The actor and writer on prepping to play famous people, the thrill of seeing Tom Cruise every day on Mission: Impossible, and his love of Naked Attraction
You have taken on the roles of Bamber Gascoigne, Malcolm McLaren, Peter Mandelson and Larry Grayson. How do you deliver believable portrayals of such well-known figures? VerulamiumParkRanger
I’ll start with the voice. Some are easier than others. I’ve just finished at the National Theatre, playing Sir John Gielgud, who sits very well in my voice. Larry Grayson was quite difficult. He’s deeper and rustier than you’d expect. The key to Malcolm McLaren was realising that he sounds like Larry the Lamb, strange and croaky. Mandelson has this underbite, which changes the shape of your face. The way he speaks is deliberate and laborious. Bamber Gascoigne is all about the glasses. I try to get glasses into any part. They’re very useful props.
You have taken on the roles of Bamber Gascoigne, Malcolm McLaren, Peter Mandelson and Larry Grayson. How do you deliver believable portrayals of such well-known figures? VerulamiumParkRanger
I’ll start with the voice. Some are easier than others. I’ve just finished at the National Theatre, playing Sir John Gielgud, who sits very well in my voice. Larry Grayson was quite difficult. He’s deeper and rustier than you’d expect. The key to Malcolm McLaren was realising that he sounds like Larry the Lamb, strange and croaky. Mandelson has this underbite, which changes the shape of your face. The way he speaks is deliberate and laborious. Bamber Gascoigne is all about the glasses. I try to get glasses into any part. They’re very useful props.
- 7/20/2023
- by As told to Rich Pelley
- The Guardian - Film News
Exclusive: The 2006 film Starter for 10, which helped launch the big-screen careers of James McAvoy, Benedict Cumberbatch, Rebecca Hall, Dominic Cooper and James Corden, is being developed into a stage musical.
The show, based on David Nicholls 2003 novel and director Tom Vaughan’s HBO/Playtone movie, will have its world premiere at the Bristol Old Vic in February.
“The film launched the careers of so many young actors, and we hope the musical will do the same,” producer Emma Hall told us.
London-based Hall revealed that Rebecca Hall “is my big sister, so she is just totally thrilled about this. This film, this book has a very special place in her heart.”
The story set in 1985 follows working-class freshman Brian Jackson, the part played by McAvoy in the film, as he begins his student days at Bristol University.
Brian’s dream is to win a place on his college University...
The show, based on David Nicholls 2003 novel and director Tom Vaughan’s HBO/Playtone movie, will have its world premiere at the Bristol Old Vic in February.
“The film launched the careers of so many young actors, and we hope the musical will do the same,” producer Emma Hall told us.
London-based Hall revealed that Rebecca Hall “is my big sister, so she is just totally thrilled about this. This film, this book has a very special place in her heart.”
The story set in 1985 follows working-class freshman Brian Jackson, the part played by McAvoy in the film, as he begins his student days at Bristol University.
Brian’s dream is to win a place on his college University...
- 4/18/2023
- by Baz Bamigboye
- Deadline Film + TV
BBC News media editor Amol Rajan has been appointed the new host of U.K. gameshow “University Challenge.”
The current host, Jeremy Paxman, revealed he would be stepping down after 28 years. He is set to shoot his last episode this fall and his last series will air from Aug. 29 through to next summer.
Rajan, who will step down as media editor later this year, is set to take over the hosting chair in early 2023, with his first episodes appearing in the fall. He will continue to present BBC Radio 4’s “Today” programme as well as “Amol Rajan Interviews.”
“University Challenge” is the U.K.’s longest-running quiz show, having launched 60 years ago fronted by Bamber Gascoigne. A documentary about the show is set to air on BBC Two and the BBC’s streaming platform iPlayer on Aug. 29.
“Being asked to host my favourite TV programme is dream-come-true territory,” said Rajan.
The current host, Jeremy Paxman, revealed he would be stepping down after 28 years. He is set to shoot his last episode this fall and his last series will air from Aug. 29 through to next summer.
Rajan, who will step down as media editor later this year, is set to take over the hosting chair in early 2023, with his first episodes appearing in the fall. He will continue to present BBC Radio 4’s “Today” programme as well as “Amol Rajan Interviews.”
“University Challenge” is the U.K.’s longest-running quiz show, having launched 60 years ago fronted by Bamber Gascoigne. A documentary about the show is set to air on BBC Two and the BBC’s streaming platform iPlayer on Aug. 29.
“Being asked to host my favourite TV programme is dream-come-true territory,” said Rajan.
- 8/18/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
BBC Media Editor and Today host Amol Rajan has been named the next University Challenge presenter, replacing Jeremy Paxman.
Paxman revealed he is leaving after three decades earlier this week and Rajan, who also presents on BBC Radio 2, The One Show and has an Amol Interviews series, will take over next year in the hotseat of the ITV Studios show. He will step down as BBC Media Editor but continue his other hosting duties.
Based on U.S. format College Bowl, University Challenge involves the brightest students in the country battling it out to answer incredibly difficult questions.
Rajan is just the third presenter on the BBC’s longest running show, following in the footsteps of Paxman and Bamber Gascoigne.
“Jeremy leaves a very big chair to fill but Amol’s experience, expertise and sense of humour makes him the perfect fit for one of Britain’s longest running and toughest quiz shows,...
Paxman revealed he is leaving after three decades earlier this week and Rajan, who also presents on BBC Radio 2, The One Show and has an Amol Interviews series, will take over next year in the hotseat of the ITV Studios show. He will step down as BBC Media Editor but continue his other hosting duties.
Based on U.S. format College Bowl, University Challenge involves the brightest students in the country battling it out to answer incredibly difficult questions.
Rajan is just the third presenter on the BBC’s longest running show, following in the footsteps of Paxman and Bamber Gascoigne.
“Jeremy leaves a very big chair to fill but Amol’s experience, expertise and sense of humour makes him the perfect fit for one of Britain’s longest running and toughest quiz shows,...
- 8/18/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Amol Rajan has been announced as the new presenter of University Challenge.
On Tuesday (16 August), Jeremy Paxman revealed that he’d be stepping down from his role as host after 28 years, ending his reign as the longest-serving current quizmaster on British television.
Currently the BBC’s media editor, Rajan was the editor of The Independent from 2013 to 2016.
In a statement, Rajan said: “Being asked to host my favourite TV programme is dream-come-true territory. I have watched University Challenge obsessively for years, addicted to its high standards, glorious title music, and inspirational contestants.
“It’s the best possible antidote to cynicism about young people, allowing millions of us to test our wits against the best minds of a new generation, and annoy and impress our families by barking answers from the sofa.”
Rajan initially joined The Independent in August 2007. Before becoming the editor in June 2013, he moved around the publication in the roles of news reporter,...
On Tuesday (16 August), Jeremy Paxman revealed that he’d be stepping down from his role as host after 28 years, ending his reign as the longest-serving current quizmaster on British television.
Currently the BBC’s media editor, Rajan was the editor of The Independent from 2013 to 2016.
In a statement, Rajan said: “Being asked to host my favourite TV programme is dream-come-true territory. I have watched University Challenge obsessively for years, addicted to its high standards, glorious title music, and inspirational contestants.
“It’s the best possible antidote to cynicism about young people, allowing millions of us to test our wits against the best minds of a new generation, and annoy and impress our families by barking answers from the sofa.”
Rajan initially joined The Independent in August 2007. Before becoming the editor in June 2013, he moved around the publication in the roles of news reporter,...
- 8/18/2022
- by Nicole Vassell
- The Independent - TV
Like the Doctor in the Tardis, the new presenter of University Challenge will know they have a hard act to follow, as Jeremy Paxman’s withering looks and razor-sharp question-mastery have become part of the show’s very identity. And, much like the new Doctor, when the BBC announced it would name University Challenge’s next host later this week, it prompted fierce speculation on social media.
So who could it be? While former Question Time and Newsnight presenters make some obvious choices, the new host will need to be someone with enough time in their schedule, and popular picks like Clive Myrie and Jeremy Vine are already busy with quiz shows Mastermind and Eggheads, respectively.
But that still leaves us with plenty of predictions. Fingers on buzzers! Here’s our starter for ten…
Samira Ahmed
A fearless and award-winning journalist and broadcaster, Ahmed will narrate a University Challenge documentary airing later this month,...
So who could it be? While former Question Time and Newsnight presenters make some obvious choices, the new host will need to be someone with enough time in their schedule, and popular picks like Clive Myrie and Jeremy Vine are already busy with quiz shows Mastermind and Eggheads, respectively.
But that still leaves us with plenty of predictions. Fingers on buzzers! Here’s our starter for ten…
Samira Ahmed
A fearless and award-winning journalist and broadcaster, Ahmed will narrate a University Challenge documentary airing later this month,...
- 8/16/2022
- by Rosie Fletcher
- Den of Geek
Jeremy Paxman is to step down from stalwart BBC quiz show University Challenge after almost three decades.
The former Newsnight presenter will film his last episode this fall and his final series will air from August to next Summer.
A new presenter will be announced later this week for the UK’s longest-running quiz show.
Paxman said he’d “had a blast hosting this wonderful series for nearly 29 years” and had “been lucky enough to work with an amazing team and meet some of the ‘swottier’ brains in the country.”
“It gives me hope for the future,” added Paxman, who is also a formidable political interviewer. He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease last year.
Paxman led a revived BBC Two Newsnight, which is based on U.S. format College Bowl, from 1994 after the ITV Studios-produced show was axed by ITV in 1987 following a 25-year run helmed by Bamber Gascoigne.
The former Newsnight presenter will film his last episode this fall and his final series will air from August to next Summer.
A new presenter will be announced later this week for the UK’s longest-running quiz show.
Paxman said he’d “had a blast hosting this wonderful series for nearly 29 years” and had “been lucky enough to work with an amazing team and meet some of the ‘swottier’ brains in the country.”
“It gives me hope for the future,” added Paxman, who is also a formidable political interviewer. He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease last year.
Paxman led a revived BBC Two Newsnight, which is based on U.S. format College Bowl, from 1994 after the ITV Studios-produced show was axed by ITV in 1987 following a 25-year run helmed by Bamber Gascoigne.
- 8/16/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Bamber Gascoigne, who was the original presenter of popular TV quiz show “University Challenge,” has died after a brief illness. He was 87.
Gascoigne presented the show, which aired on U.K. broadcaster ITV, from 1962-1987. The show was later revived on the BBC in 1994 and continues being aired.
2006 film “Starter for 10” revolved around “University Challenge.” It starred James McAvoy, Rebecca Hall and Benedict Cumberbatch and featured Mark Gatiss, who would go on to write BBC series “Sherlock,” as Gascoigne.
David Nicholls, who wrote the book “Starter for 10,” on which the film was based, said: “Bamber was a big part of my TV childhood and was very gracious about his fictional cameo in ‘Starter For 10.’ He came to the book launch and left me quite starstruck.”
Gascoigne was also known for presenting ITV documentary series “The Christians” (1977) and Channel 4 series “The Great Moghuls” (1990).
Stephen Fry, who participated...
Gascoigne presented the show, which aired on U.K. broadcaster ITV, from 1962-1987. The show was later revived on the BBC in 1994 and continues being aired.
2006 film “Starter for 10” revolved around “University Challenge.” It starred James McAvoy, Rebecca Hall and Benedict Cumberbatch and featured Mark Gatiss, who would go on to write BBC series “Sherlock,” as Gascoigne.
David Nicholls, who wrote the book “Starter for 10,” on which the film was based, said: “Bamber was a big part of my TV childhood and was very gracious about his fictional cameo in ‘Starter For 10.’ He came to the book launch and left me quite starstruck.”
Gascoigne was also known for presenting ITV documentary series “The Christians” (1977) and Channel 4 series “The Great Moghuls” (1990).
Stephen Fry, who participated...
- 2/8/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Bamber Gascoigne, the first University Challenge host who became one of the UK’s most beloved TV quiz presenters, has died aged 87, his representatives confirmed to the BBC. Gascoigne died at his home in Richmond, London after a short illness and is survived by his wife Christina, who he was married to for more than 50 years.
Born in London, Gascoigne won scholarships to both Eton and Cambridge where he read English literature and wrote a musical, Share My Lettuce, that went on to star Maggie Smith and Kenneth Williams.
His big break came in 1962 when he was selected as the first host for ITV quiz University Challenge, which was based on U.S. series College Bowl and is still airing today.
Gascoigne became a household name, presenting the show for 25 years and making phrases such as “Your starter for ten” and “I’ll have to hurry you” part of the everyday British lexicon.
Born in London, Gascoigne won scholarships to both Eton and Cambridge where he read English literature and wrote a musical, Share My Lettuce, that went on to star Maggie Smith and Kenneth Williams.
His big break came in 1962 when he was selected as the first host for ITV quiz University Challenge, which was based on U.S. series College Bowl and is still airing today.
Gascoigne became a household name, presenting the show for 25 years and making phrases such as “Your starter for ten” and “I’ll have to hurry you” part of the everyday British lexicon.
- 2/8/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Emma Thompson, Tom Hardy and Keira Knightley are some of the A-list stars that have been named in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List alongside industry executives including BBC Studios boss Tim Davie and Endemol Shine CEO Sophie Turner-Laing.
Sense and Sensibility star Thompson has been awarded a damehood, known as a dame commander of the order of the British Empire in the honors list, while The Dark Knight star Hardy was awarded a Cbe and Pirates of the Caribbean star Knightley handed an OBE.
The awards recognize the achievements of a wide range of extraordinary people across the United Kingdom and are the most high-profile awards made by the British monarch.
Professor Mary Beard, Professor of Classics, University of Cambridge, best known for presenting BBC documentaries such as Pompeii, has also been awarded a damehood, while BBC News reporter Kate Adie has been given a Cbe, as has BBC Studios boss Davie,...
Sense and Sensibility star Thompson has been awarded a damehood, known as a dame commander of the order of the British Empire in the honors list, while The Dark Knight star Hardy was awarded a Cbe and Pirates of the Caribbean star Knightley handed an OBE.
The awards recognize the achievements of a wide range of extraordinary people across the United Kingdom and are the most high-profile awards made by the British monarch.
Professor Mary Beard, Professor of Classics, University of Cambridge, best known for presenting BBC documentaries such as Pompeii, has also been awarded a damehood, while BBC News reporter Kate Adie has been given a Cbe, as has BBC Studios boss Davie,...
- 6/8/2018
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
He has spent years getting under the skin of his famous subjects. Now, for his first big-budget documentary, Theroux is tangling with the Scientologists. But, wonders Carole Cadwalladr, what is he holding back from us?
I really ought to be in a good position to interview Louis Theroux. “Ought” being the operative word here. Because, in theory, I have genuine insider information: I knew him before he was famous. These days, he has a proto-beard and what could be designer specs and legions of dedicated fans and groupies – when I look through his Twitter feed, I find a photo of someone with a tattoo of his face on their leg – but when I first met him he was 18 years old, had thick glasses, greasy hair and all the sexual charisma of a young Bamber Gascoigne.
So I ought to be in a good position, but as I fight off another question about myself,...
I really ought to be in a good position to interview Louis Theroux. “Ought” being the operative word here. Because, in theory, I have genuine insider information: I knew him before he was famous. These days, he has a proto-beard and what could be designer specs and legions of dedicated fans and groupies – when I look through his Twitter feed, I find a photo of someone with a tattoo of his face on their leg – but when I first met him he was 18 years old, had thick glasses, greasy hair and all the sexual charisma of a young Bamber Gascoigne.
So I ought to be in a good position, but as I fight off another question about myself,...
- 10/2/2016
- by Carole Cadwalladr
- The Guardian - Film News
Sometimes, some of us Doctor Who aficionados are an ungrateful bunch. After spending more than a decade in the wilderness, the programme was brought back into the fold and welcomed with open arms and critical acclaim. And yet, from time to time, us fans just can't resist the odd grumble when things don't quite go our way. Me myself, I'm guilty as charged – if the era of Russell T Davies was, by and large, very much to my liking (albeit with one or two scowls), the last couple of years haven't thrilled me so much. A good chunk of my last few reviews, in particular, have read like the frenzied burblings of Victor Meldrew.
Which kind of makes me feel a bit sad. I tuned into the behind-the-scenes documentary of the last story, The Time Of The Doctor, and evidently, everyone was giving it 110% to make Matt Smith go out with a bang.
Which kind of makes me feel a bit sad. I tuned into the behind-the-scenes documentary of the last story, The Time Of The Doctor, and evidently, everyone was giving it 110% to make Matt Smith go out with a bang.
- 2/14/2014
- Shadowlocked
Odd List Ryan Lambie Simon Brew 23 Jan 2014 - 05:44
Our series of lists devoted to underappreciated films brings us to the year 2006, and a further 25 overlooked gems...
With all the major films that elbow their way into their cinemas every year, there's bound to be some casualties among the big hits. And just like any other year, 2006 was dominated by the likes of Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest, The Da Vinci Code and Ice Age: The Meltdown. But in tandem, there were dozens of lesser-seen films which shuffled in and out of cinemas (or occasionally, didn't get a release in cinemas at all) without very many people noticing.
As we're sure you're aware by now, these lists aim to redress the balance a little, and hopefully introduce a few films from any given year that you may have missed. There are also one or two films that, although...
Our series of lists devoted to underappreciated films brings us to the year 2006, and a further 25 overlooked gems...
With all the major films that elbow their way into their cinemas every year, there's bound to be some casualties among the big hits. And just like any other year, 2006 was dominated by the likes of Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest, The Da Vinci Code and Ice Age: The Meltdown. But in tandem, there were dozens of lesser-seen films which shuffled in and out of cinemas (or occasionally, didn't get a release in cinemas at all) without very many people noticing.
As we're sure you're aware by now, these lists aim to redress the balance a little, and hopefully introduce a few films from any given year that you may have missed. There are also one or two films that, although...
- 1/22/2014
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
Student revue group helped launch careers of Peter Cook, Stephen Fry and Emma Thompson
Considering how successful Cambridge has been as a theatrical training ground for writers and performers, outsiders may be surprised to find that the university has no drama school.
The whole thing, Marlowe Society and Adc (Amateur Dramatic Club) presenting the classics, and Footlights tickling the comic muse, is kept going by the initiative of generation after generation of undergraduates. There are of course senior members of the university to advise and guide, but the various clubs lurch from flop to triumph with only ticket sales and members' enthusiasm and talent to sustain them.
Next week Cambridge celebrates the centenary of the Footlights, which came into existence on June 9, 1883. The Footlights has certainly lived off its wits. And what wits they have been. Skimming through Robert Hewison's centennial history of the club, the eye catches names like Ian Hay,...
Considering how successful Cambridge has been as a theatrical training ground for writers and performers, outsiders may be surprised to find that the university has no drama school.
The whole thing, Marlowe Society and Adc (Amateur Dramatic Club) presenting the classics, and Footlights tickling the comic muse, is kept going by the initiative of generation after generation of undergraduates. There are of course senior members of the university to advise and guide, but the various clubs lurch from flop to triumph with only ticket sales and members' enthusiasm and talent to sustain them.
Next week Cambridge celebrates the centenary of the Footlights, which came into existence on June 9, 1883. The Footlights has certainly lived off its wits. And what wits they have been. Skimming through Robert Hewison's centennial history of the club, the eye catches names like Ian Hay,...
- 6/3/2013
- The Guardian - Film News
Who was the real star of this year's NTAs? Corrie's Craig Gazey? John or Edward? Stephen Fry perhaps? If you answered yes to any of the above, you are wrong. The real TV highlight of Wednesday night came from a distinguished and poised 74-year-old gentleman with a superb fluffy barnet. That's right, it was super-boffin and quizmaster extraordinaire Bamber flippin' Gascoigne. For readers with short memories or those too young to remember a time before text messaging, Bamber Gascoigne was the original and best host of University Challenge. When (more)...
- 1/22/2010
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
NEW YORK -- Starter For Ten is a catchphrase from the classic British TV quiz show University Challenge. If contestants got the 'starter' right, they could win ten points and attempt to answer more questions without fear of interruption from their competitors. This light drama, scripted by David Nicholls from his novel, uses the long-running show as a backdrop to a young university student's rites-of-passage in the mid-1980s. It begins as an inconsequential meander through student life. But social commentary kicks-in after an hour to add bite so the result is appealing and entertaining.
U.S. audiences won't be much affected by the many British cultural references, and won't get the frequent jibes at Britain's long-established social hierarchy. But they're still likely to be amused by the array of eccentric Brits on display. The film successfully replicates the mellow charm of Brit hits About A Boy and Love Actually.
Set in 1985, the story follows working-class lad Brian (James McCavoy) through his first year at Bristol University. Brian is a typical 'grammar school' boy â€Â" a bright lad who's transcended his blue-collar roots by means of a good high school education. Brian is fascinated by general knowledge, and his ambition is to represent his university on University Challenge, a brainy TV quiz show that pits college against college.
Brian quickly makes the university team, then falls prey to the usual student temptations. Romance is his main problem, something that's not helped by falling for a rich student, Alice (Alice Eve). As personal entanglements start to take their toll on his academic pursuits, he starts to argue with his friends, old and new. A ruckus on the set of the University Challenge program forces Brian To see things from a different perspective, thus he returns to college with a new set of priorities.
As Brian's relationship with Alice deepens, an angrier tone seeps into the drama as Britain's lingering social divisions are exposed. In spite of Brian's superior intelligence, it's evident he'll never be allowed to become part of her exclusive world. This theme is hardly new -- it's been a staple of British drama since the late-'50s -- but director Tom Vaughan voices it with a pleasing degree of comic subtlety. Once Brian realizes his mistake, the story metamorphoses into one about learning from life's errors.
The comic centerpiece of Starter For Ten is a re-creation of an episode of the University Challenge show. Staged with the help of the show's producers, Granada TV, it's a precise rendering that even manages to replicate the camera angles and washed-out color of the broadcast. Mark Gatiss puts in a splendid performance as the show's seemingly inimitable host, Bamber Gascoigne. British audiences should find this sequence hilarious. U.S. viewers, though unfamiliar with the program, will find its arcane and eccentric format equally funny if the preview audience is anything to go by.
The soundtrack is swamped with '80s music, and features five tracks by post-punk goths, The Cure. The pop culture references are occasionally askew â€Â" it's unlikely that a character would have a copy of the Buzzcocks' late-Seventies power-pop hit "Ever Fallen In Love?" on her turntable in 1985, as they were considered out of date. Indeed, the film often looks and feels more like the grim and gray England of the late-1970s, rather than the grim but slightly more colorful England of the mid-1980s.
Picturehouse presents, HBO Films presents, BBC Films, Playtone Pictures in Association with Neal Street productions.
Credits
Director: Tom Vaughan
Writer: David Nicholls
Producers: Tom Hanks, Gary Goetzman, Pippa Harris
Executive producers: Sam Mendes, Steven Shareshian, Nathalie Marciano, Michelle Chydzik Sowa
Co-producer: Mary Richards
Director of photography: Ashley Rowe
Production designer: Sarah Greenwood
Music: Blake Neeley
Costumes: Charlotte Morris
Editors: Jon Harris, Heather Persons.
Cast:
Brian: James McAvoy
Alice Harbinson: Alice Eve
Rebecca Epstein: Rebecca Hall
Julie Jackson: Catherine Tate
Spencer: Dominic Cooper
Patrick: Benedict Cumberpatch
Tone: James Corden
Michael Harbinson: Charles Dance
Rose Harbinson: Lindsay Duncan
MPAA rating PG-13
Running time -- 92 minutes...
U.S. audiences won't be much affected by the many British cultural references, and won't get the frequent jibes at Britain's long-established social hierarchy. But they're still likely to be amused by the array of eccentric Brits on display. The film successfully replicates the mellow charm of Brit hits About A Boy and Love Actually.
Set in 1985, the story follows working-class lad Brian (James McCavoy) through his first year at Bristol University. Brian is a typical 'grammar school' boy â€Â" a bright lad who's transcended his blue-collar roots by means of a good high school education. Brian is fascinated by general knowledge, and his ambition is to represent his university on University Challenge, a brainy TV quiz show that pits college against college.
Brian quickly makes the university team, then falls prey to the usual student temptations. Romance is his main problem, something that's not helped by falling for a rich student, Alice (Alice Eve). As personal entanglements start to take their toll on his academic pursuits, he starts to argue with his friends, old and new. A ruckus on the set of the University Challenge program forces Brian To see things from a different perspective, thus he returns to college with a new set of priorities.
As Brian's relationship with Alice deepens, an angrier tone seeps into the drama as Britain's lingering social divisions are exposed. In spite of Brian's superior intelligence, it's evident he'll never be allowed to become part of her exclusive world. This theme is hardly new -- it's been a staple of British drama since the late-'50s -- but director Tom Vaughan voices it with a pleasing degree of comic subtlety. Once Brian realizes his mistake, the story metamorphoses into one about learning from life's errors.
The comic centerpiece of Starter For Ten is a re-creation of an episode of the University Challenge show. Staged with the help of the show's producers, Granada TV, it's a precise rendering that even manages to replicate the camera angles and washed-out color of the broadcast. Mark Gatiss puts in a splendid performance as the show's seemingly inimitable host, Bamber Gascoigne. British audiences should find this sequence hilarious. U.S. viewers, though unfamiliar with the program, will find its arcane and eccentric format equally funny if the preview audience is anything to go by.
The soundtrack is swamped with '80s music, and features five tracks by post-punk goths, The Cure. The pop culture references are occasionally askew â€Â" it's unlikely that a character would have a copy of the Buzzcocks' late-Seventies power-pop hit "Ever Fallen In Love?" on her turntable in 1985, as they were considered out of date. Indeed, the film often looks and feels more like the grim and gray England of the late-1970s, rather than the grim but slightly more colorful England of the mid-1980s.
Picturehouse presents, HBO Films presents, BBC Films, Playtone Pictures in Association with Neal Street productions.
Credits
Director: Tom Vaughan
Writer: David Nicholls
Producers: Tom Hanks, Gary Goetzman, Pippa Harris
Executive producers: Sam Mendes, Steven Shareshian, Nathalie Marciano, Michelle Chydzik Sowa
Co-producer: Mary Richards
Director of photography: Ashley Rowe
Production designer: Sarah Greenwood
Music: Blake Neeley
Costumes: Charlotte Morris
Editors: Jon Harris, Heather Persons.
Cast:
Brian: James McAvoy
Alice Harbinson: Alice Eve
Rebecca Epstein: Rebecca Hall
Julie Jackson: Catherine Tate
Spencer: Dominic Cooper
Patrick: Benedict Cumberpatch
Tone: James Corden
Michael Harbinson: Charles Dance
Rose Harbinson: Lindsay Duncan
MPAA rating PG-13
Running time -- 92 minutes...
- 9/15/2006
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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