Cornerhouse Pick of the Week: Mister John

There’s a lot on at The Cornerhouse this week, with a screening of Otto Preminger’s Laura (1944) to continue its ‘My Noir’ season, as well as the much-anticipated release of Woody Allen’s Blue Jasmine. But our Cornerhouse Pick of the Week Mister John is a definite diamond in the rough and not to be missed!

Mister John tells the tale of Irishman Gerry Devine who, struggling with his own marital difficulties, receives news of his brother’s sudden death. Grieving, he flees his own problems and flies to the home of his brother in Singapore, but his trip evolves into something much more than a flying visit as he explores Singapore and delves deeper into the life and character of his late brother in the process. Having dropped his own life in London to live in Singapore as ‘Mister John’ – his late brother’s alter-ego – Gerry has to face the inevitable question: should he stay or should he go?!

It is the latest film by husband and wife directing/editing/writing duo Joe Lawlor and Christine Molloy. Whilst they may appear to be a Jack (and Jill) of all trades, the trademark of this husband and wife combo is the sheer beauty of the films they produce. Their last film Helen (2008) won the award for Best Cinematography at the 2009 Durban International Film Festival (as well as bagging a nomination for Best Film at the 2010 Evening Standard British Film Awards) and it looks like their latest venture is going to be just as successful. Mister John wowed audiences at this year’s Edinburgh Film Festival, particularly impressing with its first class cinematography despite low-key production costs.

Understated yet classy – this should be on everyone’s watch list as an education in top-notch filmmaking. Be sure to look out for an equally brilliant performance from The Wire’s Aidan Gillen as the lead.  Calling all you aspiring filmmakers, actors and film buffs! Get yourselves to the Cornerhouse to see Mister John – it’s out Friday 27^th September.