Mark Knopfler Movies
On the 30th Anniversary of the original Amnesty International's Secret Policeman's Ball, event producer\co-founder Martin Lewis compiles some of the finest moments from the annual concert event that inspired rock and rollers to get actively involved with their favorite causes. In the aftermath of Pete Townshend's unforgettable acoustic performance at the June 1979 Secret Policeman's Ball in London, rockers from Sting to Phil Collins became convinced that their music could be used to do something more than simply sell records. Since then, some of the biggest names in music have performed at the annual Secret Policeman's Ball. In addition to performances by Kate Bush, Bob Geldof, and Peter Gabriel, this compilation also features Townshend's memorable of "Pinball Wizard", and finds Eric Clapton teaming with Jeff Beck to perform "Farther Up the Road". ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
Timothy Ferris' PBS documentary Seeing in the Dark explores the process of stargazing. In lieu of focusing on science-heavy astronomical details, Ferris eliminates a narrator, and presents a series of extended, majestic glimpses of the universe through a telescope -- a protracted visual meditation on stargazing. The filmmaker also devotes a healthy amount of on-camera time to the expostulations of devoted stargazers, who discuss what motivates them to visit their telescopes on a nightly basis, the joy obtained from the practice, and observations made about the universe from the terrestrial end of the telescopic lens. ~ Nathan Southern, All Movie Guide
Robert Duvall dons tartan and a thick brogue to star as Gordon McLeod, the manager of a failing Scottish football club. The second-division club -- dubbed Kilnockie after the fishing town it calls home -- has a new owner, an American named Pete Cameron (Michael Keaton), who pressures McLeod to spruce up the faltering club and, against McLeod's wishes, hires first-division star Jackie McQuillan (real-life footy luminary Ally McCoist). McQuillan's past days of glory came with a price, as his flashy lifestyle and volatile temperament cost him both his career and wife Kate (Kirsty Mitchell), who is none other than McLeod's own daughter. In the tradition of sports dramas from Hoosiers to Major League, A Shot at Glory sees the rag-tag team -- which also includes a talented American goalkeeper (Cole Hauser) -- put aside their differences for the love of the game, ultimately leading Kilnockie to a climactic match against the legendary Glasgow Rangers . ~ Rebecca Flint Marx, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Robert Duvall, Michael Keaton, (more)
Chet Atkins was a hero of country music, not just for his fingerpicking guitar solos but also for his studio wizardry. Throughout his career, Atkins recorded nearly 70 records and won 13 Grammy awards. This program captures the remarkable career of this musician through a blend of interviewers and performances. Featured are Atkins' appearances with musicians such as Dolly Parton, George Benson, and Peter Frampton. ~ Rob Ferrier, All Movie Guide
When the island of Montserrat was devastated by hurricanes in 1997, producer George Martin organized this all-star benefit concert to help the people of the island rebuild their homes and their lives. Artists include Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, Sting, Mark Knopfler, Jimmy Buffett and Carl Perkins. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
In a 29-day shoot, Barry Levinson filmed this $15 million political and media satire, adapted by Hilary Henkin and David Mamet from Larry Beinhart's novel, American Hero. Two weeks prior to re-election, the President (Michael Belson) is accused of cornering an underage girl in the Oval Office. To keep the media from learning of this, Presidential adviser Winifred Ames (Anne Heche) brings in political consultant and spin doctor Conrad Brean (Robert De Niro), a specialist in such salvage operations. Brean suggests fabricating denials of non-existent emergencies -- such as denials about the B-3 bomber. The denial, of course, is true, since no B-3 bomber exists. Brean visits the mansion of Hollywood producer Stanley Motss (Dustin Hoffman) and gives him the assignment to create a patriotic campaign centered around a war in Albania. Motss assembles a creative team -- Liz Butsky (Andrea Martin), the trend-setter Fad King (Denis Leary), and songwriter Johnny Green (Willie Nelson). Treated like an ad campaign, the songs and symbols are transmitted directly from a Hollywood soundstage to CNN. The star of their campaign is a "rescued" pilot -- in reality, a psychotic military prisoner (Woody Harrelson), who's a ticking time bomb. The flag-waving song, "The American Dream" was written for the film by Tom Bahler (who co-wrote "We Are the World"). Beinhart's original novel involved a real President (Bush), a real war (the Gulf War), and the premise that George Bush and Saddam Hussein staged it. ~ Bhob Stewart, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Dustin Hoffman, Robert De Niro, (more)
- 1997
- R
- Add Metroland to Queue
An unexpected visit causes a man to wonder what path he should have taken in life in this drama. In 1977, Chris (Christian Bale) and Marion (Emily Watson) are a staid married couple living in a working-class community near the outskirts of London, where the Metro tube line dead-ends. While Marion is reasonably happy, Chris is bored and restless, and he often daydreams about how his life could have been different. Chris and Marion first met in Paris in 1968, when revolution was in the air and they were both footloose bohemians exploring the world. Chris was briefly in love with Annick (Elsa Zylberstein), a wild, beautiful, and high-spirited young woman, but he married Marion instead, and he frequently wonders if he made the right choice. One day, Chris receives a telephone call from his old buddy Toni (Lee Ross), who was his best friend back in his days in Paris. While Chris has joined the working class, Toni is still following his muse around the world, drifting through Europe, America, Africa, or anywhere else the breeze takes him. Toni is visiting England and invites Chris to leave Marion behind and join him in his travels. Already in an unsure state of mind, Chris finds himself calling practically every aspect of his life into question -- he even wonders if Marion might be attracted to Toni, whom she's never cared for. Metroland was adapted by Adrian Hodges from the novel by Julian Barnes. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Christian Bale, Lee Ross, (more)
- 1990
How to Get a Record Deal is a video made for musicians looking to break into the recording industry. Acknowledging the huge challenge unknown musicians face, the program arms viewers with insider information on the industry and advice on what it takes to succeed. Artists Michael Bolton, Phil Collins, Mark Knopfler, Kenny Loggins, Randy Newman, Phil Ramone, Jody Watley, and others offer tips and candid advice. ~ Betsy Boyd, All Movie Guide
- 1990
- R
Hubert Selby's controversial 1964 cult novel Last Exit To Brooklyn is adapted to the big screen by director Ulrich Edel in this drama. The story is set in the early 1950s in Red Hook, Brooklyn, a blighted waterfront town of boarded-up storefronts and striking factory workers. Harry Black (Stephen Lang), a machinist put in charge of the local union strike office, suddenly finds himself one of the most important men in town. But for all his sudden power, there's something disturbing Harry. He rejects his wife's caresses and discovers himself infatuated with a frail young man who calls himself Georgette (Alexis Arquette), who has a crush on well-muscled hood Vinnie (Peter Dobson). But Harry doesn't confront his problem head-on until he falls head-over-heels in love with Regina (Zette), a local transvestite. As the strike becomes more intense, Harry sinks deeper into an obsessive affair with Regina, using the strike fund to shower him/her with personal gifts. As Harry sinks into obsession, other characters float through the decaying streets. There's the attractive prostitute Tralala (Jennifer Jason Leigh) who falls in love with a sailor about to be shipped overseas. There is also an agreeable young man named Tommy (John Costelloe) who is beaten by his soon-to-be father-in-law Big Joe (Burt Young) for making his daughter Donna (Ricki Lake) pregnant. Everything comes to a tragic conclusion as the workers' strike escalates into a violent confrontation. ~ Paul Brenner, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Stephen Lang, Jennifer Jason Leigh, (more)
- 1988
This 1988 episode of Saturday Night Live is hosted by John Larroquette and features musical guests Randy Newman and Mark Knopfler. ~ Skyler Miller, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- John Larroquette, Randy Newman, (more)
Based on William Goldman's novel of the same name, The Princess Bride is staged as a book read by grandfather (Peter Falk) to his ill grandson (Fred Savage). Falk's character assures a romance-weary Savage that the book has much more to deliver than a simpering love story, including but not limited to fencing, fighting, torture, death, true love, giants, and pirates. Indeed, The Princess Bride offers a tongue-in-cheek fairy tale depicting stable boy-turned-pirate Westley's journey to rescue Buttercup (Robin Wright), his true love, away from the evil prince (Chris Sarandon), whom she had agreed to marry five years after learning of what she had believed to be news of Westley's death. With help from Prince Humperdinck's disgruntled former employee Miracle Max (Billy Crystal), swordsman Inigo Montoya (Mandy Patinkin), and a very large man named Fezzik (Andre the Giant), the star-crossed lovers are reunited. ~ Tracie Cooper, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Cary Elwes, Robin Wright Penn, (more)
- 1987
Music and comedy share the stage in this performance film, which records a four-night variety show presented in 1987 as a benefit for the human rights organization Amnesty International. A handful of top British comedians were on hand for the revue, including Stephen Fry & Hugh Laurie, Lenny Henry, Ben Elton and Phil Cool, with special appearances by John Cleese of Monty Python and the puppet troupe Spitting Image. (American comic Emo Phillips also performs his standup act.) Several leading musical stars of the day also contributed their talents to the event, including Peter Gabriel, Duran Duran, Kate Bush with David Gilmour, Lou Reed, Jackson Browne with Paul Brady, Mark Knopfler with Chet Atkins, Bob Geldoff, Youssou N'Dour and Nik Kershaw. As the title suggests, The Secret Policeman's Third Ball was preceded by two other Amnesty International benefit shows coordinated by John Cleese, with several more to follow. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Hoskins, Joan Armatrading, (more)
- 1986
This concert video chronicle's Prince Charles' rock-star studded event. It is filmed at the Wembley Arena and features such artists as Tina Turner, Paul McCartney, Phil Collins, the ubiquitous Sting, and Elton John. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
Corey Haim plays 13-year-old Lucas, a bespectacled, bookish type who attracts school bullies like a magnet. Lucas befriends 16-year-old Kerri Green; she wants to be "just friends," he'd like a more meaningful relationship. The boy introduces the girl to a world of intellectual pursuits of which she'd been previously unaware. She enjoys the attention, but is physically attracted to football jock Charlie Sheen, and becomes a cheerleader to be nearer to the young athlete. Lucas feels shut out once more, but is comforted to learn that Sheen is not just one more bully but a sensitive kid who sticks up for Lucas when the younger boy is being picked on. Still hoping to impress Kerri, Lucas tries out for the football team himself, threatening legal action when the coach tries to turn him down. This original and innovative teen-oriented film threatens to come to a hackneyed "big touchdown" climax. Instead, Lucas winds up in the hospital after being injured in a game, which earns him the respect of the rest of the team. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Corey Haim, Kerri Green, (more)
- 1984
- PG
Writer/director Bill Forsyth's follow-up to his best film, Local Hero, is another comic exploration of a man undergoing a personal crisis. In Local Hero, the American played by Peter Riegert finds himself enchanted by the people and ambience of a Scottish village he has been dispatched to purchase for an oil company. In Comfort and Joy, Alan (Bill Paterson) is a Glasgow radio disc jockey whose air name is the chirpy Dickey Bird. After Maddy, his girlfriend (Eleanor David), walks out on him at Christmas, he's spurred to re-evaluate his life. Looking for more meaningful work than spinning pop tunes and offering inane chatter to his geriatric listeners, Alan decides to make a radio documentary. He chances upon a local rivalry between two ice cream companies, who are sabotaging each other's trucks in an effort to monopolize the market. Attracted to Charlotte (C.P. Grogan), the daughter of one of the company owners, Alan finds himself playing peacemaker rather than documentarian. That this cold war takes place in the dead of a bitter Scottish winter is only one of Forsyth's many sly touches. ~ Tom Wiener, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bill Paterson, Eleanor David, (more)
- 1984
- R
In the opening scenes of this politically-oriented drama, a killer enters the home of a policeman and in a shocking sequence murders him in cold blood -- an act that becomes the key to the rest of this film about the conflict between politics and life. Young Catholic, Cal (John Lynch) works in a slaughterhouse during the day and has participated in terrorist activities, but he wants out after he has been forced to drive a getaway car in the murder of the policeman. Meanwhile, he is slowly enchanted by Marcella, an older woman (Helen Mirren) who has just started working at the local library. Smitten but shy, Cal manages to ease himself into a job on her land, and when his father's home is burned to the ground by Protestants, Cal moves into a cottage on the woman's estate. Eventually, the two start a quiet liaison -- but Cal's inner turmoil disturbs the happiness he feels when he is with Marcella. Can he continue to hide his terrorist past from Marcella, who knows nothing about what he has done? While this question and others raised by the film are reasonable, director Pat O'Connor's treatment of the story may be too muted, and John Lynch's Cal too innocuous and frail (especially in contrast to Helen Mirren's Marcella) to win over all viewers. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Helen Mirren, John Lynch, (more)
Bill Forsyth's whimsical tale of sweet-natured corporate rapacity features standout performances by Burt Lancaster and Peter Riegert. Lancaster plays Texas billionaire Felix Happer, who would rather gaze at the stars than worry about his multi-national oil company. Happer dispatches Mac MacIntyre (Peter Riegert) and Danny Oldsen (Peter Capaldi) to the small Scottish fishing village of Ferness to negotiate buying the entire town so Happer can drill for oil in the North Sea. Much to Mac's surprise, the entire town is happy to sell itself for big money, and the local innkeeper, Gordon Urquhart (Denis Lawson) -- who is also the town's accountant and mayor -- works with Mac on the negotiations. But a wrinkle appears in the deal when Ben Knox (Fulton Mackay), an old man who lives in a shack on the beach which has been owned by his family for centuries, refuses to sell. His reasons? "Who'd look after the beach then? It would go to pieces in a short manner of time." The deal stalls so seriously that Happer travels to Ferness to oversee negotiations as Mac and Danny are seduced by the charm of the Scottish town. ~ Paul Brenner, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peter Riegert, Burt Lancaster, (more)
Few artists can claim to have been as close a witness to the birth of rock and roll as guitarist Scotty More, and with this concert the Tupelo, Mississippi native who stepped into the Memphis Recording Service with Elvis Aaron Presley to record "That's All Right" is joined by a series of special guests including Mark Knopfler, Eric Clapton, and Paul Ansell in performing twenty-eight of The King's best-loved hits. Songs include "Jailhouse Rock", "Blue Moon", "All Shook Up", and "Blue Suede Shoes", and other special guests include Dvae Gilmour, Steve Gibbons, Albert Lee, Martin Taylor, and Mike Sanchez. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
