Forever Ealing

Forever Ealing is a promisingly “cast” documentary (Daniel Day-Lewis reads the commentary, while Martin Scorsese, John Landis and Philip Kemp share their opinions or reminiscences), but it tries to cram nearly a century of the famous studio’s history into a mere 50 minutes. It jumps from film to film as veteran actors pull stories from filming out of their sleeves and well-known directors describe their favourite scenes. Many films are left out entirely and others are covered with a single sentence, so the documentary cannot be recommended even for getting a basic idea of Ealing’s portfolio (but at least it is made clear that not only comedies were made there). Don’t expect deeper insight, a broader context or an attempt to enliven the dry narration with more imaginative editing or a less proper concept. The studio behind such charmingly cynical films that reveal the essence of English distinctiveness, such as Kind Hearts and Coronets and The Ladykillers deserves a less staid tribute. (13.04.2016)