Dir. David Scheinmann, UK, 2005, 87 mins
Cast: David Annen, Rebecca Cardinale, Danny Scheinmann, Malcolm Ridley, Sarah Sutcliffe
Review by Jean Lynch
With the tagline ‘modern romance is a comedy of errors’, The West Wittering Affair is one of those excellent, homegrown low-budget productions that proves that innovative and intelligent filmmaking is alive and well, just as long as you know where to look.
Having screened at the Northern Lights Film Festival, this digitally shot debut feature from the Scheinmann Brothers began life as a filmed actor’s improvisation workshop, conceived around a very loose short story idea. The results led all involved to pursue the narrative through to a feature-length film, the improvisation lending itself to convincing, naturalistic performances, reminiscent of Mike Leigh.
The story follows four London professional thirty-somethings who unwittingly find their destinies intertwined following the course of one disastrous weekend. Kath (Sutcliffe) invites a casual friend, Jamie (Scheinmann) for a weekend at West Wittering for what she hopes may lead to some casual sex but maybe something more. Not to appear too obvious, she also invites her best friend Natasha (Cardinale) and her husband Greg (Annen) along. Unfortunately, Natasha has just discovered that Greg has been having an affair and, post-huge bust-up, arrives in West Wittering alone. Thus, Jamie has two women vying for his affections, the results of which will affect their lives for a very long time. It doesn’t help that the traumatised Jamie then confides all in a therapist named Greg…
With the simplest of production values, the Scheinmann brothers have, nevertheless, produced a very enjoyable and absorbing comedy-drama. As the characters embark on heart-rending journeys of self-discovery, the actor’s performances are raw and all-too-real as they find themselves in situations and making wrong choices that are almost too painful to watch. A modern comedy of errors yes, but a very human one, mirroring the way in which real life does, all too often, seem to have a laugh at our expense. However, whilst the film may display the naturalistic honesty of a Dogme film, it is much slicker and less dark, the pathos broken by very funny, often hilarious, snatches of black humour.
Also of note is the wonderfully evocative soundtrack, with original score by Mark Tschanz. It’s hard to believe that all 15 songs in the film are original and by unsigned artists.
The West Wittering Affair is a great British movie that resonates endearingly with the viewer, as well as providing many a laugh. Having first made it’s acquaintance with a viewing of a review disc last year, it’s wonderful to see West Wittering receive it’s theatrical release – support your local grassroots British film industry and go see.
