Feature by Georgina Coburn
Paul Taylor
Hooked on Film
GEORGINA COBURN talks movies with the new film programmer at Eden Court Theatre
EDEN COURT’S new film programmer, Paul Taylor, has made an impressive debut with a creative programme distinctive for its depth and diversity.
Brought up in Tain, Easter Ross, Paul studied Media Studies at Inverness College before working backstage in the theatre and becoming a projectionist. It was late night screenings of foreign films on Channel 4 that first got him hooked on cinema.
“If you asked me at college what my dream job would be, this would be it” he said when asked about his consuming interest in film.
Being behind the projector but also choosing the product on screen is no doubt challenging, and especially satisfying for someone so obviously engaged with cinema. He cites films “driven by character or story” as those which he enjoys most, a trait not found as often in the Hollywood blockbuster as in foreign or independent films.
As projectionist and programmer he is in a unique position, meeting and greeting the audience five nights a week at the cinema’s current temporary location in HI~Arts original Screen Machine next to the Floral Hall Bught Park.
The screen machine is a very comfortable alternative whilst Eden Court’s refurbishment is taking place. When the theatre reopens there will be three venues suitable for the screening of films, including two new cinemas. Excellent news for film fans, especially in light of the quality of the current programme.
With informed and innovative programming like this I’m sure that film fans will be looking forward to the year ahead
Clearly a product of Paul’s extensive knowledge and love of cinema and his work as Eden Court projectionist for the last six years, it is an inspired series of screenings with something for everyone.
The latest programme from March to the beginning of May contains some of the best foreign, classic and award winning cinema around, including “Capote”, ”The Beat That My Heart Skipped”, “Song of Songs”, “Blinded” and documentaries “In Search Of Mozart” and “Grizzly Man.”
What I find particularly encouraging in the programme’s content is a commitment to delving a little deeper into the world of cinema, not only in the choice of films but real evidence that a theatre has a greater function than simply to screen films for a mass audience.
This is demonstrated by the Movie Club for eight to twelve year olds which presents a four week series of screenings together with workshops in animation techniques. Children can create their own characters and let their imaginations take flight. This seems to me to be an integral part of the magic of cinema.
The fact that this is part of a normal programme and not just part of a week long annual festival is great news. Who knows, one of these workshops may well nurture the next Nick Park!
Continuing Saturday morning screenings for children includes “Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe,” Tim Burton’s “Corpse Bride” and two Japanese animated features, Katsuhiro Otomo’s “Steamboy” and Hiroyuki Morita’s The Cat Returns.”
A special screening of the documentary “The Longest River” on earlier this month was extremely well received, and will be repeated in May. This special event with an introduction by expedition member Peter Meredith will provide the opportunity for the audience to ask questions about the film and the incredible journey it records.
Screening notes accompany “Sophie Scholl:The Final Days”, based on the true story of the “White Rose” resistance to the rise of Nazism, and Phil Grabsky’s documentary “In Search Of Mozart.”
Cinema can entertain us but it is also wonderful for a film to stay with you long after the lights have come back up, to promote discussion, debate and to challenge the audience.
Paul is keen to work more closely with the local film club, Inverness Film Fans, and for lovers of classic cinema has included a season of Katherine Hepburn and Cary Grant films as part of his initial programme. There is also the opportunity to catch up with the buzz of awards season with screenings of “Memoirs Of A Geisha”, “Munich” and “The Constant Gardener”.
Having just delivered his first programme, Paul is busy planning the next, including a season of Spanish films, “L’Enfant”(The Child) directed by brothers Luc and Jean Pierre Dardenne, which won the Palme D’Or at Cannes in 2005, and the much anticipated film “The Proposition” written by singer-songwriter Nick Cave.
Described as an Australian western set “in the harsh unforgiving landscape of the outback”, “The Proposition” is an “epic story of loyalty and betrayal”. Directed by John Hillcoat, it boasts a talented cast; Ray Winstone, Emily Watson, John Hurt, Guy Pearce and David Wenham, and should not be missed.
Eden Court has special offers on cinema tickets (booking five films for £20.00 full/ £15.00 concession) and participates in “Orange Wednesdays” making the best cinema in the world more accessible.
With informed and innovative programming like this I’m sure that film fans will be looking forward to the year ahead and to the Inverness Film Festival with great anticipation and excitement.
© Georgina Coburn, 2006
