听 Cultures clash in Mischief Night, an edgy yet sweet-natured comedy drama from the makers of hit series Shameless. It follows the fortunes of two families - one white, one Asian - living on the mean streets of Leeds. We called it "a real treat" and other critics agreed, but along with another well-reviewed Brit-com Starter For Ten, it got trampled on its opening weekend by the likes of Borat and, um, Saw III...
Light And Dark
Kelli Hollis and Ramon Tikaram lead the grownup contingent of a large ensemble cast, but for the most part writer-director Penny Woolcock was focussed on a lot of young newcomers, including Holly Kenny and Qasim Akhtar. A 16minute reel of behind-the-scenes footage finds her talking through a scene with Kenny, who wears that expression which seems to ask, "Am I bovvered?" In fact she's surprisingly self-possessed. And we also get a peek at the mechanics behind a sequence where the pint-sized Akhtar takes a car for a joy ride, cigarette dangling from his bottom lip. Don't worry, folks. He doesn't inhale...
In a gallery of interviews, Woolcock explains that she didn't want to be "condescending to people" who live in what's deemed an underprivileged area of Leeds. But she also talks about seeing communities increasingly segregated there and, in writing the script, felt it vital to get across those harsh realities as well as finding humour and hope amid the chaos. As she puts it, "It's a fairy story with its feet very much on the ground."
Producer Abi Bach also lends her thoughts on the issues raised, along with the leading cast members. Kelli and Gwyne Hollis (father and daughter in real life as well as on screen) reveal that the film has a special resonance for them since they actually live in the neighbourhood where the story is set.
Exposing Mischief
Hollis joins Woolcock for the audio commentary, reflecting on what is actually the third film in a trilogy following Hollis' character Tina. Once again Woolcock talks about lightening the tone of the film without shying away from tough realities, and translating this mood to the visuals. She made sure all the billboards on the street and the washing that hangs in the back alleys captured the day-glow essence of Bollywood. Another matter for careful consideration was a subplot that sees how Muslim fundamentalists try to seize control of a local Mosque. Woolcock says she very much wanted to get across the real meaning of Jihad, ie, merely the practice of "Just living your life in a good way."
Certainly this DVD offers plenty to think about, but those who shied away from the film in cinemas might be surprised to discover that it's also infused with lots of warmth and quirky charm. A guaranteed fun night in.
EXTRA FEATURES
Mischief Night DVD is released on Monday 23rd April 2007.
