No-one could see all 360 movies at the London Film Festival and whittling the choice down to less than a dozen is a challenge. You might begin by ruling out all the experimental films, the shorts, and the movies obviously aimed at niche audiences or with axes to grin. Then learn to read between the lines of the eulogistic blurb which accompanies every offering. ‘Slow burn’ means the pace is glacial. ‘Non-linear’ means the story is incomprehensible to the audience and perhaps to the film-makers as well. ‘Distinctive colour palate’ means they couldn’t afford in-date film. ‘Restless camera’ means you are likely to feel seasick. ‘Coming of Age’ – well, you’ve lived it and seen it before.
