Shadows on the Wall: GABRIEL & ME

Gabriel & Me

dir Udayan Prasad
scr Lee Hall
with Sean Landless, Billy Connolly, Iain Glenn, Rosie Rowell, David Bradley, Jordan Routledge, Ian Cullen, Sean Foley, Trevor Fox, Bridie Hales, Nicky Hayer, Jacqueline King
release UK 2.Nov.01
01/UK 1h30 2 out of 5 stars

R E V I E W B Y R I C H C L I N E

From the director of My Son the Fanatic and the writer of Billy Elliot, another tale of life in northern England. And while there is artistry in both the writing and filmmaking, it's just far too deeply flawed on every level to work at all. Jimmy Spud (Landless) is a thoughtful 11-year-old who isn't much interested in football, like everyone else, and would rather ponder the ageless mysteries of the universe. He gets it into his head that he wants to be an angel, so he sends an application off to Archangel Gabriel (Connolly), who walks him through a sort of "internship" that involves saving the life of a neighbourhood boy (Routledge) and trying to bring about a miracle when his dad (Glen) is diagnosed with terminal cancer.

There are some nice directoral touches, a beautiful use of the settings and some cleverly staged sequences. But the film suffers from an overwhelmingly whimsical tone that makes it feel like an after-school TV movie beefed up with expletives and a few seriously disturbing scenes. In addition, the characters are profoundly unsympathetic, for various reasons: Glen gives the best performance as Jimmy's dad, but he's so pushy and hollow. Roswell is superb as Jimmy's mam, but she's useless and unwilling to help anyone, really. Connolly is just too wistful and earnest ... with ridiculous, distracting eye makeup. The whole thing hinges on young first-time actor Landless, who just can't carry it off--he lacks the spark, humour and energy of, say, Jamie Bell (Billy Elliot), which this story badly needs. This leaves the whole thing feeling stilted and tedious, especially after the horrific and perplexing final reel.
adult themes and situations, language 18.Sep.01

R E A D E R R E V I E W S

"I thought this film was touching yet lacking some great aspects. Billy Connolly was I felt a credit to the role but Sean Landless wasnt particularly good. Saying this, I do feel that the lad put in a good effort for his first role. One thing I did like about the film was the fact they used loads of new fresh actors and even heard that these actors were picked from schools and theatre groups across the Northeast. They were chosen from the role of Bridie right down to the extras like the young lady getting out of the car. Excellent! And loads of great oppurtunities for the young thespians out there! Film that must be seen at least once!" --Stefani, London 8.Aug.03