BFI London Film Festival 2013: Seven To See

This morning THN, along with a leviathan of other outlets, were treated to the launch event for the BFI London Film Festival 2013, taking place October 9th to 20th.

Presented with a mind-boggling and saliva-inducing array of movies it’s taken us most of the day to whittle the list down to a ‘Seven To See’ which is detailed below. The selection are in no particular order so why not let us know which you’re most looking forward to and why.

CAPTAIN PHILLIPS

Opening the festival is Paul Greengrass’s CAPTAIN PHILLIPS, starring Tom Hanks as the titular gentleman. Dramatising the 2009 hijacking of a US container ship by a crew of Somali pirates CAPTAIN PHILLIPS looked tense and extraordinary from the exclusive footage we were shown and houses a powerhouse performance from Barkhad Abdi as the leader of the crew of pirates.

You’ll be able to catch CAPTAIN PHILLIPS at the Odeon Leicester Square on Wednesday 9th October at 19:00, or the day after in Haymarket at 18:15.

12 YEARS A SLAVE

Steve McQueen’s follow-up to the extraordinary SHAME sees him tackle slavery in Louisiana prior to the American Civil War. Starring Chiwetel Ejiofor in the lead, with support from the ever-dependable pair Michael Fassbender and Benedict Cumberbatch 12 YEARS A SLAVE looks set to continue McQueen’s sterling run of dramas and cement his place amongst the best in the business.

You can catch 12 YEARS A SLAVE at the Odeon Leicester Square on Friday 18th October at 20:30, Saturday 19th at 12:00 at the Odeon West End 1 and finally Sunday 20th at 17:45 at Rich Mix.

THE EPIC OF EVEREST

Chronicling the third attempt to conquer Mount Everest, THE EPIC OF EVEREST was originally released in 1924 and has been restored by the BFI National Archive with the addition of a brand-new score by Simon Fisher Turner. Not just has the score been added but it will be performed live by the composer with specially assembled musicians. With it’s focus of George Mallory and Andrew Irvine’s attempt to conquer the highest peak in the world THE EPIC OF EVEREST is a human story guaranteed to scale new heights.

THE EPIC OF EVEREST is showing at the Odeon West End 2 at 18:15 on Friday 18th October.

DON JON

Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s directorial debut is a fascinating take on the legendary Don Juan story. Instead of the gym, the clubs or his house Don (Gordon-Levitt) is obsessed with porn, much to the chagrin of his prospective girl played by Scarlett Johannson. Also starring Julianne Moore and Tony Danza DON JON has been receiving rave-reviews thanks to a smart script and great performances.

You can check out how DON JON’s obsession works out for him at the Odeon West End 2 Wednesday 16th October at 18:00 and Thursday 17th at 12:30 (subtitled and audio-described), and in Hackney on Sunday 20th at 20:45.

THE ARMSTRONG LIE

Alex Gibney gained unparalleled access to now-shamed cycling superstar Lance Armstrong in 2009. As news of Armstrong’s doping broke filming was stopped before recommencing as Armstrong confessed to his penchant for a bit of PED on The Oprah Show. In a way few can Gibney will undoubtedly give Armstrong the chance to tell his side of the story along with his team and the infamous Doctor Ferrari.

Showing as part of the documentary competition, THE ARMSTRONG LIE can be caught at Vue 5 on Wednesday 16th and Thursday 17th October at 20:45 and 14:45 respectively.

GOOD OL’ FREDA

Focusing on Freda Kelly, secretary to The Beatles, GOOD OL’ FREDA offers a unique insight into the goings on of possibly the greatest group of all time. Featuring footage of the Fab Four and legendary manager Brian Epstein GOOD OL’ FREDA is a must for Beatlemaniacs.

GOOD OL’ FREDA shows at the BFI Southbank on Wednesday 9th October at 21:00 and Saturday 12th at 15:30, whilst there is also a showing at ICA on Thursday 10th at 20:45.

MY CONVERSATIONS ON FILM

Directed by Borish Lehman this three-part, near seven-hour epic discusses what cinema has meant to the contributors – including a psychoanalyst and a book seller – over the 18 years the film was made. Not for everyone admittedly but we’ll be first in line.

Showing on Monday 14th and Thursday 17th October at Studio both screenings commence at 13:00 and will include intervals between the parts.

So there you have it. We’ve chosen seven things we’ll be watching and think you should to. So what do you think? You can see the whole line-up here so why not let us know what you’re most looking forward to.