British cinema has delivered us many iconic movies with a quirky edge, from ‘Trainspotting’ to ‘Submarine’, but are we currently in a golden age?
By Aimee Ferrier
British cinema has thrived in periods where it has produced memorable movies that have defined the country’s creativity and periods that we’d rather just forget. One thing is for certain, though: British filmmakers know how to make something a little offbeat. This is likely due to our emphasis on humour in almost every aspect of life and our never-too-serious attitude.
Thus, the comedy genre has always championed, even when the topics explored within these films are heavy-hitting and intense. As a result, many British films have blended serious drama and humour with an expert sensibility, resulting in some rather quirky and charming films.
Back in the 1950s and 1960s, kitchen sink dramas emerged as a form of British social realism, with characters experiencing issues ranging from social discontent to interracial relationships. While there were certain movies from this era that were quite offbeat, like Billy Liar, the more lighthearted movies of the period, such as Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush and Joanna, reflected the eccentricity at the heart of British culture.