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| L.S. Lowry - Going to Work |
Two films I have recently watched. Both from BFI and both so British it just oozed off the film. What do I mean by this, perhaps 'clogs on cobbles' will give you a better explanation of the deep sense of atmosphere of old England.
The first featured Timothy Spall and Vanessa Redgrave - Mrs. Lowry and her Son, 2019, brilliant performance from the two actors. I will presume you know Lowry's work of the working North. His work always struck a note with me coming from the Black Country as I did. I saw the people come tumbling through the gates at home time. Some on bikes, others walking out of the big factories of the time. A fast moving crowd eager to get home. No fancy cars, except ours maybe, my stepmother with her red hair in the sports car as she waited for my father Maurice. Who was the chief engineer of the factory at that moment in time. I suspect she was showing off but that is another story.
Mrs Lowry detested her son's work, burn the lot she told him and he so loved her that he almost did it but luckily he continued with his matchstick figures conveying the starkness of working life.
London became interested in his work, and Mrs Lowry's friend's husband bought a painting and then she acknowledged his work but with that small minded attitude that hopefully was being left behind as we galloped towards the 60s.
It was such a sad story, the girl miserably behaved towards her parents with her temper tantrums when she could not have her own way. She drove them towards bankruptcy and suicide. Suicide was achieved by the father but the mother after three tries goes on to accept her fate. It seems from the Wiki though that both women went on to live separate lives.
Both films can be seen on You Tube.
The Lowry Trailer for a taster. Can the North get any bleaker? ;)
Edit: And behind the song there was a another childhood song The Ally, Ally Song.
Your film reflections really is really amazing
ReplyDeleteThe way you link Lowry’s art to your own memories gives it such warmth, even against the bleakness. Both films sound raw, moving, and very human.
Well done
Thank you Asep, glad you enjoyed reading about a very interesting person.
DeleteI had no idea Mrs Lowry detested her son's art, but then I wouldn't have believed it anyhow. Most mothers would be thrilled if their children succeeded in a tough profession or industry.
ReplyDeleteNow I might go back and look at Lowry with a new eye. Thank you.
Hels
Art and Architecture, mainly
Lowry's mother was of her time Hels, small minded and conformist, you kept up with the neighbours. Lowry as a rent collector had a mean small job, they lived near to the edge of poverty - standards though must be maintained.
DeleteI have never heard of those films but will look for them. The 'clogs on cobbles' was vividly brought to life in William Woodruff's The Road to Nab End. Which reminds me that I meant to give the books to my youngest daughter when she came home last month. ARGH!
ReplyDeleteThere you are, the poverty of the poor, no wonder I am a socialist with all this 20th century reading. One thing did come out to me though. His 'matchstick' figures, people were skinny in those days because they were not well fed.
DeleteI know that now, I am most definitely a socialist. The idea that Healthcare must be for profit, that the postal service must show profit, that billions of dollars are being made by people exploiting people less fortunate, it is all sickening to watch. A debasement of humanity. I cannot stop it, only protest it, and live a life that does not rely on money, as much as possible.
DeleteSound like interesting films so I will look for them. Right now I enjoy watching The Great British Sewing Bee while I do my cross stitching! :)
ReplyDeleteCould never get into the Great British Sewing Bee, I suppose it was the element of competition Ellen.
ReplyDelete