okay, so pirate radio pretty much sunk at the box office and in reviews, but i’m actually quite fond of the film. i mean, it’s from the creator of love actually and notting hill, how can it not make you smile?
the film really connected to my college radio days and how we all had this indescribable passion for music and this urgency to introduce new sounds to as many people as possible. set in the 60′s, pirate radio’s retro, kitchy vibe really pulled on my heartstrings.
everything has this mood lighting about it. burnt orange leather couches, multi-coloured quilts, and a collage of maroon, hunter green, and brown striped shirts and sweaters.
i love how small and cozy the radio studio is, as most are. band posters upon the walls, shelves and shelves of vinyl, and wood crates for seats and tables.
my favourite was by far the 60′s wedding that took place on the ship.
can that be my wedding party? seriously? patchwork and velvet jackets in their entirety? how great is the navy bunting and the record mobiles?
i also love how everyone who is stationed on the ship are in these really deep colours, yet when the outside world visits, an explosion of colour appears.
at one point, emma thompson enters the screen in a black and white, houndstooth cape. woah woah woah. where can i get my hands on one of these?!?!?
that collar is the most stunning collar in existence. perhaps these are all close, but not cigar. i will get my hands on something of this nature….
i also love the retro wallpaper, the porthole windows, and the photo negatives hung on string like clothes drying on a summer’s day.
i would gladly live on this ship.
as always, these and more photographs and sets from the film can be found on my flickr page.
i find the film similar to arrested development because it’s simply impossible to pick a favourite character, they are all just so bloody brilliant and funny and charming. though i must say, nick frost as doctor dave has me grinning past my forehead.
trailer below:
