Letter to Brezhnev Review by Jon Armour
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“ I have witnessed the tremendous energy of the masses . On this foundation it is possible to accomplish any task whatsoever .” – Mao Zedong
When one thinks of a revolution , it is very easy to simply imagine it as simply an ideological war between factions with different views , a true revolution however focuses not on ascendancy through force but the uplifting of a people through social change .
With this in mind I can easily and happily say that the 30th anniversary of revolutionary movie “ Letter to Brezhnev ” was , in its own way , something of a revolution all its own . I arrived at the Picturehouse @ fact arthouse cinema in Liverpool to a quiet but immense energy shared by those around me for what was in many cases a highly influential film both for themselves and their parents and grandparents .
It was somewhat saddening that it was simply something I couldn ’ t share in , having not seen the movie before though it has granted me some measure of impartiality to this article .
Upon meeting with Maureen Sinclair and Colin Farrell my colleagues from ClapperboardUK who have supported me in writing and producing two short films , I found myself in for a whirlwind of a ride , meeting and greeting the various persons such as Margi Clarke whom plays Teresa in the film and Chris Bernard the director before being whisked up to the green room to meet the delightful Suzy whom helped me and our frantic team at every turn she was able too and I ’ m sure I speak for everyone when I offer her a heartfelt thank you .
I am always ill at ease in large social events , the noise and heat of the people that I find myself swamped by invariably is often too much sensory input for me to stand for long , yet as I helped set out the wine and water with Colin , I found myself overtaken by a new feeling of anticipation , there was such excitement and energy going on around me that I couldn ’ t help but be drawn in a little by it .
Stowing away my feelings I instead put the nervous energies that now filled me to better use than shivering and feeling uncomfortable in my own skin , both aiding in taking donations for Clapperboard whilst Maureen Sinclair , our spokesperson and the head of our organisation ’ ran the Q & A sessions for the cast and crew such as the writer Frank Clarke director Chris Bernard and cast members Peter Firth , Alexandra Pigg and Margi Clarke , not only in one but two screens kindly provided to us by Picturehouse . The overwhelmingly positive response and generosity of the people whom joined us on this auspicious occasion is both heart-warming and encouraging , there are people listening and watching , we need only make ourselves heard and seen .
In many ways the night celebrating Letter to Brezhnev echoed the film ’ s messages , comedy as an answer to the fear and anxiety that ever seeks to consume us , defiance against the oppression of authoritarian tyranny and the courage of the every day folk whom refuse to be cowed or daunted by those whom would put them down , but beyond even these political views and opinions the film adheres to a very simple overarching message .