True Brit…
As we embark on a new decade, a lot is already happening in Britain. From the rise in Uni fee’s to the concept of Cher Lloyd becoming a global star, it’s times like these that we need proof that Britain is capable of, despite the hardship of the times, turning out the raw acting chops the likes of Daniel Day Lewis and Kate Winslet are made of.
With the BFI Future Film Festival this weekend, the importance to shine a light on genuine talent has never meant more in an industry that can produce actresses that make millions of dollars a year- and can pull only one facial expression.
Who will be the acting-beacons of hope? The new Colin Firth’s and Keira Knightley’s? This is the new generation…
It is undeniable Felicity Jones has the makings of a true Hollywood star. From the genetics that make the rest of us look like Igor to earning critical acclaim starring in this years Sundance hit ‘Like Crazy’, she won the Special Jury Prize for her portrayal of Anna- a girl, who whilst studying in LA, falls madly in love for the first time with American boy Jacob (Anton Yelchin). However, as her visa runs out, she is forced to move back to London and embark on a long-distance relationship. Her performance, as quoted by America Ferrera, “reminds us of why we fall in love in the first place.” With an acting resume as impressive as hers- having already been in movies with the likes of Michelle Pfeiffer, Kathy Bates (Cheri) and Ricky Gervais (Cemetery Junction), its no wonder she has also been picked to play Miranda in Julie Taymor’s recent adaptation of ‘The Tempest’ and stars in the newly released Brit-flick ‘Chalet Girl’ (co-starring one Ed Westwick from Gossip Girl). This girl is clearly one to watch.
This time last year, no one had heard of Conor McCarron. Thats because, like most people his age, he was in the midst of his GCSE’s. That, however, is before Peter Mullan, director of critically acclaimed ‘The Magdalene Sisters’ chose him to star in ‘NEDS’; a coming of age story about an intelligent working class boy burdened with the prejudices left by his delinquent brother- and how these judgements eventually move McCarron’s character to manifest his feelings from shy and timid-to violence as he turns to knife crime. What makes his performance all the more powerful- and poignant- is knowing that McCarron’s life has personally been affected by knife crime. Last August, his father was sentenced to 18 years in prison for murder. Knowing this, and then watching the movie, it is undoubtable that this raw emotion transcends into his performance- managing to find the balance between subtlety and drama. From McCarron’s acting break to Mullan’s attention to detail and fantastic directing, the two combine to make one of 2011’s must-see British movies.
Keep a look-out for the BFI Future Film Festival highlights- including a preview screening of Monsters and Q&A with Director Gareth Edwards.