Max Mosley, son of Oswald Mosley – former leader of the British Union of Fascists, has been a subject of controversy quite literally from his birth.
In Michael Shevloff’s latest documentary, Mosley, we see that despite Mosley’s attempts to separate himself from the shadow of controversy he was born, into he cannot seem to escape it.
The film, composed entirely of interviews, offers insights into a range of areas in Mosley’s life. We follow his success in co-founding March Engineering and within the Formula One Constructors’ Association (FOCA) and the FIA – the governing body for Formula One – that he eventually became president of. There is also a strong focus on Mosley’s efforts to promote increased safety in motor racing and automobile production in general.
Alongside this, the film also explores the more controversial and personal aspects of Mosley’s life – the struggles he faces being in the constant shadow of his father’s legacy, the death of his son and of course his infamous legal battles with the News of the World and other similar news organisations.
Although the film takes an informative approach, presumably in an attempt to avoid any bias, it does seem to sympathise with Mosley’s character. Whether this is a natural consequence of Mosley’s manner, or a result of the director’s portrayal, is a matter of opinion.
However, the film definitely seems to highlight Mosley’s positive contributions and successes whilst offering only his side of the story to his more controversial cases. As a result, whilst the documentary offers an informative insight into Mosley’s life, both the good and the bad, it lacks a certain character study that would perhaps have added some substance to the film.
The first feature from Brazilian director Bruno Bini, Loop is a typical take on time travel films. The story is told in a non-linear way, bearing heavy influences from mainstream cinema of the 1990s and early 2000s.
The plot follows Daniel, a young man in a happy relationship. One night he meets his girlfriend on a roof of their building, where they often spend romantic nights together. But this time things go horribly wrong, as the couple is attacked by an unknown man. Daniel’s girlfriend is left dead, and he suffers serious injuries.
Daniel soon becomes obsessed with finding the murderer or even travelling in time to save the love of his life from death. After being told by the attacker that in order to do so he needs to “get there earlier”, the protagonist believes that the answer can only be found in the past.
Although the film’s director claims to have worked on the screenplay with three physicists, Loop explains all its time-travelling ideas by putting random physics equations on a blackboard. Unfortunately, the script contains significantly more loopholes and absurdities, sacrificing credibility for enjoyment.
Loop doubts the viewer’s intelligence, but regardless it can be an enjoyable watch. Its foreshadowing is often predictable and obvious, however for someone not familiarised with this kind of films it may well be entertaining.
Overall, Bruno Bini’s film reminded me of average Netflix-produced productions aimed at teenage audiences and, as a result, seems better suited for streaming platforms than film festivals.
We may all be on lockdown but period poverty is not. That is why period poverty charity Every Month are hosting a virtual pub quiz using Facebook Live tonight, Thursday April 2nd at 7:30pm.
Whilst we should be physically distancing ourselves, it’s important to continue supporting charities who have been doing vital work in our communities and continue to do so. In light of this, I talked to Laura Lee, a volunteer at the period poverty charity Every Month Manchester, over the phone to find out how this charity is adapting to work during a pandemic.
Speaking to Laura it’s clear that the beginning of 2020 was met with success as schools are now able to provide period products for free. Laura mentioned that Every Month have recently become a registered charity, another beneficial and exciting step, and they were looking to upscale as more volunteers were getting involved.
Whilst their aims were to “ultimately eliminate period poverty”, this Covid-19 pandemic has meant that the charity has decided to temporarily change their goals. Every Month is currently “working to alleviate period poverty” during this crisis.
Tonight’s pub quiz aims to to get “[their] names out there for after [the pandemic]”, and to encourage donations if people are in a financial position to do so. The first pub quiz will be hosted by Laura on on Facebook live, and as with everything right now can be attended from the comfort of your living room. The evening is sure to provide a much-needed laugh and distraction, and will feature a unique music round – but you’ll have to wait to find out what it will involve.
Laura and I talked about the impacts that Covid-19 is having on charities, like Every Month, which are “more on the ground and deal with day-to-day things.” Laura pointed out that these foodbanks and charities normally “need to be more hands on” meaning they’ve had to adapt to social distancing measures and find ways of continuing to provide their resources.
Normally, Every Month hosts packing parties where they make around 800 packs a month which are distributed to food banks and homeless shelters across Manchester. As this is currently not possible, a few individual volunteers are making these packs and distributing them to local foodbanks.
Laura acknowledged that as schools are closed many children cannot access the freely available menstrual products and are “still in that financial situation where they can’t afford products” meaning these menstrual packs remain essential.
During this UK-wide lockdown, providing period products to those in need is especially important as many people have lost their source of income. “We’re going to see more people needing this help,” Laura explained, so it’s vital that we don’t bury our head in the sand, and instead support charities however we can.
Some positive news during this crisis is that, since talking to Laura it has been confirmed that the Department of Education scheme providing free period products to schools will continue throughout the pandemic.
The donations raised by tonight’s pub quiz will be used to buy products needed for Every Month’s menstrual packs each of which contains 5 applicator tampons, 5 non-applicator tampons and 5 pads because “flexibility is key.” Everyone who menstruates has a preference of period products and may use different products at different times during their period so its important for these packs to allow for that freedom and comfort.
The packs also include chocolate – a menstruating essential. Laura mentioned they used to add hot chocolate sachets but got feedback that many “can’t put the kettle on” so were unable to enjoy them. So Every Month “developed as people need you to” and switched these sachets out for chocolate. It’s reassuring to hear that they can adapt to feedback from those using these packs, to make them as beneficial as possible and is testament to their work and dedication over the years.
Whilst the ways in which charities are operating needs to adapt to coronavirus, their values do not. Laura emphasised Every Month supports “any person experiencing period poverty, that’s one of our key points” as periods are not gendered. It’s important for these charities to be intersectional to ensure that those who need the support feel they can access it.
Whilst in lockdown, don’t forget that charities are still doing vital work and need your continued support. There will be more virtual events to come to raise awareness of period poverty and Every Month Manchester so “on the other side we’re back and bigger than ever.”
Laura recounted period packing parties which sound like a laugh, and I’m hoping to get involved in these once they resume. To find out more head to their website for ways to support during the pandemic or for information about getting involved afterwards.
Courtesy of Every Month Manchester
We may being losing track of the days of the week, but don’t forget to tune in to Every Month Manchester’s pub quiz tonight, Thursday April 2nd at 7:30pm over on their Facebook page.
The second session of Narrative Shorts during Manchester Film Festival 2020 were political, satirical and, at times, heartwarming.
The Snatcher
The Snatcher is set a few years from now in a post-Brexit, Trump-dominated dystopia. Two families gamble all their worldly possessions for a better life – one for fun and the other for healthcare.
Heavy topics such as immigration, growing health concerns, and the banning of certain religious faiths in this dystopia are struck up through the questions, and contrast powerfully with the game-show setting.
The film is brilliant, providing convincing speculation on a dystopian world which is eerily familiar to ours and warning against our steady decline to greed and hatred towards one another.
This is English
This is English is a tongue-in-cheek documentary about a group of grammar enthusiasts consisted of middle-aged burly men who are militant in the up-keeping of perfect grammar in society. The film incited the most laughter out of all the others which was well-deserved.
Othello
Othello transforms the original play into a contemporary setting, focusing on a young black woman in a society saturated with masculine ideals. The film focuses a lot on the sensory aspect – there is not a lot of dialogue – instead, the attention is on immersive sound and stunning visuals. Overall it is beautiful to look at, but the narrative arc and the roles of the characters are not very clear.
Sweepers
Sweepers is a heartwarming, but predictable, romantic film. The highlight was a hilarious montage as the protagonist, a maintenance man, tries to learn how to curl with a broom and a bucket in order to gain the attention of a pretty curling player.
Bad Assistant
Bad Assistant was about an obnoxious actor who gets his assistant to aid him in the cover-up of his best friend’s death. The dialogue was unrealistic and cringe-worthy at times and it was hard to be invested in either character.
Nico
Nico attempted to explore the guilt, anger and sadness surrounding a friend’s death as a group of teenagers embark on a road trip to his funeral. The snippets of conversation skirted around the heavy topic which effectively built up the underlying tension. However, the conflict erupted quite quickly and as a result the ending was not as powerful as it could have been.
