BLOG Mari Ellis Dunning

NWR Issue 106

Another Mumblecore Masterpiece: A Wonderful Christmas Time

Hot on the successful heels of Benny and Jolene, which debuted earlier this year, Welsh-born writer and director Jamie Adams has produced a second mumblecore masterpiece – and just in time for Christmas!

A Wonderful Christmas Time showcases the wintry cliffs of Adams’ hometown Porthcawl, and recently premiered in the home of British cinema, Leicester Square. ‘It was a dream come true to premiere in the heart of London’s West End,’ Adams said of the event later.

The second film in a sandwich of romantic comedies stars some well-known faces, including Laura Haddock, Mandeep Dhillon (of BBC’s Some Girls), and comedian Sara Pascoe. Male role Dylan Edwards recently featured alongside Ellie Goulding in the short film Tom and Issy. ‘I noticed Dylan in a short film he did with Ellie Goulding and thought he was incredibly natural and comic,’ Adams confessed. He went on to explain that Laura Haddock was ‘the best thing about The Inbetweeners Movie.’ Having contacted the actors separately, Adams found both stars excited to film an improvised movie with him.

Setting out to create an (on the most part) unscripted movie in only five days is no mean feat, especially for actors ordinarily accustomed to more conventional roles, but if they were at all uncomfortable at any point, you wouldn’t know it when watching this lovely Christmas film. Adams looked exceptionally proud of his cast as he said, ‘They are incredibly talented. They worked really hard and were there for one another, and for the story. The movie is testament to their dedication.’ Haddock’s performance is charming and romantic, alongside Edwards’ superb awkwardness in his quest for love.

The third and final instalment, Black Mountain Poets’ will emerge next autumn, with a lead cast including Alice Lowe, Dolly Wells and Tom Cullen. It’s an exciting time for Welsh cinema, with new works by Craig Roberts and Keri set to be released next year and Collins and Kevin Allen’s Under Milk Wood premiering in Cardiff next Thursday. A Wonderful Christmas Time is available to buy or rent from most On-Demand services now.
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Mari Ellis Dunning blogs for New Welsh Review online





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