Shooting the Past

A work of genius and profound beauty. The casting is superb the cinematography, a delight. The acting is a tribute to the writing and direction and the "plot" a solid ... more >

A work of genius and profound beauty. The casting is superb the cinematography, a delight. The acting is a tribute to the writing and direction and the "plot" a solid metaphor for the times we may always be in. The many philosophical themes unfold effortlessly yet the drama is always engaging and intense. The film provides a place to work through some of the most important issues we may face about what we value in the present and the threats that those values face from a time-dominated world. There is more love and intelligence woven into this film than I have ever come across in a single production. Like the greatest classical music compositions, it has a timeless quality and an immediate relevance. If you havn't seen it, do. If you have seen it watch it again - there is more to it. Buy it, watch it and tell your friends about it. If you love film, you'll love THIS film. < less

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"Shooting the Past" left me breathless. It's original, well written, and superlatively acted. The music and editing brought the already well-crafted movie to perfect... more >

"Shooting the Past" left me breathless. It's original, well written, and superlatively acted. The music and editing brought the already well-crafted movie to perfection. I cannot say enough about how moved I was by "Shooting the Past." I know it's a cliché to say the British understand complex material (let alone having written it), but I couldn't help thinking how mucked up an American production would have been. Not only would Oswald have been lost in a series of ticks and other "character-establishing" mayhem, but also Marilyn and Charles would have ended up in bed together and ruined a respectful friendship. Male and female friendship doesn't exist on screen in the U.S. Then there's the issue of Marilyn's complicated character. There's a movie just out in the States right now called "Being John Malcovich." Its originality blows your socks off in a way "Shooting the Past" does. But it relies on the fantastic where "Shooting the Past" takes realistic events and shapes them into a timeless story. I'm gushing. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for reinvigorating my love for film. < less

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DVD Extras

• 2 discs
• Audio commentary with Stephen Poliakoff, Adrian Johnston and JP Kelly
• Documentary
• Photo gallery.

Film Details

Cast

Billie Whitelaw, Timothy Spall, Lindsay Duncan

Technical Details