Christian’s Bale mesmerising performance in Werner Herzog’s 'Rescue Dawn' (Pathé, €24.99) at times makes for difficult viewing.

Set in l930s Alabama, on a plantation of the title's name, this tale of slavery veers into such modern arguments as whither American 2006 society, the Gulf Wars and race relations.

We have not had, outside the world of porn videos, a film quite like this; a mainstream Hollywood film about, er, the spanking and humiliation of secretaries.

Soderbergh re-works the Russian 'space' drama by the late, great director, Andrei Tarkovsky; and Clooney shines.

A new poll has placed Pop Idol rivals Will Young and Gareth Gates neck and neck ahead of Saturday's final.