27. London Unplugged; movie review

LONDON UNPLUGGED
Cert 15
86 mins
BBFC advice: Contains strong sex references, drugs misuse, nudity

It has been a cornerstone of the everyfilm challenge to see and encourage independent film-makers but I know I have to temper that desire with honesty.
Therefore, I am compelled to admit that London Unplugged - a collaboration between London Film School, Four Corners Film and the Migrant Resource Centre didn't chime with me.
Many times I have confessed in my reviews that, while I am a fanatical watcher of cinema, I struggle with conceptual art.
So, I would fully accept that others may find depth or even beauty in the series of short films which are woven together literally by a running thread.
Within London Unplugged's 86 minutes, there are ten separate segments with completely different capital-based themes punctuated by the life story of an athlete (Yourlance Bianca Richards) who is running from Stratford to Kew Gardens.
Most of the actors are unknowns although Juliet Stephenson and Imogen Stubbs make appearances.
The short story in which Stephenson stars has most promise - highlighting the vulnerable existence of an old lady (Eve Pearce) who lives with cats and the curious relationship with what she believes is a well-meaning visitor.
Unfortunately, it is all over so quickly, its ending leaves the audience hanging.
Same could be said of the tale of a call centre worker (Stephen Cavanagh) who is desperate to find out what is behind the door of a secret club.
And I was also quite taken with the segment about a singer who is lured by an agent who wants something more than a good tune.
These episodes were relatively easy to comprehend - I am afraid the others failed to resonate.
Its publicity material suggests that London Unplugged is tackling burning social issues such as housing, asylum and "finding meaning and connection in the face of a brutal capital.
That may be true but I felt its messages needed to be more accessible.
Ok, those with more artistic minds could be at one with the hidden meanings in the same way they may understand Tracey Emin's unmade bed.
But I would venture such important subjects need plain delivery to reach plain people. This wasn't a London I recognised.

Reasons to watch: Very individual views of London life
Reasons to avoid: I felt the stories didn't have wide enough appeal

Laughs: None
Jumps: None
Vomit: None
Nudity: Yes
Overall rating: 5/10

Did you know? Founded in 1956, London Film School  is one of the world’s longest established filmmaking school.

The final word - George Taylor, Felines segment director: "London can be a heartless place, full of the ruthlessly exploitative - and they may be lurking where you least expect it."

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