EIFF2008: Stone of Destiny
As always, I like to check out Scottish releases where possible and it's always nice to see one that is a piece of light and fluffy fun instead of portraying all Scots as alcholics, junkies, broken families and gangsters. This one is based on the true story of the daring theft of the Stone of Scone from Westminster Abbey by a group of Scottish nationalists back in the 50s.
It's interesting that a film like this finally gets made (ten years in the making apparently) now, after my comments on DOOMSDAY recently and the climate of Anglo-Scots relations, particularly as it adopts the BRAVEHEART approach of trying to make Scots leave the cinema bursting with pride and wanting to smash the English.
The irony then is that not only is the writer-director not a Scot (this isn't a problem), neither are the two main leads (which is). I don't believe that Scotland is devoid of acting talent and nor do I believe that the two stars in this film are so likely to add box office clout that they had to be included. It's a shame then, as their attempts (one English, one American) at the accents are the only thing that keeps pulling you out of the film. Perhaps not a problem for non-Scots, but for me it was distracting.
Despite that however, it's a fun little movie that skips along at a good pace and offers fun and excitement that should satisfy most. Lighthearted, escapist fun.
It's interesting that a film like this finally gets made (ten years in the making apparently) now, after my comments on DOOMSDAY recently and the climate of Anglo-Scots relations, particularly as it adopts the BRAVEHEART approach of trying to make Scots leave the cinema bursting with pride and wanting to smash the English.
The irony then is that not only is the writer-director not a Scot (this isn't a problem), neither are the two main leads (which is). I don't believe that Scotland is devoid of acting talent and nor do I believe that the two stars in this film are so likely to add box office clout that they had to be included. It's a shame then, as their attempts (one English, one American) at the accents are the only thing that keeps pulling you out of the film. Perhaps not a problem for non-Scots, but for me it was distracting.
Despite that however, it's a fun little movie that skips along at a good pace and offers fun and excitement that should satisfy most. Lighthearted, escapist fun.
Labels: Edinburgh Film Festival, Film festivals, scottish film
posted by Alan at 7:21 pm
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