“The cultural revolution that occurred in 1960s England.”
Promises a lot, but average/mediocre overall. Starts off well enough about the drab malaise and poverty of England after WWII and the limited opportunities then for creative people.
Gradually gets into the personalities of the time like The Beatles, The Stones, Marianne Faithfull, Twiggy, David Bailey (whom I’d never heard of before–he of photography fame), Donovan, and Mary Quant.
There are too many stereotypical old establishment criticisms of the young of the day and too many weak “Wow!” camera effects scenes. Too predictably, Caine’s overview shifts in the last third into the moral demise of the time via drugs–ho hum!
The music does better and there are some good choices evoking London of the day including The Kinks’ “Waterloos Sunset” and “Dead-End Street” to kick off the film. Other tunes include The Kinks’ “You Really Got Me” and The Zombies’ “She’s Not There” to epitomize the lovely “birds'” impact on males and photographers of the day.
The main focuses of the film are the bands, the music, the fashions, the models, the photographers, and the drug use. A little too narrow for a credible overview in any depth of this era in this place. Disappointing that way.
Certainly, if you are a Caine fan, you will see enough of him sort of narrating while in his 80s, scenes from his early films up to Alfie, and other old footage of him walking about London and in his 60s’ films. A bit of an ego trip based on a good idea to try and capture the time.
Indeed, the first third of the film is the strongest, setting the stage, and setting the atmosphere of those times and spirit. The middle gets bogged down with average footage on fashion and photography, and the last section seems thrown together to provide a ‘moralistic’ ending.
If the viewer wants some understanding of life back then with some actual footage, then some insights are given. But if you are looking for creative reflections and analysis of the time, you won’t get more than the occasional Caine comment on freedom being in the ’60s London air.
Rated 6/10, 6 1/2/10 tops.