Steve Crook wrote:
>
> In fact at one of them someone asked the
> killer question "Why do the people here
> like Powell (& Pressburger) films?" so
> I thought I'd ask you lot. We went around
> the room all giving a varied but interesting
> set of answers.
>
I've been thinking about all the things that I love about P&P
films -- the list growing into an essay longer than anyone would want to
read in an Email, so instead I've decided to relate my favorite moment
in all Michael and Emerichdom in hopes that it would convey what is in
my heart. That favorite moment occurs during the last scene of TOH
after the final chords chords conducted by Sir Thomas. He lays down his
baton, closes the score and a hand stamps the cover "MADE IN ENGLAND."
My own reaction to this moment, regardless of repeated viewings,
is always passionate. I feel it speaks for the Archers entire body of
work. It leaves no doubt as to the ownership of the material, the pride
with which it is displayed, and the joy at which the task was
undertaken. Just as the arrow hitting the bulls eye at the beginning
boldly proclaims, "This is going to be good," the stamping hand
exclaims, "I told you so!" Here we have just witnessed a collaboration
of artists creating a work unconstrained by convention that is
colourful, poetic, emotional, passionate, romantic, sensual, erotic,
mystical, magical, and yes, by Jove, English! Oh, if only I could have
been in the room with P&P, Syd, Hein, Reggie, Brian and a few others,
tossing out ideas left and right whilst Sir Thomas sang Kleinzack at the
piano.
My favorite Archers film is IKWIG or LADOCB (I can't decide
between them). I love these films because of the influence of the "More
English than the English" Emerich Pressburger, who fleshes out
characters you care about, along with the vision of Michael Powell who
postulated, "All art is one." Please let's agree with him. Even in the
historical drama BORP, there is poetry in "... the movement of ships at
sea."
As an American watching a Hitchcock film, one sees what an
Englishman might do in a given situation -- watch a P & P film and one
feels what an Englishman feels. While watching the heavenly trial in
AMOLAD, I think I caught a glimpse of my ancestor Joseph Randall, who
fought at the battle of Ticonderoga with Benedict Arnold. I know his
heart was persuaded by Dr. Reeves at the end of the trial, as I know my
heart has been persuaded by the Archers.
Thank you to Mickey, Imre and all the others,
Douglas Randall
P.S. I can't write any more 'cause I'm a big crybaby.
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