Social realism met satirical fantasy in this much-loved, bittersweet comedy from 1963, a singular classic and a landmark among the influential ‘kitchen sink’ dramas of the British New Wave. Scripted by Keith Waterhouse and Willis Hall (from their successful stage adaptation of Waterhouse’s novel), it’s the tale of a devious Everyman who has the ambition, but not the character or energy, to escape his dull life – except in his vivid daydreams. The film is grounded in director John Schlesinger and cinematographer Denys Coop’s detailed presentation of the ‘ee, it’s grim oop North’ miserabilism popular in British post-War cinema while gleefully signalling the change in the air as the Sixties began to Swing.
Yorkshire lad and one of the Angry Young Men with a difference, Billy Fisher (Tom Courtenay) is a discontented clerk at funeral directors Shadrach and Duxbury’s. He is also a slyly compelling mix of the innocent fabulist with the self-absorbed, pathological liar. The Dickensian atmosphere of his work environment and his testy home life (with parents Wilfrid Pickles and Mona Washbourne, and Ethel Griffies’ gran Florence) are scarcely alleviated by his lethargic amorous entanglement between two demanding fiancées (Helen Fraser as bourgeois Barbara and Gwendolyn Watts as brassy Rita) who are unaware they are sharing Billy’s limited attention span and one engagement ring.
Continue reading "Billy Liar" »
Every kid has a dream. Cody Maverick‘s was to emulate the greatest surfer of all time, Big Z. We follow this young penguin from the humble origins of Shiverpool, Antarctic, along with a documentary film crew on his journey from qualifying to his first competitive tournament on the Island of Pen Gu. The contest is the Big Z memorial Surf off, in honour of the Great One who was lost to the world, his body never to be found. Cody encounters many characters on the way that lead him to his destiny, and change his views on the meaning of surfing.
This animated treat from Sony Pictures is something they should be proud of. Although there have been a whole spate of Penguin-themed films in recent times, this stands out. The dialogue and character portrayals are excellent, and the performances of the actors complement the stunning visual effects that suspend your disbelief with each crashing cartoon wave.
The voice of Cody (Shia Labeouf) is spot on in tone, and the supporting contributions from surfing nemesis Tank Evans (Diedruch Bader) and mellow surfer Chicken Joe (Jon Heder), whom Cody befriends on the way, are strong and well balanced.
The appearance of a washed up old surfer (Jeff Bridges) who guides Cody to a new light, provides the main sub plot of the film. Aptly named the Geek, no doubts a few wry smiles will appear on the faces of any fellow Cohen Brothers fans watching this one.
Surf’s Up may not surpass the innovative trailer that so brilliantly captures the essence of the narrative, but it rides the wave well that it dares set itself against, pulling off some sweet turns in the style that it is presented. The interviews of the baby penguins expressing their thoughts on the tournament’s competitors, is one such example.
Continue reading "Surf’s Up " »
Social realism met satirical fantasy in this much-loved, bittersweet comedy from 1963, a singular classic and a landmark among the influential ‘kitchen sink’ dramas of the British New Wave. Scripted by Keith Waterhouse and Willis Hall (from their successful stage adaptation of Waterhouse’s novel), it’s the tale of a devious Everyman who has the ambition, but not the character or energy, to escape his dull life – except in his vivid daydreams. The film is grounded in director John Schlesinger and cinematographer Denys Coop’s detailed presentation of the ‘ee, it’s grim oop North’ miserabilism popular in British post-War cinema while gleefully signalling the change in the air as the Sixties began to Swing. 
