Film Stars Don't Die in Liverpool

  • 105'
  • United Kingdom
  • 2017

Another astounding role for Annette Bening (20th Century Women, closing film of IFFR 2017), who plays a 55-year-old Hollywood diva in this stylish production. Once, the flighty Gloria Grahame acted opposite stars like Humphrey Bogart. Now she’s trying to retain her style and charm in shabby, late-1970s Liverpool. She meets a young actor Peter, charmingly portrayed by Jamie Bell (Billy Elliot), and the two have a passionate, yet doomed affair.

The narrative, based on real events, sheds new light on perspectives on women. Even the most liberated actress who resisted the objectifying looks of the old studio bosses, ultimately asks her lover "How do I look?" Wonderful roles for Vanessa Redgrave and Julie Waters as well as a telling scene in which the real Grahame accepted her Oscar. A powerful, tragic portrait of idolised actresses over the years.

  • 105'
  • United Kingdom
  • 2017
Director
Paul McGuigan
Country of production
United Kingdom
Year
2017
Festival Edition
IFFR 2018
Length
105'
Medium
DCP
Language
English
Producers
Barbara Broccoli, Colin Vaines
Production Company
Bad & Beautiful Productions
Sales
IM Global
Screenplay
Matt Greenhalgh
Cinematography
Urszula Pontikos
Editor
Nick Emerson
Production Design
Eve Stewart
Sound Design
Paul Davies, John Midgley
Music
J. Ralph
Cast
Annette Bening, Jamie Bell, Julie Walters, Vanessa Redgrave, Stephen Graham, Kenneth Cranham, James Bloor
Local Distributor
Splendid Film
Director
Paul McGuigan
Country of production
United Kingdom
Year
2017
Festival Edition
IFFR 2018
Length
105'
Medium
DCP
Language
English
Producers
Barbara Broccoli, Colin Vaines
Production Company
Bad & Beautiful Productions
Sales
IM Global
Screenplay
Matt Greenhalgh
Cinematography
Urszula Pontikos
Editor
Nick Emerson
Production Design
Eve Stewart
Sound Design
Paul Davies, John Midgley
Music
J. Ralph
Cast
Annette Bening, Jamie Bell, Julie Walters, Vanessa Redgrave, Stephen Graham, Kenneth Cranham, James Bloor
Local Distributor
Splendid Film

Programme IFFR 2018

Limelight

Avant-premieres of some of the cinematic highlights of the year: international award-winners and festival favourites that will be released in Dutch cinemas after IFFR.

Read more about this programme