The Lost Language of Cranes (1991)

Dated but Watchable Gay Drama set in 1991 London, like a Time Capsule - The Lost Language of Cranes review by PV

This is now a very dated film, not just because of the attitudes of an upper-middle-class academic mother (which to be honest was even unlikely in 1991). It seems almost quaint really. Almost child-like. Like a time capsule, though 1991 seems like yesterday. Amazing how a world without the internet looks, and mobile/smart phones. Bliss, in fact. Esp re the latter. Porno cinemas once a mainstay of SoHo look antique! And most gay pubs have now closed, and many clubs, as people can meet online.

Some of it is baffling - actually thought from the title that 'cranes' referred to the bird., common in oriental designs and art. But no, it is industrial cranes BUT goodness knows why - all that stuff was baffling. No context is given to it here whatsoever. The cranes bit could be part of another film even. Poor scriptwriting and direction really - never assume your audience will get what you do, because you have read the novel and they have not!

The minor Cathy Tyson character is entirely redundant and extraneous. It would probably make more sense in the novel on which this is based.

These days, they'd woke it all up with tickbox diversity BAME actors. I probably prefer this, however dated it may be.

Directed by Sean Matthias, theatre director and back then boyfriend of Gandalf himself, Ian McKellen.

Brian Cox stars - looking a very bedraggled 45 - he looks much more aged really, more like late 50s. Amazed he is still going in Succession 2023 based on his aged mid-forties features here.

Still, this is an interesting curiosity piece and the last acting appearance of actor and film director (Midnight Cowboy) John Schlesinger. Nice shots of Greenwich too.

Important in a history of representation of homosexuality on TV, for sure. This is 1991, when gay pubs still existed (now hooking up is all online and most gay pubs have closed as they cannot turn a profit!) 3 stars.