There is something a little disconcerting about encountering real-life film stars when going to see a movie. The last time this happened to me was at the National Film Theatre. I can’t remember the film in question, but when the film finished and the lights faded up, I found myself sitting directly behind the entire cast.
Yesterday’s encounter was far less dramatic. We were on our way to the lovely Phoenix cinema in East Finchley High Road and brushed past Daniel Mays walking his dog and talking quite loudly to a mate in his trademark cockney brogue. It was here at the Phoenix that I had last seen Mr Mays’ chops up large on the silver screen in the excellent Fisherman’s Friend. So this brief encounter might, I thought, be a harbinger of good things to come. As it turned out, I was right.
The Ballad of Wallace Island is one of those little British films that won’t win Oscars but will win plenty of hearts. It reminded me of the few wonderful films made by Bill Forsyth, not in its settings or themes so much as its ability to convey charm and something of this country’s psyche. Its premise is simple enough. Fictional folk duo McGwyer Mortimer, who were never that big but were hugely admired by a few loyal fans back in the day, have now split up, gone their own ways and disappeared into obscurity. Until, that is, they are approached by one of their most loyal fans, Charles, a man who is sartorially challenged and unable to stay quiet for a nano-second. A man who can’t stop himself from filling every pause with a stream of verbiage comprising poorly constructed literary quips and inanities. But despite his shortcomings, Charles has money, lots of money. He has won the lottery not just once, but twice. And as a result, now owns his own island on which he resides. As a massive fan of McGwyer Mortimer, his single-handed mission is to get the two back together again and host a gig on his island. The only problem is that McGwyer and Mortimer haven’t spoken for years and have their own emotional baggage to deal with. And their joint ego is going to have to adjust to a very peculiar live audience of just one.
Nell Mortimer and Herb McGwyer are played by Carey Mulligan and Tom Basden, respectively. And Charles is played by Tim Keys. The screenplay was written by both Basden and Keys. Without wanting to give anything away, the narrative unfolds gradually, and we learn a little more about the characters as the story progresses. The contrast between the slightly petulant and prickly McGwyer and his devoted fan Charles is beautifully performed, as are the musical numbers. And the excellent Carey Mulligan adds the right level of support. But I tip my hat particularly in Tim Keys’ direction. His role in the piece is pivotal. And again, I think back to Bill Forsyth’s Gregory’s Girl, in which John Gordon Sinclair is central to the film’s charm. Without his lanky, awkward and totally believable persona, the film would simply fall apart. The same goes for Tim Keys as Charles. He is totally believable and lovable.
The Ballad for Wallace Island is a very British movie that is charming, funny, and poignant in equal measure. Go and see it.
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