Northern Soul Film

[Agentsmith]

this is an intelligent debate, both light-hearted and intense. i personally, cant see why anyone should expect to see a film about northern soul depicted in a serious light...or it might just as well be ANOTHER DOCUMENTARY.....JUST WHAT, REALLY, IS THE DEEP SEATED PROBLEM WITH A FILM BEING MADE ABOUT A GROUP OF FICTITIOUS PEOPLE BEING INTO A UNDERGROUND MUSIC SCENE THAT HAPPENS TO TAKE PLACE IN A LARGE VENUE, NOT DISSIMILAR TO AN ACTUAL PLACE THAT WAS ATTENDED BY REAL PEOPLE IN THE 1970'S?. i'll bet everyone who has had something to say over the last 4 pages will watch this film to see if there are similarities to how they lead their own lives back then.

the only really intelligent films to arise from hollywood are usually based on true stories, therefore they have to be quite serious but overall, its the fictional films that draw the greatest attention because its necessary to have light-hearted relief. weve spent so much time taking our music so seriously, constantly evaluating a records relevance to the dance floor and forever looking for the accoustically perfect venue with the regulation sprung dancefloor that weve lost sight of the bigger picture, we need to fall in love with the scene again. this film is an escapist way of getting back to just loving the scene as a whole. in the 70's it was about just being there, and in 2010 we need to rediscover that principle.

rob.h

[Little-stevie]

No no, that's ok...... As I have said before, I am new to the world of Soul, and this thread gives a wonderful insight into the scene. And I love a good discussion, even if I'm not partaking. It's still a great thread but as I read on I felt that bit of cynicism here and there....... I was just surprised........ it was just a comment, that's all......... But now you know my reasons for coming in here......

Sometimes things get lost in text....

No cynicism from me....

I was just trying to play devil's advocate....

[Guest]

A the end of the day, without getting too highbrow, what we know as 'Northern Soul' is ultimately Modern Art, the music itself is a defined and bona-fide art form and it is great art...

Great art should be celebrated, not hid away as the property of an elite 'few'. The story of what Black America created and how it affected the lives of working class people in Britain over the next 40 years is a fantastic one. Which is why it should be chronicled but when we go to read books for example on the subject, we are going to automatically want to read stuff from people like Neil Rushton, from people we know were there...who care...why should Film, the most powerful of all contemporary medium's be different? The travesty of film making is that so many important subjects get thrown to the wolf of misinterpretation and exploitation, because those given the privilege of making them, do not actually LOVE the subject matter of their examinations...

That is why so many awful movies get made about supposed 'true' stories or real life scenes, events etc.

Well said, Chorleysoul......

I come from the world of Folk Music, am a folk singer myself, so I am deeply into that....... another Art form that should be treasured. If we over here would hear of this film being in the making about true facts that happened to us (and believe me, I have some magical memories, just like you all) I'd be thrilled. We would all be. We'd be majorly flattered, we'd take it as a compliment. We too have quite a few Musical Monuments in Folk music, whether or not they're still amongst us in this rich tapestry which is life. And if a film would be made about some folky times that we were once part of........ wow..........

I really do not see what the fuss is all about, some posts here are downright theatrical. Which is ok, I just have a different view.

Edited March 18, 2010 by Isabel

[Guest]

Sometimes things get lost in text....

No cynicism from me....

I was just trying to play devil's advocate....

Still though...... I like a good challenge.......

[Guest]

Because as the lady has said before................she just wants to learn...............so all you big nasty boys .........leave her alone.

It's ok, Proudlove. I think it's funny.

Edited March 18, 2010 by Isabel

[Guest]

Can't see a problem with that, it's only a film

[Guest Paul]

This film project has been discussed over and over again on soulsource and it was made clear from the beginning that it's a feature film, not a documentary.

Some people will like it and others won't; that's the way it goes with films / books / music etc.

I can't see how anyone can object to the film being made and I can't see how anyone can criticise the film before they have even seen it.

I think it looks very interesting / entertaining and I'm pleased that it features authentic music.

[Guest]

this is an intelligent debate, both light-hearted and intense. i personally, cant see why anyone should expect to see a film about northern soul depicted in a serious light...or it might just as well be ANOTHER DOCUMENTARY.....JUST WHAT, REALLY, IS THE DEEP SEATED PROBLEM WITH A FILM BEING MADE ABOUT A GROUP OF FICTITIOUS PEOPLE BEING INTO A UNDERGROUND MUSIC SCENE THAT HAPPENS TO TAKE PLACE IN A LARGE VENUE, NOT DISSIMILAR TO AN ACTUAL PLACE THAT WAS ATTENDED BY REAL PEOPLE IN THE 1970'S?. i'll bet everyone who has had something to say over the last 4 pages will watch this film to see if there are similarities to how they lead their own lives back then.

the only really intelligent films to arise from hollywood are usually based on true stories, therefore they have to be quite serious but overall, its the fictional films that draw the greatest attention because its necessary to have light-hearted relief. weve spent so much time taking our music so seriously, constantly evaluating a records relevance to the dance floor and forever looking for the accoustically perfect venue with the regulation sprung dancefloor that weve lost sight of the bigger picture, we need to fall in love with the scene again. this film is an escapist way of getting back to just loving the scene as a whole. in the 70's it was about just being there, and in 2010 we need to rediscover that principle.

rob.h

That sounds like a fair comment Rob, until you really dissect it....the thing is, this scene is much more than just what happened back in the 70s, it's about many elements which cannot be touched upon by a singular time reference. 40 years is a long time and there is an essence of remarkable human spirit inside this thing which demands and warrants serious dramatic treatment. Northern Soul has been a lifetime thing for lots of us now, as you know and for something to be truly powerful and poignant, that level of commitment and influence should be a major factor. All that has taken place, at the end of the day, because of the strength of the music and that aspect cannot be dealt with in a tiny landscape either.....If people want 'Corrie on speed' fair enough, but to me it's cheapening the ethos, impact and strength of the scene.

It's not being 'too serious', it's recognising that when we examine the phenomenon of Northern Soul through an artistic medium, it does not always have to be through the 'Wigan Oracle'. Wigan CD's, Wigan revivals, Wigan Shopping malls, Wigan films....I think thats all played out personally - no, lets be honest, it's been bled dry - but there is still a story to be told (about the unique relationship between American Soul Music and British Working class people over 40 years) in the wider sense. A joyful story ultimately, one full of pathos and humility but a story of human triumph. I do not personally believe these people understand the dramatic power of their subject and I say that as both a Northern Soul fan for 35 years and somebody who has worked professionally as a scriptwriter. I think you are going to get a typical smallscale Brit-teen film, one presenting a caricature of the scene loaded with cliches - as the trailer well indicates. Some people might enjoy that of course but personally I think we deserve better.

Edited March 18, 2010 by chorleysoul

[Guest]

This film project has been discussed over and over again on soulsource and it was made clear from the beginning that it's a feature film, not a documentary.

Some people will like it and others won't; that's the way it goes with films / books / music etc.

I can't see how anyone can object to the film being made and I can't see how anyone can criticise the film before they have even seen it.

I think it looks very interesting / entertaining and I'm pleased that it features authentic music.

Paul, even if it were a documentary, some of the posters in here would still object to it, with the doc still in the making. Objecting for the sake of objecting. There is a saying we have over here that springs to mind...... difficult at the moment to find an instant translation. Might get back to you on that one.

Meanwhile, this film is making me really curious now. But not for learning purposes........

[ImberBoy]

Well said, Chorleysoul......

I come from the world of Folk Music, am a folk singer myself, so I am deeply into that....... another Art form that should be treasured. If we over here would hear of this film being in the making about true facts that happened to us (and believe me, I have some magical memories, just like you all) I'd be thrilled. We would all be. We'd be majorly flattered, we'd take it as a compliment. We too have quite a few Musical Monuments in Folk music, whether or not they're still amongst us in this rich tapestry which is life. And if a film would be made about some folky times that we were once part of........ wow..........

I really do not see what the fuss is all about, some posts here are downright theatrical. Which is ok, I just have a different view.

Mmmmmmmmm, having a beard stroking moment here Isabel.

How would you feel if say your Dutch folk film had far too many references to the Dutch porn industry or say they hinted that the people of say Roermond where collaborators?

How would it be if say there was a little too many references to the Dutch prostitutes or the Cannabis culture?

I think the fear is that we will get stereo typed, or possibly made to look foolish?

That's the fear, but it may turn out to be the best thing since sliced tomatoes?

[Guest]

Mirror faced to you on that one, Imberboy.

[Guest]

Mmmmmmmmm, having a beard stroking moment here Isabel.

How would you feel if say your Dutch folk film had far too many references to the Dutch porn industry or say they hinted that the people of say Roermond where collaborators?

How would it be if say there was a little too many references to the Dutch prostitutes or the Cannabis culture?

I think the fear is that we will get stereo typed, or possibly made to look foolish?

That's the fear, but it may turn out to be the best thing since sliced tomatoes?

Good stroking there, mate...

My whole point is this....

The books that chronicle the Northern Soul scene do not stop in 1975, do they?

OK, from a strictly screenwriting point of view, why would anybody want to limit themselves to a time frame which obliterates 80 per cent of the whole story? Of any story?

ANSWER: Because they are not trying to do dramatic justice to Northern Soul, the music, the artists, the cultural interplay, the social significance, the reallly remarkable elements that even we have had to wait decades to truly appreciate....

They are making a 70S teen-flick. That's a fraction of the story of Northern Soul. The fact that WINSTANLEY was involved in anyway says it all.

As for the lovely lady, she is missing my point slightly whilst being very gracious. Of course she would have exactly the same levels of trepidation if the film of her beloved folk scene had been subjected to a degree of sartorial blunders which equalled the inclusion of that horrific bag as a major advertising tool!

Edited March 18, 2010 by chorleysoul

[Guest]

As for the lovely lady, she is missing my point slightly whilst being very gracious. Of course she would have exactly the same levels of trepidation if the film of her beloved folk scene had been subjected to a degree of sartorial blunders which equalled the inclusion of that horrific bag as a major advertising tool!

I am in the room, Chorleysoul....... I don't bite......

[Guest]

Of course she would have exactly the same levels of trepidation if the film of her beloved folk scene had been subjected to a degree of sartorial blunders which equalled the inclusion of that horrific bag as a major advertising tool!

I know you mean well, Chorleysoul, but don't think for me....... No I would NOT. I would just shrug my shoulders with a smile on my face and have a good glass of wine with my feet up and my cat on my lap watching it.

A film is a film is a film.........

Edited March 18, 2010 by Isabel

[Guest]

As you lot kept me busy in here, I became a 'semi known gem'............

[Guest JIM BARRY]

As you lot kept me busy in here, I became a 'semi known gem'............

looking at cherie lunghi makes me a semi on gem

[Guest]

looking at cherie lunghi makes me a semi on gem

Off-topic there, Jim........ you and me both.

[Guest]

I know you mean well, Chorleysoul, but don't think for me....... No I would NOT. I would just shrug my shoulders with a smile on my face and have a good glass of wine with my feet up and my cat on my lap watching it.

A film is a film is a film.........

Hi, I am sure you do not bite, apologies if you thought I was being rude...

Thing is - perhaps that is the difference. This is Northern Soul....

The people on here are not generally noted for being the types who put their cat on their laps and enjoy a glass of wine - and smile - as their scene is portrayed in a way that makes them angry! If you knew the agonising history of all this and the essence of this question, you'd understand.

I'm not being sarcastic so please don't take that the wrong way.

There is an enormous tidal wave of passion at play in this thing and it manifests in considerable displays of emotion at times.

Which is why only people who really understand it should try and deal with it artistically or else they are on a hiding to nothing. That's just the way it is with this scene, always has been, always will be. It's a thing people hold precious, perhaps too preciously but that is just the way we are.

All the best.

Edited March 18, 2010 by chorleysoul

[Guest stevemcmahon]

I can only guess from bits of the trailer, but maybe Little-Stevie could help me out on this: Is this film actually the originally proposed feature length version of 'Function @the Junction' by any chance? Only, there is a dance-off @the end & the lead character does appear to get roughed up..? I thought I'd heard somewhere ages ago that Geno Washington was supposed to have been in that..

Be interested to know either way.

[Guest]

Hi, I am sure you do not bite, apologies if you thought I was being rude...

Thing is - perhaps that is the difference. This is Northern Soul....

The people on here are not generally noted for being the types who put their cat on their laps and enjoy a glass of wine - and smile - as their scene is portrayed in a way that makes them angry! If you knew the agonising history of all this and the essence of this question, you'd understand.

I'm not being sarcastic so please don't take that the wrong way.

There is an enormous tidal wave of passion at play in this thing and it manifests in considerable displays of emotion at times.

Which is why only people who really understand it shoud try and deal with it artistically or else they are on a hiding to nothing. That's just the way it is with this scene, always has been, always will be. It's a thing people hold precious, perhaps too preciously but that is just the way we are.

All the best.

No need for apologies, respect is all around, which is why I'm still here.

Thing is, Chorley, there really is no difference. It's exactly the same. Try to see the bigger perspective........

Hey I was doing a St. Paddy's only last night and my cat was sooooo outta there....... if you know what I meow....... sorry, mean......... Agonising questions........ goodness me, folks...... do take a breath....... we've been there, done that, and we've not only kept our sense of humour, it has ADDED to our sense of humour........

Take those blinders off, you wonderful people with your wonderful Music, and if I pour myself another glass of red wine over here, I suggest you lot put the kettle on......

[Simsy]

No no, that's ok...... As I have said before, I am new to the world of Soul, and this thread gives a wonderful insight into the scene. And I love a good discussion, even if I'm not partaking. It's still a great thread but as I read on I felt that bit of cynicism here and there....... I was just surprised........ it was just a comment, that's all......... But now you know my reasons for coming in here......

You may have already said, (sorry it's been a long thread) have you seen any of the film?

[Steve G]

Mmmmmmmmm, having a beard stroking moment here Isabel.

How would you feel if say your Dutch folk film had far too many references to the Dutch porn industry or say they hinted that the people of say Roermond where collaborators?

How would it be if say there was a little too many references to the Dutch prostitutes or the Cannabis culture?

I think the fear is that we will get stereo typed, or possibly made to look foolish?

That's the fear, but it may turn out to be the best thing since sliced tomatoes?

Lets be honest here, there was a wide variety of "sorts" that pitched up at WIgan on a typical saturday night in the 70s. there were the locals out for a good time, the 'dealers', Anna Ford and the Granada crowd according to Russ's book, first timers, tourists, kids, older kids, die hard soul fans. Lets not kid ourselves that Wigan was just full of died in the wool principled rare soul fans. Think Dewhirst's post about playing "Hawaii 5-0" and the kids loving it or whatever he said bears testament to that. It wasn't perfect so lets not try and pretend it was. Majority were soul fans obviously but there were some others there too for the ride.

...............

And Jim Barry

[Guest JIM BARRY]

Lets be honest here, there was a wide variety of "sorts" that pitched up at WIgan on a typical saturday night in the 70s. there were the locals out for a good time, the 'dealers', Anna Ford and the Granada crowd according to Russ's book, first timers, tourists, kids, older kids, die hard soul fans. Lets not kid ourselves that Wigan was just full of died in the wool principled rare soul fans. Think Dewhirst's post about playing "Hawaii 5-0" and the kids loving it or whatever he said bears testament to that. It wasn't perfect so lets not try and pretend it was. Majority were soul fans obviously but there were some others there too for the ride.

...............

And Jim Barry

hey, what have i done????

[Guest]

You may have already said, (sorry it's been a long thread) have you seen any of the film?

No Simsy, and do listen to me in my posts, before I answer.

[Steve G]

hey, what have i done????

Your previous comment

[Guest JIM BARRY]

Your previous comment

oh right, i know bad taste

[Simsy]

No Simsy, and do listen to me in my posts, before I answer.

Sorry, been a long day. Too tired to read back. You said you were new to it etc and I wondered if you'd seen it and what you thought of it.

[Guest]

Sorry, been a long day. Too tired to read back. You said you were new to it etc and I wondered if you'd seen it and what you thought of it.

Simsy, you're ok........ no one was ever offended, were we......

Oooooh pressing the button before thinking.............. Simsy, offering you a drinkie of your choice while I'm off to Dutch sleeping hours........

[Guest]

Simsy, you're ok........ no one was ever offended, were we......

Oooooh pressing the button before thinking.............. Simsy, offering you a drinkie of your choice while I'm off to Dutch sleeping hours........

Wow, this is all getting very surreal in here now...Think I'm going to toddle off and medicate myself. Is that a cover picture off an obscure Dutch Folk 45 on your avatar or am I on the wrong website! lol

[Mark S]

Isobel if you come from the folk music scene then may I recomend that you watch the Tony Palmer film this England as there is more.folk than soul content in it . (sorry just being glib )

There has never been a decent documenary or programme about northern soul ,they either patronise us or make us look stupid . This England apart from a few minutes footage from the Casino just reinforces the idea that its grim up north and so is of very little worth .

As Chorleysoul has said any programme or film has to be made by people that know and love the scene .

Black music never gets the credit or attention it deserves most of these top 100 best music list type programmes on tv usually only have one or two black artists listed usually Jacko and Houston ,not a lot of soul there. Soul music wether we like it or not is a minority music and nothern soul is a minority within that .

Because of the passion of a small amount of people in reality the scene has continued for longer than anyone expected and in deference to the scene and the artists deserves to be treated with respect .

In earlier posts some comparisons to Once upon a time in wigan were made , a great example of it going wrong ,The urban expansions play made by people that had passion and live and breath northern soul was exellent and through humour and observation managed to capture a moment in time . however the Octagon version of the play produced by the clueless just became Mamma Mia meets the Casino wrong on so many levels

I am sorry if I sound cynical its because I love this music and care about how its interpreted by people , the plastic bag tells a story in itself if they cant be bothered to get that right why bother at all .

[Little-stevie]

I can only guess from bits of the trailer, but maybe Little-Stevie could help me out on this: Is this film actually the originally proposed feature length version of 'Function @the Junction' by any chance? Only, there is a dance-off @the end & the lead character does appear to get roughed up..? I thought I'd heard somewhere ages ago that Geno Washington was supposed to have been in that..

Be interested to know either way.

Nothing to do with function at the junction mate.... Yes there are a few storylines that look the same , its this kind of thing that would have been of interest to talk through with the film makers if they ever come back onto this forum...

Function at the Junction was a different production company, they too were trying to get together a feature film, along with a few others, maybe like all them football hooligan films, they will all come out in a short space of time... who knows how the film industry works..

Imagine a thread on here talking about 3 films at once , that would take up a 100 pages i guess

[Guest stevemcmahon]

If you think about most British post WWII youth sub-cultures, there has always been several after-waves of mass-market media exploitation. Take the Teds - when I was a kid in the 70s, I'd often look see some of the originals out with their kids, [there used to be families of 'em] who just looked like bad photo-copies in their repro Showaddywaddy/Mud outfits. The 70s music scene did a similar number on several youth sub-cultures with an inevitable, trickle down, diluted effect. And then there were the films; 'That'll Be The Day' with its sequel, Stardust are just two glaring examples of this exploitative attitude. I think some of us on here remember just how bad these types of films can get & so the reason why this thread has become so engaging. There always seems to have been a wave of nostalgic dross when people in the media reach a certain age & come up with 'another angle' on theirs or rather 'others' youth experiences. Thank gawld the 'Confessions of..' series films are not still going, otherwise this film could have been a whole lot worse

[Guest stevemcmahon]

Nothing to do with function at the junction mate.... Yes there are a few storylines that look the same , its this kind of thing that would have been of interest to talk through with the film makers if they ever come back onto this forum...

Function at the Junction was a different production company, they too were trying to get together a feature film, along with a few others, maybe like all them football hooligan films, they will all come out in a short space of time... who knows how the film industry works..

Imagine a thread on here talking about 3 films at once , that would take up a 100 pages i guess

Sorry, Steve - I'd just posted as you were replying. Thanks for clearing that up! I'd hoped it wasn't as I really enjoyed 'Function'

Steve.

[Guest Simon]

If you think about most British post WWII youth sub-cultures, there has always been several after-waves of mass-market media exploitation. Take the Teds - when I was a kid in the 70s, I'd often look see some of the originals out with their kids, [there used to be families of 'em] who just looked like bad photo-copies in their repro Showaddywaddy/Mud outfits. The 70s music scene did a similar number on several youth sub-cultures with an inevitable, trickle down, diluted effect. And then there were the films; 'That'll Be The Day' with its sequel, Stardust are just two glaring examples of this exploitative attitude. I think some of us on here remember just how bad these types of films can get & so the reason why this thread has become so engaging. There always seems to have been a wave of nostalgic dross when people in the media reach a certain age & come up with 'another angle' on theirs or rather 'others' youth experiences. Thank gawld the 'Confessions of..' series films are not still going, otherwise this film could have been a whole lot worse

'That'll be the day' is one of my favourite films of all time, rock on!

Simon

[Agentsmith]

just been casting the peepers over the last page and am a bit more lucid this morning1, had to stoke up the boiler again. im obviously in the zone with some very learned people and there is some serious cogitating going on as we're on 300+ replies and 7 pages. it just shows how THIS thread has summoned the passion in a large proportion of "sourcers". we never suspected in the 70's, as our scene burgeoned that the media would creep up behind us with the arm slung round our shoulder in the "how you doin' mate?" mode and proceed to deconstruct our scene, pronouncing it to be nothing more than a fad. of course, they're quite capable of doing that again...i just dont think that brazen attitude resonates with them in the same manner because as we've witnessed over the years, tunes have been used to clever effect in advertising products, and before anyone says, i dont think they've taken advantage of us in that department either as the professionals amongst us, involved in advertising have seen a niche and used it to keep bringing this music to the attention of a wider audience, proving that northern soul just wont go away!.

no matter who we are, how old, where we come from and however long we've been on the scene, this film is another statistic, another notch on the wood, another chalk on the blackboard that says "we've done that". like it or loathe it, you cant ignore the fact that a film heightens the senses and stimulates debate and weather this film is crap or not, its already SUCEEDED....yer 300+ and 7 pages proves that including some well respected names getting involved in THIS QUESTION TIME.

the media cant slap us in the face and embarrass us anymore because we're older and wiser and the scene has survived longer than anyone could ever have predicted, they'll not be remotely interested in castigating this film, if any respect is shown, it will be because it is british, which to all intents and purposes, means down to earth not glamorous.

no worries then about damage limitation. if this film had been put together by more noteworthy producers would it have become more surreal? would the whole purpose of the film been about the personal storyline and less about the scene and music? would the music have just faded into the background?....would the film have a glossy title with totally no reference to northern soul?...how would we feel if a whole bunch of actors were taught how to dance and no real soul people were recruited as extra's....then would we feel exploited?....BETTER THE DEVIL YOU KNOW..?

rob.h

[Little-stevie]

'That'll be the day' is one of my favourite films of all time, rock on!

Simon

Is that rock on or.................

Its carry on

Sorry back on topic...

[Guest stevemcmahon]

'That'll be the day' is one of my favourite films of all time, rock on!

Simon

The talking Camel @Saturday morning cinema club used to warn me there'd be days like these

[Guest]

Isobel if you come from the folk music scene then may I recomend that you watch the Tony Palmer film this England as there is more.folk than soul content in it . (sorry just being glib )

Thanks for the suggestion, Mark.

[barney]

tell me if I am wrong;

but have any of you lot on here seen this film yet,

I think not.

so while you knowledgable sages are star gazing and predicting the future , give us 6 numbers for saturdays lottery,

its a film ffs, and for all the acres of twaddle on here and quotes from the lancet etc

it might just might be worth watching,

and while your breast beating and hair pulling on here, I am keeping an eye on the vatican webcam ,lookin for white smoke because theres been enough pontificating on here to create at least a dozen new popes

[manus]

I'm just going to watch the film and then make my mind up.

Cheers

Manus

[Guest stevemcmahon]

tell me if I am wrong; but have any of you lot on here seen this film yet, I think not. so while you knowledgable sages are star gazing and predicting the future , give us 6 numbers for saturdays lottery, its a film ffs, and for all the acres of twaddle on here and quotes from the lancet etc it might just might be worth watching,

and while your breast beating and hair pulling on here, I am keeping an eye on the vatican webcam ,lookin for white smoke because theres been enough pontificating on here to create at least a dozen new popes

Brilliant

[Guest miss nancy]

tell me if I am wrong;

but have any of you lot on here seen this film yet,

I think not.

so while you knowledgable sages are star gazing and predicting the future , give us 6 numbers for saturdays lottery,

its a film ffs, and for all the acres of twaddle on here and quotes from the lancet etc

it might just might be worth watching,

and while your breast beating and hair pulling on here, I am keeping an eye on the vatican webcam ,lookin for white smoke because theres been enough pontificating on here to create at least a dozen new popes

well said !

[viphitman]

I am looking forward to see the film and I am also glad that there is some footage from the casino days. I was still playing with pebbles on the beach when you were singing ...I am just a pebble....so, for me the casino footage was and still is inspiring !!!! The film may or may not be nominated for an Oscar but imagine if it would......

[Simsy]

tell me if I am wrong;

You're wrong.

[Steve G]

its a film ffs, and for all the acres of twaddle on here and quotes from the lancet etc

it might just might be worth watching,

[barney]

You're wrong.

so you have seen this film then ,

enlighten the great unwashed masses then please

[Guest]

no worries then about damage limitation. if this film had been put together by more noteworthy producers would it have become more surreal? would the whole purpose of the film been about the personal storyline and less about the scene and music? would the music have just faded into the background?....would the film have a glossy title with totally no reference to northern soul?...how would we feel if a whole bunch of actors were taught how to dance and no real soul people were recruited as extra's....then would we feel exploited?....BETTER THE DEVIL YOU KNOW..?

rob.h

Another great post Rob and you are right, this thread has guranteed that a lot of people will go to see the film anyway, so the makers will be more than happy with that! personally, I'm speaking from a film making perspective. I do not think this movie is going to 'damage' the scene, Northern Soul is far too resilient an entity for that and the passions you rightly refer too are too strong to be diluted by exterior medddling on any front. As for your comments on 'Producers' etc, I think that is where my view differs from yours.

From a professional background in the script industry, I maintain that the identity of the makers has a lot of affect on the finished product when it comes to movies. I could quote an almighty list of films which have been fanatstic examples of drama, one of the main reasons being that the subject matter was dear to the heart and life experiences of the Producers/Directors/Writers etc. It's not so much a case of getting famous people, I could tell you of a number of well known projects where famous writers have had to be replaced by virtually unknown guys simply becasue the 'names' did not have the relevant knowledge or feel for the subject matter, albeit being proven movie writers. I think it is just a good working rule that if you are going to take on subjects based in passionate real life collective experiences, then your chances of getting something reallly inspiring are massively increased if you utilise the visions of talented film makers with a genuine passion for the subject matter. That's a simple artistic meter that I would have thought most people could grasp.

That said, I think you'll also find that this is not actually a movie made about the heart and soul of the Northern scene, simply because it is impossible for people without a deep understanding of the subject to produce such a piece. I think you'll find it is a teenage love story type movie set against a backdrop of the Northern scene or more specifically Wigan Casino with a soundtrack featuring some classic Northern records. I am sure some people will like it and this is perhaps not the best place to stage a serious debate about drama anyway. What people demand or expect from drama differs massively depending on an individuals expectations or level of understanding of the creative process involved. From my perspective, I simply think that the Wigan Casino retro route was a very predictable one and that significant dramatic elements of the overall Northern Soul story, will not be covered in such treatment. It's not being too precious, or serious, it's just a viewpoint formed with 20 years experience of association and direct involvement in the script process and a precise understanding of how these projects are assembled, constructed and marketed. In the end, the film, like all films will stand or fall on it's own merits. I think the reason why people like me get involved with the debate is as much too do with the fact that I am passionate about drama and film - in addition to Northern Soul! - whereas most people can easily shrug their shoulders and say 'it's just a film'!

Edited March 19, 2010 by chorleysoul

[Guest]

tell me if I am wrong;

but have any of you lot on here seen this film yet,

I think not.

so while you knowledgable sages are star gazing and predicting the future , give us 6 numbers for saturdays lottery,

its a film ffs, and for all the acres of twaddle on here and quotes from the lancet etc

it might just might be worth watching,

and while your breast beating and hair pulling on here, I am keeping an eye on the vatican webcam ,lookin for white smoke because theres been enough pontificating on here to create at least a dozen new popes

That made me laugh out loud just now........ lol

Where have all the smileys gone?!

[Geeselad]

Blue Juice or something like that.

Thanks mate, I knew it was blue something!

[Simsy]

so you have seen this film then ,

enlighten the great unwashed masses then please

When you say..

but have any of you lot on here seen this film yet,

I think not.

I think in Paul's original thread on this subject you will see the members names that have seen the advanced screenings.

From that time I think the writer and director had posted on here, however I was unable to locate any account info when looking the other day.