Who Killed British Cinema?

Who Killed British Cinema? is a thought-provoking and hard-hitting documentary film directed by Robin Dutta and Vinod Mahindru. Released in 2014, the movie raises some severe concerns about the state and future of the British cinema industry, questioning the factors that might be causing its potential downfall.

The movie features prominent figures and veterans of cinema like Alan Parker, Aude Accary-Bonnery, and Sam Bern expressing their insightful views and concerns about the matter. The film raises pressing questions, addresses numerous issues, and grapples with the difficulties faced by the British film industry. Through their stories and experiences, the documentary enlightens the audience about the different issues related to the creation process, distribution of resources and the treatment of original screenplays.

Pivoting around the critical inquiry, "Who Killed British Cinema?," the movie compels the viewers to reflect on the evolution of British cinema. Alan Parker, known for his directing contributions to the British and American film industries, brings an interesting perspective to the discussion. His inputs, backed up by his rich history in cinema, add to the authenticity of the issues presented. Contributing to the dialogue is Aude Accary-Bonnery, a French actress, who talks passionately about the movie-making business. Their participation helps to trace the downfall trajectory and harrowingly finds the British cinema allegedly 'murdered by media'.

This engrossing film puts forward a premise that, over time, British cinema’s significance and influence has dwindled, and it has become a mere tool for advertising and profit-making. It suggests that a major chunk of influential cinema has been replaced by movies designed to target consumer behavior and commercial interests. It also delves into the loss of authenticity and originality that many believe now plagues the British film industry - could we be losing unique storytelling in favor of a higher profit margin?

Who Killed British Cinema? reveals a comprehensive view of the industry, its politics, finance and artistry, and the connection that the industry has lost with its audience over time. For instance, the film shows how low budget British films are created and then restricted in distribution due to a lack of exhibition outlets. A large part of revenues from independent cinemas are soon depleted by the major Hollywood studios, leaving a narrow opening for homegrown fare. Meanwhile, state funding bodies designed to address this imbalance are criticized for venture capitalism and bureaucracy, over creativity and diversity in content.

The film encourages discussion and debate about the state of the film industry, pushing the viewer to contemplate whether British cinema is truly dead or if it is just undergoing transformation. It broadens the conversation about cinema not just in terms of money, but in terms of art, culture, and storytelling.

The directors Stan and Dutta incorporate extensive research and give a controversial, yet comprehensive and balanced view on whether the British Film Industry is dead or is being slowly suffocated by certain influences. The movie is a riveting amalgamation of a variety of interviews that express perspectives from both the grassroots and the top end of the industry. Here, you'll find directors, screenwriters, producers, actors, and academics providing their unique outlooks on the silent crisis within the British film industry.

Who Killed British Cinema? is a must-watch for cinephiles who possess a deep affection for cinema, particularly British cinema and its rich history. It is also essential viewing for anyone who wants to learn more about the inner workings of the film industry. By the end of the documentary, viewers will gain a deeper understanding of some of the plight that the industry faces, and they will be better equipped to appreciate the challenges of making films, and more importantly, getting those films shown to audiences. So, sit back, challenge your perspectives, and get ready to be absorbed into an intriguing yet uneasy world of the British Cinema as it stands today.