“… a small story that will warm the cockles of your heart”
Con Nats
3.5 Locks of hair
After actors Tim Key and Tom Basden’s short film was nominated for a BAFTA, they pushed ahead and rewrote it into a full-length film. While actors turning writers should never be encouraged, ( “More close-ups of me, please.” “Yes Mister Branagh.”) these two have extended their concept cleverly into a lovely little film.
Herb McGwyer (Tom Basden) is a sour faced folk singer who’s been hired by superfan Charlie (Tim Key) to play a private gig on Wallis Island, which you can only get to by dingy, for half a million pounds.
Herbert once was a legend, who the obviously lonely Charlie cannot leave alone. He once sang with Nel Mortimer (Carey Mulligan) at their peak. Soon Herbert discovers that he will be playing for a crowd of one – Charlie – and Nel will be joining him. He wants to leave.
Once he decides to stay, old chemistry is remixed and conflicts are reignited as Charlie watches his dream concert fall apart.
This is one of those small, quirky, character-driven films that the English do so well. Timothy Keys as Charlie is a treat. He’s a lonely, nerdy, odd gent you can’t help but like. Tom Basden as Herbert is harder to like but becomes warmer, and Carey Mulligan makes the film change gears. She’s excellent.
While the film is set on a small island, the comedy and drama come from highlighting the self-indulgence of the artists, balanced by Charlie. Some of the scenes between the two former lovers reminded me of Once and raises interesting questions about chemistry and creativity. There is some city-country humour, particularly with Marie (Kerrie Thomason) the local shop keeper; but they’re gentle.
Director James Griffiths has done well to capture the chemistry of all three main characters. Credit must go to these actor-scriptwriters who were able to adapt their concept and added depth. I couldn’t imagine enjoying this film without Mulligan’s character.
The ending surprised me and is a moving one. Wallis Island is one of those small, desolate, chilly English Islands. The Ballad of Wallis Island is a small story that will warm the cockles of your heart.
3.5 Locks of hair
Con Nats, On The Screen
