Film / News
Star and director to attend sword and sorcery double bill at the Bristol Megascreen
Forbidden Worlds really pushes the boat out with its latest screening: a double-bill of sword and sorcery films based on novels by Conan creator Robert E Howard directed by MJ Bassett, attended by the director and Solomon Kane star, Taunton’s own James Purefoy.
Directed in 2009 as Michael J. Bassett, before the director came out as trans in 2017, Solomon Kane is a dark fantasy adventure featuring the tortured hero of Howard’s Savage Tales of Solomon Kane. It’s an action-packed, visually ravishing, character-driven origin story that traces the complex hero’s metamorphosis from bloodthirsty pirate through peaceful pilgrim to conflicted Puritan avenger. Purefoy is intensely charismatic as the haunted Kane, who, having plumbed the depths of human depravity and narrowly escaped the clutches of a soul-sucking demon, renounces violence – only to find himself unexpectedly drawn to his West Country family home, Axmouth Castle, where his estranged father, Josiah (Max von Sydow), has signed a devil’s pact with the evil sorcerer Malachi (Jason Flemyng).
Originally filmed in 1985, with Brigitte Nielsen in the title role, Red Sonja was negatively received by critics and went on to be nominated for three Golden Raspberry awards (Worst Actress, Worst New Star and Worst Supporting Actress). A new version has been in the works for decades, with Bassett eventually attached to direct and Matilda Lutz as the title character. It’s finally due for release on digital platforms on August 18 and DVD and blu-ray on September 8, but gets a special theatrical preview screening presented by Forbidden Worlds.
is needed now More than ever
Director MJ Bassett
The event takes place at the Bristol Megascreen in Anchor Road on Saturday 16 August from 7pm. Tickets are available here.
Main picture: Matilda Lutz as Red Sonja. Image supplied by Forbidden Worlds Film Festival.
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