Displaying items by tag: James Griffiths

THE BALLAD OF WALLIS ISLAND

UK, 2025, 99 minutes, Colour.

Tom Basden, Tim Key, Carey Mulligan, Sian Clifford, Akemnji Ndifornyen.

Directed by James Griffiths.

This is one of those small films that has the power to grow on its audience as we continue to watch. It has an unexpected story, a mixture of unusual characters, and the location off the coast of Wales, Wallis Island.

It is worth keeping in mind the use of the word Ballad in the title. While there is a narrative plotline, the differing episodes are like the stanzas of a ballad, letting the audience/listener make the connections in their feelings and imagination rather than the screenplay’s spelling them all out.

So, what to make of a musician with his guitar being rowed to the shore of the island, having to step into the water but, of course, splashing face down in it, and the roly-poly gentleman on the shore with a placard of welcome? But it does set the tone.

In fact, the film is based on a short film by the two stars, Tom Basden as the musician and Tim Key as the host on the island, made with the director, James Griffiths, as long ago as 2007. Obviously, this is a labour of love, long love.

If this opening sounds intriguing, then what follows is very much in this vein, life on the isolated island, which does have a shop and an attractive storekeeper, Amanda, tours around the island for visiting birdwatching groups (but we only hear about this).

Herb, the musician, has had a successful career, especially in the past with his singing partner, Nell. And, Charles, the owner of the mansion, is the number one fan. In fact, the reason Herb has arrived is that Charles has booked a gig for him to perform on the beach. And has offered £500,000 for the performance, which will help Herb in a new solo album.

Complication! Charles has not told Herb that he has invited Nell to come to perform with him. She is played by Carey Mulligan and arrives with her partner in life, Michael (Akemnji Ndifornyen). So, a kind of comedy of errors ensues (and some performances of the songs). There is quite an amount of verbal sparring.

While we understand the characters of Herb and Nell, part of the enjoyment is getting to know Charles, living alone, wealthy, eccentric, to say the least, and a constant babbler when trying to think what to say. He is a blend of the irritating and the engaging.

Everything doesn’t progress as Charles had imagined and hoped for. And it doesn’t progress as the audience might have expected either. But, the screenplay does hold out an optimistic point of view, that there is hope for us all no matter what has happened in our lives and where we find ourselves.

1. The ballad, the ballad style of moviemaking, episodes like verses of the ballad? And the focus on Wallis Island?
2. The setting, the initial be variables of the island, the sea, the shore, the beach, the cliffs, the roads, the vegetation, the mansion and interiors, the shop, and the setting for the gig on the shore?
3. The music, the style of former decades, ballads, the lyrics, the various songs played throughout the film? And the final concert?
4. Herbs story, musician, composer, collaborating with Nell, the records, the relationship, his going solo, her not continuing with him, nine years? His happy memories, some bitterness? The invitation from Charles, coming to the island, her thinking it a hotel, the number and the audience? Coming ashore, the water, falling in, the mobile phone and the need for rice to dry it? Walking up the hill, the mansion, the room, the taps, the bath? The effect on Herb?
5. The impact of Charles, on the beach, the welcome, awkward, chatter? Eccentric? The fan, booking the concert, the payment? Awkwardness with the water, the walk up the hill, the room, his sense of judgement and awkwardness? His story, winning the lottery twice, the travels, buying the mansion, the death of his wife, his love of the music, the gig for the anniversary? Continually talking? The tennis game, the visits to the shop, the money for the payphone, the relationship with Amanda, the shop, her son? His awkwardness?
6. Nell and Michael arriving, herbs surprise, managing the situation? Nell and her personality, her story, the music, the separation, with Michael, the relationship, her pregnancy, making chutney…? The gift for Charles? Her reaction to Herb?
7. The discussions, Michael and his attitude, the taunts, birdwatching, relationship with Nell, going on the tour, wanting to see puffins, his return, the success of the tour, Nell having gone, the confrontation with Herb, his leaving?
8. Nell, her personality, love of the music, the discussions, reminiscences, the special day for the island, going to the beach, writing the names, the balloons, setting them off? The rehearsals for the music, singing together, no appraising the situation, her decision to leave?
9. The effect on Herb, moods, phoning to his agent, the prospect of the solo album, not wanting to do the gig? The encounter with Amanda, the rice at the shop?
10. The difficulties with Charles, the decision to leave, the timetables, irregularity of the boats? His going for the swim, Charles interpretation, Charles having to be rescued? Herb recovering the message on the balloon?
11. Final decision, the invitation for Amanda, her arrival, Charles surprised, going to the setting, her playing the music, the meal afterwards? Happiness?
12. Herb, self appraisal, the issue of the money, the agent, Nell not liking the cover of the album, his departure, the farewell, the hug, the suitcase, and finding the apples in it?
13. The aftermath, Charles and Amanda, tennis, the money on the table, her leaving the money behind? His self-reflection, decisions for his future?