Wednesday, September 14, 2016

ELSTREE 1976: I’D LIKE TO THANK ALL THE LITTLE PEOPLE…



Those are the famous lines spouted by actors for decades. They always want to thank “the little people”, those inconsequential actors, extras and crew members who make the star shine. But rarely do we ever hear about them and they never receive the accolades that the stars do. No one even makes movies about them. Until now.

STAR WARS is perhaps the biggest cultural event film made in the last 50 years. It was released, sequels were made, all were re-released, prequels followed, we got an all-new movie last year, a movie tie-in is coming as well as a sequel to the new movie. And while all had a handful of stars in major roles what most don’t consider is the number of bit players and costumed actors that are found running around in each of these movies.

ELSTREE 1976 takes a look at those actors. If you were in a mask or played a small role in the original film you were there watching it all happen at Elstree Studios in 1976. The film makers here have gone back to those actors now and discussed with them the experiences they had in making that first movie. Matched with their appearances in that film we see them as they are now, masks off or a little aged for those who didn’t have to wear masks. Each of them talks about their time and it makes for a nice backstage look at movie making.

Not only do we get to hear them talk about the making of the film we get to find out how it influenced their lives moving forward as well. Various cast members went on to roles in other films or TV projects, some of them recognizable when it is pointed out. For them you’ll be watching and saying “Oh yeah! I didn’t realize that was him/her!” We see where they are today and what they’re doing as well as those no longer with us.

I’ve read some reviews of this film that take its makers to task for focusing on the minor bit players while ignoring some of the bigger name stars that were made who also wore masks. I find it difficult to side with those complaints seeing as how many of those stars have had programs made about them already as well as their appearing at numerous conventions to sign autographs to this day. The focus of the cast members here were those who aren’t as recognizable, who didn’t jump onto other major projects in starring roles, who haven’t gotten the recognition that those others did. For me that makes the movie even better, giving them a chance for the recognition they deserve as well.

Understand going in that this is not an action packed film. We don’t see tons of clips from the original movie. We get glimpses of these people in their roles, see them now and get the chance to listen to them talk about their experience. It is a documentary not a narrative film. And yet it is still interesting to watch. Fans of STAR WARS will find themselves listening to these tales with rapt attention. Others might find it interesting as well. For me it was a treat and worth watching.

Click here to order.

No comments:

Post a Comment