1. Plot

2. Cast

3. Distribution

4. Reception

5. Accolades

6. References

7. External links

Plot

Set in Lancashire in 1974, the film follows Matt and John as they leave behind a humdrum life of youth clubs and factory lines to chase a dream of travelling to the US, unearthing unknown soul 45s and establishing themselves as top DJ's on the Northern soul music scene. Their dance and amphetamine fuelled quest brings them into contact with some of the darker elements of the scene and tests their friendship to its limits.^[3]

Cast

• Josh Whitehouse as Matt
• Elliot James Langridge as John Clark
• Antonia Thomas as Angela
• Steve Coogan as Mr Banks
• James Lance as Ray Henderson
• Ashley Taylor Dawson as Paul, Matt's brother
• Christian McKay as Dad
• Lisa Stansfield as Mum
• Jack Gordon as Sean
• Ricky Tomlinson as Grandad
• John Thomson as Terry youth club DJ
• Claire Garvey as Betty
• Jo Hartley as Jo Sherbert

Distribution

The film was a 15-year labour of love for writer/director Elaine Constantine. Turned down by all the major funding bodies, key festivals and institutional production partners in the UK, the film was eventually funded through a mix of private investors and Constantine's substantial personal investment. The film was eventually picked up for distribution by Universal Pictures who sub-licensed the theatrical release to Munro Film Services. Despite only being given a three-day theatrical window and a limited marketing campaign, the film went on to become the widest short-window release to date in the UK according to its producers. Initially expected to open on six to fourteen screens nationally, the film opened on 89 screens on its opening night and 120 screens across its opening weekend. With 97/98 % seat occupancy across 235 individual screenings these were enough to propel the film into the box office top 10 for its opening weekend.^[4]

The soundtrack from the film reached no. 7 in the UK Compilation Chart.^[5] On 2 December the movie was released on Netflix in the United States.^[6]

Reception

The film has had a warm reception with the public and critics alike.^[7][8][9] On publication of early projections for the number of independent screens due to take the film, social media groups sprang up campaigning for the film to come to their local cinema. This grass roots pressure on local indie screens, which included 23 Ourscreen bookings; the committed efforts of Munro Film Services and a growing media interest in the film's progress saw distribution snowball to the levels above.^[10] The film went on to screen in nearly 300 separate cinemas and other venues in the UK.

According to Rotten Tomatoes, 83 % of the critics gave the film a positive review.^[11] Mark Kermode of The Guardian was one of several critics who gave the film four stars, saying, "Constantine catches the energy of the dancehall with aplomb, transporting her audiences from the empty floors of dour neighbourhood youth clubs to the throng of the Wigan Casino with urgent ease. Steve Coogan and Ricky Tomlinson add sly cameo support. Definitely worth a spin".^[3]

Accolades

• 2015 BAFTA Outstanding Debut for a Writer, Director or Producer Award - Nominated.^[9][12]
• 2015 NME Best film of 2014 - WINNER^[13]
• 2015 London Critics Circle Breakthrough British Filmmaker Award — Nominated.^[14]

Northern Soul won the NME Best Film Award 2015 on 18 February 2015.^[13] The award was voted for by the general public, confirming the popularity of the film. The film was up against Boyhood, Frank, Get On Up, God Help The Girl, and The Inbetweeners 2.

References

External links

• {{IMDb title|1837613}}
• {{Rotten Tomatoes|northern_soul}}
• [https://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/feb/05/elaine-constantine-interview-northern-soul The Guardian] ‘You may have a shit job, but you iron your clothes and polish your shoes’ by Charles Gant
• [https://www.theguardian.com/film/2014/oct/12/northern-soul-movie-cinema-screenings-social-media-fuels-demand The Guardian] - Niche northern soul film set to hit big time as social media fuels demand for screenings
• [https://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/oct/11/northern-soul-rebellion-dance-floor-paul-mason The Guardian] - My life as a northern soul boy: rebellion on the dancefloor in the 1970s by Paul Mason
• [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/11140553/Northern-Soul-Behind-the-scenes-of-the-film.html The Telegraph] - Behind the scenes of the film by Sheryl Garrett
• [https://www.theguardian.com/music/2011/aug/31/northern-soul-elaine-constantine The Guardian] - Britain's Got Talcum by Bob Stanley
• The Times - Film Review
• Vogue - Think You've Got Soul?
• [https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2012/03/25/magazine/northern-soul.html?_r=0 The New York Times] - Rare Grooves, All Night Long
• [https://www.buzzfeed.com/danieldalton/keep-the-faith#.dpK7BbmEz Buzzfeed] - How "Northern Soul" Recreated An Era And Became The Best British Film Of 2014
• [https://www.nowness.com/series/directors-cuts/dc-elaine-constantine NOWNESS] - Directors Cut

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