Friday, October 14, 2011

Billy Liar

England Tom Courtenay d/ John Schlesinger

Fine classic film set in the bitter, disillusioned time when England was still recovering from war's devastation, the loss of empire and world standing. Billy is a fabulist who lives in a dream world in which he is a hero, a figure of admiration and derring-do instead of a lowly clerk in a mortuary.

England wallowed in this collective funk until the swinging 60's came along...coincidentally led by an actress in a supporting role here...Julie Christie.

Elements of Walter Mitty, blended with It's a Wonderful Life gave this film resonance. Sharply directed by JS and featuring a tour-de-force performance by Courtenay.

6

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