Mainstream Cinema “Phantom of the Open”
6 June: 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm
£7.00
2021 – Certificate 12
– Phantom of the Open –
Mainstream
“Phantom of the Open”, directed by Craig Roberts (Dreamhorse), tells the remarkable story of Marcus Flitcroft, a crane operator and optimistic dreamer from Barrow-in-Furness who, with the support of family and friends, managed to gain entry to the 1976 British Open despite never having played a round of golf before.
While drawing the ire of the golfing elite, Flitcroft’s fearless ineptitude on the fairway struck a chord among the non-country-club rank and file and captured the imagination of sports page editors and the public.
Flitcroft is utterly sincere and charmingly ridiculous. That he would pull off return appearances at the British Open in various guises — once using the name Arnold Palmtree — is one of the delights of his story.
Flitcroft is played by Rylance as an eccentric holy innocent; his long-suffering and affectionate wife is played by Sally Hawkins; and Rhys Ifans is the pop-eyed, pompous club secretary.
The screenplay is adapted by Simon Farnaby from the 2010 non-fiction book he co-wrote with Scott Murray and shares the good naturedness that runs through Farnaby’s Paddington 2.
Running Time 1o5 mins
Ratings Info 3-4 Stars
Director(s) Craig Roberts
Cast includes Mark Rylance, Ian Porter, Tommy Fallon, Rhys Ifans, Sally Hawkins
Certificate 12
The Telegraph
Mark Rylance excels in Craig Roberts’ film ……… another welcome revival of the old Ealing comedy spirit – the wit and silliness, but also the keen eye for specifically British eccentricity, and the recognition of class and community as highly fertile comedic terrain.
Had “Phantom of the Open” been more precious or winkingly self-aware, this might have felt like whimsy overload. But Roberts and his cast take an appealingly direct approach to the material: as in Ealing, every absurd touch rings amusingly true.
Empire
The “Phantom Of The Open” is the kind of heart-warming, unlikely true-life tale that has become a mainstay of Brit cinema. ……….Craig Roberts’ third feature follows the template to a tee, but still comes up with a winning, likeable, zero-to-kinda-hero tale.
Anchored by an impish Mark Rylance, it takes its cue from the story’s hero: a bit ramshackle, very amiable, always watchable.
The Guardian
Mark Rylance ………… is good casting as Maurice: his delicate sing-song voice and sometimes faintly unfocused gaze fit nicely with our hero’s lovably awkward determination, as well as Flitcroft’s sense as a natural comedian.
The Times
Mark Rylance in the lead role, delivering another one of those extraordinarily idiosyncratic turns, a performance of tiny gestures, pauses, sighs and grimaces that somehow coalesces into a sympathetic marvel.
How to book
Advance booking and payment to reserve places is politely requested. Tickets are £7 and £5 for students.
Online booking and payment can be made by clicking below.
Cash payment can be made by depositing cash at 6 Teeton Road, Ravensthorpe, NN6 8EJ in an envelope marked with your name and the film. To confirm that you will be paying by cash please:
- email cinema@rvhall.online
- or telephone Mike & Mo Cobbe on 01604 328822
