Review of A Field in England (2013) by Dillinger P — 14 Mar 2014

A Field in England is one of those rare gems that just completely and utterly blows your face off upon watching it. Of course skeptics could say its about a bunch of ye olden folk tripping out in a field for an hour and a half but there is so much to this homage to 70's psychidelica that its impossible for a hardcore film fan not to like.

During the English civil war, a small outcast group are persuaded by one member to head through the fields, with promises of a Tavern and women after it appears the war has left them behind. As they draw further away from the battle, they are drugged and captured by an alchamist who possess one of the members and forces him to find the secret treasure hidden in the fields.

It slowly turns a bit loopy and falls down the rabbit hole from there on in... and its wonderful. The cast a spot on for the roles, spitting out such complex and of its time chat that it is at times perplexing, yet encapsulating to follow their conversations, theres an air of comedy to the whole thing as well, which to some extent lightens the mood.

The ensemble work perfectly together and it shows, scene after scene as we follow these men into the depths of this trip. Michael Smiley as usual plays his role expertly but its Reece Shearsmith that steals the show here, with a mesmerising performance.

The camera work is suitabley fantastic as well, ranging from desolate wide shots to gorgeous macro tracking through blades of grass, all given to us through a glorious black and white glaze that adds to the feel and time period.

The music and sound are incredible, from the marching drum beats to the sweet tones of one character singing a song about a boy named Baloo. For me personally this is my ideal film, multi layered, full of detail and gorgeous to sit through, however Ben Wheatley's trip may not be enjoyed by all, it harks back to a time that many people may not get or want to and thats ok, however it would be a shame to let this one go by, without giving it a try.