The Ballad of Wallis Island: A New British Comedy Receives High Praise from Richard Curtis
The creators of the upcoming British comedy, The Ballad of Wallis Island, have expressed their delight and surprise at receiving praise from renowned romantic comedy director, Richard Curtis. Curtis, known for his work on hit films such as Notting Hill, Four Weddings and a Funeral, and Love, Actually, recently described the film as "one of the greatest British films of all time".
According to an interview with The Times, Tim Key, co-writer and star of the film, said that Curtis’ praise was "very flattering" and "quite mad". Key, who stars alongside Carey Mulligan and Tom Basden, added that Curtis’ endorsement was a significant moment for the team, especially given that he had not been involved with the project in any way.
The film, which is based on a short film by Basden and Key, tells the story of Nell Mortimer, played by Mulligan, and her estranged partner, musician Herb McGwyer, played by Basden. The two are invited to a performance on the remote Wallis Island, hosted by eccentric millionaire Charles Heath, played by Key.
Mulligan revealed that it was her husband, folk singer Marcus Mumford, who encouraged her to take on the role, as he was a fan of Key’s late-night Radio 4 show, Poetry Programme. "Marcus told me I needed to do the film before I even read the script because he was such a big fan," Mulligan explained. "I said, ‘Well, I’m going to read it first.’ But he just said, ‘Be in the film.’"
Mulligan, who has previously sung on screen in films such as Inside Llewyn Davis and Shame, admitted that a recent screening of the film by Curtis was "excruciating", as he asked her to sing live. "I can do it fine on set and in character but that just pushed me completely over the edge," she said.
The film has already received positive reviews from American audiences at film festivals, with Forbes reporting in March that it was "going down a storm". The film is set to have a limited theatrical release in Los Angeles and New York before its wider release on May 30.
According to Key, it took 20 years to turn their short film into a feature-length project, as they waited for the right opportunity to develop the story further. "It was more waiting for that one bit that would unlock it, which is probably in the character of Nell, which opens up a backstory for Herb and opens up this world that doesn’t exist anymore," he said.
The praise from Curtis is a significant endorsement for the film, and the team is clearly thrilled to have received such high praise. As Key said, "He’s not been involved at any point with the film. He’s just seen it and thinks it’s wonderful. It’s a lovely thing."
The film’s release is eagerly anticipated, and with Curtis’ seal of approval, it is likely to attract a lot of attention from fans of romantic comedies. The Ballad of Wallis Island is a film that is sure to delight audiences with its quirky humor and charming performances.
The Independent was able to speak with the team behind The Ballad of Wallis Island and provide further insight into the making of the film. The film’s success is a testament to the enduring appeal of romantic comedies and the talent of the British film industry.
The film’s writers and stars, Tom Basden and Tim Key, have clearly created something special with The Ballad of Wallis Island. With its talented cast, including Carey Mulligan, and its charming story, it is a film that is not to be missed. The Independent will continue to provide updates on the film’s release and reception.
The film is set to be released in cinemas on May 30, and fans of romantic comedies would do well to keep an eye out for it. With its unique blend of humor and charm, The Ballad of Wallis Island is sure to be a hit with audiences.
The film’s storyline is built around a short film by writer-performer team Tom Basden and Tim Key which they have now developed into a feature-length project.
According to reporting by The Independent, The Ballad of Wallis Island film has already begun to create a lot of excitement in the entertainment industry.
Carey Mulligan has taken on the role of Nell Mortimer in the film which also stars Tom Basden and Tim Key.
