A Long Way From Home: a romantic revival?
- Virginia Gilbert’s first feature is a Franco-British co-production to star James Fox, Brenda Fricker, Natalie Dormer, and Paul Nicholls
Since June 18, British filmmaker Virginia Gilbert has been shooting her first feature film, A Long Way From Home, in the town of Nîmes, in the South of France. The film director, who is also a novelist and was nominated for a Bafta in 2008 for her short film Hesitation, has brought together the following cast for this Franco-British co-production: English actor James Fox (photo - who has also acted for Joseph Losey, David Lean, Tim Burton, and James Ivory, and recently appeared in W.E. [+see also:
trailer
interview: Madonna
film profile] and Sherlock Holmes), Irish actress Brenda Fricker (Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in 1990 for My Left Foot, and who was recently praised for her performance in Albert Nobbs [+see also:
film review
trailer
film profile]), Natalie Dormer (who recently appeared in the television series Game of Thrones), and Paul Nicholls (who first became famous for his role in the popular television series EastEnders).
The film’s screenplay, written by the director after one of her own short stories, tells the story of Joseph (James Fox) and Brenda (Brenda Fricker) who have realised their dream of retiring to the South of France. Their life follows the rhythm of their daily routine, a routine from which Joseph dreams of escaping. One evening, in the restaurant where they often go out for supper, Joseph and Brenda by chance meet a seductive younger English couple: Mark (Paul Nicholls), 30 years old, and Suzanne (Nathalie Dorner), 28 years old. The two couples make polite chit-chat. But, unlike when Joseph usually meets young tourists, he instinctively finds Suzanne very attractive, and she seems to be attracted to him too. Even if Suzanne and her friend are only in the region for a few days, Joseph tries to find a way to spend time with her. This starts a new awakening for Joseph and Suzanne, as they find renewed meaning to life and love. Both know that what they share is tender and deep... but finally impossible.
A Long Way From Home is produced up to 40 % by France via Superbe Films (Guillaume Benski) and up to 60 % by the United Kingdom via February Films (Junyoung Jang who co-produced The Host). The film has notably received support from Sold Well International (Hong Kong) and VisVires Capital (France). Shooting will take place in and around Nîmes until July 13, before post-production in the United Kingdom. The film is due to be released in 2013.
(Translated from French)
Did you enjoy reading this article? Please subscribe to our newsletter to receive more stories like this directly in your inbox.
