IF you’re looking for an example of the diversity on offer in Irish cinemas today, you won’t get two more different films than ‘Cardboard Gangsters’ and ‘Hampstead’.
The former is gaining attention for its gritty reality and violent rawness, while the latter is pitched at an entirely different and slightly older audience.
‘Hampstead’ tells the story of Emily (played by Diane Keaton), an older American lady who lives alone in an upmarket neighbourhood of London, directly across from Hampstead Heath.
One day she stumbles across Donald (Brendan Gleeson), a shabbily dressed man who lives hidden amongst the trees in a rustic shack on the heath. The two strike up an unlikely friendship that turns into something more, and when it transpires that property developers have their eye on Donald’s shack and the land it occupies, Emily springs to the defence of her new best buddy.
While all this may sound improbable, the story was actually inspired by real life heath squatter, Harry Hallowes.
There are a lot of things to like about this film. It has that picture postcard look that many comedies set in wealthy London suburbs have (think ’Notting Hill).
There are many witty one-liners too, the majority of which are delivered brilliantly by Jason Watkins who plays Keaton’s unwelcome suitor, James.
And the two lead actors have an unexpected chemistry that helps carry the story along in an enjoyable way.
The movie comes with a subtle anti capitalist message, and a theme which suggests that there may be other, less conventional ways, to live your life.
This type of film seems to appeal to an older audience, or is certainly marketed that way, probably because of the lack of sex, violence and swear words.
But that fact should not exclude it from others who may be attracted to the undeniable charm, wit and feel good atmosphere on offer.
‘Hampstead’ isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but then again, if you like tea, it’s probably right up your street. We score it a pleasant and satisfying, 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Paul O’Rourke
