Film review – Dagny – 23/10/97
Even those who are staunchly opposed to brass band music can find something to appreciate in writer-director Mark Herman’s Brassed Off. Set in the fictional North-England mining town of Grimley, the film tells the story of the Grimley Colliery Brass Band and the effect that the closure of the mine has, not just on the band, but on the villagers who depend on the pit for their livelihood. The film runs the gamut of emotions from tearful sickbed scenes to ruthless black comedy. It is moving, but generally unsentimental and at the same time hilariously funny. It has that gritty realism that small budget English films are becoming known for, but plenty of lighter moments to balance the gloom.
Pete Postlethwaite turns in a superb performance as Danny, the ailing band leader, whose dearest wish is to take his band to the National Championships at the Albert Hall. Such is his commitment to the band, and to the idea that “music matters”, that he seems not to notice the anguish that others, including his own son, are going through. Stephen Tompkison delivers a finely-tuned performance as Danny’s son, who, like his father, seems committed to the band almost at the expense of his family. His long-suffering wife takes off with the kids when she realises that he has bought a new trombone rather than pay off their long-standing debts (incurred during the miners’ strikes of 10 years ago).
Tara Fitzgerald and Ewan McGregor both give nice, understated performances, as members of the younger generation who do not have homes and families to support, but who are nonetheless deeply affected by the closure of the mine. The band becomes a focus for the town’s energies, and it occupies a paradoxical place in their loyalties. Most of the townsfolk seem to feel that the band is terribly important in some indefinable way, but they also feel very guilty for being concerned with brass bands while their world is collapsing round their ears. In one sense, the band loses its raison d’etre as soon as the pit closes, but in another sense it provides them with a feeling of community and loyalty which reminds them why the pit, and their town, is important.
Brassed Off has a few unforgettable scenes that stay in the memory for some time afterwards. There is the scene where Danny’s son, finally overcome with despair, tries to hang himself at the pit. He is still dressed in his clown costume, from trying to earn some extra money as an entertainer at children’s parties. The sight of him dangling from the machinery with his fright wig and his oversized shoes is at once savagely comic and deeply shocking. Despite the depressing nature of much of the plot material, the film doesn’t lose its emotional impact in dreary hum-drumness. I particularly enjoyed the scene where Danny shows that his devotion to the band has not blinded him to the anguish of his friends and family. Watching this film, you will feel more than a little brassed off at the ruthless decision of the British Government to continue closing the mines. You may also find yourself humming the William Tell overture – as done by a brass band.
