Philomena Cunk returns to television with a three-part series on the history of cinema.
The BBC iPlayer documentary features Diane Morgan as a misguided interviewer exploring film from the Lumière brothers to modern blockbusters.
Cunk Examines Hollywood and AI
The three episodes cover topics including the impact of AI on the industry. Empire said that the programme uses deadpan delivery to cover subjects from early moving pictures to the works of Michael Bay.
The Guardian reported that the series features a variety of guests, while Empire said that Benedict Cumberbatch appears and composer Daniel Pemberton participates.
Cumberbatch learns that his career, which earned him two Oscar nominations, is considered less important than Cunk’s memory of him buying chickpeas at Tesco. Empire’s Helen O’Hara finds her understanding of Marilyn Monroe being the ultimate male fantasy challenged by Cunk’s belief that the true fantasy is having a podcast. Composer Daniel Pemberton performs at her request.
Critics responded to the comedic approach of the series. The Guardian quoted a reviewer saying:
“If, like me, you consider writing stupid jokes to be another of humanity’s greatest achievements, you’ll have no choice but to consider Cunk on Cinema a true work of art.” Rachel Aroesti said this.
New Film and Television Releases
The week brings several other high-profile releases across film and television.
Other works include:
- : A 1976 sci-fi story featuring David Bowie as an intergalactic visitor.
- : A 1996 US film starring Tilda Swinton, playing a lawyer searching for erotic adventures in a rework of Madame Bovary.