breaking consequences.
Join us on a revelatory journey behind the scenes of Blue Note Records, the pioneering label that gave voice to some of the most ground-breaking jazz artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. Legends Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter come together with next-generation musicians to record a new album and reflect on the legacy Blue Note is built on: Thelonious Monk, Bud Powell, John Coltrane, Art Blakey, Horace Silver, Miles Davis and more.
One of the greatest artists of her generation, Whitney Houston broke more music industry records than any other female singer in history. Her soaring voice gave life to some of the most popular power ballads of all time, while her star power shined bright in such unforgettable blockbusters as The Bodyguard. But behind the icon hid another woman with a tragic destiny, dehumanised by scandals gleefully raked over by the tabloids.
