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As part of Film Feels Curious, a UK-wide cinema season, supported by the National Lottery and BFI Film Audience Network, Riverside Studios is delighted to present A Peter Strickland Retrospective from 2nd - 3rd July, featuring double bills, live Q&A's with Peter Strickland, and a live introduction from film critic Be Manzini. We will also be serving Ukrainian vodka-based "Curious Cocktails" from our cinema bar.
We're deep diving into the weird and wonderful films of the British Indie director's work to help celebrate his upcoming release FLUX GOURMET. This retrospective is the perfect opportunity to delve into the Strickland's niche and strange films which stimulate the mind and senses.
THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY (2014, 100 mins)
English
“AN AESTHETE’S DREAM – METICULOUSLY REFINED, DELICATE AS A FRITILLARY’S WING” - JONATHAN ROMNEY, THE OBSERVER ★★★★
From the critically acclaimed writer-director of Berberian Sound Studio comes a tale of passion and sadomasochism that penetrates the deepest depths of what it means to be human, in love and in control. Cynthia is an orthopterist who is seemingly firmly in control of her partner Evelyn through a strict, dictatorial fetish life behind closed doors. But as Evelyn's requests to be dominated become increasingly extreme the true nature of their relationship begins to surface. The Duke of Burgundy is a story about power and the exploration of discomfort that people will stretch to for the ones they love, told in mesmerisingly coruscating style by one of Britain's finest contemporary auteurs, Peter Strickland.
IN FABRIC (2018, 119 mins)
English
“Strickland’s most audacious and bizarre film to date” - Little White Lies
“A cursed red dress makes life hell for whoever wears it in this eerie blend of tragicomic realism and consumerist satire” - The Observer UK ★★★★
The latest from the unique imagination of Peter Strickland, IN FABRIC is a typically distinctive and haunting tale that blends Giallo-infused horror with absurdist dark humour, to ghostly effect. Set against the backdrop of a busy winter sales period at a mysterious Thames Valley department store, the film follows the journey of a cursed but strikingly beautiful blood-red dress as it passes from person to person, with devastating consequences. Strickland’s follow-up to the acclaimed THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY and BERBERIAN SOUND STUDIO also stars Hayley Squires, Gwendoline Christie, Julian Barratt, Steve Oram and regular collaborator Fatma Mohamed, and features an unforgettable score by Cavern of Anti-Matter.
About Peter Strickland
After more than a decade of making short films, Peter Strickland rose to international prominence in 2009 with his first feature film, KATALIN VARGA. His sophomore effort in 2012 was BERBERIAN SOUND STUDIO, which was adapted into a play at the Donmar Warehouse. In between films he co-directed a concert film for Björk during her tour in 2013. After his third acclaimed film in 2015, THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY, Peter continued his exploration of sound and went on to write and direct several immersive radio plays. His recent film, IN FABRIC, starring Marianne Jean-Baptiste and Gwendoline Christie was released in 2019 by Curzon/Artificial Eye in the UK and A24 in the States. Strickland's upcoming feature, FLUX GOURMET, starring Sex Education's Asa Butterfield, will be released later on this year.