The most intriguing aspect of this aptly named The Genius of Hitchcock event is that it will give an opportunity to film lovers from around the world to be the first to see some of the director’s early silent British films, in newly restored copies at various London venues, with the additional bonus of live music accompaniment by a number of up-and –coming British composers.

The three films that will be screened during the festival (The Pleasure Garden, The Lodger and Blackmail ) may often descend into melodrama, as it was the norm in the early days of cinema, but nevertheless their stories revolve around titillating subjects such as murder, deceit and blackmail.  This would soon become a staple of Hitchcock’s oeuvre and they all include at least one classic sequence that makes it easy to understand why Hitch became the true master of suspense. A case in point is the climatic chase scene in Blackmail that is stunningly staged by Hitchcock inside the British Museum. Imagine now how exciting it will be to watch the whole film just outside the museum. Sounds like a great way to spend a summer night in the city. (Words: Apostolos Kostoulas)

The first screening takes place on June 28th but for more information, visit www.whatson.bfi.org.uk

The post Somewhere you should go…The Genius of Hitchcock at BFI Southbank appeared first on The Cultural Exposé.

Emin’s harshest critics may find themselves silenced by this new collection, most of which is straight from her studio. It shows the 50-year-old artist reflecting on her cruel experiences of Margate in a more mature way – revealing a new found affection for the location of past defiance. The works include sketching, sculpture, embroidery, the unmistakable neons and as always embody themes of eroticism, depression and love. Perhaps the greatest silencer of all is that her work will be hung alongside nude sketches by Turner and Rodin, highlighting the power she wields as a female artist representing herself, unlike years gone by. And ever the rebel, Emin continues to stick two fingers up to the Man –  and we kind of like that! (Words: Laura Thornley)

She Lay Down Deep Beneath The Sea is showing at the Turner Contemporary, Margate until September 2012.  For more info, visit http://www.turnercontemporary.org/exhibitions/tracey-emin-she-lay-down-deep-beneath-the-sea

The post Something you should see… Tracey Emin’s She Lay Down Deep Beneath the Sea appeared first on The Cultural Exposé.