LFF1: The kick-off

The 52nd London Film Festival kicked off in high style last night with the world premiere of Frost/Nixon, based on Peter Morgan's award-winning play. Cast and crew arrived by red carpet in Leicester Square, including (left to right) Kevin Bacon, Toby Jones, Michael Sheen, Frank Langella, Ron Howard, Oliver Platt and Matthew Macfadyen. And David Frost was even there to see himself portrayed on screen.

In the festival today:

Frost/Nixon ****
Michael Sheen and Frank Langella make the most of Peter Morgan's astute script, which draws subtle parallels between the White Houses of 1974 and 2008. Absolutely riveting.

La Belle Personne ****
Christophe Honore's latest slice of Paris life, looking at a series of exceptionally well-played love triangles in a high school. Funny and surprisingly emotional.

Three Blind Mice ***
Intriguing Australian drama about three young soldiers who take an allnight odyssey before going back into service. Strong stuff, but feels a bit stagey.

Flame & Citron ***
Epic WWII drama about two hitmen in the Danish resistance who are caught in a murky situation between the Allies and the Nazis. A little over-ambitious, but a superb true story.

Reviews of films I've seen will be posted at the Shadows Festival, and I'll continue to add thumbnails like this between now and closing night on 30th October.