Bright Young Things (2004)

Synopsis: "Some time in the past when things were much as they are now, only more so..." A satirical comedy as well as a love story, Bright Young Things, marks the directorial debut of actor and writer Stephen Fry. "Bright Young Things," says Fry, "is a period film shot with modern pace and cinematography.... "Some time in the past when things were much as they are now, only more so..." A satirical comedy as well as a love story, Bright Young Things, marks the directorial debut of actor and writer Stephen Fry. "Bright Young Things," says Fry, "is a period film shot with modern pace and cinematography. It deals with fame, sexual scandal, greed, night-clubbing and the frantic glamour of youth." While the central plot of Bright Young Things is a romance, it is also a highly topical social comedy that shows a conservative older generation failing to understand the club-culture, music, dance, and frenetic pace of its children. Modern society at its most decadent and colourful is fully on display as is the popular media fuelled by gossip columnists and paparazzi who dominate a tabloid press propelled by rumour and scandal. With a screenplay adapted by Stephen Fry from the classic novel Vile Bodies by Evelyn Waugh, the film boasts an outstanding cast including Stephen Cambell Moore, Emily Mortimer, Fenella Woolgar, James McAvoy, Michael Sheen and Guy Henry as the 'Bright Young Things', alongside a distinguished ensemble line-up that includes Dan Aykroyd, Jim Broadbent, Simon Callow, Stockard Channing, Richard E. Grant, Julia McKenzie, Sir John Mills, Peter O'Toole, Bill Paterson, Imelda Staunton and Harriet Walter. Set in the 1930's, the film concerns a social set known to the press -- who follow their every move -- as the 'Bright Young Things', Adam (Stephen Campbell Moore) and his friends are eccentric, wild, and entirely shocking to the older generation. They are young, party-going creatures who embrace every innovation, from the gramophone to the telephone -- in a self-consciously up-to-the-minute way. Amidst the madness, Adam, who is well connected but totally broke, is desperately trying to get enough money to marry the beautiful Nina (Emily Mortimer). While his attempts to raise cash are constantly thwarted, their friends seem to self-destruct, one-by-one in an endless search for newer and faster sensations. Finally, when events out of their control come crashing into the world, they are forced to reassess their lives and what they value the most. Bright Young Things, a THINKFilm release, is a Revolution Films and Doubting Hall Ltd production in association with the Film Consortium, Vision View and Icon Film Distribution, produced by Gina Carter and Miranda Davis, executive produced by Andrew Eaton and Michael Winterbottom. Behind the cameras, the distinguished production team is headed by director of photography Henry Braham, production designer Michael Howells, costume designer Nic Ede and editor Alex Mackie, with hair and make up by Peter King. -- © ThinkFilm [More]