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MovieMail's Review
Winterbottom seems intent on trying his hand at as many different types of films as possible. So far, his prolific activity has resulted in some duds (9 Songs, Code 46) and some truly excellent work (In This World). Happily, Wonderland falls in the latter camp.
Wearing his Ken Loach hat, Winterbottom ambles off with his hand-held camera round the streets of Soho and South London following the entwined lives of three sisters. So far, so slice of life. But the intimate style of filming has true benefits. The lack of intrusion aids superb, natural performances from a great cast, particularly Gina McKee and John Simm, and there's a real and unusually strong sense of inclusion and involvement with the character's lives.
In a recent Time Out chart of the best London-set films, Wonderland was placed a respectable 8th. However, it's difficult to imagine why it wasn't placed at number one - the film is peerless in its detailed, honest evocation of London-life in our era. If anyone, ever, for any purpose, held some curiosity about what living in London felt like circa 1999, they would be happily sated by this film. Among the best British films of recent years.
Lost in a welter of London movies on its release, and subsequently damned with faint praise ("if you like This Years Love..."), Michael Winterbottom’s film deserves better. Filmed, like 24 Hr Party People, primarily on DV and possible featuring John Simm's finest performance outside of The Lakes to date, Wonderland is one of the best British films of recent years.
Just for your information, despite how it might look the film was actually shot on film (Super 16), not video, in available light, masked and blown up to 'Scope on 35... more >
Just for your information, despite how it might look the film was actually shot on film (Super 16), not video, in available light, masked and blown up to 'Scope on 35 prints. < less
