Review: Into the Wind
By Ben Dalby
Although it is this magazine’s mission to promote our
city, the fact that filmmaker Steven Hatton grew up
here is purely incidental, as this documentary should
be celebrated by any culturally motivated publication.
In simple terms Into the Wind is a documentary that
sets its lens on RAF Bomber Command veterans from
the Second World War; many of whom have never been
interviewed about their experiences before. It is the
debut work of a young and inspirational filmmaker
who has carried out the majority of the filmmaking
process alone. This lone approach is astonishing, not
only when considering the film’s delicate and, at times,
poetic construction, but also the range of veterans that
contribute to the narrative; men who have been drawn
from Australia, Canada, Guyana, New Zealand, Poland,
Trinidad and the United Kingdom.
Let this much be clear though, this is not a film for those
wishing to gain fresh historical insights into the history
of Bomber Command. Rather, the film offers a window
into the minds of men who carry personal memories of
this unique period in an ever-changing present. You will
hear of their regrets, their private victories and, most
importantly, you will meet the men as they are today.
The famous aviator, Ken Wallis, for example, is still
able to amaze and amuse with a spectacular exhibition
in his self-designed autogyro.
By exclusively using the words of the veterans to create
the film’s voice, Hatton is able to deliberately toss the
viewer between disparate views and emotions as well
as changeable modes of expression that range from the
philosophical to the candid. Herein lies the strength of
Into the Wind; a collage of personal journeys that fly
parallel to one another to create a sincere, poignant
and often charming whole.
Into the Wind is available now from Amazon.co.uk. For
more information visit:
. Also,
look out for screenings of Hatton’s short film ‘Heilig’:
www
.heilig.co.uk
Immersed in Ken Russell
By Jamie McHale
Before Ken Russell became a film director he was a ballet dancer. That’s just one of the facts I learnt last week at the National Media
Museum’s Ken Russell immersion day. Following his sad passing last year the museum put on an education programme entitled “Ken
Russell: Enfant Terrible of British Cinema”, the British director’s beginnings and film career.
Starting with a lecture taking in Russell’s early stint in photography, through to TV work and ultimately his move into cinema, the
morning provided a comprehensive look at the life and work of the much debated director. In the afternoon we were treated/subjected
- depending on your viewpoint - to a feature screening and discussion of his 1969 adaptation of D.H. Lawrence’s Women in Love.
Driven by an incredibly knowledgeable course leader, Keith Withall, the day was perfectly suited to all knowledge levels, with Russell
advocates chatting to Russell virgins on a completely even playing field. I myself had only ever seen one of his features and never felt
patronised or out of my depth in the supportive and collaborative environment.
At £19.50, £16 for concessions, the ticket price can seem a little steep on first glance but when you consider it buys you a full day with
an expert and a screening as well as the opportunity to discuss and dissect with fellow cinéphiles it really isn’t bad value at all.
Jamie is a film programmer at Minicine (Minicine.org.uk) and runs the culture blog TQS Magazine.
You can follow him on Twitter @Jamie_McHale
Pop Up Cinema: Minicine in early April
By Mike McKenny
April not only brings the Bradford International Film Festival, but
to whet the appetites of Bradfordian cineastes, the month kicks off
with a pair of pop-up cinema events in Bradford venues. The first will
be a splatter-fest Cult Horror Night at Glyde House on Wednesday 4th
April. The film will be decided by a public poll found at Minicine.org.
uk and will include titles such as Evil Dead 2, Braindead and Evil Ed.
The other event will see a whole
day of Polish cinema at the Polish
Parish Club on Saturday 7th April.
There will be three films in total
with various speakers presenting
and introducing the films.
Both events will have a fully licensed
bar and will be unique, community
focused cinematic experiences.
For up to date information on both
events, plus ticket information,
screening times and further
information on the venues, see
Minicine.org.uk.
50
