The SLMan Culture List: June
THE HISTORY SERIES: World War II With Tom Hanks
World War II With Tom Hanks is a new retelling of the Second World War, drawing on rarely seen archival material and insights from leading historians. The series spans the full global conflict from Germany’s invasion of Poland through the rise and fall of the Axis powers, capturing battles across land, sea, and air. The exclusive series explores the human cost of war, including the Holocaust, civilian resistance and life on the home front, while also revealing the hidden wars of espionage, codebreaking and industrial might that shaped the outcome of the conflict. Blending the decisions of leaders from Churchill to Hitler with the experiences of soldiers and civilians across continents, the series culminates in the atomic age and its aftermath, as wartime allies became Cold War adversaries.
Out now
Visit NowTV.com
THE DOCUMENTARY: Ocean
Ocean With David Attenborough shows there is nowhere more vital for our survival and fuller of life, wonder or surprise than the ocean. The national treasure and recent centenarian reveals how his lifetime has coincided with the great age of ocean discovery. Through spectacular sequences featuring coral reefs, kelp forests and the open ocean, Attenborough shares why a healthy ocean keeps the entire planet stable and flourishing. Immersive cinematography showcases life under the seas, and exposes the realities and challenges facing our ocean, from destructive fishing techniques to mass coral-reef bleaching. Yet the story is one of optimism, with Attenborough pointing to inspirational stories from around the world to deliver his greatest message: the ocean can recover to a glory beyond anything anyone alive has ever seen.
8th June
Visit Picturehouses.com
THE BLOCKBUSTER: Disclosure Day
The truth is, no one knows what this film is about. We’ve been invited to the preview, but even that’s only the day before release. What we do know about Steven Spielberg’s new sci-fi flick is that it stars Emily Blunt, Josh O'Connor, Colin Firth, Eve Hewson and Colman Domingo. The premise is: if you found out we weren’t alone, would that frighten you? Some internet rumours think it might be a sequel to Spielberg’s 1977 classic Close Encounters of the Third Kind. There’s only one way to find out…
10th June
Visit Picturehouses.com
THE ADAPTATION: Dear England
James Graham is a powerhouse of British theatre. One of his career-defining works is Dear England, the play that follows Gareth Southgate and the England team in the run-up to the 2018 Euros. With the worst penalty record in the world, Southgate knows it’s not just about tactics – it’s about confronting years of hurt and finding a new way forward. Now the award-winning production has been turned into a BBC drama, landing just in time for the World Cup. Joseph Fiennes has reprised his role of Southgate, with appearances from Jodie Whittaker, Greg Davis and Jason Watkins.
Out now
Visit BBC.co.uk
THE REMAKE: Cape Fear
Inspired by the 1991 film directed by Martin Scorsese and produced by Steven Spielberg, this new psychological horror Apple TV series stars Amy Adams, Patrick Wilson and Javier Bardem. A storm is coming for happily married attorneys Anna and Tom Bowden when Max Cady, the notorious killer they are responsible for putting behind bars, is let out of prison – and wants vengeance. Scorsese and Spielberg are also involved with this 10-part remake. It begins on Friday, and we can’t wait.
5th June
Visit AppleTV.com
THE DARK COMEDY: The Fall of Sir Douglas Weatherford
Set in the fictional Scottish town of Aberloch, this new film follows Kenneth (Peter Mullan), who works as a tour guide dressing up as the town’s most notable historical figure, Sir Douglas Weatherford. Kenneth proudly claims him as his ancestor. When the village becomes the base of a big-budget fantasy TV show, his obsession with the show’s lead actor fuels a tragic downward spiral.
12th June
Visit Picturehouses.com
THE LIGHT COMEDY: Power Ballad
When Rick (Paul Rudd), a past-his-prime wedding singer, meets fading boy-band star Danny (Nick Jonas) during a gig, the two bond over music and a late-night jam session. But when Danny turns one of Rick’s songs into the hit that reignites his career, Rick sets out to reclaim the recognition he believes he deserves – even if it means risking everything he cares about.
Out now
Visit Picturehouses.com
THE RETURN: Sugar – Season 2
Sugar is a contemporary take on a classic detective story. Colin Farrell stars as John Sugar, an American private investigator looking into the mysterious disappearance of Olivia Siegel, the beloved granddaughter of legendary Hollywood producer Jonathan Siegel. As Sugar tries to determine what happened to Olivia, he will unearth Siegel family secrets; some very recent, others long-buried.
19th June
Visit AppleTV.com
THE BOOK: The Elements of Brand Design
This new Taschen compendium offers a comprehensive look at 110 outstanding brand designs that have helped the likes of Nike, Burger King and Uniqlo have become desirable. Also featuring the likes of Netflix, Instagram and Deutsche Bank, this volume deconstructs the design DNA of recognisable brands from all over the world, and explores the alchemy of form, colour, typography, imagery and sound that has made them successful.
Out now
Visit Taschen.com
THE EXHIBITION: M.C. Escher
M.C. Escher: The Exhibition is now on at Somerset House. Bringing together more than 150 original works, it aims to introduce a new generation to the artist whose impossible staircases, shifting perspectives and intricate geometric worlds continue to shape contemporary visual culture. Escher was a one-man art movement who created some of the most enduringly influential images of the 20th century, informing films and series such as Labyrinth, Inception and Squid Game, as well as countless album and book covers and video games. Yet while much of his work is instantly recognisable, it’s seldom on view in the UK. Alongside the works, the exhibition will feature interactive installations allowing visitors to explore the conceptual mechanisms underlying them.
Until 6th September
Visit SomersetHouse.org.uk
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