Matcollis
This Movie Can Only Be Described With One Word.
Titreenp
SERIOUSLY. This is what the crap Hollywood still puts out?
CommentsXp
Best movie ever!
HuddsOn
The cameras are not state of the art and there are few tracking shots - not surprising with it having been made on such a tight budget - but they still could have made better use of the resources available. The impact of some sequences is weakened by excessive cutting. Potentially majestic images, such as construction cranes against the sky, are often only in shot for about two seconds before we cut to something else, which seems entirely the wrong approach aesthetically if you trying to make a dreamy, contemplative film rather than an extended pop video. Despite these flaws, good use is made of St Etienne's songs, and the imagery accompanying them is agreeable enough, although rarely breathtaking. If you expect a documentary to impart information or give you a radical perspective on familiar subject matter then this is definitely not for you. But if you've simply had an awful day at work and you need something to relax with, providing minimal intellectual and emotional stimulation, then Finisterre could hardly be more perfect. Bland, but soothing, it's best thought of as digital lavender oil, or perhaps the film equivalent of listening to the shipping forecast.
cedde6
Beautifully shot by Kieran Evans and Paul Kelly and magnificently orchestrated by Saint Etienne, "Finistere" is one of a kind documentary, an hour long love song dedicated to an amazing city. "Finistere" is a trip throughout Londonium circa 2003, from all angles, from all backgrounds, from bad to worse, from good to ecstatic, from simple to sophisticated, from cup a tea to pint of biter,from grim council estate to lavish penthouses, from dusk till dawn and back. Saint Etienne have always been proud Londoners and their music is a perfect fit to the poetry of the constant narration of Michael Jayston, to the inspiring series of living postcards unveiling the secret heart of the city and to the earnest commentaries of Londoners about their true home. "Finistere" is indeed a love song to London as that true love implies acceptance of its object's flaws. The documentary suggests that London isn't perfect and that is most certainly what makes this love even more potent. As far as travel documentary goes, it doesn't get any better than that: all London is right here.
TheLester
Being a fan of Saint Etienne and the City of London, I was very excited to see this movie on the list of the Vancouver International Film Festival. This movie has great shots, an absolutely excellent soundtrack and interesting insights into a 'not so well known' London.The movie is held completely in 'dark' colours, which I personally don't like too much. Furthermore the narration was a little too British and the comments sometimes got a little flat. Other than that, there are some great comments by Londoners and excellent shots. FINISTERRE doesn't glorify London by showing all the great attractions of the city, but rather gives deep insights in what London is really like. From the East end to the vibrant centre with its music scene as well as the 'special little retreats' for Londoners.All in all:+Great Soundtrack +Nice shots +great insights-Narration -Tiering to watch at times -Very dark pictureWorth watching! I give it a 7/10
adspink
As a fan of St Etienne, I was looking forward to seeing this but I'll admit to being a little disappointed, there wasn't really enough of their music to make it essential for me. The portentous voice over was a little too "Little Britain", and although the film started well, the eulogising over London started to become irritating towards the end. Phrases like "Anyone with any ambition at some point moves to London" won't go down too well outside the M25. Still, what there is of the St Etienne soundtrack is predictably good, and there are enough interesting shots of London to make Finisterre worth viewing. I'd recommend it to anyone who's a fan of the band, or who's interested in seeing the less touristy side of London.
