Wednesday 6 June 2018

Edie

I reviewed Edie almost a year ago, in the EIFF, and was interested to see if it was still a pleasure second time around, and if I would come away with different impressions.  So I'm not going to go over old ground, and you can read that first review here.

The first thing to say is it remains enjoyable and inspiring.  Yes it is a bit overly sentimental at times, and can be predictable, formulaic even, but the subject matter is unusual enough to transcend that. There aren't many action parts around for eighty-somethings.

Sheila Hancock's Edie dominates of course, but this second, more critical, viewing does show up her occasional tendency to over-emote, although she has plenty of wonderful moments, and moments of wonderment, for this not to be a big issue.  Whereas Kevin Guthrie as Jonny looks all the more assured and impressive.

The cinematography is the other big plus, those individuals pitted against a wild landscape give a powerful sense of just how small human beings are in a planetary context, especially to a unreconstructed city-dweller like myself.

Edie should have wide appeal, not just to older generations, but to anyone who feels they want to get more from their life.  And, as last time, I'd advise you to watch this short video beforehand, to get a greater sense of Hancock's achievement in making this movie.

Go and see Edie.


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