Backdrop preview Funny Up North backdrop
Funny Up North

Funny Up North (2011)

Jul 23, 2011 1h 14m Comedy Documentary

Documentary featuring a cavalcade of Northern comedy stars including the great Frank Randle, George Formby, Arthur Askey, Norman Evans and many more. The North of England has always enjoyed its own very particular brand of comedy, best seen today in Coronation Street. 80 years ago however Mancunian Studios produced feature films for the northern masses. Funny Up North tells the story of the Mancunian Studios, its eccentric owner John E Blakeley and its cavalcade of stars including such household names as Arthur Askey, Jimmy Jewell, George Formby and the legendary Frank Randle. Hosted by Professor Chris Lee, the authority on northern cinema, Funny Up North takes you on a journey from its humble beginnings to its sad demise in the 1960s.

Cast

View All

Crew

Writer
  • C.P. Lee

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to review this movie!
Sign in to leave a review.

Thematic Analysis

Funny Up North represents a fascinating example of Comedy/Documentary cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.

Released in 2011, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Funny Up North took approximately 9 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 74 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 102 minutes long.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 8 months to complete.
  • The film contains approximately 1354 individual shots.
  • The costume department created over 245 unique costume pieces for the production.

Historical Context

  • In 2011, when this film is released:
  • Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
  • Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While Funny Up North shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike The Rules of Attraction, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Funny Up North offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like Nowhere and Russian Dolls explore similar territory, Funny Up North stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

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: July 23, 2011
  • Runtime: 1h 14m

Similar Movies