Welsh Premiere: Submarine
Representing Shouttawe and CLIC, I attended the Welsh premiere of Submarine on Sunday 13 March at Swansea University's Taliesin Arts Centre.
Held by Optimum Releasing, spectators included members of the crew, and local press.
Following the screening, attendees were presented with a Q&A with the director, novelist and lead actor.
Submarine balances the conventions of comedy and drama, to effectively depict the ups and downs in the life of Oliver Tate, providing a strong sense of prowess and creativity.
With what is likely to materialise into a illustrious film career, director Richard Ayoade adaptation of the 2008 novel by Joe Dunthorne, is a refreshing and incomparable creation.
The compelling thoughts and actions of Oliver Tate - played by the talented young actor Craig Roberts - are of the classic loner character, but with a stark mindset and concept of his own identity to that of his actuality.
Tate is transfixed on saving his parents' relationship from a resurfaced past boyfriend, and building a relationship with fellow classmate, Jordana (Yasmin Paige).
An emotional lead narrative with an enticing cast is greatly enhanced by a enchanting original soundtrack, written and performed by Arctic Monkeys frontman, Alex Turner.
Set in our very own town, Swansea, a decision based on the fact that novelist Joe Dunthorne grew up and went to school in Swansea, Ayoade's skills as a director shines through his ability to highlight and glamorise the city’s landmarks, presenting various locations in an artistic and attractive light.
As the credits role, with little delay a Q&A with director Richard Ayoade, the novelist behind the storyline, Joe Dunthorne and lead actor, Craig Roberts, who plays Oliver Tate, is set up.
Traditional of Ayoade actions in the public eye, and that of the character he has previously played most notably - Maurice Moss in The IT Crowd - he carries out the session under a blanket of humour, with an undeniably nervous and awkward tone. A tone which Roberts equally adopts.
This is not to say that the each individual did not have their own charismatic and appealing approach to structuring answers to the numerous questions.
A notable account that forms the highlight of the interview is Ayoade’s answer to the question, "what are your directorial influences?", to which he states that Men In Black 2 was the focal influence of his filming style, adding that the original Men In Black was "too artsy".
He then graces the audience with a moment of sincerity, which clearly indicates his passion and knowledge of influential directors and film techniques.
Crediting the style of French New Wave director Jean-Luc Godard, in which he uses a extreme close up of a cup of coffee in Two Or Three Things I Know About Her (1967), and its influence on Martin Scorsese within Taxi Driver (1976), as the creative combination that directly influenced the close up of a scene that displays a bowl of food.
Go see what all the critical fuss is about. Submarine (rated 15) opens this Friday, and won’t disappoint.
