Scantlebury Reviews

Back to Life (2019–2021)

Wow - what a corker of a series. Everyone involved should feel proud

[10/10 · 18 August 2019]

Here's another recommendation for a brief series binge - this time it's the excellent, bittersweet "Back to Life" written and starring Daisy Haggard (obviously very talented beyond the 'gurning' she had to do in Episodes).

It's good on many levels. One it's relatively short - 6 x 30 minute episodes. Secondly it's got a great cast - Geraldine James, Richard Durden ("I am a Viking!" - what a great role for an old guy!), a charming Liam "Fireboy" Williams, Adeel Akhtar, Rhona Cameron (where has she been?) and Souad Faress (Usha from The Archers - amazed to discover she's 71 years old!).

Finally, beyond the excellent writing and characterisation is the cinematography - and I use that word justifiably. For a BBC3 show, the look is superb. Not only are the locations are some of my favourite places in Kent (Hythe, Dungeness, Lydd-on-Sea along with Abbot's Cliff Sound Mirror in Dover, high on top of the White Cliffs), both the direction and setting are on a 'Broadchurch' setting, and better than a fair number of recent cinematic offerings which have seemed amateur by comparison even when it comes down to the basics like focus pulling.

The Director, Chris Sweeney, has to date only really been known for music videos, but he has along with the superb cast has certainly done the source material proud.

The Invisible Lighthouse (2013)

A personal, warm tale of where Thomas is and where he is from

[9/10 · 10 May 2013]

I saw this at Kings Place with Thomas narrating, playing live music (solo) as the movie played out. The film was (is being) made on a shoe-string £1500 budget and filmed (in the main) using pro-sumer kit and edited in Final Cut Pro. Thomas still obviously has a real flare for imagery, character and place. If anyone remembers his early work, classic mid 20th century costume and props are much in evidence. Set in the main on the Suffolk Coast around Orford Ness, this is an engaging, personal and very warm documentary tale of where Thomas came from, where he lives and what is important to him. The narrative is in the main centred around the fate of the Orfordness Lighthouse. The noble nature of the film reminded me in some ways of Jonathan Meade's fantastic architectural treatise on the much maligned Essex. Counties and places overlooked by the superficial need works such as these to instill and inspire pride and value in those that live and work there. Thoroughly recommended, especially when you have the man himself there commenting on the film and playing the soundtrack! Some lovely music and a guest spot amongst others by Eddie Reader.

Archipelago (2010)

Bergman-esque

[10/10 · 2 September 2012]

Locked off cinematography much discussed. In compensation every shot seems to have been beautifully considered. Yes it is slow but it is also brooding.

Not at all pretentious in my mind. Very atmospheric. Great soundscape. Love the shot where Edward goes looking for Cynthia and is calling 'C' against a night time shot with the white wave crests breaking in the distance. Fabulous.

Yes there is no action. The lack of which does not result in no drama. The improvisation certainly adds substance to a austere script.

The characters are somewhat under developed at times (Rose garners the most sympathy) but that merely encourages the viewer to "think" for themselves.

Beautiful scenery from the Isles of Scilly. Loved it.

Lost Command (1966)

Good drama

[7/10 · 27 August 2006]

Having seen Pontecorvo's "La Battaglia di Algeri" (The Battle of Algiers) which is an excellent French docudrama my attention was drawn to this. I have to say that it is a good movie which not only serves as an entertaining drama (unlike the previously mentioned which was more documentary-like), but a reasonable record of some of the issues facing Algeria, France and society at the time. The choice of George Segal in the role of as Mahidi was particularly odd but reflects the era when it was made. Alain Dellon was in his prime at the time (and very good looking). Anthony Quinn as Raspeguy also surpasses many of his other roles in being highly engaging and convincing without the need, as was the case of some of his other roles, to resort to comedy. Two hours long but a lot packed in. The action sequences are well handled.