Came across this film whilst scrolling through channels trying to find something to watch and found Pictures of Lily. The premise of the film I thought was a little unlikely but also like to think it could, should and would happen. At first and thoughout the film the two lead characters are incompatible but that said there is a chemesrty between them that works and adds to the story and its progress. Both The Man and Lily were entirely believable and especially Lily who was compelling and irrestistable, just the sort of person I would like to meet. I thought the cinematography was very good with some very good camera work, the only exception was the sound as in places for me it was inaudable and lacked clarity. It made such a change for The Man and Lily not to end up in bed together but on it and falling asleep! After ten minutes I was completely engrossed and could not tear myself away from the film if I had wanted to. So many good points and my favourite was when The Man and Lily almost kiss in the bedroom, the sound goes off and then back on when the kiss doeasnt happen, brilliant! Loved the fact it was filmed in Brighton and certainly a film I would watch again.
10 Reviews
What to do, what to do?
seanandfreddy15 August 2015
Pictures of Lily almost has an idea of what it wants to do. In fact I would go as far to say it's a film made by someone whose seen a lot of films but isn't quite sure why they work as well as they do. It follows two people as they walk around Brighton and just kind of chat about life.
It is shot very well, the cinematography really adds to things and the way they film Brighton does show it off to be a vibrant and alien place with such varieties of cultures.
The acting isn't too bad, while the man can come off as quite boring as he refuses to vocally emote, Lily is played quite well as she seems fun and lively however an issue is they almost question her character but never go far enough to actually make it interesting or dynamic. It is challenging to create a relationship between two people without them knowing who the other really is but sadly that does mean while the dialogue can sometimes be interesting, it gets very repetitive and they seem to do the same thing again and again killing the pace of the film. Clearly it was very focused on keeping the mystery that the dialogue has to be about life statements making the film feel boring.
The writing is confused, I think it's trying to be deep and philosophical but doesn't really work and just comes across as pretentious. The two leads have little chemistry, you never buy that these two get along. Often in film, action determines character, but that's difficult in a film where they do nothing and talk about life. We ultimately know nothing about them (which is intended) but it means they're not interesting enough to stay with. They look awkward and if this is meant to be a love story then this aspect of the movie fails. In a way it's hard to tell if this is a film about love or friendship, the film fails to realise the potential of either and is stuck in this awkward middle ground.
The ending also feels like an insult as two characters out of nowhere just appear and seem to say "If you don't like this film well then you just like big dumb action movies".
Ultimately the film is mediocre, it tried some things which were fairly interesting but just didn't really know where the story was going and wanted to shroud itself in too much mystery that it forgot that mystery is more interesting through eventual reveals, clearly confused and trying to do too little.
The film doesn't really ever try to keep you engaged. I did see a previous version and this one was better compared to the original which was awful, this one was more focused but again wasn't focused enough.
I'm sadly not done...
I'm making it no secret that I posted an original review about the 2013 cut (which has been replaced with this version about the 2015 cut) which gained a response from the director. I won't tell you what he said (out of not wanting to make this anymore tense than it already has become) however I will let you know that some of his points against my review were "I hadn't seen the new version which was way better" and he basically blamed me that if the film didn't do well it was my fault because of my previous review, also what a horrible person I was (not acknowledging that the "rough cut" I saw back in 2013 was shown to an actual audience).
In short, the film is confused and doesn't know what it's trying to go for, in attempts to be deep and meaningful it loses focus and doesn't know where to take these characters. It is well shot and some of the cast do a decent job (the soundtrack also greatly helps the film and does add to the atmosphere), but sadly these can't save it.
It is shot very well, the cinematography really adds to things and the way they film Brighton does show it off to be a vibrant and alien place with such varieties of cultures.
The acting isn't too bad, while the man can come off as quite boring as he refuses to vocally emote, Lily is played quite well as she seems fun and lively however an issue is they almost question her character but never go far enough to actually make it interesting or dynamic. It is challenging to create a relationship between two people without them knowing who the other really is but sadly that does mean while the dialogue can sometimes be interesting, it gets very repetitive and they seem to do the same thing again and again killing the pace of the film. Clearly it was very focused on keeping the mystery that the dialogue has to be about life statements making the film feel boring.
The writing is confused, I think it's trying to be deep and philosophical but doesn't really work and just comes across as pretentious. The two leads have little chemistry, you never buy that these two get along. Often in film, action determines character, but that's difficult in a film where they do nothing and talk about life. We ultimately know nothing about them (which is intended) but it means they're not interesting enough to stay with. They look awkward and if this is meant to be a love story then this aspect of the movie fails. In a way it's hard to tell if this is a film about love or friendship, the film fails to realise the potential of either and is stuck in this awkward middle ground.
The ending also feels like an insult as two characters out of nowhere just appear and seem to say "If you don't like this film well then you just like big dumb action movies".
Ultimately the film is mediocre, it tried some things which were fairly interesting but just didn't really know where the story was going and wanted to shroud itself in too much mystery that it forgot that mystery is more interesting through eventual reveals, clearly confused and trying to do too little.
The film doesn't really ever try to keep you engaged. I did see a previous version and this one was better compared to the original which was awful, this one was more focused but again wasn't focused enough.
I'm sadly not done...
I'm making it no secret that I posted an original review about the 2013 cut (which has been replaced with this version about the 2015 cut) which gained a response from the director. I won't tell you what he said (out of not wanting to make this anymore tense than it already has become) however I will let you know that some of his points against my review were "I hadn't seen the new version which was way better" and he basically blamed me that if the film didn't do well it was my fault because of my previous review, also what a horrible person I was (not acknowledging that the "rough cut" I saw back in 2013 was shown to an actual audience).
In short, the film is confused and doesn't know what it's trying to go for, in attempts to be deep and meaningful it loses focus and doesn't know where to take these characters. It is well shot and some of the cast do a decent job (the soundtrack also greatly helps the film and does add to the atmosphere), but sadly these can't save it.
Memorable film.
pelicankate-3168921 October 2015
This charming and sincere film leaves you with the satisfaction of having read a really good short story. If you need to have everything spelt out, then this is probably not for you.
Watching films, especially independent films and foreign films is my thing. The typical Hollywood film of today, can be such sanitised and formulaic pap, they leave me feeling frankly indifferent. Though I keep up with the reviews, I rarely can get motivated to go see them unless some amazing special effects or cinematography is on offer.
Pictures of Lily, was a moving portrayal of an unlikely relationship. A love story , yes- but more perhaps about human connection. The man's character is safe, uptight, clearly not accustomed to being spontaneous and daring. Portrayed sensitively by Daniel Lane, he meets a woman who seems of another world. They have something to share and to learn from each other in a relatively short encounter. I found the dialogue very real, the characters engaging and likable. The filming and soundtrack are beautiful. There was such a magical sense of place, I have to get back to Brighton. Definitely want to see more from this writer/director.
Watching films, especially independent films and foreign films is my thing. The typical Hollywood film of today, can be such sanitised and formulaic pap, they leave me feeling frankly indifferent. Though I keep up with the reviews, I rarely can get motivated to go see them unless some amazing special effects or cinematography is on offer.
Pictures of Lily, was a moving portrayal of an unlikely relationship. A love story , yes- but more perhaps about human connection. The man's character is safe, uptight, clearly not accustomed to being spontaneous and daring. Portrayed sensitively by Daniel Lane, he meets a woman who seems of another world. They have something to share and to learn from each other in a relatively short encounter. I found the dialogue very real, the characters engaging and likable. The filming and soundtrack are beautiful. There was such a magical sense of place, I have to get back to Brighton. Definitely want to see more from this writer/director.
I wouldn't go out of my way to see this film
anniecooke30 October 2015
Pictures of lily. A friend of mine sent this film asking to give reviews. It was a real mixed bag, some of the filming was of a good standard and some looked like a cheap soft s.x film. Over all the acting was OK, the bond between the couple kinda worked, but the script seemed pretentious at times. I'm from Brighton and some of the shots were lovely. I think you can see the budget in the film, the sound was terrible in places and there was a shot of a lady pregnant and there wasn't any attempt to make this look real it was very clear something was just stuffed up her jumper! To sum up I don't think I would go out of my way to see this film.
Beautiful and refreshingly different
elainelingle-6199521 October 2015
I was mesmerized by this film. Elena Saorin's Lily is captivating (she is a star in the making). The dialogue is clever and amusing. Watching the characters walking and talking around town feels like eavesdropping, which makes it even more interesting. The director has created a beautiful movie. I don't know if he is a fan of Richard Linklater, but I get that vibe. I recommend Pictures of Lily to all lovers of intelligent conversation and non conventional relationships (and even if you're not typically a fan, give it a try). This film is a reminder of how good this genre can be. And what a great showcase for Brighton. I now want to pay a visit to this interesting, Bohemian seaside town.
A strong love story between two distinctive characters and of a vibrant city itself
pete-936-525428 February 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed Pictures of Lilly and found it to be a subtle exploration and intricate observation into relationships, chance meetings and personal journeys. It's perfectly poised and a beautifully made piece by Director and Writer Mark Banks. It manages to be both understated and non judgemental, but none the less rounded, truthful, gritty and honest to it's core. A welcome and refreshing piece of cinema that should be given every chance to breath and flourish. The two main leads are equal too in their strength and character development - great casting. Cinematically, it's very interesting to watch too, full of long, long shots of moving, wandering camera work. The whole film is hung together too by an amazingly strong soundtrack made up uniquely of music from local Brighton bands, giving it that final touch of authenticity and uniqueness. A great love story, not just between two people but also with a vibrant, living, passionate city too. Excellent.
I felt nothing for this film
Jenniferclark123430 October 2015
I saw the film at the rope tackle arts centre in shoreham by sea as part of there Sussex film event. I have to just say that I booked on Saturday 15th August, but why I got to the cinema they told me the film won't play due to technical problem with the film on the day, I thought this a bit odd as surly they mush have known before and contacted us to let us know it wouldn't be on, anyhow so we saw an old classic instead.
They then fixed another date for the showing which I went to. I understand the film is low budget by an amateur film company in Brighton, so all in all there were some nice looking bits in the film, although over all it looks like it's a few films put together to make one film, but it wasn't bad. The story however was a different matter. You go to the cinema to maybe find out something new, feel something, be moved, laugh, cry..etc but no it really didn't take off, not really sure who it's aimed at? .But if they are showing it locally it's nice for local people to see Brighton on film.
Jennie
They then fixed another date for the showing which I went to. I understand the film is low budget by an amateur film company in Brighton, so all in all there were some nice looking bits in the film, although over all it looks like it's a few films put together to make one film, but it wasn't bad. The story however was a different matter. You go to the cinema to maybe find out something new, feel something, be moved, laugh, cry..etc but no it really didn't take off, not really sure who it's aimed at? .But if they are showing it locally it's nice for local people to see Brighton on film.
Jennie
Deep and sensitive film
clarejpwright22 October 2015
This is a very sensitive and deep film for anyone into romance, sex and relationships and how they develop. I loved the star actors, I especially loved the way the man portrayed being an outsider of the Brighton group that the woman belonged to.It was interesting to see the relationship develop between the stranger in town and the clearly very different young woman he met who challenged his beliefs. A very enjoyable film full of originality and different from the usual obvious sort of romances portrayed in films, with the woman being a very strong character and being somewhat of a challenge to the new man in town. The setting in Brighton was perfect and I loved the shots of the sea and birds and sky.
Something different to be celebrated.
KSatellites20 October 2015
I went to see Pictures of Lily at its recent showing at The Ropetackle Arts Centre, Shoreham. It was fantastic to see something different to the norm. The film is beautifully shot, with a strong local (Brighton) influence in terms of locations and soundtrack.
However that is definitely not the whole story. I found the whole ethos of the film entirely different and refreshing. I really enjoyed the different take on the boy meets girl narrative, coupled with a style that doesn't take itself too seriously. (Watch out for the homages to classic cinema)
Independent films like this are real gems in a mass market of car chases and formulaic dross. Go see this film if you get the chance and expect something different from the norm.
However that is definitely not the whole story. I found the whole ethos of the film entirely different and refreshing. I really enjoyed the different take on the boy meets girl narrative, coupled with a style that doesn't take itself too seriously. (Watch out for the homages to classic cinema)
Independent films like this are real gems in a mass market of car chases and formulaic dross. Go see this film if you get the chance and expect something different from the norm.
A memorable day in the life of...
pgham1 November 2015
I watched this film last week at the Flyway Film Festival in Wisconsin, and found it refreshing, honest and entrancing. It is very different from the usual boy meets girl story as it guides you through the slow and fascinating unfolding of two characters as they get to know each other. The script is funny and touching, and draws you in. You really start to care about these two strangers, and what they make of each other. If the film accurately depicts Brighton, then I want to go there! The sea looks so blue and inviting, and the feel of Bohemia is the most enticing I have seen. The cinematography is quite stunning in places, and adds to the overall mesmerizing feel of the film. And the soundtrack is brilliant, quite unique and perfectly in tune with the bohemian feel that Brighton seems to have. If you really want to know about this film I would suggest you read Angeliki Coconi's review in Unsung Films, as she captures it far better than I can!
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