With Women’s Day around the corner, Silver on TopTV has put together an arresting line-up of female-centric movies with some of Hollywood’s finest actors. Debashine Thangevelo checks out the menu that offers a myriad rom-coms, offbeat comedies and poignant dramas to whet viewers’ appetites.
TO give viewers a better understanding of Silver, it is TopTV’s response to DStv’s Turner Classic Movies channel. As such, TV buffs get to sample the classics dating back to the late ’80s as well as the more contemporary offerings.
On Women’s Day, viewers will be introduced to a young Helena Bonham Carter and Emma Thompson in the Oscar-winning Howard’s End (1992). The British drama offers a melange of conflicts stemming from marriage, idealism, a pregnancy, an exile and manslaughter. It airs at 6pm.
The contentious topic of racism is explored in Monster’s Ball, which saw Halle Berry bag a Best Actress in a Leading Role Oscar for her mesmerising performance as Leticia Musgrove. The drama stars Billy Bob Thornton as Hank, a Death Row prison guard who executed Leticia’s husband. His affair with Leticia forces them to re-evaluate their lives. This airs |at 8.20pm.
One of my favourite actors of all time – James Spader – delivers a praiseworthy performance in a strangely compelling role as Mr Grey, a lawyer, in Secretary (2002).
He employs Lee Holloway, who was recently released from a mental institution, as his secretary. But what starts out as a straightforward employer-employee relationship quickly transforms into a sado-masochistic one. This art house movie, which airs at 10.10pm, bagged several awards at various festivals, including the Sundance Film Festival and the Independent Spirit Awards.
Other highlights on the channel this month include Dame Helen Mirren in the 1985 classic rom-com, Heavenly Pursuit, opposite Tom Conti.
Fast-forwarding to more recent times, don’t miss Kristen Stewart in Speak (2004). This was pre-Twilight fame… and her shocking affair with director Rupert Sanders.
Given the array of genres covering different eras, it shouldn’t prove impossible for viewers to find ideal options among the smorgasbord of offerings.
• WIN! WIN! WIN!
Tonight and Silver are offering three lucky readers a 32” Logik LED television and a TopTV decoder (subscription not included) in the National Women’s Month celebration on Silver.
To win, simply answer this easy question: What is the name of the actress who won an Oscar for her role in Monster’s Ball?
Please ensure the subject box is titled: “Silver National Women’s Month competition”.
E-mail the answer, along with your name and full contact details to: [email protected] by 3pm tomorrow.