The Boy Friend (1971) ****
The Boy Friend (1971) finds Ken Russell using the stage play from the ‘50s as a backdrop for the story of the players performing said play to a sparse matinee audience that happens to include a big-shot Hollywood director.
When the lead actress breaks her leg, the assistant stage manager Polly (played by ‘60s fashion model Twiggy) must step into her role. The action of the film follows the players' relationships, hopes/dreams, etc. At times we're watching the play itself, at times we're watching the audience observe the play, at times we're watching the backstage goings-on, and at times we're watching elaborate fantasy sequences.
I've read criticisms of this film that stated that Twiggy doesn't carry the film well, but I found her sad look and earnest nature very charismatic and appropriate to the story. Admittedly, said story is a bit scattershot at times and it's a bit on the long side, but I still found the film endearing as a whole. Not to mention the 1920s era costumes by Shirley Russell are gorgeous, the production design by Tony Walton is absolutely stunning, and the cinematography by David Watkin is imaginative and technically impressive.
Recommended for fans of Cabaret (1972), Singin' In The Rain (1952), and Busby Berkeley.
When the lead actress breaks her leg, the assistant stage manager Polly (played by ‘60s fashion model Twiggy) must step into her role. The action of the film follows the players' relationships, hopes/dreams, etc. At times we're watching the play itself, at times we're watching the audience observe the play, at times we're watching the backstage goings-on, and at times we're watching elaborate fantasy sequences.
I've read criticisms of this film that stated that Twiggy doesn't carry the film well, but I found her sad look and earnest nature very charismatic and appropriate to the story. Admittedly, said story is a bit scattershot at times and it's a bit on the long side, but I still found the film endearing as a whole. Not to mention the 1920s era costumes by Shirley Russell are gorgeous, the production design by Tony Walton is absolutely stunning, and the cinematography by David Watkin is imaginative and technically impressive.
Recommended for fans of Cabaret (1972), Singin' In The Rain (1952), and Busby Berkeley.
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