Arena (1975)
Season 2003
TV-PG
Wide-ranging arts program.
Where to Watch Season 2003
9 Episodes
- The Life and Times of Count Luchino ViscontiE2
The Life and Times of Count Luchino ViscontiLuchino Visconti lives large over the Italian cinema landscape. To be remembered and recognized as a genius in a nation that has produced so many genius filmmakers, a director really has to be at the top of their game all the time. Visconti, the creator of such films as 'Death in Venice', 'Ludwig', 'La Terra Trema', 'The Leopard', 'The Damned', and 'Rocco and His Brothers', rarely put a step wrong, putting some of the most memorable images of Italian cinema to film. But in his private life he led the kind of adventures that, even today, would have seen him branded a heretic in the puritanical USA. An open homosexual, an avowed Communist, and a silver-spoon-fed aristocrat, his films echoed his life in ways that were rarely complimentary, but always stunning. - The Many Lives of Richard Attenborough (1)E4
The Many Lives of Richard Attenborough (1)As he becomes an octogenarian, a two-part Arena celebration of the life and distinguished career of one of Britain's best-loved public figures. Lord Attenborough's film CV as actor stretches from 'Brighton Rock' to 'Jurassic Park', while as director he has been responsible for 'Oh! What a Lovely War', 'Shadowlands' and 'Gandhi'. He has also been integral to the work of many charities, while his support for minority groups has led to the building of a Centre for Disability and the Arts. Part one examines his early career, and follows Attenborough as he visits his childhood home, travels to Brighton and Hove, and reminisces with brothers John and Sir David. - The Many Lives of Richard Attenborough (2)E5
The Many Lives of Richard Attenborough (2)The conclusion to this two-part profile looks at Attenborough's career as Britain's most distinguished film director, whose biopic 'Gandhi' won eight Oscars in 1982, including Best Director. It also explores his other lives as chancellor of Sussex University and vice-president of Chelsea FC, and examines the political commitment behind films such as 'Cry Freedom' and '10 Rillington Place'. - Imagine ImagineE6
Imagine ImagineThe huge and enduring popularity of John Lennon's song 'Imagine' is examined in this documentary. Yoko Ono, who is now acknowledged as the co-author of the song, is filmed as she continues her mission to spread Lennon's message using "any means I can". Analysis of the song's power - the lyrics are shown to be appreciated by people with different beliefs - also includes contributions from academics, and psychiatrist Raj Persaud even goes so far as to claim the song fills the void left by the decline in organised religion. There's also space given to detractors, including journalist Robert Elms, who openly detests the track. - Dylan Thomas: From Grave to Cradle
E7Dylan Thomas: From Grave to CradleIn the 50th year since his tragic death, author and broadcaster Nigel Williams examines the work and legend of one of the most famous poets of the 20th century - Dylan Thomas. Born in 1914 in Swansea, he was an unruly child, yet determined to become a poet. Though cited by Bob Dylan, John Lennon and other cultural icons as a profound influence, it was his death that truly made him a legend. But did Thomas really die after drinking 18 straight whiskies? Starting with his death, Arena works back through his life to find the man behind the myth. - Buffalo Bill's Wild West: How the Myth Was Made
E8Buffalo Bill's Wild West: How the Myth Was MadeThe western movie, the cowboy novel, the rodeo and the wild west show are all means by which the West has become mythologised, distorted, caricatured and made larger than life. The West no longer lives in reality, only in the world of the imagination, but the key figure in the historical process whereby the factual, historical West was transformed into the 'Western myth' was William Frederick 'Buffalo Bill' Cody. It was within his persona that the raw material of experience was transformed into showbusiness. This documentary tells Buffalo Bill's story, including his life as a Pony Express rider, prairie scout, buffalo hunter and wild west show creator. With rock legend David Johansen as the voice of Buffalo Bill, Arena uses drama and unique archive of the real Buffalo Bill to tell an extraordinary tale with strangely contemporary resonance. - Alec Guinness: A Secret ManE9
Alec Guinness: A Secret ManThe acting career of Alec Guinness spanned more than five decades. Although readily identifiable in character, the real man avoided the trappings of fame, preferring a secluded life in the country with his wife Merula. This film profile, the first comprehensive one of its kind, has access to his private journals and letters, and research material from Piers Paul Read, Guinness's biographer.