Film & Media: A Critical Journal - Reviewing BBC Film

We all like to feel we know what to expect from a ‘BBC Film’ - but our views often differ. Founded in 1990 as ‘BBC Films’ (rebranded ‘Film’ in 2020) the intention was to produce films capable of ‘competing with Hollywood’. Arising from the general feeling that stand-alone T.V plays (The Wednesday Play, Screen Two) were becoming too expensive. We consider approaches used in television plays such as Up the Junction exploring how the realist aspect becomes just one thread of the varied and sometimes fantastical body of work under the BBC Film banner. Issues of quality and ‘heritage’ are never far away - what is really meant by this? Some appear keen to balance entertainment with ‘safe’ box office appeal yet also be seen as continuing the portrayal of relevant, lesser explored, social issues. There are hits and misses (why) fantasy, intrigue and revelation – but what are the reoccurring features of a BBC film? Are they evolving and do we really want them to ‘compete with Hollywood’? After Love (2021), Wednesday Play: Up the Junction (1965), The Lost King (2022), Mr Holmes (2015), Apostasy (2017), Testament of Youth (2015), Sweet Sixteen (2002), Lady Macbeth (2016), The Awakening (2011), Victoria and Abdul (2017)