The Moon and the Sledgehammer

This is a witty and well shot documentary about the Page family, Father, two sons and two daughters are shown living deep in the woods of Sussex. The film is dated 1971 (and a Tax Disk shown shows 1970) yet the family are blissfully unaware of man having already reached the moon, postulate on how this might be done. This aside they demonstrate some fine lateral thinking and through their naive delivery come the fears and concerns still relevant today, pollution, intensive farming, mechanisation. However their actions a another thing entirely - some great quotes ("the cabbages go SQWAARRRK") laughs and sadness tinge this fine work. Where are they now, I wish I knew!

This startling film offers a striking vision of a family constructing its own reality in defiance of the world around it. Reviewers have gushed about how prescient and wise they are, but instead I see eccentricity and stubbornness, backed up by surprising practicality. The homestead's bucolic setting (booming birdsong and all), the strange 1930s appearance of the male family members with their physical resemblance, and the claustrophobic feel of a world comprising 5 people all transport you for the entire documentary. The family dynamics are gently brought out, providing the nearest approach to high drama. In these cynical times, you expect a sinister dimension or disastrous conclusion but instead quietly bonkers whimsy wins the day.... Now available on DVD and via a certain online film provider.