A History of Britain through film

[belboid]

Not as well known as films though and probably wouldn’t get programmed. I don’t think the subject matter is a problem, it’s just that Kermode is too lightweight and superficial a film historian to grapple with it. I never could take a man seriously who thinks the The Exorcist is the most profound movie ever made.

He's just not a film historian. He's an amiable film critic who now serves as the BBC's font all all knowledge for all things film. A sign of how little the BBC cares about film, really (and I do enjoy listening to Kermode)

 

[Reno]

He's just not a film historian. He's an amiable film critic who now serves as the BBC's font all all knowledge for all things film. A sign of how little the BBC cares about film, really (and I do enjoy listening to Kermode)

True, but for the purpose of this he has to take the role of a film historian and that's where it becomes obvious how limited his knowledge is. Mark Cousins, who unlike Kermode genuinely has a vast knowledge of film and who is far more insightful, would get more out of a subject like this but he wouldn’t get the viewers. I know, it’s all just supposed to be entertainment with little real substance.

 

[JimW]

Could have had Brownlow's Winstanley for the Civil War period.

 

[redsquirrel]

Accepting that, what key films and periods are missing? It actually covers every century from the last dozen or so, tho a tad heavy on Arthur, Robin Hood & H8/Liz1 (not all the films about them are included). There is only a little 'people's history' (which Kermode does recognise)

Some good stuff but some right trash as well. Missing stuff on early 20th Century and 70s/80s, must be something better than Billy f'ing Ellot about the Miner's Strike.
Still good to see Comrades in there.

 

[belboid]

Elliot is only in there to talk about music (and it was only mentioned, almost in passing). Other than Pride, there are no films about the miners strike. And the twentieth century is the least interesting one, not least because we can actually see so much of it in film taken at the time, so no need for films to be made.

 

[belboid]

also, for the victorians the indian mutiny / war of independence - however you wish to term it - was the subject of many novels which have now been forgotten. i can't offhand think of a film about the mutiny: there must be one though.

Sorry, hadn't seen your addendum before.

The mutiny does crop up in Victoria & Abdul, and is discussed, but never shown. Can't think of anything else though. The British in India are quite rarely portrayed at all, considering. Gunga Din is mentioned, and there are few other classics (Black Narcissus, Bhowani Junction, Passage to India & Carry on Up the Khyber). Viceroy's House came out last year about partition, and maybe Lagaan would be a more relevant substitute for/addition to Gunga Din.

 

[Sprocket.]

Could have had Brownlow's Winstanley for the Civil War period.

I would have added, To Kill a King, with Dougray Scott, Tim Roth and Rupert Everett, for the Civil Wars period.

 

[redsquirrel]

Elliot is only in there to talk about music (and it was only mentioned, almost in passing). Other than Pride, there are no films about the miners strike. And the twentieth century is the least interesting one, not least because we can actually see so much of it in film taken at the time, so no need for films to be made.

Still the Enemy Within and not about the strike directly but Brassed Off

 

[belboid]

Still the Enemy Within and not about the strike directly but Brassed Off

There are plenty of documentaries, Brassed Off would be more fitting than BE tho

 

[JimW]

What about Prime of Miss Jean Brodie for early 20th C? Seem to recall fair amount of social and political background.