Things may be comparatively 'alright' for British cinema. I mean, after all, there have been a number of recent worldwide successes emanating from this side of the Atlantic. 2001's Gosford Park is a good example -- one of my very favourite films -- and 2002's Bend it Like Beckham being another. We do churn out some interesting projects. But an article in the Observer today reminded me of the "value" of success. I'm not the first person to bitch about the relentless financial focus of the industry today, and nor will I be the last, but from a British perspective, it's difficult to question the motives of the British Film Council, and its method of distribution.
I'm not going to launch into the misguided hocus pocus view of English culture, its commercial value, the mythical essence of Notting Hill. While it's easy to criticise this dream-like vision of England as a white middle-class haven, it is easily neutralised by filmmakers such as Mike Leigh and Ken Loach, and the socio-realism they bring with them. But how long will this last? Is there another Leigh or Loach hiding in the shadows? And are they going to be sufficiently backed?
The most worrying thing about all of this is that even after Mike Leigh's triumphant Vera Drake -- a film nominated for 3 MAJOR oscars -- success is still a box-office breakout, or a cult dvd crowd. Perhaps when the British Film Council are assessing the potential "success" of a film in their care, they should ask themselves whether its really necessary.
Why ON EARTH would anyone in their right mind want to see Anne Hathaway 'become' Jane Austen? And while we're at it, why ON EARTH would Renee Zelwegger want to play Beatrix Potter? It beggars belief, it really does.
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