UK Film Network

The Times sponsored BFI 53^rd London Film Festival 2009: 14-29 October

Published by Tremayne (Potter)

Wednesday 28 October

The Disappearance of Alice Creed

Dir-Scr J Blakeson/ with Gemma Arterton, Eddie Marsan, Martin Compston/ UK 2009/ 98 min

The film’s director and screenwriter, J Blakeson, was more than happy to talk to me at The Filmmaker Afternoon Tea on Wednesday 28 October at The Mayfair Hotel.   Now let me share with you what the film is about.

Synopsis

Two men concoct a plan in private to steal a van and purchase tools and material  to set-up in a run down flat.  With an air of awkwardness  it’s clear to see the brutality is serious and not merely mild torture.

They disguise themselves using masks and carry guns on them, as they grab a young woman from a derelict part of town.  She is thrown into the back of their van and driven to a hideout where she is then handcuffed.

As disturbing as the opening scenes of The Disappearance of Alice Creed are, it is from this point that we, as viewers, are led to believe we are about to witness your typical terror movie.

We must, however, take our hats off to J Blakeson, who manages to sustain the unsettling style he set out with. Even after more about the protagonists is revealed, as with their relationships to one another…

Each has their own motive but we’re always unsure as to where we will be led next.

J Blakeson even slips in a spattering of black comedy.  Gemma Arterton, Eddie Marsan and Martin Compston use the film to show off their constant readiness within film acting.

‘An endlessly inventive debut feature.’

‘A committed, claustrophobic three-hander.’