Cast
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Celia Imrie
as Barbara Thorburn
Jack Shepherd
as Philip Lomax
James Fleet
as Jim Thorburn
Gerda Stevenson
as Greta Thorburn
Sean Scanlan
as Andrew Cunningham
Hilary Maclean
as Wendy
Walter Leask
as Sam Kelday
Sheana Marr
as Mrs. Kemp
Eoin MacDonald
as Dan of Fea
Jimmy Moar
as Billy Spence
Liz Robertson
as Mary Kelday
Bobby Bews
as Grandfather Bews
Keith Hutcheon
as Roger
Mairi Wallace
as Shoe Salesgirl
Pamela Kelly
as Mrs. Brodie
Crew
Director
- Margaret Tait
Writer
- Margaret Tait
Producer
- Barbara Grigor
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Blue Black Permanent examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Margaret Tait brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1992, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Blue Black Permanent took approximately 32 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 86 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 139 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 54 unique compositions.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1992, when this film was released:
- The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
- Digital technology was transforming the entertainment industry.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Blue Black Permanent shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Julie & Julia, which focuses more on action than character development, Blue Black Permanent subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Viva and An Episode of Love explore similar territory, Blue Black Permanent stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: January 1, 1992
- Runtime: 1h 26m
Where to Watch
