Plot:
“Marvellous” is based on the true story of Neil Baldwin.
Baldwin was diagnosed with “learning difficulties” at school, but didn’t allow
the label to discourage him from achieving as much in life as his heart
desired. We meet Neil working as Nello the clown in the circus. He goes on to
get a regular role at Keele University, advising and helping students, and is
employed by his beloved football team, Stoke City. Along the way, his mother
worries profusely whether he will be able to look after himself after she dies.
Review:
Before I begin, I guess I better put in a mild caveat. A TV film
like “Marvellous” is probably not going to get the most unbiased of reviews
from me. It focuses on the life of someone who I never met, but nevertheless I
know plenty of people who do know him. This includes the great Norman Barrett,
a dear friend of my family, who features in a brief cameo at the film’s
conclusion and is also mentioned a few times, including his MBE status. These are
all anachronistic, but that takes nothing away from the nature of the film.
Norman’s budgies are also a plot point. For the most part, the film shows
circus in a good light, which is a refreshing change. Only the ringmaster of
the first circus is presented as something of a villain. This is becoming a bit
of a cliché now along with the assumption that the ringmaster is traditionally the
owner of the show. Nevertheless, many of my circus friends and family were
smiling when the film won the Best Single Drama category of the 2015 BAFTAs.
“Marvellous” does not
pretend to be a historically accurate biopic and the style of composition,
including characters breaking the fourth wall to consult the real-life
personalities, are slightly reminiscent of Michael Winterbottom and Frank Cottrell’s
Boyce’s “24 Hour Party People”. The result is an interesting hybrid drama that
further proves the burgeoning strengths of television in recent times.
The sales blurb declares it to be part biopic, part fantasy
and part musical. If this is the case, then these parts are not evenly
distributed. The biopic description is the prevailing aspect to the point where
the fantasy might be interpreted as forgivable artistic interpretation and the
musical part – consisting entirely of Fenton Choir –comes across more as a
soundtrack rather than an integral part of the drama. The film is all the
better for this ratio. This is a tribute and celebration of the unique
character of Neil Baldwin, playfully realizing his dreams in an exaggerated fashion.
Demonstrating a lack of pretentiousness and a comfortable sense of
self-awareness, the film even has the real Neil Baldwin being asked by Toby
Jones whether or not an event occurred like it is depicted in the film. Baldwin
replies with a flat “no”.
The film is fervently non-judgemental without being
ridiculously positive. The locations are nearly always drab, often showing
examples of bad weather or uninspiring building interiors. Baldwin’s escapades
are described as unique techniques for blagging your way into various dream
experiences. Along the way he is met with unkindness that Neil isn’t oblivious
to, but he shrugs off as “banter”. Baldwin’s “learning difficulties” are never
really defined and the viewer isn’t prompted to be curious. This is dealt with in
a non-patronizing way. Baldwin and his mother just simply ignore the frustrated
efforts of others to get them to discuss his “condition”, and everyone cannot
help but be carried along by the lead character’s confidence.
Critics of “Marvellous” have rightly noticed that Julian
Farino took on a tall order with true style. A lesser director could have
easily descended into sentimental schmaltz or ironic irreverence. Do not expect
this to be another “Forrest Gump” or “Rain Man”. Don’t expect “Derek” either
for that matter. The film portrays Neil Baldwin in an honest light. This
includes the long suffering worries of his mother, portrayed by Gemma Jones in
a performance that deservedly earned her a best-supporting actress BAFTA, and
the clergy that are obliged to lend their charitable hand of support. In this
respect, “Marvellous” is as much a tribute to the spirit of collective humanity
as it is to the positive attitude of its lead protagonist. It is significant
that Baldwin’s aspirations are not achieved just because he is doggedly
determined and won’t give up on his dreams, but also because of the many people
who seem to find themselves helping him.
Don't forget to check out Jamie Clubb's main blog www.jamieclubb.blogspot.com
