Made in England: The Films of Powell and Pressburger
Directed by David Hinton
Starring Martin Scorsese, Michael Powell, and Emeric Pressburger
Runtime 2 hours and 11 minutes
In theaters July 12

by Rosalie Kicks, Old Sport & Editor in Chief

I love movies. Although, as I pen this review, I am embarrassed to admit that my brain is now making the connection of my adoration of motion pictures with the famed Nicole Kidman advertisement now showing in AMC. (The HORROR!) My fondness for films is ever-growing, however I can’t say I have the same sentiment for the Kidman advert. I will admit, that I do agree wholeheartedly with the statement that I go to the cinema “for magic” and there are several filmmakers that I deem to be magicians in terms of what they showcase on the silver screen. Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger are most definitely my favorite cinematic illusionists.

The documentary Made In England essentially made me feel like I was aboard a tram ride on one of those studio backlot tours. What made this excursion even more thrilling was that my guide was the illustrious Martin (Marty) Scorsese. He meticulously takes the viewer through Powell and Pressburger’s filmography, while adding in thoughtful commentary, anecdotes, and his own personal experiences with watching their pictures. For those that are unfamiliar with the filmography of Powell and Pressburger, Made In England offers an easy way to dive in head first. And with a prolific filmmaker such as Scorsese serving as the host of this journey, one could not be placed in better hands. Additionally, Marty’s relationship with Michael Powell at the end of his life, provides an in-depth view of the duo’s work as well as their filmmaking processes and working dynamics. I believe even avid fans of the famed movie partners, who commonly went by “The Archers”, would be hard pressed not to find this comprehensive flick engaging.

Each time I experience a Powell and Pressburger film I am able to escape the present and visit a place of wonder. With the grim and bleak times we find ourselves in, and ahead of us, it is lovely to have this type of reprieve, even if it only lasts for a few hours. It was shocking to me to learn that when Scorsese met Michael Powell in 1975, Powell and his work had essentially moved to obscurity. This documentary serves as a reminder of why it is important to look back on what has come before. It is easy to get lost in the anticipation of the next box office or sleeper hit, forgetting all that the past has to offer. Together, Powell and Pressburger made motion pictures that are not only a feast for the eyes but take the viewer on an adventure through their use of color, light, movement, and music. Much like I said in an earlier article this week on Buster Keaton’s The General, before there was computer-generated imagery (CGI), there was camera trickery and fantastical illusion.

There is a moment within Made In England when Marty candidly reveals himself as being an indoor kid, and he shares his first memory of witnessing a Powell and Pressburger film on the tube. It was the glorious The Tales of Hoffman (1951) that had him remark, “This was a picture made by a great showman!”. I could not agree more. Each motion picture I have seen from The Archers thus far has been a special encounter that ultimately ends with the film gripping me and never letting go. Many of their images manage to sear themselves onto my brain, which truly is a blessing as it gifts me the ability to walk around with them and revisit whenever I am blue.

For those of you that watch Made In England and are new to Powell and Pressburger, be prepared to add to your watch list. I myself have homework to do and with the hellacious temperatures happening in Philadelphia right now, I could not be more happier to take on this assignment.

For more about Powell and Pressburger, listen to episode 025 of my podcast, Cinematic Crypt where ever you find pods or download here.