Made in Dagenham
We think that this will be an easy blog tonight, there are some films that you just know should be good and Made in Dagenham is certainly one of those. And of course a good film makes for an easy blog.
Set in the late swinging sixties, when hair was big and skirts were mini. Made in Dagenham dramatises the real life struggle made by the 187 female machinists based at the Ford car factory in Dagenham, after they are downgraded by the Ford management as non-skilled workers. Backed in part by the male workforce but shunned by some of their union representatives the women don their hot-pants and give their male union conveners the cold shoulder and take their fight to the picket line and beyond.
Based upon historic events, Made in Dagenham charts this struggle with realism, pathos, good humour and turns the three week strike into a gripping, often funny, but equally as often; sad drama. We at TNiFN are often accused of being too positive about even the most atrocious films, however Made in Dagenham is far from atrocious and in fact there is nothing to be negative at. Let us run down the list of superlatives now, dissecting the film into various parts.
The acting is without question totally and utterly sublime. Of note are; the leading lady (if the militant members will excuse that feminist classification), Rita O'Grady played superbly by Sally Hawkins. Somehow Hawkins manages to convey with realism, tenderness and compassion this somewhat meek, mild mannered machinist, whilst she is hoisted by her strong beliefs; that what the male dominated society believes are privileges, are actually rights for women. And she carries this fight on, supported by her colleagues.
Ably assisting Rita (amongst others) are; Sandra, Connie and Albert, played by Jaime Winstone, Geraldine James and Bob Hoskins respectively. Jaime Winstone wears a pair of hot pants extremely well! Geraldine James is magnificent, but we would expect nothing less. Bob Hoskins is not one of the girls, but he is a union member who fully supports the strike action. We haven't seen much of Bob Hoskins here at TNiFN but we were mightily impressed by his performance here. Superb.
Other actors of note are; the late great Roger Lloyd-Pack who plays Connie's husband George. Lloyd-Pack shines through as the tortured war veteran, who plays a real pivotal role in this story. Miranda Richardson is also a beacon of talent as the fiery redhead; Barbara Castle, knocking John Sessions' Harold Wilson into second place in the race for the best portrayal of a politician. Also the supporting cast all play their part and fill in the gaps with such aplomb, it was a joy to watch.
As the film is set in the sixties, it is clearly necessary to portray that era and Nigel Cole (director) has clearly made this a priority, as the wardrobe, lighting, music, scenery and general feel transports you back to this era, so that you are immersed in the culture of the period. In tandem to this you can really sense what is was like to have to deal with the constant industrial action that suffused the sociopolitical arena back then, often forcing the bread winners to the breadline.
Interweaving through the story, there are smaller, minor threads, not all based on reality, that provide several alternate views and juxtapositions to the main plot, this is a very clever use of supplementary narratives, as instead of just following a linear story, you are forced to focus and refocus on events as you see contradictory views that offer up alternative frames of reference to consider.
All in all Made in Dagenham is just a great film. It seems to have everything; a decent believable story (OK, it's based on real events, so we cannot get away from the believable part!) It's tense, but funny. It's hard hitting, but entertaining. It portrays a downbeat society, but with uplifting results.
It is definitely one for the "view again" list. Plus it is going to be turned into a musical! Apparently. Not sure about that. We'll stick to the film.
TNiFN Rating 91%
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