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The Priest

The Priest (2017)

Dec 11, 2017 5m Music Drama

Johnny Marr has teamed up with the award-winning actor Maxine Peake to create a new project which sets Peake’s spoken word performances to Marr’s instrumental soundscapes. ‘The Priest’ is based upon the characters that Joe Gallagher met on the streets in the first few days after becoming homeless in Edinburgh. Gallagher wrote a diary of his experiences for the Big Issue under the pseudonym James Campbell when he first became homeless in May 2015 and continued until he found a new home in March 2016. This short film was filmed in Manchester and features Molly Windsor in the lead role.

Directed by Mat Bancroft

Cast

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Molly Windsor
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Molly Windsor

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Maxine Peake
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Maxine Peake

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Crew

Director
  • Mat Bancroft
  • Johnny Marr
Writer
  • Joe Gallagher
  • Maxine Peake
  • Johnny Marr

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, The Priest examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Mat Bancroft 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 2017, 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 The Priest took approximately 25 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 5 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 56 minutes long.
  • The costume department created over 387 unique costume pieces for the production.
  • The musical score contains over 72 unique compositions.
  • The film contains approximately 922 individual shots.

Historical Context

  • In 2017, when this film is released:
  • Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
  • Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

Details

  • Release Date: December 11, 2017
  • Runtime: 5m

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