A One Mann’s Movies review of “Made in England: The Films of Powell and Pressburger” (2024).
I didn’t get to see this in the cinema when it came out in February last year. Which is a great shame: this would have been spectaular to see on the big screen. For this documentary exposes just what a fantastic talent the duo of John Powell and Emeric Pressburger were in creating some of the most memorable and groundbreaking content ever released onto British cinema screens.
Bob the Movie Man Rating:
“Made in England: The Films of Powell and Pressburger” Plot:
Almost a biopic of John Powell, Martin Scorsese – a lifelong fan – reviews his early films and his Kismet-like collaboration with Emeric Pressburger that delivered a series of classics. Scorsese traces the influences of many of these films on his own work.
Certification:
UK:Â 12;Â US: NR. (From the BBFC web site: “Moderate threat, violence, sex references.”)
Talent:
Starring: John Powell, Emeric Pressburger, Martin Scorsese.
Directed by: David Hinton.
Running Time: 2h 11m.
“Made in England: The Films of Powell and Pressburger” Summary:
Positives:
- A really intelligent and fascinating narration from Scorsese.
- Film clips that make you want to rewatch (and sometimes watch!) these classics!
Negatives:
- A brilliant documentary: loved it.
Review of “Made in England: The Films of Powell and Pressburger”:
A real fan.
What jumps out at you from Scorsese’s narration is just what a fan-boy he is. He vibrantly describes how, as a child, he was transfixed by the images from the films that played constantly on US TV. (Why so many British films on US TV? The answer is surprising.) This was even though he was watching on a tiny black-and-white TV screen. He describes the mind-blowing effect of going to watch “The Red Shoes” for the first time in a movie theatre! Brilliant stuff.
This is no paid ‘narration job’, where Scorsese is playing lip-service to the subject. What makes the documentary fascinating is how Scorsese has ‘borrowed’ various techniques from the films to enhance his own work. Examples are shown, with scenes from films including “Raging Bull”, “Taxi Driver”, “The Age of Innocence” and “Mean Streets”.
Unappreciated talent.
What’s fascinating is how John Powell was cast aside by the British Film Industry, living in relative poverty in a little country cottage until fan-boy Scorsese sought him out in the 70’s to personally thank him. This led to a new life for Powell in the US and a new dawn of studio work. Amazing.
We see, in their old age, the pair being presented in 1981 with the BAFTA Fellowship. But this feels too little, too late for such innovators in the industry. Where were the awards for these films? (The pair were nominated twice (never winning): for an Oscar for “One of Our Aircraft is Missing” in 1943 and for a BAFTA in 1957 for “The Battle of the River Plate”. But these were for writing: not for directing or ‘Best Film’.)
The work stands on its own.
The Powell and Pressburger films referenced include those that I have seen and loved, such as “A Matter of Life and Death” with David Niven and Kim Hunter and “The Battle of the River Plate” with John Gregson and Anthony Quayle. But more often than not, they are glimpses into cinematic delights that I have yet to experience. Some I have heard of but never got to: “The Red Shoes”, “The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp”, “Black Narcissus” and the disturbing looking “Peeping Tom”. But many are completely new to me such as “Ill Met by Moonlight”, “49th Parallel” and “The Small Back Room”.
What makes the films stand out is the innovation used, both in terms of the dramatic framing and the unusual effects employed. They are the “Jaws” dolly-zooms of the day. Some of the visual expressions of Powell’s actors – almost overly melodramatic – create an incredible impression on the screen.
Summary Thoughts on “Made in England: The Films of Powell and Pressburger”
A really engaging and fascinating documentary that is a must for any film-maker or media studies student. There is so much that you can learn about film making from this.
Note that at the time of writing, for viewers in the UK with a TV Licence, the film is available to stream for free on the BBC iPlayer.
Where to Watch it (Powered by Justwatch)
Trailer for “Made in England: The Films of Powell and Pressburger”:
The trailer is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sSeQgxj0rg .
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