A Field in England
A Field in England has all the features of a midnight classic.
Overview
Director Ben Wheatley and writer Amy Jump have crafted a strikingly bold and original historical thriller. The result is a dark and brutal film. But thankfully it comes with a comic undertone to lessen the creepiness.
A Field England effectively blends occult mysticism with psychedelic imagery. Set during the English Civil War in the 17th Century, Whitehead (Reece Shearsmith) has fled from his master but is soon taken hostage by the crafty Cutler (Ryan Pope) along with two travellers Jacob (Peter Ferdinando) and Friend (Richard Glover). Cutler intimidates his captives using hallucinogenic mushrooms into helping the sinister Irishman O’Neil (Michael Smiley) in locating an ominous treasure buried in a field.
Shot in black and white, the movie offers an odd mix of dark comedy with some truly disturbing sequences. Set entirely in an open field, the monochromatic compositions are heightened by trippy visuals. A notable close up of Whitehead pigging out on a heap of mushrooms is absolutely hilarious and discomforting all at the same time.
The script offers some great Shakespearean-esque dialogue with some nicely timed low brow humour in places. Shearsmith delivers a fantastic performance as the cowardly Whitehead. Peter Ferdinardo and Richard Glover as the simple-minded travellers Jacob and Friend provide much needed laughs when things get a little eerie. While Michael Smiley gives an unsettling turn as the villainous O’Neil. It may be visually jarring from time to time but A Field in England has all the features of a midnight classic.
Information
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