Shadows on the Wall | Arthouse Films

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On this page: KNIFE: THE ATTEMPTED MURDER OF SALMAN RUSHDIE | WHAM! 10 DAYS IN CHINA

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See also: SHADOWS FILM FESTIVAL | Last update 26.Jul.26

Knife: The Attempted Murder of Salman Rushdie
Review by Rich Cline | 4/5

dir Alex Gibney
scr Salman Rushdie
prd Erin Edeiken, Alex Gibney, Sruthi Pinnamaneni
with Salman Rushdie, Rachel Eliza Griffiths
release US 17.Sep.26,
UK 2.Oct.26
26/US 1h47

SUNDANCE FILM FEST

Now streaming...

Rushdie revisits the scene of the attack

Based on Salman Rushdie's memoir, this documentary feels unusually intimate as it explores his horrific 2022 attack and long road to recovery through his eyes. Filmmaker Alex Gibney also weaves in a biography about the author, who has lived under death threats now for more than three decades. It's an expertly assembled film, utterly gripping as each story strand unfolds, and intensely shattering at just the right moment.

Rushdie was being interviewed at a public event in rural New York when 24-year-old Hadi Matar rushed the stage and stabbed him multiple times before he was arrested. While Rushdie narrates his story, much of the footage is shot by his wife Eliza, who is by his side throughout his recovery. And she never flinches from his injuries as they heal. In hospital for more than a month, he never regains the use of his left eye. But he remains determined to face what has happened to him and move forward with his life.

Intercut with coverage of Rushdie's recovery are several other stories, including a biographical narrative of his birth into a middle class Muslim family in India, school and university in England and, after threats on his life hit the headlines, a move to New York to live defiantly in the open. Using extensive clips and animated elements, the film also tackles the novel at the centre of the controversy, noting that The Satanic Verses is a densely written fantasy allegory about immigration and identity, using a comical tone to criticise Western capitalism, not religion. It's fascinating to see that Rushdie never takes himself or his work as seriously as everyone else does.

Throughout the film, it's not easy to look at Rushdie's injuries, but we aren't allowed to ignore them. And even more powerful is Gibney's decision to show the footage from the attack itself. These are real-life scenes we aren't used to seeing, so they have a huge impact without ever feeling sensationalist. This is a film that wants us to grapple with the illogical nature of fanaticism. Matar was born nearly a decade after the Iranian death sentence was issued, and yet he retained this irrational anger stoked by people who never read The Satanic Verses. And Rushdie is determined not to let that stop him from living his life.

themes, language, violence 21.Jul.26

Wham! 10 Days in China
Review by Rich Cline | 3.5/5

dir Mike Christie
prd Alice Popplewell
with George Michael, Andrew Ridgeley, Simon Napier-Bell, Shirlie Kemp, Pepsi Demacque, Paul Spong, Danny Cummings, Lindsay Anderson, Martin Lewis, Cheng Fangyuan, Cui Jian, Wang Di, DJ Paul
release US/UK 28.Jul.26
26/UK Sony 1h30

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Using unseen footage shot for a never-completed film more than 40 years ago, this documentary follows the young George Michael, Andrew Ridgeley and their band on a groundbreaking tour to China. Skilfully shot by legendary filmmaker Lindsay Anderson, the film is unusually engaging, as sharp insights emerge at each step of the band's tour, from photo ops at the Great Wall to official receptions to the concerts themselves.

In 1985, Wham is Britain's top pop act, but breaking America is a massive challenge. So they opt to make headlines as the first Western group to play in China. It's a risky move, and no one knows how it will go. Then as the UK tabloid press clamour for pictures, George and Andrew are welcomed as diplomats, fully understanding the role they need to play as cultural ambassadors. Everyone understands that the trip is a stunt, but the documentary crew also knows they have an extraordinary opportunity here. And each stop brings multiple surprises.

Accompanied by new interview material, this is terrific collection of behind-the-scenes footage from the trip, including rare images from China at a time when things there were were only starting to change. Indeed, locals were hungry for anything from the West. Amusing moments fill the screen, such as George and Andrew delivering a witty speech to a banquet full of dignitaries. We also get to see groups of Chinese people listening to Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go for the very first time, unsure at the start but soon tapping along.

Concert footage is particularly superb. Locals remember how they wanted to move to the music, but didn't know how. The conservative Beijing audience doesn't react much, and authorities get nervous when they play Freedom. But Guangzhou is a party, because the crowd knew their music from Hong Kong radio. An abrasive post-concert press conference is particularly enlightening, as George and Andrew struggle to remain graceful. But they also find time to relax, such as in a lively football match against locals.

It's fascinating to watch George and Andrew play the roles assigned to them, annoyed at the pressures of each filmed appearance. George reacts particularly strongly, realising that this lack of privacy is going to be his future. But they pour themselves fully into their performances, whether or not the audience knows them. When they're on stage, their soulful, expressive music communicates. So obviously China's youth wanted more. And so did America.

themes, language 19.Jul.26

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See also: SHADOWS FILM FESTIVAL