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Life Painted on a Display Easel: Top Three Michael Winterbottom Films

Michael Winterbottom was born in Lancashire and is considered one of the most prolific and respected filmmakers directing sixteen films in the past thirteen years. He began working on British television before making the transition to film. Winterbottom is a humble artist and rarely speaks about his persona life but would rather keep the focus and attention on his films. Here is a list of the top three Michael Winterbottom films that are often considered works of art like that shown on a display easel.

Wonderland

Winterbottom highlights the life and travails of the British working class in this award winning drama from the acclaimed director. A married couple with four grown children deal with the daily stresses of life and their children’s lives as Britain prepares to celebrate Guy Fawkes Day in “Wonderland.” Molly Parker plays an early role which would show her versatility that she displayed in other film and television roles like “Deadwood.” Although she is not British she plays the role very convincingly. “Wonderland” was shown at the 1999 Cannes Film Festival and almost took home the most coveted award.

Tristram Shandy: A Cock and Bull Story

This comedy film-within-a-film features Steve Coogan, who starred in Winterbottom’s other memorable film, “24 Hour Party People.” The film is about actors trying to adapt what is essentially an unadaptable 18th century novel called “Tristram Shandy,” about a man attempting but failing to write his autobiography. The film thus is a film about failing to make the film. It’s not as complicated as it sounds and is robustly funny with Steve Coogan playing his despicable self.

A Mighty Heart

With possibly the biggest budget at his disposal and a big name American actress, “A Mighty Heart” was poised to be Winterbottom’s big breakthrough, and although it received rave reviews for both Jolie’s portrayl of Mariane Pearl, the wife of Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl, who was kidnapped and killed by supporters of Omar Sheikh in Pakistan and the film itself, it did not do well at the box office, but I’m sure Winterbottom is used to that. After people originally criticized Jolie for portraying a biracial woman, after seeing the film most agreed that Jilie did an admirable job.

About the Author

Alan McGee is a freelance writer from MN.

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