Something rather exciting seems to be happening to British cinema, the BFI and Channel Four Television are fostering some extremely talented new directors, whose films confront us with the realities of contemporary urban life for too many young people.
Hot on the heels of "Under the Skin" comes, to my mind at least, an even better film by first time director, Coky Giedroyc. Coky has worked for some time on drama and documentary projects for Channel 4, and at the end of April audiences in Australia will have the opportunity of seeing her first feature, "Stella Does Tricks".
Stella is a teenage prostitute who has left her native Glasgow for the big city, London. She and several other girls work for a sinister middle aged pimp, Mr Peters, whose manipulative and patronising manner can change without warning to harsh cruelty. When her best friend is bashed by a local drug-dealer, Stella encourages a new-found friend, Eddie, to help her take revenge. Peters learns of her actions and gives her an ultimatum, stay and behave, or go and try and survive on her own. Stella chooses to go, but Peters insures that the other girls will not follow her example by violently and viciously humiliating her.
Even more determined to take control of her life, Stella returns to Glasgow, with Eddie in tow, to confront her past.
Kelly MacDonald (Diane in "Trainspotting") is absolutely stunning as Stella. Her Stella is young and vulnerable, witty and tough, sensitive and imaginative, and you care about her and respect her determination to turn her life around. You desperately want her to win through.
James Bolam makes Mr Peters incredibly sinister - a slimy, evil user who on the outside appears mild mannered and even fatherly.
20-year-old Hans Matheson, appearing in his first feature film, is effective as a small-time hustler Eddie who can't kick his drug habit despite his love for Stella.
The direction is impressive, with Giedroyc completely in control of her material. The narrative moves effortlessly between Stella's present, her past and her dreams. We come to understand why Stella is as she is and admire her the more for her determination to change her life. The cinematography, again by Barry Ackroyd who shot "Under the Skin" (which we previewed a few weeks ago), is really effective adding to the dark poetry of the film.
"Stella Does Trick" doesn't preach or judge. But by creating such a credible and emotionally involving central character it certainly offers insights into the motivations of young people who became involved in prostitution, drug taking and violence. We may not approve of their actions, but we are made aware of the desperation and the limitations that provide them with few if any alternatives.
It is a while since a film has had such an emotional impact on me, one that has stayed with me for days.
"Stella Does Tricks" is a disturbing, thought-provoking and deeply moving film. R-rated, this film is highly recommended.
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