ON FILM

Andy Hastie, Yeovil Cinematheque

Two excellent British films are programmed for February at Cinematheque – both are well worth catching. We are always happy to support independent British cinema in our season of films, especially award-winning ones, and these two deserve exposure to a wider audience. These days, with film-makers on increasingly tighter budgets, so much of the finance has to go on the screen maximising production values, leaving precious little for publicity and promotion. This is where word-of-mouth becomes essential in building momentum for independent films to break through into the mainstream, allowing them to survive or fall on audience viewing figures alone.

On 1st February we show Benediction (2022), Terence Davies’s exploration of the turbulent life of First World War poet Siegfried Sassoon. Personally I feel Davies is one of the best directors around today and love his work, which always feels deeply personal, like his autobiographical Distant Voices, Still Lives (1988), and The Long Day Closes (1992).

The film details Sassoon’s poetry on the horrors of the Great War and his experience on the Western Front, cleverly intercutting dramatic scenes with his relationship with Wilfred Owen and other key moments in his life. He was a war hero, receiving the Military Cross for gallantry in 1916, but also a contradictory troubled figure, despising his war experiences and trying to come to terms with his own homosexuality. Terence Davies has found in Sassoon’s story a narrative that touches on many of his own personal experiences, from his sexuality to his search for inner peace and self-acceptance. He has always been a poet of British cinema and this, his latest film, is a dazzling, accessible example of his craft. ‘Profoundly affecting’ The Hollywood Reporter, ‘Staggering variety, moments of cinematic transcendence’ Mark Kermode. And now for something completely different! Two weeks later, on 15th February, our film is Brian and Charles (2021), an absurdist British mockumentary comedy. The tale follows Brian, a lonely inventor in rural Wales spending his time building ridiculous contraptions which seldom work. Undeterred by his lack of success, Brian builds a robot for company from a discarded washing machine and various spare parts. Much to his amazement it comes alive (in a convenient lightning storm, of course) and names itself Charles Petrescu. With nods to Wallace and Gromit, this distinctly British comedy is primarily about loneliness and the power of friendship and companionship according to director Jim Archer. However, it is a riotously bonkers heart-warming story with many big laughs along the way. This feel-good charmer won the Audience Award at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival and is just the best antidote to a dull, late winter cinematheque.org.uk swan-theatre.co.uk

February night. ‘This moving buddy comedy has charm to spare’ Mark Kermode.

Two very different films then, but both with a distinctly British attitude. If you haven’t been to Cinematheque at Yeovil’s excellent Swan Theatre yet, do think about either (or both!) of these films as a starter. Come as a guest for £5 or consider taking out a membership for a season of films. There surely is something here for everyone. All details are on our website below.

Wednesday 1st February 7.30pm

Benediction (2022) 12A

Wednesday 15th February 7.30pm

Brian and Charles (2021) PG

Cinematheque, Swan Theatre, 138 Park St, Yeovil BA20 1QT Members £1, guests £5