BFI Love is a season of films to fall in love with and movies to break your heart, reminding us of cinema’s enduring power at Watershed until December.
While we're already midway through the season, there’s still lots to see. Here are some November highlights:
Night on Earth
Stranger Than Love (Friday November 27), is part of a late-night double bill exploring the alternative side to love, through the lens of indie film director Jim Jarmusch. Breaking away from Hollywood’s traditional approach when depicting love, Jarmusch's films take on something more nuanced, whether that’s the awkwardness of a first meeting, unusual pairings or simply the odd nature of human interactions.
A line-up of two of Jarmusch's earlier films – ‘Mystery Train’ and ‘Night On Earth’ – reveals the complexities of relationships, with a musical interlude courtesy of the guys from Rise record shop, who'll be spinning R&B and rock n roll in the bar.
True Romance
From November 20-22, Watershed is also screening Tony Scott’s bloody ‘True Romance’, which sees an unlikely duo elope, steal a fortune in cocaine and hit the road, dodging pimps and hitmen on the way. Not quite as twisted as 'Natural Born Killers', but still a sweet, charming, gun-toting gem.
Dr Zhivago
Along with screenings of David Lean's stunning romantic melodrama ‘Dr Zhivago’, which portrays love set against the backdrop of the Russian revolution (Friday November 27-Thursday December 3), Watershed is also hosting a series of Watch and Weep Brunches throughout November.
Here, you can squeeze in a late breakfast before enjoying the likes of ‘Letters From An Unknown Woman’ (Sunday November 15), ‘A Matter Of Life And Death’ (Sunday November 22) and ‘My Beautiful Launderette’ (Sunday 29 November). Don't forget to pack your tissues.
Brief Encounter
Finally, head out of Bristol to the Curzon cinema in Clevedon and be transported back to the romance of the 1940s with a screening of ‘Brief Encounter’ (Saturday November 28), complete with live music, afternoon tea and a retro dress code for an evening befitting of the tumultuous love affair in this 1945 classic.
Want more? At The Curzon box office you can also nab yourself a so-called Golden Ticket for £20, which gives you entrance to all BFI Love screenings including ‘Rebecca’, ‘Four Weddings And A Funeral’, ‘True Romance’ and ‘Dr Zhivago’.
If you're looking for live performances, here's what's in store at Colston Hall this November.