The latest offering from the
darling of the British critical community Ben Wheatley, A Field in England is a psychological-historical drama set during the
Civil War. An example of a growing trend, the film was released simultaneously
in cinemas as well as on DVD, download and on TV. This multi-platform release
meant that on 5th July there was no excuse as to why anyone couldn’t
see it. Personally, I watched it on the free-to-air Film 4, the film’s primary
funder.
The movie blends genres and
styles but features a pleasing cinematographic style which oozes confidence.
The choice to film in black and white feels at first to be a misjudgement but
as it progresses; the beauty of the monochrome is exposed. There are some stunning
landscapes and close-ups captured which juxtapose the attractive, relaxed
landscape with the anguish and torment of the characters. Those characters
suffer from little development and much confusion but are lit and filmed with
utmost care and professionalism.
