The film to watch…
Winner of the Palme D’Or at Cannes Joachim Trier’s Sentimental Value has a sweep of Oscar and BAFTA nominations. See why, and follow the lead of best supporting actor favourite Stellan Skarsgard, who plays an egotistical director, by seeing this in a cinema where it belongs. As his character says, “I can’t stand jazz hands in a film.” If you feel the same way about over the top acting, savour the restrained brilliance of Skarsgard, best actress nominee Renate Reinsve and supporting work from Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas and Elle Fanning. Life in Trier’s Oslo is dark yet highly entertaining.
The tickets to buy…
Carl Foreman the screenwriter of High Noon was blacklisted in the 1950s. The timing of this look at Trumpian America through the lens of McCarthyism could not be better. The screenplay has been adapted by Eric Roth and for Grace Kelly and Gary Cooper director Thea Sharrock has the mighty stage presences of Denise Gough and Billy Crudup. Their Western in the West End (with an unexpected Bruce Springsteen soundtrack) is at the Harold Pinter Theatre till 6 March. Get tickets.
Looking ahead, as the National’s smash gets a transfer, don’t miss out on the chance to see Rosamund Pike in coruscating form in Inter Alia from 19 March – 20 June at Wyndham’s Theatre. Get tickets.
The exhibition to see…
Lucian Freud Drawing into Painting 12 February to 3 May is a major art world event and you need to book tickets. This huge exhibition includes show-stopping loans of classic portraits as well as masterful new acquisitions to the museum’s permanent collection.
The event to attend…
The David Bowie tea at Café Royal Grill marks ten years since the icon’s death and celebrates the hotel’s connection to Bowie, who retired Ziggy Stardust here with a legendary party in July 1973. Bowie’s favourite Japanese green tea features along with cake creations playing with the enduring magic of his back catalogue. Booking till 29 March.
The collaboration to look out for…
The Valentine’s release of Wuthering Heights as reimagined by Emerald Fennell on February 13 will be as divisive as Saltburn. However, everyone can agree on the fabulousness of the Emily Brontë-inspired Aspinal x Wuthering Heights collection. (And if you are really here for fashion’s love of all things analogue and literary, you’ll be chucking your new Cathy and Heathcliff notebook into your Dior book tote.)
The TV to watch…
Alan Cumming breathes new laughs and life into the BAFTAs as he becomes the new host on 22 February. Meanwhile for a hibernation watch, Bridgerton is back for series four.
The book to read…
Julian Barnes says Departure(s) released to celebrate his 80th birthday will be his last novel. Fans can hope otherwise, but part novel part memoir of a familiar sounding Francophile writer called Jules, this is one to savour. Out now.
The album to listen to...
Inspired by time retreating to India, Gorillaz tell us to slow down and commit to a whole album not a brief scroll. For The Mountain they’ve harnessed the talents of many friends and even posthumous collaborations with Dennis Hopper, Tony Allen and more. The result is a spiritual album between continents and worlds, due for release on February 27.
Back in this realm, for tour information check out gorillaz.com with the first UK dates in March.