Last year, I wrote an article for Autism Awareness Month, covering three films that focus on this subject matter (those three being Mozart and the Whale, Chocolate and Temple Grandin).
Since last year’s article was well received, I thought that it would be good to do another one this year covering three new films from different countries and genres. If you are interested in reading the previous article, I have added a link at the bottom for you to enjoy.
After Thomas (dir. Simon Shore) – 2006
Based on the book A Friend Like Henry written by Nuala Gardner, this ITV drama focuses on the story of the married couple Rob Graham (Ben Miles) and Nicola Graham (Keeley Hawes) as they struggle to control the behavior of their six-year-old autistic son, Kyle (Andrew Byrne). As Kyle hates everyday social activity, Rob and Nicola have a hard time to communicate with him that also affects their relationship.
Since last year’s article was well received, I thought that it would be good to do another one this year covering three new films from different countries and genres. If you are interested in reading the previous article, I have added a link at the bottom for you to enjoy.
After Thomas (dir. Simon Shore) – 2006
Based on the book A Friend Like Henry written by Nuala Gardner, this ITV drama focuses on the story of the married couple Rob Graham (Ben Miles) and Nicola Graham (Keeley Hawes) as they struggle to control the behavior of their six-year-old autistic son, Kyle (Andrew Byrne). As Kyle hates everyday social activity, Rob and Nicola have a hard time to communicate with him that also affects their relationship.
- 4/10/2012
- by Martyn Warren
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
LONDON -- Dougray Scott, Emilia Fox and Shaun Parkes round out the cast of You Don't Have to Say You Love Me. The film is directed by Simon Shore (Get Real) and produced by independent British producing duo Marc Samuelson and Peter Samuelson of Samuelson Prods. The castings were announced Friday. Say You Love Me, billed as a comedy-drama, follows a group of twentysomethings trying to avoid adulthood and responsibility. From a screenplay by Patrick Wilde (Get Real), the film is based on the Dutch film All Stars, which was adapted into a television spinoff and went on to win an International Emmy in 2000. The picture will be distributed by U.K. independent distribution company Momentum Pictures in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. Momentum also helped develop the screenplay with Samuelson Prods. The film also is funded by cash from the Isle of Man Film Commission equity fund, with which Samuelson Prods. pacted last year. Further funding comes from tax fund First Choice Films 2004, set up by Grosvenor Park.
LONDON -- Dougray Scott, Emilia Fox and Shaun Parkes round out the cast of "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me." The film is directed by Simon Shore ("Get Real") and produced by independent British producing duo Marc and Peter Samuelson of Samuelson Prods. The castings were announced Friday. "Say You Love Me", billed as a comedy-drama, follows a group of twentysomethings trying to avoid adulthood and responsibility. From a screenplay by Patrick Wilde ("Get Real"), the film is based on the Dutch film "All Stars", which was adapted into a television spinoff and went on to win an International Emmy in 2000. The picture will be distributed by U.K. independent distribution company Momentum Pictures in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. Momentum also helped develop the screenplay with Samuelson Prods. The film also is funded by cash from the Isle of Man Film Commission equity fund, with which Samuelson Prods. pacted last year. Further funding comes from tax fund First Choice Films 2004, set up by Grosvenor Park.
Although its gay coming-of-age theme is familiar by now, this debut by British director Simon Shore is a sweetly affecting tale displaying a canny mixture of raucous comedy and sensitive drama.
A well-acted audience pleaser, this small-scale effort could find an appreciative Stateside audience when Paramount Classics releases it in the spring. Previously seen at the Sundance and Toronto fests, "Get Real" was recently showcased at the Miami Film Festival.
The film concerns the teenage angst of Steven Carter (Ben Silverstone), a 16-year-old attempting to get through high school, not an easy task when you're gay and your parents and friends don't know it. Steven has a crush on the school dreamboat, tall, good-looking athlete John Dixon (Brad Gorton), who is the object of lust and adulation by the entire student body; one lovestruck girl describes him as "sex on legs."
Much to Steven's amazement, John, who has previously barely acknowledged Steven's existence, suddenly becomes quite friendly. After a series of awkward encounters in which his ambivalence over his sexuality is revealed, John eventually admits that he indeed returns Steven's affections. The two begin a freewheeling and secret affair, in which they become more and more reckless in their public displays of affection.
Becoming increasingly frustrated by the constraints of their secret relationship, Steven pens an anonymous essay for the school yearbook in which he details the problems of growing up gay. The school begins to buzz as to the identity of the essay's author, and when it comes time for Steven to address the entire school during the commencement, he takes the opportunity to come out.
Steven, who handles his gayness with self-assurance and a refreshing degree of humor, is one of the more unusual and appealing screen characters in quite a while. As beautifully played by the talented Silverstone, he's likely to win audience hearts.
The other character who truly shines is Steven Best's friend Linda, a frank-speaking and tough girl who doesn't let her overweight status prevent her from enjoying life and who has a tart-tongued quip for every occasion. Charlotte Brittain, delivering a hilarious performance in her screen debut, all but steals the film. Gorton delivers a sensitive portrayal as the sexually confused school hunk.
The film is not without its missteps, including a second act that becomes a repetitive series of near misses in which the teen lovers are nearly found out time and time again. And the climax is more than a bit heavy-handed, with Steven's coming out rather melodramatically treated as a momentous event. But mostly, "Get Real" sparkles with an utterly appealing low-key warmth and humor.
GET REAL
Paramount Classics
Director: Simon Shore
Screenplay: Patrick Wilde
Producer: Stephen Taylor
Executive producers: Anant Singh, Helena Spring
Director of photography: Alan Almond
Editor: Barrie Vince
Music: John Lunn
Color/stereo
Cast:
Steven Carter: Ben Silverstone
John Dixon: Brad Gorton
Linda: Charlotte Brittain
Jessica: Stacy A. Hart
Wendy: Kate McEnery
Mark: Patrick Nielson
Running time -- 110 minutes
No MPAA rating...
A well-acted audience pleaser, this small-scale effort could find an appreciative Stateside audience when Paramount Classics releases it in the spring. Previously seen at the Sundance and Toronto fests, "Get Real" was recently showcased at the Miami Film Festival.
The film concerns the teenage angst of Steven Carter (Ben Silverstone), a 16-year-old attempting to get through high school, not an easy task when you're gay and your parents and friends don't know it. Steven has a crush on the school dreamboat, tall, good-looking athlete John Dixon (Brad Gorton), who is the object of lust and adulation by the entire student body; one lovestruck girl describes him as "sex on legs."
Much to Steven's amazement, John, who has previously barely acknowledged Steven's existence, suddenly becomes quite friendly. After a series of awkward encounters in which his ambivalence over his sexuality is revealed, John eventually admits that he indeed returns Steven's affections. The two begin a freewheeling and secret affair, in which they become more and more reckless in their public displays of affection.
Becoming increasingly frustrated by the constraints of their secret relationship, Steven pens an anonymous essay for the school yearbook in which he details the problems of growing up gay. The school begins to buzz as to the identity of the essay's author, and when it comes time for Steven to address the entire school during the commencement, he takes the opportunity to come out.
Steven, who handles his gayness with self-assurance and a refreshing degree of humor, is one of the more unusual and appealing screen characters in quite a while. As beautifully played by the talented Silverstone, he's likely to win audience hearts.
The other character who truly shines is Steven Best's friend Linda, a frank-speaking and tough girl who doesn't let her overweight status prevent her from enjoying life and who has a tart-tongued quip for every occasion. Charlotte Brittain, delivering a hilarious performance in her screen debut, all but steals the film. Gorton delivers a sensitive portrayal as the sexually confused school hunk.
The film is not without its missteps, including a second act that becomes a repetitive series of near misses in which the teen lovers are nearly found out time and time again. And the climax is more than a bit heavy-handed, with Steven's coming out rather melodramatically treated as a momentous event. But mostly, "Get Real" sparkles with an utterly appealing low-key warmth and humor.
GET REAL
Paramount Classics
Director: Simon Shore
Screenplay: Patrick Wilde
Producer: Stephen Taylor
Executive producers: Anant Singh, Helena Spring
Director of photography: Alan Almond
Editor: Barrie Vince
Music: John Lunn
Color/stereo
Cast:
Steven Carter: Ben Silverstone
John Dixon: Brad Gorton
Linda: Charlotte Brittain
Jessica: Stacy A. Hart
Wendy: Kate McEnery
Mark: Patrick Nielson
Running time -- 110 minutes
No MPAA rating...
- 3/11/1999
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.