British film ‘Ballad of Wallis Island' builds story of human bonds
"There were never going to be massive stakes, murders, and car chases kind of thing, but I think we sort of knew tonally the kind of film we wanted it to be,' he told Reuters.
here.
'We're confident that people will really invest in that story," Basden added.
'The Ballad of Wallis Island,' distributed by Focus Features, arrived in theaters on March 28.
The film's origins date back to 2007 when comedy duo, Tim Key, who is known for working with British comedy personality Alan Partridge, and Tom Basden, who starred in the series, 'After Life,' wrote, produced and starred in the short film 'The One and Only Herb McGwyer Plays Wallis Island,' which 'The Ballad of Wallis Island' is based on.
The short went on to be nominated for a BAFTA and won the best British short at the Edinburgh International Film Festival.
Both the short and feature film have the same plot, following aging folk singer Herb McGwyer, portrayed by Tom Basden, who gets paid an enormous sum of money to play a one-off gig on a remote Welsh island.
However, when Herb arrives at the gig, he discovers that he's only performing for one man, a lottery winner named Charles, played by Tim Key.
The difference between the short and the feature film is that Carey Mulligan is in the feature as McGwyer's ex-girlfriend and former musical partner Nell Mortimer, adding a different layer of interpersonal relations.
The film focuses on the bond between Herb and Charles.
"Maybe in some films it's really clear what you want to happen to the two people,' Key said.
'In our one it's more generally, I really want him (Herb) to like me, as a people pleaser,' he added.
Music is a major part of the film, as Charles continuously plays hits from McGwyer Mortimer.
Basden wrote all the songs of the fictional folk band.
"It's really important that you believe that throughout the film that this is a musician, and these are musicians, and that was all his compositions,' Key said.
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I've self medicated, been unfaithful, damaged myself and those that I love. 'I've had many reasons - I was sexually abused when younger; I've had relationships that have been coercive; and my mental health issues - but I don't want to make excuses.' Following Peter's statement, Katie hit back and pleaded 'I'm trying to be the best I can' while noting she hasn't 'always been the best mother' Katie continued: 'I've recognised my issues and worked to put them behind me. Sometimes I tried and failed, sometimes I succeeded. 'I've pulled myself out of suicidal spirals because I love my children and want to be there for them. 'I don't pretend to be perfect by any means - but I'm trying to be the best I can. Then there are the "Saints". Some are genuine and some have helped me. 'But some Saints are not who they would have you believe they are. They have a carefully managed image which must be exhausting to maintain. 'Some Saints are fake. They play the victim and to succeed in life they need a villain... or at least a Sinner. Without the Sinner they don't get to be the Saint... 'As a Sinner - I sometimes get bored of these Saints. But maybe I should feel sorry for them, it must be such hard work having to pretend all the time. 'Anyway, all you Sinners keep your heads up and keep trying to be better. All you Saints, it's ok not to be perfect xxx'
