Displaying items by tag: Eddie Marsan

FIREBRAND

UK, 2023, 121 minutes, Colour.

Alicia Vikander, Jude Law, Simon Russell Beale, Eddie Marsan, Sam Riley, Erin Doherty, Junia Rees, Patsy Ferran.

Directed by Karim Ainouz.

There is always something interesting and arresting in any story about Henry VIII. And, this is the case here, Henry VIII at the end of his life, returning from battles, throwing his (heavy) weight around, acting on whims, up and down relationship with his wife, Katherine Parr, and caught up in political machinations, especially with the Seymours, the brothers of his late wife, Jane Seymour, uncles of his heir, the boy to be Edward VI. And, there are ecclesiastical intrigues, strong-minded promoters of Protestant theology, ambiguous Catholic prelates like Stephen Gardiner, and, especially the death of Henry VIII.

While this film is supposed to be a history of Katherine Parr, it is a fiction based on a successful series of novels by Elizabeth Fremantle. At this point, it is worth recommending another series of novels, those of the barrister, Matthew Shardlake, long but engrossing books by C.J.Sansom bringing this period vividly to life.

There is a difficulty with the title here, Firebrand. This is not exactly firebrand storytelling. There are some sparks but, rather, this is a somewhat dark and claustrophobic story, mainly confined within the palace. Nevertheless, it reminds us that Katherine Parr was a strong woman even if in the various stories of Henry VIII, she comes at the end of his succession of six wives. And she survived him (though, with a touch of fiction, Henry VIII in this film does not survive her.)

Katherine Parr is played by Alicia Vikander, an intelligent woman, a writer, collector of prayers, committed to the Protestant cause, in contact with a strong female evangelist who experiences the ire of the King. Katherine has served as regent while Henry has been away at the wars. She has been successful, also a strong stepmother young Elizabeth and the young Edward. At this stage, Mary, with her fiery Spanish background from her mother, Katherine of Aragon, is a young adult at the court.

But, while the film shows Katherine as strong, the performance is not quite as attention commanding as intended. Jude Law is pompous, vulgar, festering leg injury, callous in terms of his lustful roving eye, a monarch of whims, Law certainly holding audience attention. As does Simon Russell Beale as Stephen Gardner, reminding audiences of the complexities of the break from Rome, of the role of the Catholics, of the role of the emerging Church of England. Gardiner machinations, intrigues, has the ear of the king, is hostile to Katherine Parr, the scenes of the film concerning him the most active.

While Katherine Parr survived and married Thomas Seymour, the last part of the film highlights the Tudor history to come in drawing attention to the young Elizabeth, her character, her emerging self-assertion.

Firebrand does not stand out amongst the film is about Henry VIII but, the subject matter is always interesting and intriguing.

1. The title? As applied to Katherine Parr, the historical role, author, promoter of the Protestant cause, relationship with the Seymours, the last wife of Henry VIII? Not so much of a firebrand in this version?
2. Elizabeth Fremantle and her Tudor novels? Adapted, historical interpretations, inventions, the film’s screenplay and further interventions and interpretations?
3. The period, the last year of Henry VIII’s life? His return from the wars? His reputation, Katherine of Aragon and the divorce, the clash with Rome, wanting the male heir, execution of Anne Boleyn, Elizabeth, Jane Seymour and her death, Prince Edward? The marriage to Katherine Parr, her being Regent during his absence, stepmother to his children?
4. The portrait of Katherine Parr, her age, her past, marriages and widow, relationship with the Seymours, the political implications? Her concern about her books, her prayers and compositions, publishing? Her skills, as Regent, the relationship with Elizabeth, good stepmother? The marriage to Henry VIII, a loving relationship, tolerating the relationship, personal, sexual, political? His ability to turn against those closest to him? The execution of two of his previous wives?
5. Katherine Parr, the connection with Anne Askew, the scenes with Anne Askew, her preaching, her beliefs, the Bible, strong Protestantism? Katherine Parr’s support? The gift of the heirloom and its later been used against her?
6. Jude Law’s interpretation of Henry VIII, big, ageing, jovial, hedonistic, whims, narcissistic, back from the war, his past, his children, his hold over them, trusting Katherine Parr, his relationship with her, his vigorous and violent sexuality? Food? His health, the infection on his leg, the doctors treating him, in close-up? The sores, the smell?
7. The King’s behaviour, his whims, erratic, the banquet, his eyeing of the young woman and interviewing her, getting her to sing, all in the presence of his wife? The expectations of the time for the king and women? His relationship with the Seymours? His relationship with Stephen Gardiner, Gardiner’s advice, machinations, against Anne Askew, against the Queen?
8. The Seymours, Katherine’s relationship with Thomas, the planning of Edward, the era of the king, the king suspicions about Thomas, the accession of Prince Edward, Edward and advising Thomas to betray Katherine for their political safety?
9. Stephen Gardiner, Catholic background, in the service of Henry VIII, the fluidity of Catholic prelates and Protestant prelates, the absence of Thomas Cranmer from this film, Gardiner, Catholic attitudes, against Anne Askew, interrogating the Queen, his visits, interviews, his political and religious names?
10. The portrait of Mary, speaking Spanish, memories of her mother, her age, attitude towards Elizabeth, in the presence of the king, the banquets, her relationship to Katherine?
11. The portrait of Elizabeth, strong minded, her age, coping in the court, her attitude towards her father, the memories of her mother’s death? Reliance on Katherine Parr?
12. Prince Edward, his age, heir to the throne, the Seymour’s? His role in the court, his father’s attitude?
13. Katherine Parr, the pregnancy, and invention for this story, the experience of the pregnancy, the king’s reaction, the miscarriage, the blood, the consequences?
14. Katherine, the arrest, in prison, the release, her going to visit Henry, invented aspect of her responsibility for his death? Fiction?
15. The enclosed nature of this story, within the walls of the Castle, some views of the building from outside, but the claustrophobic effect? And in the confines of this Tudor world?

MIDAS MAN

UK, 2024, 112 minutes, Colour.

Jacob Fortune-Lloyd, Eddie Marsan, Emily Watson, Bill Milner, Jonah Lees, Ed Speleers, Eddie Izzard, Milo Parker.

Directed by Joe Stephenson.

The release of Midas Man coincides with the 60^th anniversary of the Beatles taking America by storm. Five years earlier, the four young physicians from Liverpool were playing in local clubs, going over to Hamburg, prospect of spending their lives playing in local venues. But, this is not what happened. And the reason? Entrepreneur Brian Epstein.

In the many stories and histories of the Beatles, Brian Epstein is a presence, sometimes upfront, more frequently behind the scenes. But here is a film that brings him centre-screen. It is his personal story. But, it is the story of a man with great energy, an eye for talent, and a commitment to the promotion of this talent.

He is played by Jacob Fortune-Lloyd (and Fortune making a connection with the Midas touch).

Epstein belonged to a prominent Liverpool family, Jewish, very successful in retail business, pressure from his father, Eddie Marsan, support from his mother, Emily Watson. He has an ear for contemporary music. He has an eye for talent, claiming that the store could deliver any record from any place in the world within five days. And he receives a request, a record the local lads, going to see them in one of the Liverpool clubs.

As regards the Beatles and their songs, their singing is included but not their songs, just references to them. But, there is a focus on them as personalities, the supporting cast of young actors who resemble him quite tellingly so that there is no puzzle as to who is who, a special commendation for Jonah Lees as John Lennon, his singing, his leadership, humour, his quips.

Initially the Beatles were rather wary, cocky 20-year-olds (with John Lennon only 20 more years of life, with Sir Paul McCartney still with us) considering Brian Epstein particularly posh, a different league from their own experience. However, they agree to a meeting, an audition, Epstein working hard, their being turned down by every record company but given a hearing by George Martin (who does appear later in the film but was their supportive producer).

The film also touches on Brian Epstein’s managing Gerry and the Pacemakers and some sequences with another protégé, Cilla Black. Since the film is about Epstein more than the Beatles, it shows his efforts, the contact with Ed Sullivan and persuading him to feature the Beatles, leading to their number one on the charts as well as their American success.

But, Epstein is a complex character, workaholic and driven, touches of gambling, relying on drink and an increasing number of pills to keep him going. And, there is the issue of his sexual orientation, the status of British law on homosexuals at that the period, episodes of cruising, police pursuit, blackmail, relationships and betrayal. And the response of his parents, the death of his father, his father’s reticence in praising him, his reliance on his mother.

Brian Epstein died of an accidental overdose of drugs when he was only 32. A successful life, but a successful life cut very short.

1. Memories of the Beatles? 60 years later? And memories of Brian Epstein?
2. The popularity of the Beatles in the 1960s, origins in Liverpool, playing in Hamburg, Liverpool clubs, their age, musical talent, cheekiness, the discovery by Brian Epstein, the consequences, auditions, promotions, records, worldwide…?
3. The Liverpool settings, the Epstein family, the home, the shop, record sales, the synagogue? The clubs and music, the fans? London, the recording offices, interviews? The growing success, the trips to America? The fans? The Ed Sullivan show? Epstein’s private life, the cruising at night, the police, the law, reputations?
4. The title, Brian Epstein and his success, his talent for recognising musical trends, his shop, records from anywhere in five days? His work ethic, the pressure from his father, comparisons with his mother, support from his mother? The scene of discussion in the synagogue and his ambitions to do greater things? His father’s distance, criticisms, private pride, the issue of his son’s sexuality, use of blackmail, reputation?
5. Jacob Fortune-Lloyd’s presence and performance, making Brian Epstein credible? Breaking the fourth wall, talking to the audience, confiding in the audience, explanations? His age, entrepreneurial skills, Alastair as his assistant, the request for Beatles records, going to the club, the impact, recognising their talent? Meeting them afterwards, local lads, way of speaking, John Lennon and his quips, seeing Epstein as posh? His invitation to meet them? Their coming to the office, Alastair and his reaction, the opening up of possibilities?
6. Epstein and his approaching the various record companies, the audition tape, the rejection by all the companies, the aristocratic club and their laughing at the idea of their success? The approach to George Martin, Epstein influencing him, George Martin producing their records – and their indebtedness to Martin, and the glimpse of him in the film for the first worldwide satellite performance?
7. The portrayal of the Beatles themselves, the actors and their sufficient similarity to each Beatle? Paul and his music, George the background, Pete Best and the drumming, the criticisms, Epstein and the interview with him and his being fired? Ringo Starr, coming into the group, his comic style? John Lennon and his humour, remarks, getting into trouble, the more popular than Jesus statement, at the Royal Command Performance the poor clapping and the rich jangling their jewellery?
8. Epstein, his manner, his education, his accent? His sexual orientation and the times? On the streets, the encounters, the police and the chasing? The man robbing him of his watch? The letters and asking for money? His being set up with Tex, the meeting, infatuation, the relationship, in America, Tex taking the money?
9. Epstein going to the US, the contacts in America, their friendship, setting him up, the interview with Ed Sullivan, money issues, persuasion, the results, number one on the charts, the visit to America, success? Emblematic of the Beatles in the mid-60s? The intimations of the later changes, not wanting to travel, the satellite program, the break up?
10. Indications of success with other groups, Gerry and the Pacemakers, especially with Cilla Black, her talent, discussions with her, especially at the party?
11. Epstein is workaholic, at all hours, intense, discussions with his parents, support of his mother? His father’s death, his mother saying that his father appreciated him? The drinking, intimations of gambling, the pills?
12. Report of the overdose, death at 32? The success of the Beatles with their talent but depending on his entrepreneurial skills?

BACK TO BLACK

UK, 2024, 122 minutes, Colour.

Marisa Abella, Jack O'Connell, Eddie Marsan, Lesley Manville, Juliet Cowan, Sam Buchanan.

Directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson.

Back to Black is the title of one of Amy Winehouse’s best-known songs.

There is a television series titled Too Young to Die. Certainly a title for a film portrait of singer, Amy Winehouse, dying in 2011 at the age of 27, it already a five-time Grammy winner, awards in the UK, popularity in the United States.

For audiences who are familiar with Amy Winehouse and her career, this is a two-hour overview portrait of her life and and musical success. Fans of the film are enthusiastic. Critics less so, delving into the film and its screenplay and criticisms of simplification – which is always the case in two-hour film which does not intend to give a full life story. For those fans, there is a documentary by celebrated director, Asif Kapadia, Amy, 2015, which also runs for over two hours.

One of the difficulties in a film about Amy Winehouse is that, while she had enormous popularity with her career songs, many people did not respond well to her as a person, as a personality. Again, for those who are fans, there is plenty to see and reflect on in this film. For those who do not respond well to her, the screenplay by Matt Greenhalgh, who had been tuned into British music history with his portrait of Ian Curtis of Joy Division, Control, 2007, biography of the young John Lennon, Nowhere Boy (2009), the portrait of the London entrepreneur, Paul Raymond, The Look of Love, 2013, works well. Within the first 10 minutes of the film, there is a sequence of the older Amy rushing headlong down the street, then situating Amy and her family, the Jewish background, her ability to sing, relationship with her fatherNan, Eddie Marsan, who is separated from her mother, and her loving man, Lesley Manville.

While there are many of the songs, and star Marisa Abella, who offers what is often called a powerhouse performance, singing herself, there is also a musical score by Nick Cave and Warren Ellis.

The film shows the ability of Amy Winehouse and her powerful voice, her love of jazz, and not wanting to be seen as another Spice Girl, the steps of her rising fame, singing in the pubs, the attention of producers, companies, records, popularity, awards, finding the right time for being inserted into the US musical consciousness, the tours, and, ultimately, five Grammy awards.

On the other hand, Amy Winehouse died at the age of 27 alcoholic poisoning. She is a wilful personality, ambitious, violent outbursts, especially towards the video producer, Blake (Jack O’Connell), an addict, who becomes the object of her love and infatuation, an up-and-down relationship, her violence towards him, his prison term, a divorce – yet, as the screenplay highlights, the continual reference to him in her songs, and during their time together, his presence at her concerts.

Which means that this is also a very sad story of a young woman, alcoholic, suffering from bulimia, anti-drug yet introduced to them, unwilling to go to rehab but finally agreeing (and the hit song Rehab), the deep desire for family and children, sober for a time, yet relapsing and dying.

The film has been directed by Sam Taylor Johnson who also directed Nowhere Boy, the film about John Lennon.

1. The title? Amy Winehouse and her career, hit songs?
2. The London settings, the 1990s, the 2000s? London suburbs, streets and homes, Camden, the pubs, the concert venues, offices and studios, rehab? The scenes in the US, the concerts, Florida, the wedding? The background of Amy Winehouse’s life?
3. The music, the songs, the lyrics, the performance, throughout the film, songs at home, background, award occasions?
4. The opening, Amy running, symbolic? At home, the Jewish background and songs, her singing Fly me to the Moon? Mitch joining in? Family atmosphere, living with her mother, her parents separated, the importance of her relationship with her Nan? The box of photos? At home with her mother, her father taxi driving? Nan and her career, her vision for Amy?
5. Amy, drinking, her attitude towards drugs? The wilful personality, drinking? The contact from Nick, performances, contracts, manager? The companies? Her records, the British public, popularity, her continuing success? The issue of America? Her reluctance? A new manager, the company board, their attitude towards the right time for America? Eventually going, performances? Her return to America, marrying Blake in Florida?
6. Amy and her age, experience, the encounter with Blake, playing pool, his singing, his discovering who she was? The bonding, competition, his girlfriend? The invitation for a cup of tea, his arrival, the relationship, the jealousy of the girlfriend? The rocky relationship, Amy and her devotion to Blake, the drinking, the outbursts, hitting him, his reactions? The up-and-down relationship? Her father’s disapproval? Nan and her support? The reaction to the wedding?
7. Mitch, his background, the divorce, supporting Amy, her success, his pride, his reprimands?
8. The ups and downs of the marriage, violence, Blake and his arrest, going to jail, background of his drugs, cocaine, Amy’s reactions? The visit to jail, his wanting a divorce?
9. Amy, her wanting a family, wanting a family with Blake? Disappointment at not being pregnant?
10. The joy of the Grammy awards, Tony Bennett, family, friends, the speech?
11. Amy and her drinking, the consequences? The pressure of the paparazzi, always there, the photographs, calling out to her? In the media, photos, the magazines?
12. The issue of rehab, talking with her father, going to the rehab – and the later success of the Rehab song?
13. Lee Mia, alcohol, relationships, her young age, disappointment about pregnancy, her death?
14. Age 27, achievements, yet a whole life before her? Her place in British popular music?