ROGER GIBSON - Festival Facts

THE ITALIAN STRAW HAT UN CHAPEAU DE PAILLE D’ITALIE

The amazing John Sweeney on piano brings to life Rene Clair’s delicious satire made in 1927.

A horse sparks off a bizarre and humorous chain of events when he eats a hat in this silent satire of the petit bourgeoisie of the 20s. Those who can appreciate comedy that skewers and at the same time celebrates social mores. that relies on visual humour rather than jokes, and that doesn’t need to resort to bathroom vulgarisms to get a laugh will appreciate this masterpiece. “This was my first introduction to a silent comedy that was different – more sophisticated than the silent classics of Chaplin and Keaton. How will it stand up after over 50 years ago when I first saw it.“ –

Roger Gibson

FRANCE 1928 RENE CLAIR 108M

MEET THE FILMMAKERS: A FILM WORKSHOP

Making a movie is the art of the impossible. Who are these strange magicians who create movies from a blank page through to a film which will be seen by millions across the world? These mysterious alchemists who bring together an extraordinary band of highly talented craftsmen to defy the odds and aim for the skies? Here is an opportunity to meet three of these multi award-winning filmmakers: producers Douglas Rae and Robert Bernstein of Ecosse Films and celebrated writer, Jeremy Brock. Together they have produced three high profile movies, and in this presentation will show excerpts from each one to discuss the process behind them. Mrs Brown (1997) – The story of the remarkable friendship between the most powerful ruler in the world, Queen Victoria – played by Dame Judi Dench – and her highland servant John Brown – played by Billy Connolly. It was a friendship that would save the monarchy from becoming a republic.

Charlotte Gray (2001) – An adaptation of Sebastian Faulks’ World War Two bestseller, starring Oscar-winner Cate Blanchett as the young woman dropped behind enemy lines in France to help the French resistance.

Brideshead Revisited (2007) – Evelyn Waugh’s masterpiece novel about class, Catholic guilt and a young man who flew too close to the sun. Starring Ben Whishaw, Matthew Goode, Hayley Attwell and double Oscar winner, Emma Thompson. Douglas, Robert and Jeremy will discuss their roles as producers and writer respectively; how they brought these films to life from page to screen and, for anyone looking to get into the industry themselves, how to embark on a career in film and TV.

105M

Thu

Tickets £1 5

Buster Plays Buster

A first-class jazz quartet featuring musicians of the highest calibre performing live to a screening of a Buster Keaton classic silent movie. Featuring Jo Fooks – saxophone; Neil Casey – piano; Pete Ringrose – bass; Buster Birch – drums.

Since its debut in March 2011 ‘Buster plays Buster’ has been delighting audiences with its magic and charm. One for all the family, young and old, jazz enthusiasts and otherwise have all thoroughly enjoyed this well produced show. The music is specifically arranged for the group, scored out and synced to the movie, but also features plenty of improvised solos from these great jazz musicians, which creates a cohesive work merging the two art forms into a unique experience for the audience.

The film will be preceded by a 30-minute set of swinging jazz standards performed by this first-class quartet.

110M: 30M (GIG) + 10M INTERVAL + 70M (FILM/MUSIC)

STEAMBOAT BILL, JR.

This epic Buster Keaton silent movie from 1928 was the last feature length film Keaton ever made (wrote, directed and starred in) with complete artist freedom and marks the end of his golden era.

It features the hapless young Buster trying to win the approval of his long-lost father, the rough and tough steamboat captain Bill Sr, who loses his business and liberty. A violent storm and hurricane are the backdrop for Buster’s chance to redeem himself with daring deeds of rescue and provide the opportunity for some of Keaton’s most famous scenes. Knowing it is his last roll of the dice Keaton throws everything into this movie. He builds an entire town only to destroy it. And there are many deathdefying stunts, including a 2-tonne house facade falling on him, which he only survives by standing in the space of an open window.

USA 1928 CHARLES REISNER/BUSTER KEATON 70M