A One Mann’s Movies review of “Blue Jean” (2023).
Another film, new out this week, and nominated for “Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer”* at the upcoming BAFTAs. “Blue Jean” takes us back to 1988 and a VERY different world for homosexual people.
(* Note: I originally reference this as up for Best British Film. My error. Georgia Oakley does perhaps stand a chance with this award, but I think will likely lose to Charlotte Wells for “Aftersun”).
Bob the Movie Man Rating(s):
Plot Summary:
It’s 1988. Jean (Rosy McEwen) is a PE teacher at a comprehensive school in the North East, a good drive away from where she lives. And she’s lesbian. She parties in the local gay clubs with her lover Viv (Kerrie Hayes). But in a world where the Thatcher government is pushing through “Article 28”, making it illegal to promote homosexuality through teaching or by publishing materials, Jean has to keep her sexuality well-hidden at her school in order to keep her job.
When her working life and personal life accidently converge, through lesbian pupil Lois (Lucy Halliday), Jean’s well-balanced life is at risk of crashing down.
Certification:
UK: 15; US: NR. (From the BBFC: “Strong language, sex, sex references, homophobia”.)
Talent:
Starring: Rosy McEwen, Kerrie Hayes, Lucy Halliday, Lydia Page.
Directed by: Georgia Oakley.
Written by: Georgia Oakley.
Twitter Handle: #bluejeanfilm
Lovers out on the town. Kerrie Hayes and the incredible Rosy McEwen. (Source: Altitude Films)
“Blue Jean” Review:
Positives:
- When I get depressed about the state of society in the UK, with violence, robbery, fly-tipping, etc. etc. it’s good to console oneself by watching a film like “Blue Jean”. For when you look back to some of the attitudes in 1988, mankind (at least in the UK) HAS evolved in a positive way in regards to our acceptance of homosexuality. I felt the same about the 2014 movie “Pride” (set in 1985). Life in the 80’s for a homosexual person was clearly utterly shit. Not only was there Aids to contend with, but society itself, led by the government, was actively undermining a gay person’s rights to express themselves and lead a normal life. And you can only imagine what that was like for a gay teacher. It’s one of the strengths of this film that, as this article describes, the film is based on the real life experiences of teacher Catherine Lee, who was an advisor on the film.
- Rosy McEwen! WOW! Just WOW! WHAT a screen presence she has, with those utterly magnetic eyes. This is only her third feature (I’ve seen neither “Vesper”, a sci-fi film with Eddie Marsan that came out late last year or “The Letter Writer” which I can’t see got a UK release). It’s an absolutely stunning performance, nuanced, charming and brave in terms of nudity and sexual content. For me, this is probably the most striking breakout performance of an actor since Morfydd Clarke in “Saint Maud“. It launches her directly onto my One Mann’s Movies “One to Watch” list.
- In fact, it’s a nicely rounded ensemble cast: with Kerrie Hayes very believable as her tattooed lover Viv; Lucy Halliday, an allumnus of the National Theatre of Scotland in her movie debut as the proud teen Lois; and 21 year old Lydia Page likably unpleasant as a coniving and vindictive schoolgirl.
- The production design for the late 80’s, by Soraya Gilanni, nicely evokes the era, from the now cringemaking “Blind Date” on the tele, to the “Slimfast” diet drinks to the furry dice hanging from the rear-view mirror. The lounge of Jean’s sister is particularly nicely done – all faux stone walling and G-plan furniture!
Negatives:
- There’s a rather awkward shower scene in the film which doesn’t quite feel realistic given the circumstances. (This is where the real teacher Catherine Lee can pitch in and comment that “No, that really did happen!”)
- I can’t say I was mad about the ending of the movie. I *think* I got where it was going, but I found it too abrupt and not overly satisfying.
Summary Thoughts on “Blue Jean”:
This is writer/director Georgia Oakley’s debut feature, and its a first-class effort. A tight 97-minutes of drama that didn’t disappoint and reminds us of a time-gone-by that’s best left in the past. Will it win the BAFTA for Best British Debut? No, I don’t think so, but Ms Oakley must be truly delighted to be listed in such a strong category this year.
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Trailer for “Blue Jean”:
The trailer is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGGRNmIU7fc .
