Bunny and the Bull
‘Bunny and the Bull’ is the latest low budget but high in laughs UK film-production. Not only is it full of wicked, imaginative and surreal gags and special effects the characters in the film are ever so recognisable as the boys from next door but one. Stephen Turnbull (Edward Hogg), a dead serious come hilarious geek and Bull (Simon Farnaby), a selfish but nice hunk, have a most unlikely and charged friendship. Together they embark on a challenging adventure across Europe which they finance with dubious betting transactions, and are presented with countless surprises, lurking for them in the most unexpected hairpin bends. We soon learn that the journey takes place in Stephen’s souvenir stuffed Kings Cross flat which he hasn’t left for many months and as the story unfolds we find that it is in fact an emotional journey of love, rejection, hope, friendship, desire, betrayal, disappointment and loyalty. The two friends are joined together in a platonic epic which has something of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza, although it is not always clear who is who. When the two friends meet waitress come muse Eloisa (Veronica Echegui) things begin to change and she brings a new dimension to their relationship. The film has got a unique intimacy and charm partly as it makes do with a cast of only six actors. It is a close up movie where the universe is in the pocket of your anorak.
The production by Mary Burke at Warp X, was sponsored by Film4 and directed by Paul King. It is King's first feature film and we can sense his imaginative approach coming though like a raw creative force. He cleverly combines animation, theatrical effects, illusions and high standard acting to create a cinema experience of its own. The use of experimental devises and special visual effect bring a magic to the film which is reminiscent of Terry Gilliam and Monty Python at large. However, this story is utterly down to earth and a hint moodier than, for example ‘The Life of Brian’, but in my opinion it makes the character more rounded. ‘Bunny and the Bull’ was warmly received during its debut screening at the London Film Festival last month and has been officially selected for the forthcoming Toronto Film Festival.
You will laugh and you will cry - this is story telling at its very best.
This film will be screened at the Curzon Soho from Friday Dec. 4Th and many other venues around London.
Valeria Melchioretto
