Lew Wray wants you to see THE BALLAD OF WALLIS ISLAND

This movie is the best I have seen for a long time writes LEW WRAY one of Gawler Cinema’s regular patrons.

It’s a quirky English comedy/drama which is totally absorbing and engaging from begining to end. Music is integral to the movie, but it is not a musical. It was written by Tom Basden and Tim Key, long time friends from university, who also play the main characters Herb and Charles. Carey Mulligan stars as Nell. All three have sucessful backgrounds in English comedy, drama, films and television. Tom Basden is also a talented guitarist and singer/songwriter.

Charles lives on a Welsh island, alone since his wife died. He is delightfully eccentric. He has won the Lottery twice, and decides use some of the money to pay for a musical performance on his island. He invites Herb and Nell who use to be his favourite folk singing duo, but who haven’t seen each other since they broke up years ago.

The story line and the (often witty) dialogue provide engagement throughout the movie. However, for me the most endearing aspect of the movie is the incidental songs which Tom Basden wrote and performed, in a modernised style of 1960s folk music. Rather than pre-record and mime the songs Basden insisted on performing his songs live during the actual filming, which gives them a feeling of authenticity rather than studio perfection.

The movie concludes with a beautiful song called The Ballad of Wallis Island, which encapsulates and completes the whole movie. However, it plays while the credits are rolling - the usual cue for people to talk and leave the theatre. PLEASE stay right to the end of the credits and LISTEN to the song. It is a wonderful finale to a wonderful movie. Don’t miss it.

Written By Lew Wray.