The film 'United' is primarily about bravery in adversity, and the decision by the production team to present the very first screening to the surviving relatives of the victims of the 1958 Munich air disaster was literally following the thread of the entire piece with conviction. I was privileged to be the guest of my father in law Mike Jackson, whose journalist father Tom was on board the fateful flight that sadly took his life away from his eleven year old son.
Upon arriving at Manchester's 'Corner House' theatre there was a scent of uneasiness in the air as the foyer was full of people with a close connection to the disaster that fuelled the fire that would make Manchester United the force that it is today. The way in which director James Strong and producer Julia Stannard, sheepishly, introduced themselves only added to the presumption that this was going to be uncomfortable viewing. After the formalities had been addressed everyone concerned settled down into the stiflingly tense atmosphere that engulfed the small cinema house. My self awkwardness was at its peak as the lights dimmed and the movie opened with a sequence of a blood trail bleeding through the snow to the sight of a young Bobby Charlton and the horrific scene of the fresh crash site - thank the lord it was dark as the sniffling sound of tissues was about as much as my stomach could take.
Away from the obvious personal emotion that was present I began to focus in on the film itself and the objectives it was trying to achieve. It was clear from the outset it wasn't going to pull any punches and for this, 'Dr Who' director James Strong and 'Dr Who' writer Chris Chibnall should be commended. 'United' is not some watered down Saturday afternoon television special, it's gritty stuff and should be respected for its bravery if nothing else. Producer Julia Stannard seems to have a passion for the sensationalism of famous tragedies, as this film shortly follows her take on Princess Diana's final journey, strong and courageous choices that in retrospect lack imagination and artistic originality. Original is something this BBC film is not. Cut away the pieces and the usual template for a disaster movie unfolds, with the build up and peak moment hitting their marks at the predictable times.
The 'baddie' of the piece being Mr Harold Hardaker of the football league and the 'goodie' being Matt Busby himself only add to the usual curves that narratives of this nature usually tread. With the thespian attempt at sporting scenes avoided with clever admission of any real football footage the movie flows and ebbs with good effect and what it lacks in originality it makes up with in heart, as the casting of David Tennant in the role of Jimmy Murphy is a subtle stroke of brilliance. I have never been Mr Tennant's biggest fan and the whole 'Dr Who' phenomenon makes me question whether the human race has any right to rule this or any other time on our planet. So with all this riddled 'Dr Who' influence I was utterly taken aback by how well Tennant portrays the passion and desire that is needed to successfully imprint 'Wales' pride' Jimmy Murphy onto the big screen.
The supporting cast is headed by Dougray Scott as the legendary Matt Busby and on first viewing the cosmetics indicate that the cardinal sin to miscast a big name for commercial reasons is in evidence, however the ageing leading man finds the darker side of Busby with intense ease that results in a growing performance that has you convinced of its credibility. Sam Caflin as Duncan Edwards is a fine piece of casting and the young actor shows maturity beyond his years. Away from the supporting actors brings me to the other leading character within this story, Jack O Connell, of the intolerable 'Skins' fame, portrays a young Bobby Charlton with distinction. Sweet, quiet and poised, he carries the screen on several occasions, the only problem with this is the choice of Charlton as the lynch pin to the whole story. Britain's most famous footballer doesn't engage any intrigue from the audience, whether his charisma was taken away by the horrors he saw after the crash or not it is very hard to eradicate the fact that when taken away from the football field, that he so magically graced, his character is unfortunately lacking any interesting dimensions.
This failing can't be aimed at O Connell's performance therefore it must rest squarely on the writers' shoulders, Chibnall's choice of the obvious 'Rocky' style cliche to propel this most important story is where the film falls short. It would have been far more interesting to delve into Murphy's character more deeply or Harry Greggs journey as the forgotten hero, maybe even attempt to tell the story of the young baby on board? Anything than the 'Charlton fest' that we have all heard a million times before. Charlton's familiar starring role aside 'United' is beautifully shot with a sepia feel that ignites the red shirts of the mighty football team that was cruelly taken away from its adoring fans, Christopher Ross's cinematography deserves more than the small screen treatment that it will be presented in to the masses. This film tells the story of the crash extremely well with horrific scenes blasting home the harsh truth of what happened to Britain's most promising football team and its accompanying journalists. The horror of it all is here for everyone to see, some found it too much, others, including United representatives Wilf McGuiness and Nobby Stiles, appreciated the honesty of it all. This is a drama that has you gripped for ninety minutes by its story rather than its character study. It is harsh and uncomfortable watching that should be appreciated by the red and blue of every city. 'United' isn't amazing film making by any means, however a cinematic disaster it is not and on that point alone the aim of the piece has been achieved.
'United' is due to be aired on BBC2 during the Easter period.
No comments:
Post a Comment