This year’s MINI British Film Festival embraces a couple of themes, one of which is the Swinging 60s. The flagship film for that theme is David Batty‘s documentary My Generation.
A highly experienced documentary director, Batty has chosen with this work, to look at the change in culture in Britain-particularly London-in the 60s.
Hosted by Michael Caine, the work looks at, and includes interviews with, such luminaries of the time as Roger Daltrey, David Bailey, Barbara Hulanicki and Mary Quant. Unfortunately these are all voice only, which is an odd choice. It quickly becomes frustrating that none of these interviews have visuals.
Caine himself is the consummate host, and speaks passionately about the large cultural shift of the time: the working-classes in Britain finally moved away from being portrayed as servants or the butts of humour, to being rounded characters. The working-class also lead the way in much of the music, design and art that typified the period. Caine himself talks about coming from a cockney background and yet, oddly, gaining his first major film role (in the iconic Zulu), playing an upper-class officer.
The post-war cultural shift is certainly an interesting historic point, but not enough is made of it. The film itself descends into a charming and enjoyable mash-up of 60s images and music. All quite delightful, but ultimately lacking any real depth. However, nobody could say that this movie isn’t enjoyable, and a heart-warming trip down memory lane for those of us of a certain age.
My Generation screens as part of the MINI British Film Festival 2018 which runs until 14th November at Palace Nova Eastend and Prospect.
Click here for further details and bookings.
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