Projects in genres: Drama

Synopsis

Roman Polanski’s gorgeous, sweeping version of Thomas Hardy’s classic novel Tess of the d’Urbervilles returns in a glorious new digital restoration. A rural clergyman in 19th Century England tells Durbeyfield, a simple farmer, that he is descended from the illustrious d'Urberville family - now extinct. Or maybe not. Durbeyfield sends his daughter,Tess, to check on a family named d'Urberville living in a manor house less than a day's carriage ride away. Alec d'Urberville is delighted to meet his beautiful 'cousin' and seduces her with strawberries and roses. Actually Alec has gotten his illustrious name and coat of arms by purchasing them. Tess too takes up the game of illusion when she finds, loses and finds again her true love, Angel.

Synopsis

Terry Gilliam’s first feature as a solo director, here gloriously restored, is a riotous tale of monsters, true love and medieval manners. Sometimes seen as a companion to 'Monty Python and the Holy Grail', 'Jabberwocky' is pure, undiluted Gilliam. The most Python touch is the presence of Michael Palin – playing put-upon medieval peasant Dennis Cooper, who is forced to seek his fortune in a land of mud, gore and historically authentic junk food, whilst he is menaced by the hideous dragon ‘Jabberwock’. Riotously funny, the film is also a fascinating signpost to its director’s future – Dennis a definitive Gilliam hero, the little man terrorised by bureaucracy. For Gilliam, the road to 'Brazil' well and truly began here. The restoration of the film, overseen by Terry Gilliam gives the chance to delight anew in the rich colours of Medieval life. Particularly the mud. (LFF brochure) Restored by the BFI National Archive and The Film Foundation, with funding provided by the George Lucas Family Foundation. Official Selection BFI London Film Festival 2017 - Laugh Strand - 4K Restoration World premiere

Synopsis

Crash-landing on Earth from his dying planet, an alien humanoid travelling by the name of Thomas Jerome Newton (David Bowie) uses his superior intelligence to build a vast business empire. As he takes on, and beats, every US corporation people can only guess his true purpose – to save his dying world from agonizing death by drought. Newton’s ageless fall from grace, as he becomes prey to lust, alcohol, business rivals, and the US Government, makes 'The Man Who Fell To Earth' not only a bitingly caustic indictment of the modern world but also a poignant commentary on the loneliness of the outsider. A science-fiction cult classic. Official Selection Berlinale 2016 - Berlinale Special – Tribute to David Bowie

Synopsis

A British-born younger son of an immigrant family from Trinidad finds himself adrift between two cultures in this groundbreaking depiction of second-generation experience in 1970s London. Horace Ové's PRESSURE, Britain's first Black feature film, now restored by the BFI National Archive. Official Selection BFI London Film Festival 2023 and Official Selection New York Film Festival 2023 - joint Restoration World premiere

Synopsis

A young woman who has recently finished university is working a dead-end office job whilst looking for 'the one'. Why can't she find the man of her dreams?

Synopsis

Side by Side explores, with refreshing honesty, the unique bond between a brother and a sister. Facing the rest of their childhood apart, they runaway in search of the only person who can keep their family together.

Synopsis

British filmmaking showed much of its potential in this extraordinary production chronicling the boyhood experiences of Billy, whose expectations lead no further than following his brother into the pit when he reaches manhood. Written off by his teachers and often neglected at home, his future is pre-determined. Then Billy finds and trains a young kestrel and through his care and respect for the bird, we begin to see qualities in Billy that the world cannot allow to be recognised.

Synopsis

Successful London photographer Thomas spends his time photographing beautiful fashion models. But one day whilst casually snapping an intimate couple in the park, he thinks he may have photographed something far more sinister: a murder. After developing the photos, Thomas is horrified to find an ambiguous image lurking on the edge of the frame, which could be a shadow, but looks like a gun. The only thing clear is that Jane, the woman in the photo, has appeared at his studio and wants the pictures he took. Official Selection Cannes Film Festival 2017 - Cannes Classics

Synopsis

Cathy and Reg have everything to live for: he has a well-paid job, they have three healthy children and a modern home. But when Reg loses his job, they find their life spinning out of control. Evicted by bailiffs, they face a life of poverty, illegally squatting in empty houses, sleeping in hostels and fighting to keep their family together. Originally made as a play for television play, Cathy Come Home was shot largely in original locations with a handheld camera, using voice-over narration by the protagonists. Loach's drama, using a single family to train the spotlight on the dire straits of England’s mid-century welfare structure, provoked a huge debate in parliament on first release.

Synopsis

A European prince terrorizes the local peasantry while using his castle as a refuge against the 'Red Death' plague that stalks the land. Official Selection BFI London Film Festival 2019 - Treasures Strand

Synopsis

Bryan Forbes’ bittersweet portrayal of the seamy side of life in 1960s London attracted international acclaim for star Leslie Caron. Ever since Hitchcock’s 'The Lodger', the London boarding house has proved an evocative location through which to explore the underside of British society. Leslie Caron briefly stepped away from musicals to take the role of Jane, a young French woman pregnant with an illegitimate child, and was rewarded with both a Golden Globe® and a BAFTA® for her performance. Arriving at her dingy Notting Hill lodgings to have her child in secret, Jane finds love and friendship among the residents, an assortment of outsiders brought to life by Forbes’ sensitive ear for dialogue. Especially moving is Cicely Courtneidge as a faded music hall star growing old alone and Pat Phoenix’s portrayal of a tart with a heart. (LFF brochure) Restored in 4K by Sony Pictures Entertainment. In collaboration with the BFI’s Unlocking Film Heritage Programme. Official Selection BFI London Film Festival 2017 - Dare Strand

Synopsis

When a young homosexual, 'Boy' Barrett, commits suicide in his police cell, barrister Melville Farr, motivated by his own guilt, risks his successful career and his marriage to break a sinister blackmail ring.