On this week’s podcast we contextualize Philippa Lowthorpe’s new film Misbehaviour as part of a trend of British social activism films starring amazing ensemble casts. We discuss complicating history to move beyond just feel good films, why these films are particularly popular in Britain, and many of our favourite actors.
This episode features Editor-in-Chief Alex Heeney, Executive Editor Orla Smith, and special guest Fiona Underhill
Misbehaviour (Philippa Lowthorpe, 2020)
Based on true events, Misbehaviour follows activists Sally (Keira Knightley) and Jo (Jessie Buckley) plan to disrupt the broadcast of the world’s most watched TV event, the 1970 Miss World Competition. But the 1970 event makes waves for another reason, the crowning of the first Black winner, Jennifer Hosten (Gugu Mbatha-Raw). Misbehaviour also co-stars Lesley Manville, Greg Kinnear, Keeley Hawes, and Rhys Ifans
Misbehaviour is available on VOD in the UK and will be available in Canad and the US starting on September 25.
Suffragette (Sarah Gavron, 2015)
Suffragette focuses on Maud (Carey Mulligan), a laundry worker who becomes an activist in the 1912 suffragette movement. Jailed after a protest, she is further radicalized. Her involvement infuriates her husband (Ben Whishaw) and leads to escalating demonstrations. Suffragette co-stars Helena Bonham Carter, Natalie Press, Romola Garai, Ann-Marie Duff, Amanda Lawrence, and Meryl Streep.
Suffragette is available on VOD and is streaming on Netflix in the US and Stan in Australia
Pride (Matthew Warchus, 2014)
In 1984, during Britain’s coal mining strike, gay activist Mark Ashton (Ben Schnetzer) seeks to create solidarity with the miners against their mutual enemy Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. A group of gay and lesbian activists collect money and decide to donate it personally to miners in the small Welsh village of Onllwyn. Despite a chilly initial reception, the two groups soon form an inspiring alliance. Pride co-stars Dominic West, Andrew Scott, George MacKay, Imelda Staunton, Bill Nighy, and Paddy Considine
Pride is available on VOD and is streaming on Prime in the US and Australia
Show Notes for Misbehaviour and British Revolution Ensemble Films
- Listen to Fiona’s other podcast appearances – Working Mothers: Promixa and Baby Boom; Shirley and Portraits of Female Artists; and The Romances of Normal People & On Chesil Beach
- Listen to our podcast on Matthew Warchus’ production of Lungs
- Read Fiona’s article The Power of the Confrontational Gaze in Orlando (Sally Potter, 1992) and The Souvenir (Joanna Hogg, 2019) at Filmotomy
- Read why JumpCut Online selected The Riot Club as one of the best films of the decade
- Preview or purchase our ebook Peterloo in Process: A Mike Leigh Collaboration.
- Check out our new King-Lu Baking Co. T-shirt, currently on sale for $31.99
- Mouthpiece is coming to Seventh Row on October 1-4 (September 28-30 for members). Find out more about Patricia Rozema’s masterpiece at the link.
