Islam's relationship with democracy
Tuesday 12 February 2008 21:45-22:30 (Radio 3)
Rana Mitter and three experts examine the state of Pakistani democracy, as the country prepares to go to the polls under the dark cloud of Benazir Bhutto's assassination.
Fresh from a Bafta win, Coen Brothers' long-time cinematographer Roger Deakins talks about his varied career working on films such as A Beautiful Mind and O Brother Where Art Thou?
Plus the first night review of the much-anticipated Old Vic production of David Mamet's Speed-the-Plow, starring Kevin Spacey and Jeff Goldblum.
Playlist
Pakistani Democracy
Rana Mitter examines the nature and state of Pakistani democracy.
The country inherited democratic institutions and experience from colonial rule of the region. But from the controversial actions of its founder Jinnah onwards, interested parties have all failed in their bid to achieve either a democracy, a theocracy or a permanent military dictatorship for Pakistan.
As elections loom next week under the dark cloud of the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, Rana asks three experts what challenges and what supports democracy as the polls prepare to open.
Roger Deakins
Also on the programme Rana talks to the man who has just won a Bafta for No Country for Old Men; the Coen Brothers' long-time collaborator and cinematographer, Roger Deakins.
Famous for his work on films such as White Mischief, A Beautiful Mind and O Brother Where Art Thou, Rana talks to him about his varied career.
The cinematographer discusses working with the Coens and the freedom that such a long-term partnership offers as well as the importance to his own career of shooting documentaries. His film Eritrea: Behind Enemy Lines, was shot in the villages of Eritrea in the late 1970s as he followed the fight for independence from Ethiopia.
No Country for Old Men is out now, certificate 15.
Speed-the-Plow
Breathless from the theatre, Rana has the first night review of the hugely anticipated Old Vic production of David Mamet's Speed-the-Plow starring Kevin Spacey and Jeff Goldblum.
Speed-the-Plow is at the Old Vic Theatre, London and runs until 26th April.
