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APRÈS FILM

Occasionally, following our movie
selection an intrepid BFS member
collects some audience reaction.
Either in the
Arts Centre bar or in the cinema.

A selection is given below

February 14 - 2012
In the Bar with Jeremy Caddy

To help commemorate Dickens' 200th birthday, the Society, last month showed to a sell-out audience one of the great classic films of one of his stories: Great Expectations (1946), arguably the best version made of this story. In fact, in the bar afterwards one member actually said that, in his
opinion he felt that this was the best British film that has ever been produced! Certainly, over a drink in the bar everybody expressed warm and praiseworthy comments about this old black and white film! It did help that the cast included John Mills, Valerie Hobson, Bernard Miles, Alec Guinness
among others and the film was directed by David Lean.
Never the less, there were so many aspects of the film that were just simply so good that we could have discussed them all night. Almost inevitably, after a showing of an old film folk start to reminisce about 'the good old days' and I overheard many stories of members first seeing this film in the 1950's when they were in short trousers and of whole classes being taken to the cinema to witness this amazing story. Nearly all remembered the scene when Magwitch first appeared to Pip on the Romney marshes and how they all jumped out of their seats - and many did just the same at this showing!

A wonderful evening, thoroughly enjoyed by everybody.

January 1- 2012
In the Bar with Jeremy Caddy

The overall comment made last month following the showing of 'Life Above All' was, "What a powerful film!" As the credits were being played at the end of the film there was a respectful silence and the sound of gentle sobbing could be heard. It is not often that a modern film can move an audience so much but this was an incredible story of a young South African girl who demonstrated maturity and courage well beyond her years and was so beautifully acted. True, the film was based on a novel but the emotions and the attitudes of the residents in this small township in South Africa resonated so well with the audience that nobody doubted that this could have been a true story. In the bar afterwards, over a drink and a biscuit members and their guests were enthusiastic about almost every aspect of the film. Some of the comments I overheard were. "A heartbreaking story", "Beautiful acting and scenery", "What a real problem Aids is in Africa and what better way of educating the west of the real human tragedy that is there than the showing of this film", "Superb acting, especially by the young Khomotso Manyake". There were one or two negative comments. For example one member thought that the clothes the cast wore and the condition of the buildings were too 'clean' but this was disputed by others, particularly some who had spent time in Africa and who felt that the film portrayed African life very honestly. In the end everybody agreed that the evening had been stimulating, enlightening and left us all with a lot to think about and ponder on. Grateful thanks were expressed to those members who had recommended that we show this film.

October 11 - 2011
In the Bar with Jeremy Caddy

Spontaneous applause broke forth at the end of last month's film showing. In the bar afterwards I questioned members as to why they clapped so enthusiastically. Some said that they had just seen a remarkably good film, others said that it seemed such a natural thing to do at the end of a wonderful evening and one member said that he clapped because his wife did so! Whatever the reasons I'm sure John Ford, the director of the film,
'Stagecoach' that we had just seen would have been thrilled at our response - particularly as the film had been made 72 years ago.

This film was being shown as part of the Society's Golden Age of Hollywood season and it was rewarding to see an almost full house and that 17 members and friends stayed behind afterwards to discuss what they had just seen.

The audience were split into two groups I felt, those who had seen the film years and years ago and came with a mixture of excitement and nostalgia and those of a younger generation who were experiencing such a film for the first time. Somehow, in the bar we were all united in our views and it was interesting hearing some of the sages explain the more subtle moments in the story that the younger ones had missed. Some aspects of the film were difficult to comprehend, particularly as the sound track was poor and the film 'grainy' and it took some members quite a bit of time to get into the story. A few, who were not so enamoured expressed views such as 'very dated' 'very predictable' 'don't like Westerns' but overall this was a wonderful night out and a real film experience for virtually everybody

By the way, I forgot to mention John Wayne. Yes, he was in the film!

9 August - 2011
In the Bar with David Maxwell

The film 'Benda Bilili!' was shown to a smaller than usual house but invoked a vigorous response from the audience as they found the film 'Full of courage!' - 'Inspirational'. Other comments included: 'The one-stringed fiddle-played by virtuoso Roger was amazing! - 'What a contrast between these street musicians and the thugs and arsonists looting shops this last weekend (in the UK)' - 'These men had so little but have survived and succeeded' - 'Not my kind of music, but the beat was infectious' - 'Superb documentary film making. One was completely unaware of the camera'. - 'I enjoyed every moment' - 'Astonishing when you consider the decades of violent civil war that Congo has been through'- 'Congratulations to the film makers for their perseverance' - 'How amazed these men, who 'slept on cardboard' must have been to see modern coaches, air travel, western style hotels, recording studios and snow!' - 'Those 'footballers' moving so fast on their knees!' - 'One wondered what proportion were polio victims or victims of civil war' - 'Three cheers for the charity which supplied the hand-cranked tricycles' - 'Lyrics were from their hard lives on the street.' - 'Half an hour too long' (The only negative comment!).

David managed to capture the majority opinions of the audience that evening.

July 12 - 2011
In the Bar with Jeremy Caddy

At the end of last month's showing, as the auditorium lights went up there was a distinct 'chuckle' from the audience. Why was this? and would it have happened in 1960 when the film was first shown? The film in question was Peeping Tom - a film that caused considerable controversy when it came out and was lambasted by the critics as a horror film of the poorest taste!
It was therefore fascinating to hear how this film was received by the intelligentsia of the Bracknell Film Society and to find out who it was who 'chuckled' so audibly! As I expected, members views were mixed and ranged from those just did not like it to those who raved about it and felt it was a wonderful piece of film history. "It was a horror film without the blood and gore that 'modern' film makers seem to enjoy using", said one member. Another said it was "Unhealthily enjoyable" although I'm not quite sure what he meant. Many said that it was a lovely piece of period filming with cars and fashions of the period bringing out "Ohs" and "Aahs" from the older members of the Society.
It was generally felt that the film had stood the test of time well - and would probably be appreciated more by a discerning audience now than back in the 60's. Hence it is considered by many to be a cult classic. Well done those members of the BFS who recommended that this film be shown and, by the way, I was one of those who chuckled!
May 10 - 2011
In the Bar with Julia Vickers.

Last month's showing, Waste Land, generated much praise from members and non-members alike. The word used most by the audience to describe Lucy Walker's documentary was 'moving'. Several commented on how their view of the catadores (rubbish pickers - or, more accurately, recyclers) changed as we got to know them as individuals. The initially perceived 'plight' at having to work at such a disgusting job was replaced as their obvious pride in their work shone through, especially where it was described as allowing the earning of an 'honest' living.
That so much was shown about the practical aspects of garbage and recycling was much appreciated as informative, fascinating and it was something of a revelation that it was possible to earn a living this way. The efficiency of the recycling system impressed, and a few of us were grateful that 'smell-o-vision' was not yet available at the cinema!
As for the art produced, some were unsure of its real monetary value and a few were concerned that some exploitation of the catadores had occurred, but most were impressed by the end result - especially as the concept of 'big picture from small things' in many ways mimicked the way the film was shot as the camera hovered overhead then zoomed in on the heaps of rubbish until we could make out the workers as individuals. Indeed much of the camerawork was praised and the music was considered suitably unobtrusive and complementary - sometimes it was 'more like sound than music'.
So, a memorable and enthralling film and, with one minor complaint about length, collectively praised. The stand-out phrase from the film that spoke volumes about the pride of the catadores in their work was quoted by several of the audience: '99 is not 100'.

April 10 & 11- 2011
In the Bar with Jeremy Caddy

Last month the Society showed a very challenging film called 'Ajami'. It was challenging from many points of view and several members of the audience found it totally confusing and tedious. I did not make it to the bar that evening but I did glean a few juicy comments from folk as they left the cinema and I am sure that the subsequent discussions would have been lively [they were! Ed]. This was an award-winning film and it would be wrong to dismiss it out of hand - it is a film that needs to be seen twice to make sense, said one member of the audience, but personally I don't think I could sit through another two hours of violence and confusion. There were those who said that this was a great film, challenging to sit through yes, but a story that needs to be told and told in very graphic way.
March 8 - 2011
In the Cinema with Jeremy Caddy

Last month the Society showed a very interesting and unusual documentary, 'Hidden Herstories: Women of Change'. This was a youth-led project, set up by the Octavia Foundation. It examined the lives of four influential women whose contribution to social change has not been properly recognised. Instead of our usual informal discussion over a drink in the Atrium Bar we met in the auditorium immediately after the showing of the film. The discussion was then led by Julia, our Chairman. Some interesting points were made - quite a few of them about the historical context in which these women lived and the general level of ignorance of the general public [and indeed of the Film Society members themselves] of the role these outstanding women played.
When we went on to talk about the film itself several people commented on the high quality of the production seeing that it had been produced by inexperienced youngsters. The many short interviews were well edited, well photographed and altogether the documentary was a competent piece of film making. The discussion then focussed on the 'message' that the film was endeavouring to portray. Someone said that it was a film she would like her grandchildren to see. Others felt that schools ought to be encouraged in to show at some stage. Overall, the audience were highly enthusiastic about this film, delighted that the cinema was almost full and that the evening had been both informative and inspirational.
February 7 & 8 - 2011

In the Bar with Ros Stephenson

Last month's film Undertow was set in a present-day Peruvian fishing village. Miguel, a local fisherman is a conflicted man: he wrestles with his feelings for his wife and his male lover, Santiago, under the increasing public scrutiny of his village. The plot develops from a double-love story into a ghost story when Santiago dies. The discussion in the bar drew no conclusions as to whether Santiago's ghost, seen in the film, exists only in Miguel's imagination or beyond. Either way everyone agreed that the concept of Santiago's ghost had been cleverly executed.
Positive comments were also expressed about the cinematography, the scenery, the performances, (particularly the chemistry between Miguel and his wife), the sound (notably the underwater sequences) and the musical score. However some of the religious elements of the narrative were questioned, for instance, the apparent willingness of the village priest to go along with Miguel's wishes for Santiago's funeral seemed surprising in a rural community steeped in superstition and religion. It was generally agreed that the ending of the film - open and unresolved, was the most appropriate. An excellent film society choice.
January 10 & 11 - 2011
In the Bar with Bruce Collins

Last month BFS presented two films, each showing episodes in the lives of young boys. Common to both was an absence of today's Health & Safety restraints to a child's curiosity and freedom to explore.

Alamar

The young boy Natan makes a final visit to his father in an offshore fishing settlement in Mexico before returning to his mother in Italy. With scarcely any dialogue, the film depicts the growing bond between the two. Notable were scenes where father encourages his son to take to snorkelling; where they befriend an ibis by catching bugs for it to take from their hands; and where they engage in rough-and-tumble wrestling.
Underpinning this slender story was a remarkably convincing portrayal of the unhurried lifestyle of subsistence fishing around this Mexican marine preserve. The superb soundscape (the absence of music was a rare treat) allowed the film to appeal to all the senses - we felt infused with the smell of fish as we engaged in scaling and gutting! A minority felt the film was too long or slow; many were taken aback at the abrupt ending, and most admired the unobtrusive documentary-style filming of this intimate observation of father, son and fisherman.

Short

The Red Balloon

A delightful short was characterised by scenes of decayed elegance in post-war Paris. The boy's carefree adventure was opposed by moments of bullying by his schoolmates. Members wanted to know how the balloon (the main actor in the mind of some) had been manipulated in this pre-digital film.