Epic in scale, Reds is one of the most ambitious political films to ever emerge from Hollywood. Co-written by Manchester born Trevor Griffiths, and something of an obsession for its director and star Warren Beatty, it tells the story of radical journalist and communist John Reed and his relationship with both Louise Bryant and the ideals of the Russian revolution. Reds won Oscars for Beatty’s direction, Maureen Stapleton’s portrayal of Emma Goldman and Vittorio Storaro’s stunning cinematography.
Event/ This screening will be introduced by Andy Willis, Reader in Film Studies at the University of Salford.
Selected for That’s a Wrap by Andy Willis:
For me, Cornerhouse has always been a place to see politically committed cinema from around the world. In an era of CGI driven superhero franchises, centred on the radical politics of John Reed, author of Ten Days that Shook the World, Reds reminds us of the potential for another sort of Hollywood blockbuster, one that deals with radical ideals and offers characters with complex relationships to those ideals. It also provides a platform for discussions about the limits of mainstream cinema’s ability to present really radical and challenging ideas. After all, one of the things that I value most about Cornerhouse is the discussion that takes place long after a film has ended.