Northern Soul - Film - 5 years on - Film4 Tue nite

[Mike]

Just seen Film4 are showing Northern Soul - The Film - Wed 05 Jun, 1.40am (Tuesday Nite)

https://www.channel4.com/programmes/northern-soul

Given the showing and as it's now at the 5 years since it was released point - maybe it's a good time and place for sounding out members takes on it all

As in a sort of legacy with the benefit of hindsight, 5 years on view etc etc ?

any takers?

 

 

 

[Stevie]

Good call Mike - I'll watch it again.

Spoiler below....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have a hunch that the main argument might still be "people didn't" "yes they did" 

[Seano]

I have to confess to having enjoyed Soulboy and then, when it came out, loved Northern Soul. Very much about nostalgia, and in both films there were loads of details and aspects of storyline that were radically different from my own experiences: None of my trips to Wigan were in an ice cream van (Soulboy obviously!), and I never did drugs, but I did love it. For me, Northern Soul did capture the essence of the time and venue, despite lots of aspects of the storyline that weren't my story.

Still loving the music, and still buying the odd record here and there. Despite the growing realisation that I probably can't listen through to all of the singles, albums, 12" ers and CDs that I already have before I die, there's something about hearing new music that you like that is just irresistible! 

[Mark S]

Five years thats flown by ,I venhemently opposed the idea of the film at the time as I recall thought it was a dreadfull idea ,how could they possibly get it right and the scene will get an influx of divs on the back of it .

I was wrong . A good soundtrack a good story that captured the maniacal side of the early seventies  very well I could relate to it .

Burnsworth is still a shithole 

[Jet200soul]

I still feel underwhelmed by both films. For me only the stage show Once upon a time in Wigan captured the excitement of the 70s

[Guest]

I have to agree with Jet200soul above. The stage show was far better than both films combined. 

As for the films themselves, its always nigh on impossible for someone to accurately portray a period in the relatively recent past, when there are still so many people alive who experienced it. And those experiences are completely different for different people, and for different reasons. Both films got some things absolutely right, but also so many absolutely wrong. 

Elaine C's main problem, was that she wasn't there at the time, and only had hearsay and other peoples memories to go on. If she used the advice and memories of ten different people for her script, I guarantee I could find ten more people who had very different memories. Those first two years of the Casino were pretty wild for many of us. Far more "interesting" than either film portrayed. Some glaring omissions from both films, and for me, an oversimplification of what life was like in general, for a poor working class kid at the time. Oh, and a great soundtrack, albeit not 100% authentic and representative of the time. If the films period was supposed to be '74 or thereabouts, there are at least half a dozen of those tunes, possibly more, that weren't played at the time.

At the end of the day, the films were just entertainment, with a bit of nostalgia thrown in for good measure. Possibly taken seriously as a true depiction of the early seventies by some who didn't get the opportunity to experience those heady days, and viewed by some of us who were there with a degree of humour, disbelief and some raised eyebrows and knowing smiles. Whenever I think back to 1973-1974, the memories are quite different to most of those depicted in 'Northern Soul".

Saying all that, if I'm suffering from a bit of insomnia, I'll probably stay up and watch it again! 

Edited June 3, 2019 by Guest

[Len]

Crumbs is it 5 years?! 

I thought 'Northern Soul' was a good film, yes some bits / tunes were wrong, but that's just poetic licence, so didn't bother me in the slightest.

Elaine may not have been there in the early 70's, but loads of films, period dramas etc are done on the back of research only. At least she had people around her who did experience it to get first hand knowledge from, albeit only their own personal experiences.

Before it came out, I thought that to make even a half decent film about it all was impossible - I didn't particularly like the story line of the two lads wanting to be DJs because that is a nowadays 'disease' (Hardly any of the punters thought about DJing back then) but of course they had to have a story line - The finished product was a very good effort, and I don't think anyone else could have done a better job.

Has the film effected the scene? Not much I don't think, maybe making a few young people aware of it, but that's about it - I think the young people on the scene today were introduced to it by their parents, then passed to friends.

My Son (Bailey) says our scene is extinct - I say not quite 

Len 

[Okehdownsouth]

For me it really missed the point.

When I saw the trailers of the kids learning to dance I was genuinely excited because Soulboy which was such a disappointment but when I saw it I was just amazed at how it missed the point by as much. I was 15 years old when I first went to Wigan in late 1973 and sure there were loads of drugs and most but of us did partake BUT in the end it was all about the music and the dancing and the friendship and the atmosphere, and the exclusivity. So sorry Elaine,, you may have made few quid out of it but you are most definitely not Mrs Northern Soul and you missed a great opportunity to show the world what it was really like but instead you made a film about some lads who took loads of drugs and just happened to be into some soul music that was not meanstream.

[Bossfourpart1]

Well ,

I still think it was a great first Film from Elaine .

It was entertaining and I could relate to a lot of the detail in the story line although I was not there in the 70ts either.

I can only guess that when you make a film, a lot of the decision making must be made while sitting around a table and discussing  the distribution and all the finances that go with that. Meeting the viewing time  and editing a lot of material that you really wanted to be in it.

It would be great if a directors cut could be released, as I am sure there would be  a lot more material that would lift this movie to another level.

Great Movie , not easy to make and made by some one who cares about the scene.

[Modernsoulsucks]

Still think two central characters should have been vampires.

Just look at how much money Twilight made.

[Corbett80]

3 hours ago, Okehdownsouth said:

For me it really missed the point.

When I saw the trailers of the kids learning to dance I was genuinely excited because Soulboy which was such a disappointment but when I saw it I was just amazed at how it missed the point by as much. I was 15 years old when I first went to Wigan in late 1973 and sure there were loads of drugs and most but of us did partake BUT in the end it was all about the music and the dancing and the friendship and the atmosphere, and the exclusivity. So sorry Elaine,, you may have made few quid out of it but you are most definitely not Mrs Northern Soul and you missed a great opportunity to show the world what it was really like but instead you made a film about some lads who took loads of drugs and just happened to be into some soul music that was not meanstream.

Wondering when anyone claimed to be 'Mrs Northern Soul'? Also I think you mean MAINstream, not 'meanstream' but with these sort of comments might as well be. 

Edited June 3, 2019 by corbett80

[Zed1]

'Northern Soul' is a film about Transcendental Music in the 25th Century on the Planet Zurg in the alpha quadrant.... or it may as well be given it's resemblance to the Northern Soul Scene circa 2019.  Perhaps today's 'Soulies' could more relate to a Film based on an over 55's Version of TOWIE

 

 

 

[Jazz]

Enjoyed both films but watched the stage play at Mansfield theatre though it was brilliant still got the program

[Kenb]

8 hours ago, Joey said:

I have to agree with Jet200soul above. The stage show was far better than both films combined. 

As for the films themselves, its always nigh on impossible for someone to accurately portray a period in the relatively recent past, when there are still so many people alive who experienced it. And those experiences are completely different for different people, and for different reasons. Both films got some things absolutely right, but also so many absolutely wrong. 

Elaine C's main problem, was that she wasn't there at the time, and only had hearsay and other peoples memories to go on. If she used the advice and memories of ten different people for her script, I guarantee I could find ten more people who had very different memories. Those first two years of the Casino were pretty wild for many of us. Far more "interesting" than either film portrayed. Some glaring omissions from both films, and for me, an oversimplification of what life was like in general, for a poor working class kid at the time. Oh, and a great soundtrack, albeit not 100% authentic and representative of the time. If the films period was supposed to be '74 or thereabouts, there are at least half a dozen of those tunes, possibly more, that weren't played at the time.

At the end of the day, the films were just entertainment, with a bit of nostalgia thrown in for good measure. Possibly taken seriously as a true depiction of the early seventies by some who didn't get the opportunity to experience those heady days, and viewed by some of us who were there with a degree of humour, disbelief and some raised eyebrows and knowing smiles. Whenever I think back to 1973-1974, the memories are quite different to most of those depicted in 'Northern Soul".

Saying all that, if I'm suffering from a bit of insomnia, I'll probably stay up and watch it again! 

2 weeks ago Mossley Am Dram(MAODS) put Once A Time...on at George Lawton Hall. The 2 girls and 2 guys were fantastic...But (just me this) it didn’t have the impact from nigh on 20 yrs early at Oxford road. And although I think Kev did the after show set...I was left feeling I was amongst civilians.

i know, it’s me, I’m just too old

[TOAD]

not watched it and not interested the scene is too fluffy these days and boring! I may write a lot more soon

[soultree]

Dont think so ,,,rather watch Jeremy Kyle Show 

[Chalky]

5 hours ago, Okehdownsouth said:

For me it really missed the point.

When I saw the trailers of the kids learning to dance I was genuinely excited because Soulboy which was such a disappointment but when I saw it I was just amazed at how it missed the point by as much. I was 15 years old when I first went to Wigan in late 1973 and sure there were loads of drugs and most but of us did partake BUT in the end it was all about the music and the dancing and the friendship and the atmosphere, and the exclusivity. So sorry Elaine,, you may have made few quid out of it but you are most definitely not Mrs Northern Soul and you missed a great opportunity to show the world what it was really like but instead you made a film about some lads who took loads of drugs and just happened to be into some soul music that was not meanstream.

Mrs Northern Soul, you obviously don’t know Elaine.  She has never made such a claim nor have I heard anyone proclaim that she is such. As fir making a bit of money, if she did, good for her.   You obviously aren’t aware of the sacrifices Elaine and Marco made to finance the film. 

As for your last sentence, that is precisely what it was about for many wasn’t it?  To say most didn’t go out and take whatever chemical enhancement they could get their hands on would be telling a few porkies.  You can still do that and love the music, many did and some still do. 

Edited June 3, 2019 by Chalky

[Chalky]

22 hours ago, Joey said:

I have to agree with Jet200soul above. The stage show was far better than both films combined. 

As for the films themselves, its always nigh on impossible for someone to accurately portray a period in the relatively recent past, when there are still so many people alive who experienced it. And those experiences are completely different for different people, and for different reasons. Both films got some things absolutely right, but also so many absolutely wrong. 

Elaine C's main problem, was that she wasn't there at the time, and only had hearsay and other peoples memories to go on. If she used the advice and memories of ten different people for her script, I guarantee I could find ten more people who had very different memories. Those first two years of the Casino were pretty wild for many of us. Far more "interesting" than either film portrayed. Some glaring omissions from both films, and for me, an oversimplification of what life was like in general, for a poor working class kid at the time. Oh, and a great soundtrack, albeit not 100% authentic and representative of the time. If the films period was supposed to be '74 or thereabouts, there are at least half a dozen of those tunes, possibly more, that weren't played at the time.

At the end of the day, the films were just entertainment, with a bit of nostalgia thrown in for good measure. Possibly taken seriously as a true depiction of the early seventies by some who didn't get the opportunity to experience those heady days, and viewed by some of us who were there with a degree of humour, disbelief and some raised eyebrows and knowing smiles. Whenever I think back to 1973-1974, the memories are quite different to most of those depicted in 'Northern Soul".

Saying all that, if I'm suffering from a bit of insomnia, I'll probably stay up and watch it again! 

Does it matter if she was there or not?  Like you say you could have ten directors who were there making a film and nine would be wrong in the eyes of the other going by what you say.  It is nigh on impossible to make a film depicting how it actually was today.  She did a fantastic job getting the look right but it was never meant to represent any one specific year but simply an era wasn’t it?   She also had some extremely in the know consultants, movers and shakers at the time and dancers of the time, from which by all accounts she took her lead.  Obviously a bit of artistic licence was going to happen as it does on any movie.  

It is all to easy to sit and nit pick on a forum, we didn’t go through what they did to finance it, go to the extraordinary lengths to get it pretty much right and at least give the viewer an idea what it was like, many have said she managed by and large to do that.  It was never going to satisfy some and I don’t think it set out to satisfy everyone, it is at the end of the day entertainment. 

Edited June 4, 2019 by Chalky

[Chalky]

32 minutes ago, soultree said:

Dont think so ,,,rather watch Jeremy Kyle Show 

Why would you rather watch Jeremy Kyle? Perhaps you prefer the vulnerable being manipulated, humiliated and exploited? 

Edited June 3, 2019 by Chalky

[Stevie]

Think a lot of people have missed the point here. 

The idea was to watch it again 5 years on and see whether opinions have changed.

[Bruv]

Was it really five Years ago, I really enjoyed the Northern Soul Movie it was something to see on the big screen at my local Cinema I felt lucky that someone had made the effort to make a film about music I have such a passion for. 

[Gold Band]

It was just a film for entertainment like any film some enjoyed it, some didn't why do we feel the need to analyse every detail some people are as bad as our arsehole politicians!!!!!!!!

Kirsty

[Mike]

11 hours ago, Stevie said:

Think a lot of people have missed the point here. 

The idea was to watch it again 5 years on and see whether opinions have changed.

yep the orignal ask  was more along those lines

on tonight, though apparently also available via netflix for those who live on demand 

if you do re-visit then let us know your 5 years on take 

[Hooker1951]

The film NS was a decent attempt to portray what was happening at that particular time ,the problem arises because it targets a certain year which when viewing the film is around 74 _ 75 this means the characters involved were obviously born in the years 55 to 59 so the story is limited to a large chunk of those. However it doesn’t quite capture the scene for people who were a older than that pre 1955 or n fact those younger soulies born after 1960, The only way you could get round this which I realise is virtually impossible is to do NS films on different generations pre 1974 I myself have loved NS since 1964 so a period  before that and of course post 1975- 1985, 1985 - 95 and then since up to today that way the way NS evolved could be explained and characters who have never left the scene could tell their own unique stories I realise that if made they would have to be documentary style films, but on the whole Elaine did manage to capture a semblance of those couple of years, Oh and by the way believe me what we term as NS was born in RnB clubs and Soul clubs early 1960,s to 69, not after 1970, I was there

KR

ML

[jimmy clitheroe]

On 03/06/2019 at 16:52, Modernsoulsucks said:

Still think two central characters should have been vampires.

Just look at how much money Twilight made.

[jimmy clitheroe]

Can you Think of any vampire related tunes for the sound tracks Rod?

 

[Tattoodave]

1 hour ago, jimmy clitheroe said:

Can you Think of any vampire related tunes for the sound tracks Rod?

 

My Love's A Monster - Johnny Sayle's might just qualify.

I have the film on DVD and every now and then I put it on in the background, more to hear the music and voices of my youth rather than to watch, having to listen to the multitudinous babblings of many nations on the Costa del Sol on a daily basis it makes me miss the insanity of the Northern scene enormously.  Elaine did a job that I don't think anyone else would have had the stamina to do because she wasn't there, most of us that survived are nearing pension age and probably wouldn't know where to start on such a project, even if we could or did advise on how it should be portrayed, it was all a very personal journey, some of which I'm happy to forget but a lot of which came close to some of the storyline in the film.  I've watched some corny films over the years, but there aren't many that make me smile as much in recognition of my youth as this movie.

[Corbett80]

On 03/06/2019 at 20:14, Chalky said:

Does it matter if she was there or not?  Like you say you could have ten directors who were there making a film and nine would be wrong in the eyes of the other going by what you say.  It is nigh on impossible to make a film depicting how it actually was today.  She did a fantastic job getting the look right but it was never meant to represent any one specific year but simply an era wasn’t it?   She also had some extremely in the know consultants, movers and shakers at the time and dancers of the time, from which by all accounts she took her lead.  Obviously a bit of artistic licence was going to happen as it does on any movie.  

It is all to easy to sit and nit pick on a forum, we didn’t go through what they did to finance it, go to the extraordinary lengths to get it pretty much right and at least give the viewer an idea what it was like, many have said she managed by and large to do that.  It was never going to satisfy some and I don’t think it set out to satisfy everyone, it is at the end of the day entertainment. 

Well said mate

[Grayman45]

On ‎03‎/‎06‎/‎2019 at 14:00, Okehdownsouth said:

For me it really missed the point.

When I saw the trailers of the kids learning to dance I was genuinely excited because Soulboy which was such a disappointment but when I saw it I was just amazed at how it missed the point by as much. I was 15 years old when I first went to Wigan in late 1973 and sure there were loads of drugs and most but of us did partake BUT in the end it was all about the music and the dancing and the friendship and the atmosphere, and the exclusivity. So sorry Elaine,, you may have made few quid out of it but you are most definitely not Mrs Northern Soul and you missed a great opportunity to show the world what it was really like but instead you made a film about some lads who took loads of drugs and just happened to be into some soul music that was not meanstream.

What was the point that needed to be made?

[Corbett80]

1 hour ago, corbett80 said:

Well said mate

I think for a lot of people it seems the depiction of drug taking warts and all was hard to swallow (pun intended). But the mod, soul and skinhead scenes have always been partly driven by illicit substances and illicit behaviour - as has pretty much all of club life since it started - you can go back to the 1920 and 30s for that.... no everyone didn't take then and the same now. But it had a big influence on the types of records that were being picked and played and the path the scene took - i'm only going on what i have been told by people there at the time and from my own experiences over the last 20 years. You need the grit and the grime imho, that's what makes it exciting.

 

ps. i was trying to re-quote chalky not myself btw!

Edited June 4, 2019 by corbett80

[Paul-s]

On 03/06/2019 at 20:47, Chalky said:

can't get rid of this box! But agree with all Chalky has said regarding Elaines film

On 03/06/2019 at 19:44, Kenb said:

2 weeks ago Mossley Am Dram(MAODS) put Once A Time...on at George Lawton Hall. The 2 girls and 2 guys were fantastic...But (just me this) it didn’t have the impact from nigh on 20 yrs early at Oxford road. And although I think Kev did the after show set...I was left feeling I was amongst civilians.

i know, it’s me, I’m just too old

Bloody hell, do people not known the difference between an original, intricate, complex professional production and an amateur dramatic re-staging? My original production took years to build and stage correctly in order to portray what I remembered and felt. The text was just an off -shoot written form weeks of improvisations by incredible professional actors like Sally Carmen. Mick Martin was never there, it was me. My production used a giant screen and original footage of Wigan Casino, edited transition shots and 52 track as a cut up narrative device........I sometimes despair at peoples lack of understanding at the mammoth effort staging something like the original 2003 -2006 'Once Upon A Time in Wigan' stage play took or Elaines film. I actually lost my flat on the second tour of Wigan because of being ripped off by so many people, producers, playwrights, or venues not promoting properly,like Blackpool Grand. Still, I donate regret it. Elaine made massive sacrifices to make the film too! The original play was Urban Expansions 'Once Upon A Time in Wigan' directed by Paul Sadot. Anything following that is an attempt at cashing in or an amateur mess around with Martin's dislocated script and Binstanley advising. Without the original director who generated the scenes through improvisation and recall, the play is always going to fall short and soul-less. best Paul-S

[Kenb]

1 hour ago, paul-s said:

Bloody hell, do people not known the difference between an original, intricate, complex professional production and an amateur dramatic re-staging? My original production took years to build and stage correctly in order to portray what I remembered and felt. The text was just an off -shoot written form weeks of improvisations by incredible professional actors like Sally Carmen. Mick Martin was never there, it was me. My production used a giant screen and original footage of Wigan Casino, edited transition shots and 52 track as a cut up narrative device........I sometimes despair at peoples lack of understanding at the mammoth effort staging something like the original 2003 -2006 'Once Upon A Time in Wigan' stage play took or Elaines film. I actually lost my flat on the second tour of Wigan because of being ripped off by so many people, producers, playwrights, or venues not promoting properly,like Blackpool Grand. Still, I donate regret it. Elaine made massive sacrifices to make the film too! The original play was Urban Expansions 'Once Upon A Time in Wigan' directed by Paul Sadot. Anything following that is an attempt at cashing in or an amateur mess around with Martin's dislocated script and Binstanley advising. Without the original director who generated the scenes through improvisation and recall, the play is always going to fall short and soul-less. best Paul-S

That’s probably why I said “it didn’t have the same impact - for me” ..etc.

[Len]

9 hours ago, paul-s said:

Bloody hell, do people not known the difference between an original, intricate, complex professional production and an amateur dramatic re-staging? 

I do - Seeing my parents in an amateur dramatization of 'The Sound Of Music' was absolute torture that seemed to go on for ever! (Bless em) At the (what I thought) was the end....."Phew, that went on a bit, let's go Nina"........."Len, it's only the interval, the Germans haven't arrived yet!"........"Oh god!" 

Len 

[Kenb]

I can feel an OPO (original play only) thread looming