There's a new issue of the Summer Journal! Read Yasmin Omar's editor's letter for a taste of what you can expect to find in the new (free!) magazine.
Light the candles, blow up the balloons and set off the party poppers because Curzon is celebrating its 90th birthday this year. On 6 March 1934, our flagship cinema opened its doors on Mayfair’s Curzon Street to screen the musical biopic Unfinished Symphony and, since then, the brand has grown to become a stalwart of British independent cinema. In this bumper anniversary edition of the Summer Journal, we’re looking back at our storied history with features on the modern relevance of period-drama maestros Merchant Ivory, and the lasting legacy of arthouse auteur Béla Tarr. Plus, there’s a complete rundown of our bespoke cover: Viktoria Gebei-Tari’s photograph of a fluffy Victoria sponge, whose sugary figurines pay tribute to Curzon’s heritage. The festivities will continue with a special programme of decades-spanning films showing in our cinemas, from L’Atalante (1934) to 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000). Stay tuned for more.
Sing Sing (2024)
We may be reflecting on the past, but this wouldn’t be the Summer Journal without also looking ahead to the future. As usual, we’re shining a light on the behind-the-scenes artistry of the season’s new movies through interviews with key craftspeople. I speak with Sing Sing’s producers Karin Shiel and Monique Walton about how they found a suitable prison to shoot their tender carceral character study; Amon Warmann digs into Kinds of Kindness’ eerie score with composer Jerskin Fendrix; and Christina Newland talks to production designer Chad Keith about sourcing period-appropriate motorcycles for The Bikeriders. Those who, like me, put their chips on Glen Powell becoming Hollywood’s Next Big Thing after Set It Up (2018) will be delighted to hear we’ve covered both of his summer offerings – Hit Man and Twisters – in these pages.
Twisters (2024)
Writers Guy Lodge and Sarah Kathryn Cleaver capture the spirit of this issue with their trend pieces that, like the magazine, have one eye on the present, and the other on the past. As Iran-banned My Favourite Cake arrives in the UK, Lodge considers the concerning tide of cinematic censorship that stopped the original cut of Minions: The Rise of Gru (2022) from being released in China, and may also prevent unflattering Donald Trump biopic The Apprentice reaching American audiences. Cleaver, for her part, mends the tattered reputation of the (now ubiquitous) prequel. Though some may appear cash-wringing IP reboots, she argues that there is merit to be found when character psychology is prioritised over world-building.
If you’re left wanting more piping-hot film criticism once you finish the Summer Journal, be sure to check out reviews, interviews and articles in our online magazine curzon.com/journal. Until then, I wish you happy reading, happy watching and a happy summer.
This article originally appeared in the Summer Journal. Curzon 90 is supported by Kia. You can pick up a free copy at your local Curzon cinema while stocks last.
