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In this life there is nothing but possibilities ~ Lucas, Empire Records

Tuesday, 24 June 2014

EIFF: Greyhawk

Sat 21 June


Taking place on the troublesome Greyhawk Estate, blinded war veteran, Mal, loses his best friend and guide dog, Quince, after a run in with the local teen tearaways. Assuming the worst, Mal must find his beloved dog before leaving the estate permanently in a few days time. A struggle for someone with no sight and made no easier by the mostly disillusioned residents of the estate. An encounter with pitying, single mother Paula, provides the elusive lead Mal needs.

Director Guy Pitt and writer Matt Pitt, along with stars Alec Newman and Zoe Telford were on hand to answer questions after the film, giving an in-depth background to the origin of the story and character. As well as the ‘training’ Newman received in order to provide a believably blind character.

Popular British TV star Alec Newman stars as Mal, perfectly embodying the determined independent struggling without his other half. The scene where the dog goes missing is heartbreaking, watching Newman go through the emotions – worry, rising panic, fear, anger – all framed with intensity by director Guy Pitt.

Meeting Paula, played by Zoe Telford, gives Mal an outlet to sound off against, whether it be his anger or his fears, allowing for some truly tender scenes of honesty that lay just behind his rough and stoic facade. Michael Fox, in a great debut performance as Paula’s son Jem, arrives and adds to Mal’s strife. The significant range of emotions forced through their encounters is understandable and creates one of the most profound scenes throughout the film.

The bleak tone, filmed with muted colours and grey backdrops reflects the dissonance associated with such estates and the murky dealings that go on where many fear to tread. Through the grey veil a little bit of hope shone through with the minimal score working to its advantage. Greyhawk is a thoughtful and ultimately tender film, held together with strong characters and an emotionally charged storyline. 


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