God Help the Girl (2014)

As Eve begins writing songs as a way to sort through some emotional problems, she meets James and Cassie, two musicians each at crossroads of their own.

Director:

Stuart Murdoch

Writer:

Stuart Murdoch (screenplay)

Stars:

Emily Browning, Olly Alexander, Hannah Murray

3 wins & 7 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Emily Browning	...	Eve
Olly Alexander	...	James
Hannah Murray	...	Cassie
Pierre Boulanger	...	Anton
Cora Bisset	...	Miss Browning
Sarah Swire	...	Ballerina
Mark Radcliffe	...	Findlay
Stuart Maconie	...	Donovan
Ann Scott-Jones	...	Hairdresser (as Ann Scott Jones)
Josie Long	...	Maxine
Pauline King	...	Nurse
Kath Howden	...	Ward Sister
Alex Klobouk	...	Park Attendant
Paul Flanagan	...	Joey
Michael Drum	...	Matt from Wobbly Legged Rat

Storyline

Set in Glasgow, Scotland, the film is about a girl called Eve who is in the hospital dealing with some emotional problems and starts writing songs as a way of getting better. Songwriting becomes her way forward, leading her to the City where she meets James and Cassie, two musicians each at crossroads of their own. What follows is a story of renaissance over the course of a long, dream-like Summer.

---

Plot Keywords:

blonde | musician | songwriter | glasgow scotland | female underwear | 

---

Genres:

Drama | Music | Romance

---

Certificate:

Unrated

Did You Know?

Trivia

Based on songs by Stuart Murdoch's side project band God Help the Girl which released material between 2009-2010.

---

Quotes

[first lines]
Findlay: [on the radio] You could argue even, you know, Nick Drake's mystique is a lot to do with him not being around, d'ya know what I mean? If Nick Drake was now on Chatty Man with Alan Carr talking about his new record, that mystique would be dissipated, wouldn't it?
Donovan: No, you're absolutely right, yeah, yeah, yeah.
Findlay: Age shall not wither him, you know what I mean? He's frozen at that moment.

---

Connections

References Minder (2009)

---

Soundtracks

Pretty Eve in the Tub
Written by Stuart Murdoch
Performed by Olly Alexander and Emily Browning

User Reviews

Exceptional Film

I thought this musical fantasy was a most pleasant and enjoyable film, filled with an appealing storyline, humor, and, of course, many delightful musical numbers.

Set in Glasgow, Emily Browning the stunning and talented Australian actress is superb as Eve, who's in treatment at a mental health facility for depression and an eating disorder. However, she'll often sneak out of the facility, at night, to visit local clubs, as she's an aspiring songwriter and singer.

One night at one of these clubs, she'll meet James, an idealistic young man and guitar player, whose day-job is being a lifeguard at the local university. Olly Alexander is exceptional, as James, and there's a noticeable chemistry between Eve and James, which will eventually lead to a very close friendship.

James is teaching guitar to another young woman, Cassie, ably portrayed by Hannah Murray, who also wants to sing and write songs. Soon, the three of them will form a strong bond, and look to form a band so they can try to play out their musical aspirations. However, in time, they'll have to make decisions about their lives and their futures.

The movie was written and directed by Stuart Murdoch, the lead singer of the Scottish band Belle and Sebastian, who were very involved in the musical productions here in the film. I thought his screenplay was very clever, and his direction of the musical numbers was extremely well done.

All in all, there were some elements here that reminded me of the great movie "Once", with its heartwarming themes and music. To me, this movie was a most pleasant surprise and an exceptional film.

Details

Official Sites:

Avalon [Spain] Official Facebook

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

5 September 2014 (USA)

Also Known As:

God Help the Girl

Filming Locations:

Glasgow, Strathclyde, Scotland, UK

Box Office

Budget:

$1,850,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$11,330, 7 September 2014

Gross USA:

$102,757

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$423,306

Company Credits

Production Co:

Barry Mendel Productions, British Film Company, British Film Company

Technical Specs

Runtime:

112 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1