The Butterfly Tattoo + Q&A reviews
Review by on 30 Sep 2009
Very, very good film. As a fan of Phillip Pullman (although admittedly not as big a fan of this book as some of his others- it's been 10 years since I read it!), I've been forced to get used to bad adaptations of his films. The Golden Compass managed to do far too much wrong. However I am pleased to tell you this adaptation does not suffer the same problems. The screenplay was good (no complaints about the changes they made from the books - a rarity for me!), the soundtrack was brilliant and the casting was similarly well done. There were a few moments in the films where I felt the acting felt a little forced (perhaps these were the first scenes filmed?) but nothing that detracted from the film. The only other (small) complaint was the few occasions where the low budget showed through. I was pleasantly surprised with how infrequent this was, only really occurring when they were re-enacting Barry's past. Overall I think this shows how small cinema should be done - well executed, beautifully shot and hopefully we shall see more of both director and cast in future.
Very, very good film. As a fan of Phillip Pullman (although admittedly not as big a fan of this book as some of his others- it's been 10 years since I read it!), I've been forced to get used to bad adaptations of his films. The Golden Compass managed to do far too much wrong. However I am pleased to tell you this adaptation does not suffer the same problems. The screenplay was good (no complaints about the changes they made from the books - a rarity for me!), the soundtrack was brilliant and the casting was similarly well done. There were a few moments in the films where I felt the acting felt a little forced (perhaps these were the first scenes filmed?) but nothing that detracted from the film. The only other (small) complaint was the few occasions where the low budget showed through. I was pleasantly surprised with how infrequent this was, only really occurring when they were re-enacting Barry's past. Overall I think this shows how small cinema should be done - well executed, beautifully shot and hopefully we shall see more of both director and cast in future.
Review by on 28 Sep 2009
THE BUTTERFLY TATTOO revamps an old story. Based on the novel by Philip Pullman it tells the story of the inconsistent relationship between Chris (Duncan Stuart) and Jenny (Jessica Blake) and how because of lies, revenge and love, their relationship will never be perfect. Gripping and thrilling, the film shows the dark side of romance and life, the opposite of a fairy tale.
THE BUTTERFLY TATTOO's cast of fresh actors makes the film feel authentic as they aren't Hollywood actors being recycled into yet another film. The soundtrack of unsigned bands and artists from Oxford (where the film was made and set) contributes to the vibrant feel of the film.
The story is told through the eyes of Jenny and Chris, making it an incredibly personal film. Even though the story is slightly clichéd, you begin to identify and become emotionally attached to them and their relationship, so much that you want them to live happily ever after, as in a fairy tale, but you also understand that it will never end like that.
Some aspects of the film remind you of the standard 'boy meets girl gone wrong' love story. The constant flashbacks of Chris' memories with Jenny seem to exaggerate the lovesick boy personality, which he doesn't come across as initially. Visually, the film is stunning, with Oxford as the setting, it creates a clean, crisp and educated view.
Overall the combination of an engaging sweet and sour romance and thriller aspects leaves you hooked to the characters and the story.
HARRIET DEAN
THE BUTTERFLY TATTOO revamps an old story. Based on the novel by Philip Pullman it tells the story of the inconsistent relationship between Chris (Duncan Stuart) and Jenny (Jessica Blake) and how because of lies, revenge and love, their relationship will never be perfect. Gripping and thrilling, the film shows the dark side of romance and life, the opposite of a fairy tale. THE BUTTERFLY TATTOO's cast of fresh actors makes the film feel authentic as they aren't Hollywood actors being recycled into yet another film. The soundtrack of unsigned bands and artists from Oxford (where the film was made and set) contributes to the vibrant feel of the film.
The story is told through the eyes of Jenny and Chris, making it an incredibly personal film. Even though the story is slightly clichéd, you begin to identify and become emotionally attached to them and their relationship, so much that you want them to live happily ever after, as in a fairy tale, but you also understand that it will never end like that.
Some aspects of the film remind you of the standard 'boy meets girl gone wrong' love story. The constant flashbacks of Chris' memories with Jenny seem to exaggerate the lovesick boy personality, which he doesn't come across as initially. Visually, the film is stunning, with Oxford as the setting, it creates a clean, crisp and educated view.
Overall the combination of an engaging sweet and sour romance and thriller aspects leaves you hooked to the characters and the story.
HARRIET DEAN
Review by on 23 Sep 2009
Amazingly innovative and exciting film for such a low budget. Brilliant music, can't wait to get the soundtrack. The film definitely should be on national release in larger cinemas so more people can have the opportunity to see what can be achieved with an enthusiastic and talented team of young people. Many congratulations to all involved particularly Phil the director.
Amazingly innovative and exciting film for such a low budget. Brilliant music, can't wait to get the soundtrack. The film definitely should be on national release in larger cinemas so more people can have the opportunity to see what can be achieved with an enthusiastic and talented team of young people. Many congratulations to all involved particularly Phil the director.
Review by on 19 Sep 2009
The Butterfly Tattoo is an adaptation of the Phillip Pullman novel of the same name. It tells the story of Chris and Jenny, teenage lovers from opposite sides of the tracks, falling in love in modern day Oxford. Chris is a sensitive, caring young lad working the summer holidays before going to university. Jenny is fleeing from a troubled childhood and living in a squat. What follows is a story of romance, misunderstanding, and tragedy of Shakespearean proportions. The cast of relative newcomers did a splendid job, and the locations were imaginative and beautifully shot. I found some of the romance scenes clichéd, such as the playful tussle ending in an awkward embrace, and one sequence felt like it was inspired by a Kylie and Jason music video! Jessica Blake was perhaps too glamorous for a character with a gloomy childhood but the part was acted convincingly. The Q&A session after the film was great fun even though it had to be cut short; and the cast and crew seemed like a really fun bunch of people, particularly director Phil Hawkins. An enjoyable evening all round.
The Butterfly Tattoo is an adaptation of the Phillip Pullman novel of the same name. It tells the story of Chris and Jenny, teenage lovers from opposite sides of the tracks, falling in love in modern day Oxford. Chris is a sensitive, caring young lad working the summer holidays before going to university. Jenny is fleeing from a troubled childhood and living in a squat. What follows is a story of romance, misunderstanding, and tragedy of Shakespearean proportions. The cast of relative newcomers did a splendid job, and the locations were imaginative and beautifully shot. I found some of the romance scenes clichéd, such as the playful tussle ending in an awkward embrace, and one sequence felt like it was inspired by a Kylie and Jason music video! Jessica Blake was perhaps too glamorous for a character with a gloomy childhood but the part was acted convincingly. The Q&A session after the film was great fun even though it had to be cut short; and the cast and crew seemed like a really fun bunch of people, particularly director Phil Hawkins. An enjoyable evening all round.
Film details
The Butterfly Tattoo + Q&A
MAIN FEATURES
Actor: Aidan McGrath
Actor: Jessica Blake
Director: Phil Hawkins
Actor: Duncan Stewart
Actor: Jessica Blake
Director: Phil Hawkins
Actor: Duncan Stewart
Netherlands, 2008.
101 mins.
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