Wendy Ide’s pick of other films: Giant, Becoming Victoria Wood

Giant

(110 mins, 15) Directed by Rowan Athale; starring Amir El-Masry, Pierce Brosnan, Katherine Dow Blyton

There’s a telling moment in Rowan Athale’s flat-footed drama about the testy relationship between the boxer Naseem Hamed, aka Prince Naseem, (Amir El-Masry) and his trainer Brendan Ingle (Pierce Brosnan). As part of a promo video about his protege, Ingle includes a lengthy segment detailing his own background and career history, in the mistaken belief that he is as interesting to the fans as the brash Sheffield kid turned superstar fighter. It’s a misconception that is shared by the film itself, which spends an inordinate amount of time in the modest Ingle family living room, where Mrs Ingle (Katherine Dow Blyton) serves up platitudes along with tea and biscuits. In contrast, we see very little of Hamed’s early life; his story is viewed through Ingle’s eyes and unfolds almost entirely in the boxing gym.

Anyone hoping for insight into the man behind the larger-than-life ego and the showboating public persona will be disappointed. Despite El-Masry’s demonstrable physical commitment to the role – he’s bulked up and brilliantly captures Hamed’s agility and swagger in the ring – he’s given very little to work with beyond a few schematic statements and scant character details.

Hamed’s family fare even worse. His brothers, played by Arian Nik and Samir Arrian, teeter on the brink of panto villainy, dripping venom into the ears of their brother and driving a wedge between him and his manager-trainer. There’s little subtlety elsewhere, with music that slaps us into submission and declamatory dialogue that constantly lectures us on Prince Naseem’s significance in a new Lad-mag-friendly era of boxing. For a film about a fighter who was famous for his footwork, this is disappointingly plodding stuff.

Becoming Victoria Wood

(90 mins, 15) Directed by Catherine Abbott; featuring Victoria Wood

It will be 10 years this April since the death of the beloved comedian, actress, musician, screenwriter and director Victoria Wood. It was an untimely loss that still stings. This unshowy but affectionate documentary salutes her singular talent and charts her journey, from neglected child practising her piano in the bedroom of a bungalow in Bury to painfully shy but quirky drama student; from self-deprecating songstress to the celebrated star of 15 sold-out nights at the Royal Albert Hall.

Featuring contributions from friends and colleagues, including French and Saunders, Joan Armatrading, Maxine Peake, Michael Ball and Jasper Carrott, this illuminating film features a wealth of archive material to persuasively support its argument that Wood was one of the greatest comedians in British entertainment history.

Will it tell you much you don’t already know? Perhaps not. But there is some previously unseen footage included and the tributes are thoughtful and insightful. The main draw, however, remains Wood’s glorious wit and versatility. It’s a delight of a film, like spending time with a much-missed old friend.

Photograph by Multitude Media