I don’t usually advertise or publicise other people’s work in this blog, and I don’t usually stray beyond my usual naval and historical themes; but today, I’m making an exception. Regular readers will know that Michael Berliner, the son of my ‘significant other’ Wendy (the ‘LadyQJ’ of my Twitter feed), is a film producer, and this week, his first feature film, Adult Life Skills, opens in cinemas! So this is a blatant plug for it, in the hope that as many of you as possible will go and see it – particularly this weekend, as the opening weekend is really important for every film. I’ve seen it a couple of times now, including at the UK premiere last Saturday, and think it’s a terrific, funny, poignant, beautifully made, and thoroughly enjoyable piece of work. But don’t take my naturally biased word for it – have a look at this review. And this one. Oh, and this one. Plus it won the Nora Ephron prize at the Tribeca Film Festival, where it had its world premiere, and the short film from which it derives was nominated for a BAFTA, so a lot of people who know what they’re talking about reckon that this is something pretty special. It’s on in the Picturehouse chain and a few other ‘arty’ cinemas from this Friday, so please tell all your friends, relatives, vague acquaintances and doorstep referendum campaigners about it.
Still need to be convinced? Have a look at the trailer, showcasing the touching lead performance by the brilliant Jodie Whittaker!
My one criticism of the film is that it doesn’t have enough naval history in it. (Although it does have a boat. A very, very small boat, but still a boat.) Hopefully Michael will remedy that later in his career, when he produces the blockbuster series of Matthew Quinton films.
(Well, one can live in hope…)