Made in England: The Films of Powell and Pressburger

Hear Martin Scorsese wax lyrical about how the mesmerising films of two of Britain’s finest inspired his own adventures in cinema.

British filmmaker David Hinton (Nora, MIFF 2009) has carved an esteemed career capturing sublime choreography on the big screen. He brings that deft touch for kinetic storytelling to bear on this beautifully drawn documentary exploring the remarkable oeuvre of The Red Shoes co-directors Michael Powell (the late husband of editor supreme Thelma Schoonmaker) and Emeric Pressburger. With unbridled admiration, super-fan Scorsese narrates an exhaustive, but never exhausting, path through the soaring highs and crashing lows of their careers – or, as Powell puckishly puts it, “When did the British ever appreciate their great men?”

Warmly received at its Berlinale premiere, Made in England is packed with thrilling clips contextualising all three directors’ films and personal histories, while riveting archival interviews offer firsthand insights from Powell and Pressburger. A testament to the titular subjects’ greatness and good humour, it also underlines their indelible mark on Scorsese’s movie-making as well as their frustration at the UK establishment’s humiliating indifference.

“Eloquent and dynamic … Through a sharp lens and with deep feeling, Hinton’s film is a celebration of committing oneself to art, and the creative bonds that fuel the spark.” – Hollywood Reporter