Art of Action is a BFI film season celebrating the artistry of action choreography. We’ll be showing four films from across the decades. There will be extras happening at each of the four screenings to enhance the evening and to give deeper insight into the genre of action.
Wednesday 15th January at 7:30pm.
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The season starts of with the Wild Bunch from 1969. Director Sam Pechinpah’s editing style made use of rapid cuts, slow-motion and crosscutting in order to enhance the intensity and emotional impact of the action scenes, a technique that has since influenced generations of filmmakers.
Introduced by guest speaker Owen Williams, a freelance writer specialising in film and music.
Silent Film Night – Vintage ads and clips, “Two Reeler” short and Feature Film.
Saturday 18th January at 8pm
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The film features some of the most ambitious and innovative action sequences of the silent era. Keaton performed his own stunts, showcasing incredible physicality and bravery. Highlights include him riding on the cowcatcher of a moving train, balancing on a water tower spout, and navigating chaotic battle scenes. This screening will include vintage adverts and clips plus a short film.
Live Piano AccompanimentThe evening’s silent films will be accompanied live at the piano by James Browne. James’s eclectic piano style is rooted in the blues, blending the jazz of the 20s and 30s with New Orleans rhythms and bebop virtuosity. A stride and ragtime piano specialist, he is known for his signature energetic performance style, performing in jazz clubs both in the UK and internationally. He specialises in solo concerts and particularly enjoys improvising music for early cinema.
Cantonese language with English Subtitles.
Wednesday 22nd January at 8pm
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Directed by and starring Jackie Chan, is a landmark film in the action genre and a defining work of Hong Kong cinema. It set new standards for action choreography, stunts, and storytelling, leaving a profound legacy on global action filmmaking. Police Story cemented Jackie Chan’s reputation as a global action star. It is cited as one of the greatest action films of all time. It has influenced countless directors, including Edgar Wright and Quentin Tarantino.
Introduced by stunt performer Nathan Geering who trained with the Jackie Chan Stunt Team. Nathan will also give a short stunt demonstration. As well as being a stunt performer Nathan is also an award winning short-film maker.
Mandarin language with English Subtitles.
Wednesday 29th January at 8pm
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Directed by Ang Lee. The film’s balletic fight sequences, choreographed by Yuen Woo-ping, feature gravity-defying wire work that elevated the martial arts genre to new artistic heights. Scenes like the rooftop chase and the bamboo forest duel became iconic. The film features complex and powerful female characters, such as Shu Lien (Michelle Yeoh) and Jen Yu (Zhang Ziyi). Their strength, added a fresh dimension to martial arts storytelling.
Introduced with a video essay by Girls On Top who will also be running a competition. Girls On Top are a clothing company centred around showcasing the multifaceted nature of women’s roles in cinema.