British Film Focus
British Independent Film Awards
The BIFA annual awards ceremony took place on 9th December. It was created in 1998 to honour the fast growing number of independent British films outside the mainstream releases. This year “Broken” starring Tim Roth (“Reservoir Dogs” (1992)) and Cillian Murphy (“Sunshine” (2007)) was named best film. The story centres on three families living in a quiet cul-de-sac in North London following a violent attack on a local schoolgirl. This is the debut feature of theatre director Rufus Norris who trained at RADA before turning to directing. Peter Strickland’s psychological thriller “Berberian Sound Studio” picked up four awards. Toby Jones plays a shy sound engineer who travels to Italy to record sound effects for a horror film. His efforts feature butchering melons, cabbages and radishes to achieve the right sounds.
Andrea Riseborough
The up and coming British actress received a best actress award from at the BIFA’s for her part in “Shadow Dancer” about an IRA member turned informer. A big part for her, out next year, is sci-fi film “Oblivion” starring Tom Cruise, a trailer for which was released recently, in what looks to be a big sc-fi hit for 2013. She’s been thrown in the deep end with this role which should open many doors in Hollywood for the actress from Whitley Bay in the North East of England. Her character of Victoria is so far shrouded in mystery. After Earth’s evacuation, on a mission to collect valuable resources, drone Jack Harper (Cruise) attempts to rescue her. Riseborough is one of a group of young British newcomers making names for themselves across the pond. There is a big opportunity to flourish under the direction of Joseph Kosinsku, who is responsible for producing and co-writing the screenplay as well. He has already experienced success with creativity the sci fi genre with sequel “Tron: Legacy” (2010). Riseborough also starred in “Brighton Rock” (2011) with Helen Mirren (“The Queen” (2006)) and in the same year in “W.E” she played a stunning portrayal as Wallis Simpson, under the direction of Madonna.
“Quartet” (2013)
Released at the beginning of January 2013 this is a film to beat the post-Christmas blues. “Quartet” features an ensemble cast of fabulous British oldies in a witty comedy just right for the kind of audience who enjoyed films like “Calendar Girls” (2003) and “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” (2011). Maggie Smith (“Gosford Park” (2001)) leads the group as Jean, a retired opera singer who moves into a plush ‘retirement home’ especially for musicians. Expect lots of laughs as she reconnects with old friends and lovers from her past and confronts the reasons behind her retirement from opera. Michael Gambon (Prof Albus Dumbledore to most), Scottish comedian Billy Connelly and Tom Courtenay (“The Golden Compass” (2007)) also star. This is Dustin Hoffman’s first turn at directing and this is a very interesting choice to direct such a rich British cast; and a challenging task for the first time director.
“Citadel” (2012)
A strange suspense thriller released earlier this year. You probably missed it but, if you’re into that sort of thing, it’s definitely worth a watch. A year after helplessly watching his pregnant girlfriend being attacked by a gang of hooligans a young and highly agoraphobic father (Aneurin Barbard) tries to protect his daughter from the same gang. Running away from a gang is tough enough without holding a baby as well. The film is short at only 85 minutes and the first half is mainly concerned with a nurse and a priest trying to talk him past his fears. The rest of the film is focused on Barbard’s nervously looking over his shoulder at shadowy hallways and mysterious shapes in doorways.