Back row
Usually the National Film Theatre/BFI over there on London’s sunny South Bank is a sedate place. People go in to the cinema sans popcorn, talk to each other in low voices, watch the film quietly and leave swiftly (usually after dutifully watching all of the credits). It is, in short, not the Wood Green Cineworld.
But last week something different happened at the NFT, an event so rare that I need to share it with you. Particularly since it happened, not once, but twice:
1. Drunken Angel
This is one of Akira Kurasawa’s ‘modern’ films (i.e. not a samurai epic). The film tells the tale of an ‘unlikely friendship’ between an alcoholic doctor and a gangster with TB, a death wish and hey, a keen interest in booze as well. Although quite grim in places, I would say that Drunken Angel is pretty enjoyable and definitely compelling. It is, however, certainly not the sort of film where you expect to see snogging couples indulging themselves in the seats in front of you. After a while though, I came to unfortunately recognise that there was indeed an emotional connection between the tongue-wrestlers and the film – as the gangster’s plight became more desperate so did their passion. Probably because they’d long given up on reading the subtitles.
2. Bronco Bullfrog
This British film from 1969 about a group of miserable mono-syllabic 15-year-olds living a life of petty crime and violence in East London is not the sort of film I previously expected to appeal to the cinema snogging type. OK, there is a blossoming romance between the two main characters* and I personally found this story of non-swinging London a strangely touching portrayal of youth, but clearly there is more to the film than that. The bleak streets of late 60s London make a perfect accompaniment to cinema fumbles. Well, for the couple near me anyway.
Well, it makes a difference from the usual straight-laced cinephile types I suppose. Any other unlikely snogging at the cinema tales to tell?
* Sample dialogue from when he first goes round to her flat to ask her out:
‘Is your daughter in? I don’t know her name, but she’s medium size with long hair.’
‘I’ll get her for you…’
[girl arrives at door]
‘So do want to go out with me on Saturday?’
‘Yeah.’
‘See you then.’
[boy leaves]
Tags: j'aime le cinema
June 14th, 2010 at 2:13 pm
Snogs aside, I like the sound of that second film. Sounds like Melody with Mark Lester.
June 14th, 2010 at 2:24 pm
It is very good F-C. If you’re a fan of kitchen sink-ish drama and/or moody B&W landscapes then you will like it. I think it’s on at the BFI and Curzon for a bit, then maybe to DVD?
June 14th, 2010 at 3:08 pm
I’m dying to see this one as it was filmed near where I grew up. There was no time for romance in them days – we was all too busy surviving on the mean streets, see. If someone snogged you without trying to bite your face, it meant they was soft.
And I’m horrified to hear that snogging at the cinema looks like it’s making some sort of comeback. It just conjures up images of sodden faces in profile, connected by glistening strings of drool. Ghastly behaviour. You should have chucked your Kia-Ora over them.
June 14th, 2010 at 8:38 pm
I don’t know Bronco Bullfrog, sounds a real winner though (but not in anyway smoochy) Reminds me of a rarely seen seventies film Bloody Kids made on location Southend
June 14th, 2010 at 9:56 pm
Hi Cocktails, i’ve been ‘out-for-the-count’ with laryngitis and bronchitis, hence my radio silence…
Agree that BB sounds like a goodie, never even heard of it before. Hey, was it the SAME couple both times??! Now that would be weird!
BTW, Glad (and not a little relieved!) that you enjoyed Wilson!
P
June 14th, 2010 at 10:13 pm
Well, folks as I said to F-C, go see Bronco Bullfrog – it’s well worth it. Upon further investigation I see that the BFI will be releasing it on DVD in September. But until then, you can read rent-a-mod-opinion Paolo Hewitt on the film here: http://www.modculture.co.uk/bronco/
PM, I’ve heard of Bloody Kids – it’s a Stephen Frears film so I think it does turn up at the BFI occasionally. Not that I’ve managed to see it yet, but I will make the effort now that you’ve recommended it!
Recommendations eh, Piley, they can be nerve-wracking things! But Wilson was indeed very good so I can only hope that if you ever get to see BB it will live up to my description (although I can’t help with the snogging I’m afraid). Glad to hear that you’re feeling better though. Laryngitis and bronchitis – certainly puts my hayfever to shame.
And ISBW, I had to google Kia-Ora! I see it’s a ‘popular softdrink’ from Australia. Oh dear, another cultural reference goes whizzing by.
June 15th, 2010 at 12:01 am
‘So do want to go out with me on Saturday?’
‘Yeah.’
‘See you then.’
…………..so they went to Hackney Speedway! (chuckles indulgently to himself)
Only ever seen some clips on Youtube, but it’s one of those ones I’m keeping my eye out for. Love the deadpan delivery.
June 15th, 2010 at 1:36 pm
Yes, Ill Man – Hackney Speedway! And the other hot date destination was Wimpy’s. Oh, to be young again eh?
I imagine that BB will come up at the GFT. Oh, I miss the GFT and its overpriced bar…
Sorry, feeling nostalgic today!
June 15th, 2010 at 1:38 pm
Actually, Ill Man, BB reminds me slightly of ‘Glasgow classic’ That Sinking Feeling. Have you ever seen it? It’s more than slightly cringeworthy but is worth it to see East Glasgow circa. 1979.
June 15th, 2010 at 6:31 pm
I think ‘Kia Ora’ may actually be Maori, Cocktails. And probably Maori for ‘loaded with aspartame’. God it was evil brew. It used to be sold from a giant tank, that had campilobacter-encrusted plastic oranges bobbing around in it.
June 15th, 2010 at 9:05 pm
Apologies to New Zealand then. Although it sounds like they’re more than welcome to this one!
June 15th, 2010 at 9:07 pm
I’d love to see That Sinking Feeling. The city changed so rapidly in the 80’s/90’s and it would be great to see what it used to be like. I very vaguely remember how it was myself as a young child. I think a fair amount of it was filmed in the city centre & west end.