hottentot

I saw this film recently, when it was briefly shown at the Cambridge Arts Picturehouse. My concentration didn't waver throughout the whole film. For me, the story was told in such a way that it was essentially a truthful one, without needlessly tugging at heartstrings or indulging in gratuitous fun at the expense of the leading character. I work in mental health, so a film such as this one sits better with me than 'Me, Myself & Irene", which, to be fair, I have not seen, and which I know is intended as a comedy. 'Some Voices' has comic touches, but these are humane, and do not detract from the fact that this is the story of a man who wants a life, but finds it hard to accept the conditions that other people seem to be placing on him. I was totally gripped from start to finish, and would urge others to see this film, and also, to enjoy the great soundtrack, which only fades away in a moment of high drama towards the end but otherwise accompanies the action very sensitively,and does not get in the way of it. This film deserves a lot more exposure than I guess its independent status will ensure. Go and see it, or get your local independent cinema to put it on!

I have only seen this film once, at the Tyneside Cinema, an early arts house independent cinema in the UK. I saw the film in the year of its release. I still treasure memories of Joanne Woodward's performance as the tragi-comic loudmouth of a mother, who is desperate to do things right, but also has little time for the opinions of others. I would dearly love to see it again, but on the few occasions that I have enquired, I have been greeted by bewildered expressions from folk who plainly think that I am having them on when I mention the title. Perhaps this is an apt result, given the way that the star of the film played such an alienated role that fans of the film should now find themselves being looked at in a somewhat dubious way! To those who have not seen it, grab this powerful performance with both hands. It truly is a gem, with a fine range of emotions, and a cast that works fully together. Thank you for giving me the chance to write this.