No. 16 (2018) Film Stars Don't Die In Liverpool February 19th.

Film No. 16 (2018) February 19th.  6.30 PM  LUNA Paradiso, Northbridge

"What sort of person hangs out in a joint where you're labelled on a lamp shade anyway?" (Gloria sums up her impressions of the cafe Peter takes her to on their first date).

Annette Benning, surprise, surprise steals the show here as Gloria Grahame, the slightly unhinged screen siren from the 40's and 50's. Taking nothing away from author Peter Turner's (look out for his cameo late in the film) portrayal by Jamie Bell it is Benning who fills the screen in mesmerizing fashion. While slightly over long, the film transitions between time phases with no confusion, which adds subtle dimensions to this unique love story. A love story depicting a couple with a significant age difference has to gain our trust, Film Stars has us believing, then reaching for The Google app once the titles roll. All hail Benning though, with the only surprise being Grahame has an Oscar and Benning doesn't. A pity this can't be rectified at this year's ceremony. 9GUMS.