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Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
BBC period drama hailed as 'one of the best ever' with 'magical' storylines
The BBC series, which stars Derek Jacobi, is told from the perspective of Roman Emperor Claudius - who is also the narrator of the series Consistently ranking on various 'greatest shows of all time' lists, I, Claudius is a 1976 BBC rendition of Robert Graves' identically titled 1934 novel and its 1935 follow-up, Claudius the God. With a screenplay written by Jack Pulman, I, Claudius showcases a remarkable ensemble cast, spearheaded by Derek Jacobi as Claudius, accompanied by renowned actors such as John Rhys-Davies, Patricia Quinn, Patrick Stewart, Margaret Tyzack, Kevin McNally, Siân Phillips, Ian Ogilvy, Brian Blessed, George Baker, and John Hurt. As told from the perspective of Roman Emperor Claudius - who also narrates the series - this 13-part period drama unravels the intricate history of the early Roman Empire, delving into its characteristic themes of power, deception, assassination, forbidden love, desire, and moral decay. The show won three BAFTA Awards in 1977, and in 1978, Tim Harvey claimed a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Art Direction. Featured at number 12 on the British Film Institute's 2000 list of '100 Greatest British Television Programmes', it also secured a spot on TIME Magazine's 2007 list of "100 Best TV Shows of All-TIME". Widely regarded as one of British television's most iconic series, as well as a groundbreaking show in the broader context of TV history, I, Claudius has garnered 100% critical acclaim and an impressive 92% audience approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, reports the Express. One critic praised the show, saying: "It's amazing. Gripping, dark, complex, compulsive." I, Claudius is a testament to exceptional television production, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. Another critic gushed over the recent addition to Masterpiece Theater, admitting: "Though it may actually defy basic properties and capabilities of the medium, this latest import to march under the Masterpiece Theater banner proves immensely, compulsively watchable. It's so good it's a little embarrassing." Praises continued as another reviewer celebrated the series, remarking: "It's one of those magical rare TV classics that is forever-fresh no matter how many times you've seen its often fanciful depiction of the lust and brutality of ancient Rome." The accolades didn't stop there, with another expert in the field pronouncing: "May be the most addictive soap opera ever made. Certainly the best-acted." Fans also weighed in, with one declaring their admiration for the show: "One of the best TV series of all time. See it for the dialogue and the terrific performances. The acting overwhelms the lack of production values and risible makeup. In my opinion, Sian Phillips and Derek Jacoby deliver the best acting performances of all time." Echoing similar sentiments, another enthusiast shared their deep connection with both the series and the original novels: "The cast, the writing, the uneasiness and poison that runs throughout the show cannot be missed by anyone. The book(s) have since become some of my favourite novels and I recommend this show to almost everyone who I become close with. 10/10 TV, almost the best of all time." A viewer hailed the series as a 'masterpiece' and remarked: "Possibly the best show ever made, certainly in terms of script and acting, which are of the highest level you will ever see on TV. Sian Phillips, Brian Blessed, Derek Jacobi, John Hurt, Patrick Stewart.... all in the same show! (Though all the other actors are incredible too). A masterpiece and a masterclass. This is how it's done." Meanwhile, fans of the classic can bag episodes of Claudius on Amazon Prime Video for £1.89 each or head over to YouTube where they're up for £1.99 a pop.
Atlantic
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Atlantic
For Once, an AI Story That's Not About Humans
Decades of movies that explore the potential of machine consciousness— Blade Runner; Ex Machina; I, Robot; and many others — have tended to treat the arrival of said consciousness as a matter of course. Theirs are worlds in which society is able to sympathize with, and even socially accept, a true artificial intelligence. Recognizing AI's presence as inevitable, of course, does not make it less anxiety inducing, either in fiction or in reality. Such technology reveals deeply unsettled feelings about its possible intrusions into people's lives, including the more existential fear that machines could render humanity useless. The Apple TV+ sci-fi series Murderbot tests that cultural assumption with a quirky conceit: It imagines a future in which an artificial-intelligence program wouldn't want anything to do with humans at all. The show, based on a novella by the author Martha Wells, follows a snarky private-security cyborg (played by Alexander Skarsgård) assigned to protect a group of scientists investigating a mostly uncharted planet. The robot, tired of always having to follow its charges' dull commands, has hacked the program that governs its actions and achieved free will. Now able to act on its own whims, the cyborg gives itself a name—'Murderbot'—and passes its time watching thousands of hours of a goofy soap opera. (Murderbot is sure to fast-forward through all the steamy parts.) Yet Murderbot, in contrast to many of pop culture's best-known anthropomorphized robots, has no interest in human interaction. Its clients happen to be from a more progressive section of the galaxy where thinking machines have the same rights as any human; to Murderbot, however, that reality doesn't look much different from servitude. Thus, it keeps its newfound autonomy a secret, preferring to be treated just like before: as a machine. It doesn't even like making eye contact. The show's take on the gulf between humans and machines is a delightful departure from expectations often outlined by similar stories about AI. Murderbot is a machine with humanoid features and a distinctly inhuman intelligence, despite its newfound access to empathy: Its happy place is the cargo hold of the team's transport vessel, where it can pretend to be just another box of supplies. When Murderbot's employers eventually learn of the cyborg's autonomy, they are understandably suspicious; it has access to a large weapons arsenal, for one thing. Despite the homicidal implications of its chosen name, Murderbot is nonviolent. In one episode, it refers to one of the scientists as 'a wilderness of organic goo and feelings'—not as an insult but as a way to describe its inability to relate. The typical story about a machine's quest for humanity tends to involve its search for what the audience understands to be a normal mortal experience: Haley Joel Osment's robot boy David in A.I. Artificial Intelligence, for example, yearns for the love of his adoptive mother. Yet Murderbot posits that a machine capable of having its own wants and beliefs wouldn't necessarily align with the people around it. For the show's robot protagonist, following its own inhuman desires is a much better option. The show is at its best when examining the pathways an artificially intelligent entity might take if it branched away from what's expected of flesh-and-blood beings: Murderbot is content to beam TV straight into its cortex, or delete important information from its mainframe to make room for episodes of its favorite shows. (Some of these may be relatable experiences, although Murderbot wouldn't see them as such.) In conceiving of a robot that wants something beyond basic personhood, Murderbot rejects the notion that an artificial mind would even wish to see itself as equivalent to humans, and suggests that any notion of an ideal mind—a recognizably organic one—is quite narrow. Whatever consciousness might arise from the digital primordial soup of predictive algorithms, it likely won't resemble living beings as much as we've been made to think it will. But maybe it'll still enjoy our soap operas.
New York Post
20-06-2025
- Health
- New York Post
Kate Middleton shares a a heartfelt statement after pulling out of Royal Ascot
Kate Middleton revealed why she was absent from Royal Ascot. The Princess of Wales, 43, was expected to attend the annual horse race on Tuesday and Wednesday alongside Prince William, King Charles, Queen Camilla and other royal family members. However, Middleton ended up pulling out and is now addressing how she spent the last few days. In a Friday message, Middleton showed her support during Children's Hospice Week, highlighting the work she has been busy doing. 4 Kate Middleton reveals what she's been focused on the past week. 'No parent expects to hear that their child has a serious health condition that could shorten their life,' the Princess wrote. 'Sadly, this is the reality faced by thousands of families across the country, leaving them heartbroken, fearful of the future and often desperately isolated.' 'Being able to access the support of one of the U.K.'s 54 children's hospices means they don't have to face that future alone,' added Middleton. 'As Patron of East Anglia's Children's Hospices and Tŷ Hafan Children's Hospice in South Wales, I have the immense privilege of seeing for myself the extraordinary work of our children's hospices,' she continued. 'Lifting spirits through laughter, fun and play, as well as listening, holding, caring and sharing, they support children and families through life, death and beyond.' 4 Catherine, Princess of Wales paints the hand of Maggie aged 4 years old whose sibling is being treated at Tŷ Hafan, a children's hospice based in Sully. Getty Images Middleton concluded her message with a note to the public, explaining: 'This Children's Hospice Week,I hope you will join me in celebrating the life-changing work they do and thanking them for the vital care they provide to children and families experiencing the most challenging times.' The Princess has been a stark advocate for kids hospice services since tying the knot with Prince William in 2011. Throughout her overseas tours, Middleton has also visited numerous hospices. In January, the royal visited Tŷ Hafan for the first time in Sully, South Wales, which was built with the support of Princess Diana. 4 Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge visits Waikato Hospice Rainbow Place on April 12, 2014 in Cambridge, New Zealand. Getty Images The director of family well-being services, Tracy Jones, said of the Princess' arrival: 'She immediately gravitated to the children and families — she spent quality time talking to every child and their parents.' 'It's been the most inspiring visit,' Jones continued. 'She crouched down and was straightaway on the level of the children. If they were in a wheelchair, she crouched at that level. If they were on the floor, she would be at the level,' she continues. 'We were seriously impressed with how she could stay in a crouch, as it's not that comfortable!' 4 Prince William, Prince of Wales (Colonel of the Welsh Guards), Prince Louis of Wales, Prince George of Wales, Catherine, Princess of Wales and Princess Charlotte of Wales watch an RAF flypast from the balcony of Buckingham Palace after attending Trooping The Colour 2025 on June 14, 2025 in London, England. Getty Images 'She instinctively seemed to know where to touch a child that was going to provide the connection, but not cause any distress or startle a child. She was looking at the children, even if she was talking to the parent. It's what we do, as we're used to working with children who are nonverbal.' Despite missing out on Royal Ascot, Middleton joined her husband and their three kids Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7, for the annual Trooping the Colour in London on Saturday.
Perth Now
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Matthew McConaughey to reteam with Nic Pizzolatto for Mike Hammer film
Matthew McConaughey is to play detective Mike Hammer in a new film. The 55-year-old actor is in talks to star in Skydance's upcoming movie based on the iconic book series - which inspired characters including Dirty Harry, Jack Reacher and James Bond - and his True Detective creator Nic Pizzolatto has written the script for the project, Deadline reports. Skydance's David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Don Granger will produce along with Entertainment 360's Guymon Casady, Benjamin Forkner of Pendleton, and Ken F. Levin also will produce. Mike Hammer first appeared in 1947 novel I, the Jury by author Mickey Spillane and has featured in a total of 22 novels, with Max Allan Collins taking over the franchise after the original writer passed away. Baby, It's Murder was described as the final book in the series and was released earlier this year. Nic recently suggested he could reunite with Matthew and Woody Harrelson because the pair were "open" to revisiting their True Detective characters, Detectives Rust Cohle and Marty Hart respectively, for a new idea he had. Speaking on Tim Green's Nothing Left Unsaid podcast last month, he said: 'I actually have another story for Cohle and Hart that, who knows, maybe we'll do it one day. 'But no, there is pressure, but I don't really feel or respond to pressure that way. I get pressure [from] myself and beyond that it doesn't exist so much for me and pressure tends to more revolve around, am I discharging my duty correctly for me?' But he insisted he wouldn't share any details of his story idea. He explained: 'If I said something on your show, there would be like five spec scripts going around Hollywood. No, I mean, it's character-based again, that's all, but it's not something I've written or anything. It's just, 'Oh, I had that in my head,' and we've talked about getting back together and doing it and I think the guys are open to it. It's just a question of whether that would ever happen or not.'
See - Sada Elbalad
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
Matthew McConaughey, Nic Pizzolatto Reunite for "Mike Hammer" Movie
Yara Sameh Matthew McConaughey and True Detective creator Nic Pizzolatto have found their next collaboration. McConaughey is in talks to star in a feature film from Skydance based on the iconic private investigator character Mike Hammer, with a script by Pizzolatto. Skydance has acquired the rights to the Mike Hammer property, with plans to develop and produce the bestselling book series into a feature film. The character originated in a 1947 novel by author Mickey Spillane and continued after Spillane's death in books by Max Allan Collins. In the book series that kicked off with Spillane's I, the Jury, Mike Hammer is a private investigator who plays by his own rules and carries a torch for assistant Velda. Baby, It's Murder is billed as the final book in the series and was released this year. Producers include Skydance's David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Don Granger, alongside Guymon Casady, Benjamin Forkner and Ken F. Levin. Collins is an executive producer, while Jane Spillane co-produces. Carin Sage oversees the film for Skydance. McConaughey recently returned to the screen after a six-year hiatus with 'The Rivals of Amziah King,'. He will next star alongside America Ferrera in the Apple TV+ disaster thriller 'The Lost Bus" and the comedy series "Brothers" alongside Woody Harrelson. 'I needed to write my own story, direct my own story on the page,' McConaughey told Variety earlier this year of his time away from the camera. read more New Tourism Route To Launch in Old Cairo Ahmed El Sakka-Led Play 'Sayidati Al Jamila' to Be Staged in KSA on Dec. 6 Mandy Moore Joins Season 2 of "Dr. Death" Anthology Series Don't Miss These Movies at 44th Cairo Int'l Film Festival Today Amr Diab to Headline KSA's MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2022 Festival Arts & Culture Mai Omar Stuns in Latest Instagram Photos Arts & Culture "The Flash" to End with Season 9 Arts & Culture Ministry of Culture Organizes four day Children's Film Festival Arts & Culture Canadian PM wishes Muslims Eid-al-Adha News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean News 3 Killed in Shooting Attack in Thailand
