Handmade Films

A Journey Through Independent Cinema

Introduction:

Handmade Films is a British film production company that has played a significant role in shaping independent cinema, particularly in the 1980s and 1990s. The company was founded by former Beatle George Harrison in 1978 and quickly became an influential force in the film industry, producing movies that were both commercially successful and critically acclaimed. Known for its unique and risk-taking approach, Handmade Films became synonymous with a blend of creativity, bold storytelling, and an affinity for unconventional narratives.

In this article, we will delve into the history of Handmade Films, its key productions, the creative vision behind its success, and its lasting legacy in the world of film.

The Birth of Handmade Films:

The story of Handmade Films begins with George Harrison, who, after achieving international fame as a member of The Beatles, had an interest in film. Harrison’s involvement in film production was born out of his passion for cinema and his frustration with the commercial nature of the film industry during the 1970s. He wanted to break away from the traditional studio system and give voice to unique filmmakers with fresh perspectives.

In the late 1970s, Harrison had invested in a project titled The Life of Brian, written and directed by the British comedy troupe Monty Python. The film faced significant production and distribution challenges, mainly due to its controversial content. This led Harrison to step in and provide financial backing, allowing the film to be made. As a result, Monty Python’s Life of Brian (1979) became a global success and is regarded as one of the greatest comedy films ever made.

This success led Harrison to realise the potential for creating a production company that could take on similar unconventional projects. Thus, in 1978, Handmade Films was born. The name itself reflected Harrison’s desire to create films that were not bound by the constraints of mainstream cinema, and instead, reflected a more personal and artistic approach to film making.

The Creative Vision of Handmade Films:

Handmade Films was built on the principle of artistic freedom. Harrison sought to create a production company that would champion films that challenged conventions, tackled controversial themes, and gave voice to unique creative voices. The company’s ethos centered on producing films with a distinct personal touch, often working with directors and writers who had been marginalised by traditional Hollywood studios.

One of the defining characteristics of Handmade Films was its commitment to working with filmmakers who might not have had the opportunity to create under the standard studio system. Harrison was able to provide the necessary financial backing while giving directors and writers a level of creative autonomy that was rare at the time. This commitment to independent cinema is one of the factors that set Handmade Films apart from other production companies of the era.

Key Productions:

Handmade Films' roster of films is an eclectic mix of comedies, dramas, and unique genre-defying works that are now regarded as classics. Some of the most notable films produced by Handmade include:

Monty Python’s Life of Brian (1979): As mentioned earlier, Handmade Films’ first significant venture was Life of Brian, a bold, satirical film that poked fun at the life of a man born on the same day as Jesus Christ and mistakenly crucified for his non-heroic deeds. Despite its controversial religious themes, the film received widespread acclaim and was both a box-office success and a critical darling. It helped establish Handmade Films as a company unafraid to take risks with potentially polarising material.

Time Bandits (1981): Directed by Terry Gilliam of Monty Python fame, Time Bandits is a surreal and fantastical adventure film that follows a young boy who journeys through time with a group of mischievous dwarfs. The film blends absurdity with biting social commentary and was well-received for its originality and visual style. It became another hit for Handmade Films and cemented the company's reputation for producing bold, offbeat films.

The Long Good Friday (1980): A British gangster film directed by John Mackenzie, The Long Good Friday is widely regarded as one of the greatest British crime films ever made. Starring Bob Hoskins as a London crime boss who faces betrayal and impending doom, the film's gritty realism and suspenseful storytelling helped redefine the British crime genre. The film was a critical and commercial success and remains a staple of British cinema.

Withnail and I (1987): One of Handmade Films' most beloved productions, Withnail and I is a dark comedy about two out-of-work actors who embark on a disastrous trip to the countryside. Written and directed by Bruce Robinson, the film is known for its sharp wit, iconic dialogue, and eccentric characters. While it was initially a modest box-office performer, it has since achieved cult status and is considered one of the greatest British comedies of all time.

Mona Lisa (1986): Directed by Neil Jordan, Mona Lisa is a neo-noir crime drama that tells the story of a chauffeur (Bob Hoskins) who becomes entangled in the world of prostitution while driving for a high-class escort. The film received critical acclaim, and Hoskins' performance earned him a nomination for Best Actor at the Academy Awards. It remains one of Handmade Films' most celebrated and artistically successful works.

The End of Handmade Films:

While Handmade Films had great success in the 1980s and early 1990s, the company eventually began to face financial difficulties. Several of its films, such as The Hit (1984) and A Private Function (1984), while critically well-regarded, did not perform well at the box office. This, along with increasing competition from larger studios and the rising costs of film production, eventually led to Handmade’s decline.

By the early 1990s, the company was sold off, and George Harrison, the driving force behind the operation, shifted his focus back to his music career and personal projects. Handmade Films, as an active production company, ceased operations in the mid-1990s.

Legacy and Impact:

Although Handmade Films was relatively short-lived, its impact on British and independent cinema is undeniable. The company provided a platform for filmmakers to create daring, unconventional films that have since achieved legendary status. The boldness of Handmade Films continues to influence independent film making to this day, and many of its films are considered staples of British cinema.

Handmade Films’ commitment to nurturing talent and supporting unique voices paved the way for other independent production companies to thrive in the years that followed. The company's work also demonstrated that with passion and creativity, films that were not expected to succeed commercially could still resonate with audiences and leave a lasting cultural impact.

In addition to its films, Handmade's legacy is intertwined with George Harrison’s own artistic vision. As an artist, Harrison was known for his spiritual and philosophical outlook, and this sensibility translated into his approach to film making. His work with Handmade Films stands as a testament to his commitment to supporting projects that challenged the status quo and celebrated the creative process.

Conclusion:

Handmade Films remains an important chapter in the history of independent cinema. Founded by George Harrison, the company was built on the desire to make films that were not bound by commercial expectations and instead focused on creative expression. Through films like Life of Brian, Time Bandits, Withnail and I, and The Long Good Friday, Handmade became synonymous with the kind of innovative, rule-breaking film making that continues to inspire filmmakers around the world.

Though its active period was brief, Handmade Films' influence on the cinematic landscape is enduring. The company’s legacy continues to be celebrated, and its films remain some of the most cherished works in British cinema.