As the world of cinema is now dominated by multiplexes, it is not uncommon to hear the average film lover cry, ‘But where have the independent cinemas gone?! Where is the originality?! The quaintness?!’ If you have not yet cried this, it probably means you are mentally stable, or that you are aware of the brilliant campaigns currently underway, such as Secret Cinema or The Nomad Pop up cinema, that are attempting to breathe a sense of originality back into film going.
As you may have already read, Volkswagen (yes the car makers) have a campaign of their own:
This campaign aims to screen iconic films in the locations where they were originally shot.
Having started with An American Werewolf in London, Get Carter, Trainspotting, Attack the Block and A Clockwork Orange, See Film Differently set their sights to the North West, choosing Liverpool as the venue for a preview screening of Mike Mill’s Beginners. The event was to be held at FACT exhibition space and Picture house, one of the UK’s leading names in everything art, cinema and technology.
Having been shot entirely in East Los Angeles, the film follows Oliver (Ewan McGregor) as he come to terms with his terminally ill father’s (Christopher Plummer) recent gay outing and his new relationship with actress Anna (Mélanie Laurent).
Writer/Director Mike Mill’s had previously existed in the world of graphic design and music videos, only having first ventured into filmmaking in 2005 with Thumbsucker. Being unfamiliar with Mill’s work, I was surprised to see such a name as McGregor’s attached to the project. Neither Director or actor disappointed however, as the film was excellent, with a use of natural lighting that is hard to beat and a truly original story line. See Front Row’s review here.
Despite its merits, the location of Beginners was a disappointment, as it had no connections with Liverpool. I can only guess that VW chose Liverpool due to the cities use as a double for many locations such as Dublin and New York. There is also a lack of films based and shot solely in Liverpool, aside from 51st State, but who wants to see Samuel L. Jackson in a kilt more than once?
On closer inspection of FACT, it wasn’t hard to see what attracted VW to it as a venue, and it certainly didn’t disappoint in its hosting ability. The building itself is highly modern without losing its character. With floor to ceiling windows, exhibition spaces and a well-stocked bar, it is a far cry from those run of the mill multiplexes.
As well as having some of the most comfortable seats I’ve ever perched upon, on arrival I was greeted with a token for a free drink at the bar and a free tub of popcorn. The bar and exhibition area were also covered in artwork that featured in the film which were great to enjoy whilst sipping on a free beverage.
It was also nice to find more freebies on entering the screen room, with a Beginners drawing pad and postcards to be found on our seats.
After an informative talk from the VW team explaining just what See Film Differently is about, we were told to stay behind after the credits had run for an exclusive filmed interview with Mike Mills. This was extremely interesting as it Mills explained the feel of the film and the inspiration he drew from Woody Allen, especially Manhattan. This is apparent to those who are familiar with Allen’s filmography and viewers may draw similarities between Beginners and films such as 500 Days of Summer, which was also inspired by some of Allen’s earlier films.
After the screening, we were treated to yet another free drink and were encouraged to add our own drawings to the exhibition by drawing our favourite films ‘seen differently’.
The night itself was unfaultable. My only disappointment came when I was told that I was getting a free Budweiser and instead received this:
Still, beggers cannot be choosers, and the See Film Differently campaign breeds hope for independent cinema. I was also impressed with FACT and their brilliant facilities (reclining seats!). Their support in the creative arts is impressive and with such a versatile approach it’s hard to tell just what they’re next exhibition will be.
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