Production Year: 1998 - Drama - Director: Mark Herman - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Ewan McGregor, Jane Horrocks, Michael Caine, Brenda Blethyn, Jim Broadbent more
In a dreary English seaside town, one of it's timid inhabitants, known as LV (Little Voice), mourns over her dead father and obsesses over his record collection by singing along to... more
Little Voice [DVD] [1999]
Michael Caine was robbed of an Oscar. He gives his finest performance in a decade as ... more
big-talking small-time agent Ray Say, a paunchy, pale life-of-the-party hiding his desperation under gold chains and cool bravura. When he hears the almost magical voi...
Little Voice [DVD] [1999]
Michael Caine was robbed of an Oscar. He gives his finest performance in a decade as ... more
big-talking small-time agent Ray Say, a paunchy, pale life-of-the-party hiding his desperation under gold chains and cool bravura. When he hears the almost magical voi...
Little Voice DVD
World-class stars Michael Caine Brenda Blethyn and Ewan McGregor deliver acclaimed ... more
performances in an inspirational story about a painfully shy young woman 'Little Voice' (Jane Horrocks). A hopeless introvert who can only manage to express herself by...
Little Voice
World-class stars Michael Caine ('Hannah And Her Sisters'), Brenda Blethyn ('Secrets and ... more
Lies') and Ewan Mc Gregor ('Star Wars: Episode 1', 'Trainspotting') deliver acclaimed performances in an inspirational story about a painfully shy young woman, 'Little Voice' or 'LV' (Jane Harrocks).A hopeless introvert, LV can only manage to express herself by singing in the timeless voices of Judy Garland, Marilyn Monroe and others. But once her over-powering mother's (Blethyn) new boyfriend - a sleazy talent scout (Caine) - overhears LV's incredible voice, he'll do anything to drag the recluse into the spotlight and make her a star!Cheered by critics everywhere, 'Little Voice' is an exceptional film - its gritty humour, stylised set pieces and superb performances from all its stars can be enjoyed by all!
singer/songwriter, but it's actually Sara Bareilles' second record. Her first, the self-released Careful Confessions, led to a deal with Epic. Since then, Bareilles has opened for Marc Broussard and Maroon 5. She's also become a bonafide soundtrack queen with tracks featured in female-centric films Girl Play, Loving Annabelle, and Monster-in-Law. As with her out-of-print debut, the UCLA grad wrote every song on her first major label recording (Little Voice features re-worked versions of several demo numbers). Like the portrait on the back of the CD--Bareilles in strappy black dress and lace-free high-tops--the piano-playing chanteuse combines the sweet with the scruffy. While her jazzy pop melodies are radio-ready, her relationship-oriented lyrics can be unexpectedly salty ("Bottle Up" and "Come Round Soon" wouldn't pass FCC muster). A little profanity here and there, however, doesn't indicate tough-girl attitude--Amy Winehouse can rest easy--so much as a desire to express herself freely. As Bareilles explains in "Love Song", "I'm trying to let you hear me as I am." (Not surprisingly, her degree is in communications). Fans of Sarah McLachlan and Alicia Keyes will find much to like here. --Kathleen C. Fennessy
Allow up to 14 Days for delivery as item is manufactured to order. Your poster is professionally mounted on a High Quality Canvas resulting in a fine piece of Art for your enjoyment. A modern and popular alternative to framing a poster which also makes an ideal gift. Process is irreversible please see our help information for further details., Manufacturer: MoviePostersDirect
Allow up to 14 Days for delivery as item is manufactured to order. Your poster is laminated and mounted on High Quality Float Frame resulting in a fine piece of Art for your enjoyment. A modern and popular alternative to framing a poster which also makes an ideal gift. Process is irreversible please see our help information for further details., Manufacturer: MoviePostersDirect
Production Year: 1997 - Drama - Director: Gillian Armstrong - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Cate Blanchett, Ciaran Hinds, Tom Wilkinson, Richard Roxburgh
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Production Year: 1981 - Drama - Director: Franco Zeffirelli - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Brooke Shields, Martin Hewitt, Shirley Knight, Don Murray, Richard Kiley, Penelope Milford, Beatrice Straight
Production Year: 2004 - Drama - Director: Nick Cassavetes - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over, 12 years and over - Starring: Rachel McAdams, Ryan Gosling, Gena Rowlands
A review by Morning_Becomes_Electra on Little Voice (DVD) October 13th, 2007
Author's product rating:
Did you enjoy it?
Loved it
Story
Outstanding
Characters / Performances
Outstanding
Special Effects
Unmemorable
How does it compare to similar films?
Outstanding
Advantages:
A FILM NOT TO BE MISSED !
Disadvantages:
I cant think of any .
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
★ ♦♦ Little Voice ♦♦ ★
♦♦ Set in a shabby seaside town this rare gem of a film stars Ewan McGregor, Jane Horrocks, Michael Caine and Brenda Blethyn. Directed by Mark Herman And released in 1998.The Genre is Comedy/Drama/Romance ~Taken from the play by Jim Cartwright 'The rise and fall of Little Voice'. Which was written as a vehicle for Jane Horrocks to showcase her amazing ability to impersonate great singers.~♦♦ Synopsis ♦♦
♦♦ Little voice (Jane Horrocks) is the name of the main character, well it's actually Laura, but that fact is only mentioned once by Little Voice herself in a fit of anger to her Mother in the later stages of the film . She appears to be around age twenty though this is never confirmed. Little voice is a painfully shy and quiet girl, rarely leaving the confines of her bedroom, and never leaving the safety of her house. When she does talk, which is rarely, it is in a very quiet underdeveloped squeaky child language. It's as if she is stuck in a moment in time when she was a child, and as if something traumatic has kept her there. She displays all the characteristics of an disorder called selective Mutism, or social disorder. She is virtually Agoraphobic and she has a lot of subdued resentment and anger, and this spills out at times, when she erupts over and makes strange animal sounds and gurgling as if she finds it hard to express her emotions. Or she will talk quietly through closed teeth when her Mother screams at her for a response. Little voices hostility is directed mainly at her Mother. Little Voice is withdrawn and socially inept. Her father died when she was young, and this has had a devastating effect on her, and this is probably the moment of time that she is stuck in. ~
♦♦ Her Father loved to listen to his collection of LP'S ( Long playing records), and took great pleasure in the Classic standards of the likes of Judy Garland, Shirley Bassey, Marlene Dietrich, and Marylin Monroe, who Little Voice loves. When her Father died Little Voice took over his treasured record collection and now plays them full blast, and non stop in her own little world, up in the sanctity of her bedroom.~
♦♦ Her Mother, Mari (Brenda Blethyn), is a voluptuous,vivacious, over the hill, and common as muck, good time girl. She likes a drink and a good laugh. I think her need to drink and escape every night to the pub and nightclub, is to get away from Little Voice, and her overpowering problems. Mari feels a huge guilt for her daughters state but doesn't know how to help her, and she gets frustrated with her, and ends up screaming and swearing, and running her down. She loves her but can't work her out, and can't face her own feelings of guilt. Mari hooks up with the local impresario Ray Say (Michael Caine) Complete with red sports car, and flashy shirts. He is the local talent scout for acts and singers for the club, he knows talent when he hears it, and he makes a comfortable living from the proceeds. Up to his neck in debt, he lives his life 'day to day'. He also likes a drink, and their relationship is about having a good time, and a good nights drinking. Mari wants more from him, and she feels he might be the 'one' but all Ray Say wants is a fumble and a beer, at the end of the day.~
♦♦ One night after a heavy night on the town and on the booze Mari and Ray stagger back to her place for afters, when all of a sudden Ray hears Little Voice singing up in her bedroom. She is singing her heart out, giving a rendition of a Marylin Monroe song, she has an amazing voice, clear as a bell and like an angel. He sees pound signs in his eyes, and devises a plan, there and then, to get her out of the bedroom, and onto the stage. His ultimate quest being to make her a star, and himself rich.~
♦♦ In the meantime Billy (Ewan McGregor) when doing some work for Mari in her home, came face to face with Little Voice, and they formed an instant connection, a meeting of minds. Little was said but a bond was formed. Billy is very shy, and isolates himself with his pigeons, his pride and joy, and in Little Voice I think he sees a kindred spirit. He hears of Rays plot to put Little Voice on the stage, and he isn't happy about it, and wants her left alone. He understands her pain and he wants to protect her. ~
♦♦ This is a wonderful film which had four nominated performances. Each part played was acted out superbly. From a near on cameo performance from Jim Broadbent as club owner Mr Boo through to Little Voice herself played by Jane Horrocks.
♦♦ Brenda Blethyn is exceptional as Mari, I first saw her in 'Secrets and Lies' which is an amazing film if you get the chance to watch this, and her performance in that was superb. She really knows how to get to the heart of the character, she is totally believable, and in the case of Little Voice I empathise with her every step of the way. There is a wonderful scene near the end, where she wears her heart on her sleeve, and every woman will be able to identify, and share that moment with her. She is a quality Actress and anything with her in seems to be good. Her Comedy value in this film is first class, she is a brilliant comedy actress, and the scenes with her dancing are hysterical.~
♦♦ Michael Caine is a method Actor, and is totally natural. He is excellent in the role of Ray Say, with the right amount of sleaze and swagger, he plays the good time cowboy impresario perfectly. He has a nice human side which I found very endearing, and then a really nasty one too where his greed, need for power, and love of money come into play. I think he acts a lot with his face and his expressions display his emotions perfectly. He is a great character Actor . And he won an award for his performance in this film. There is a very poignant moment towards the end when Caine sings a song. Look out for this. It's bloody brilliant!.~
♦♦ Jim Broadbent does a fabulous job on Mr Boo. He plays the stereotypical shabby seaside town club host with convincing characterisation. With greased backed hair and looking slightly seedy, this wanabee Comedian does his best but the crowd just can't stand him. He introduces the Acts with exaggerated gestures and loud voice, and his comedic flair is brilliant. His jokes fall flat as a pancake, as the audience cough, and shuffle, and say "get a move on". to get him off the stage.~
♦♦ Ewan McGregor is charming as Billy, I find him a very genuine Actor, natural and easy on the eye. He's a good looking bloke, and he is one of my favourite young Actors. I loved his performance in Moulin Rouge. He plays the part of Billy in this film very well, with a sincere performance throughout. Theres nothing really for him to get his teeth into here, but he does well with what the script allows. ~
♦♦ Finally Jane Horrocks as Little Voice. This play was written for her after Jim Cartwright witnessed Jane Horrocks singing and impersonating famous singers, he wrote a Musical especially as a vehicle for Jane , incorporating her talents as a mimic. I personally didn't think she was quite right for this role, although it having been written for her. She played 'Bubble' in Ab Fab which is what I first saw her in. But nonetheless she gives a brilliant performance in this film with the right mix of childlike quality and angry, disturbed young woman. At the end of the film the credits tell you she sang all the songs live on set, which in itself is remarkable. She is a fantastic mimic, and captured the voices of Judy Garland, Shirley Bassey, and Marylin Monroe amongst others, to a T! .~
♦♦ The characters compliment and blend well within this moving story. They have been carefully cast and each interact well with each other. It's a gem of a British film. I really enjoyed it, I found the storyline very interesting, and I found myself going with the flow. The camera work was exceptional and really captured the life of grime and social disorder within this family, and the characters surrounding it. The dialogue was well written and carefully put together. It was easy to watch and has some great Comedy moments throughout. In fact I was giggling, and laughing quite a lot during this film. With such superb acting and a great script and excellent direction, there was nothing not to like about this film. It captured the feel of the pace of a sleepy seaside town very well, and of the shabby lives set amidst the drinking, and feuding within a dysfunctional family. It was filmed on location in Scarborough, Yorkshire and It caught the style of the era exceptionally well with dress and attitude. I would recommend this film wholeheartedly. In fact in my opinion, it would be a shame not to see it. ~
The running time is: 95 minutes, and the BBFC rating is 15.
You can purchase this from DVD.co.uk for £4.45 .
♦Cast♦
Mari - Brenda Blethyn LV - Jane Horrocks Billy - Ewan McGregor Ray Say - Michael Caine Mr Boo - Jim Broadbent Annette Badland Sadie Philip Jackson George
Director: Mark Herman. Jonathan Benson. Producer: Elizabeth Karlsen and Laurie Borg. Script: Jim Cartwright. (from the play The Rise and Fall of Little Voice) Cinematography: Andy Collins. Music: John Altman.
I'm not really too keen on either Michael Caine or Brenda Blethyn, but as Ewan McGregor and Jane Horrocks were also starring in the film I bought the video anyway. What a pleasant surprise, Blethyn was quite remarkable, totally dominates the film. The plot, if we can call it that, is a variation on the underdog emerging as victorious. Mari Hoff (Blethyn) is a widow with a mouth bigger than the entrance of Eurotunnel. She has a chronically shy and ... ...Silver Screen Greats, Judy Garland, Marilyn Monroe and the like. Mari's current love interest, Ray Say (Caine), an underachieving talent scout who sees a meal ticket in the vocals of LV. Cue Billy (Ewan McGregor) to provide the younger Hoff's romantic interlude... Not much of a story you'll agree but with Blethyn and Horrocks delivering a first-class performance, who cares? As I say, I'm not a fan of Blethyn but I have to give her top marks for her ...
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Advantages: Amazing performances Disadvantages: Doesn't get much info about LV's history
...just quiet, hence the nickname Little Voice from her Mother.
Jane Horrocks played the part of the quiet, shy girl who just loves to sing. Jane Horrocks performed all of the songs herself, and the likeness between her and Bassey, Monroe and Garland is uncanny.
The cast of Little Voice is pretty extraordinary. Four of the actors have been nominated for an Oscar, and two have won one. Not only that, but the other are well known in British Films, anyway.
... ...star. But, will the shy little girl want to become a star?
**Performances**
With such a great cast, my expectations for the film were high, and it was good they were, because the acting was fantastic, and better than I thought! It was funny, touching and moving, and the actors created all this. I would Brenda Blethyn and Jane Horrocks are the best. They are playing completely different roles to what they usually do. Horrocks is usually the loud ...
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Advantages: Jane Horrocks Disadvantages: predictable plot
...portrays very well, a shy little mouse that seemed to stop growing after her father died. I think Horrocks is a very versatile and flexible actress, and she proves it in this film. I never knew she could sing at all until I saw Little Voice, and I definitely think she should do more singing alongside her career. However, she has done loads of voices for films too. Other Films:
Chicken Run (2000) – the voice of Babs.
Robbie The Reindeer – Donner.
... ...films! I love him in Little Voice, I think Ray Say was meant for Caine, and no one else.
Other Films:
Austin Powers: Goldmember (2002) – Nigel Powers.
Miss Congeniality (2000) – Victor Melling.
The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) – Scrooge.
Ewan McGregor:
We’re used to seeing McGregor in main roles as the daring fighter (Star Wars) or the dashing and sexy seducer (Down With Love) so it’s nice to know his roles haven’t always been like those characters. ...
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...(can anyone remember her?) sat Little Voice. Oh come on lady, it'll be pants. "Why?" she bellowed in her demonic thoust-doth-question-me-mortal voice. Because it's ALWAYS on offer and they obviously can't shift them. "Well tough - We're watching it"...and we did
The installation of a simple phone line introduces young pigeon fancier Billy to softly spoken LV. Living with her odious mother Mari, LV sits all day in her room listening to her departed ... ...time. Morbid curiosity? Maybe, but Little Voice is more than just a seedy comedy. The feeling of sweet young love between Billy and Little Voice may not form the core of the film but it's the catalyst that sets the whole thing in motion and adds a new element to the film. No longer is Little Voice just a working class comedy, but it becomes the comedy-drama that it needs to be. The clash of foolish young dreams and sleazy middle aged has beens (and ...
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...The Rise and Fall of Little Voice)
Cinematography: Andy Collins.
Editing: Michael Ellis.
Art Direction: Jo Graysmark.
Production Designer: Don Taylor.
Costume Designer: Lindy Hemming.
Make-Up: Tamsin Dorling, Peter King and Kirstie Stanway.
Music: John Altman.
Cast
*****
Jane Horrocks Laura Hoff ('L.V.')
Brenda Blethyn Mari Hoff
Michael Caine Ray Say
Ewan McGregor Billy
Jim Broadbent Mr. Boo
Annette Badland Sadie
Philip Jackson George
... ...you just have to see it, I love the part where little voice does the show where she can see her fathers spirit in the audience, it is truly amazing. I am sure you will agree.
Well what are you waiting for, get down to Blockbusters this instant! :) ...
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Advantages: GOOD BRITISH COMEDY. BIG LAUGHS . A REAL HOOT Disadvantages: NOT ENOUGH APPRECIATION OR RECOGNITION
...of this DVD go out and buy it now !! (use kelkoo.co.uk to compare prices or ebay) I guarantee that you will be pleased you did. A very Funny Film 8.5/10
THE CAST
Dudley Moore - Melvyn Orton
Bryan Brown - Mike Lawton (Charlton Black )
Richard griffiths - Maurice Horton
Patsy Kensit - Caroline Wright
Bronson Pinchot - Bellboy
Andreas Katsulas - Scarpa
Alison Steadman - Rosemary Horton
Directed and Written by - Mark Herman ( LittleVoice )
SPECIAL FEATURES
Languages in Audio, English, French, German
DVD INFO
Sound 5.1 Dolby Digital
Film 75mins
Widescreen 1.85:1
rating 12...
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Advantages: Charming rom-com Disadvantages: Gets too serious after silly first half
...one of the best movies you ever saw. It does what it meant to do, tells a story, makes you smile, passes the time of day, and leaves you with a rather predictable glow in the pit of your stomach.
It's quite interesting to see Elijah as we all knew him, having spent the last two years looking rather a lot like Catweasle, and in desperate need of a bath. You kind of forget about the actor in an army of other actors, and All I want is a reminder of how good an actor he is, but also asks why he has spent his time since the movie Bobby doing voice over's and little else.
All I Want is available on DVD for about £5 the DVD has the original US trailer as a special feature.
Spencer Hawken 03/08...
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...Last week whilst I was doing my grocery shopping on the internet, I could feel a poking in my back and a littlevoice saying Mama. Holly had been looking through our DVD collection and had decided she had wanted to watch one. To my amazement she had picked out one of my favourite films of all time. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.
This original version of the film was made in 1971 and starred Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka. I was 5 when this film was made and can't ever remember seeing it at the cinema, so I would have first seen it on the television. It is loosely based on the book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl, that was first published in 1964. It is rumoured that Roald Dahl hated the film with a passion because it bears little resemblance to the book. Having read the book as well I tend to agree...
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Plot: A painfully shy young woman, 'Little Voice', is an introvert who can only express herself by singing. Once her mother's boyfriend hears her incredible voice he will stop at nothing to make her a star...
DVD Description
In a dreary English seaside town, one of it's timid inhabitants, known as LV (Little Voice), mourns over her dead father and obsesses over his record collection by singing along to his favorite performers. Her rare talents for emulating the dulcet tones of Judy Garland, Marilyn Monroe and Shirley Bassey are soon discovered by her dominant mother's boyfriend, a small-time showbiz agent. Their attempts to propel her to stardom are at first successful when the local town gets to see her perform. However, LV is soon wise to their selfish intentions and withdraws from performing again, thus forcing an emotional showdown between the three.
Release details
DVD Region: DVD
Studio(s): WALT DISNEY STUDIOS HOME ENTERTAINM; TECHNICOLOR DISTRIBUTION SERVICES
Release date: 15/06/2006
No of Discs: 1
Catalogue No: BED 888227
Barcode: 5017188882279
Production Designer: Don Taylor
Screenwriter: Mark Herman, Michael Ellis
Composer: John Altman
Costume Designer: Lindy Hemming
Director of Photography: Andy Collins
Music: Bob Last
Executive Producer: Harvey Weinstein, Bob Weinstein, Stephen Woolley
"...A fairy tale, a psychodrama, a teen romance, a showstopper musical and a vulgar comedy so broad it threatens to burst from the screen..." (Sight and Sound, p.38050, 01/01/1999)
"...Brenda Blethyn hits every strident note..." -- 3 out of 4 stars (USA Today, p.4D, 24/12/1998)
![Little Voice [DVD] [1999]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/78540383.jpg)
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31.08.2006
