The Ten Best British Films Of All Time

The Daily Telegraph, which usually includes some good journalism about films, has just published a list of the Ten Best British Films Of All Time:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/classic-movies/10027283/10-best-British-films-of-all-time-chosen-by-David-Gritten.html

There's plenty to argue about here, and although I would not dispute Don't Look Now, Kes, and Kind Hearts and Coronets, there is nothing by Hitchcock (in his pre-Hollywood phase), Bill Forysth (especially Local Hero) or John Boorman (Excalibur or Hope and Glory). 

Other major omissions are Peter Greenaway, Ken Russell and Terry Gilliam.

Trying to compile a list of best films is about as much use as speculating about who will be the new Doctor Who!!!

The Thatcher Era - in films

It was during the 1980s that for the first time in my life I had access to good cinemas and film clubs and thus had the chance to see most of the films I wanted to as they came out. 

Not many of them are overtly political, and looking back it is difficult to see too many unifying themes beyond the fact that they are good and merit re-watching.

In no particular order here they are:

1. The Company of Wolves (1984)
I'd been a lifelong admirer of Angela Carter's and Neil Jordan's tribute to Hammer, co-scripted by Carter did not disappoint:

2. Local Hero (1983)
Gregory's Girl was brilliant but parochial.  Local Hero with its environmental theme and music by Mark Knopfler was a well-deserved international hit.

 

 

3. The Long Good Friday (1980)



I'd been a lifelong fan of Helen Mirren since O Lucky Man!  Bob Hoskins gives a superb performance and the whole film is brilliant.

 

 

4. The Draughtsman's Contract (1982)

This is the complete antithesis to the social realist films that appeared in the 1980s but was a well-deserved success. The soundtrack by Micheal Nyman was a revelation and I've loved his music ever since.

5. The Ploughman's Lunch (1983)
The script is by Ian McEwan, the director is Richard Eyre and the lead actor is Jonathan Pryce.  For me this is the film of the 1980s that best sums up the Thatcher era.