This week Chris Deacy is joined in the studio by Juliette Short to discuss the films; Split, Sliding Doors, The Planet of the Apes, and The Miner's Son.
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00:00Hello and welcome to Kent Film Club. I'm Chris Deesey and each week I'll be joined by a guest
00:17to dive deep into the impact certain films have had on their life. Each guest will reflect on
00:22the films which have meant the most to them over the years. And every week there will be a Kent
00:26Film Trivia where we quiz you at home about a film that has a connection to the county.
00:31And now let me introduce you to my guest for this week. She's had a varied career as a therapist
00:37turned filmmaker and director. She is Juliette Short. Great to have you on the programme Juliette.
00:43Thank you for having me. Well I don't know your films but are split. Now this is a good one. This
00:49is from not too many years ago. No it's not. But it intrigues me because of being a therapist.
00:56And how people can change their persona to adapt to whatever situation they're in. And it shows
01:11the strength of the brain as well. McAvoy, what an absolute talent. How he showed that 23 personalities
01:25he portrayed in this film. Yes I just realised now that they're all here for us to see on the display.
01:32And they're all James McAvoy. Yes. Yeah. Absolutely stunning performance from him. The way he switched
01:40personalities. And it just intrigued me. And it was telling the story about mental health. Although it was a bit,
01:51a thriller and murderous. See I gravitate to these sort of films because they impact in terms of the way,
02:02you know, we all know people who you think, oh you know, which persona am I seeing today?
02:06Yeah. And well you might have 27 of them. But this is, this gets to the heart doesn't it? Of how we navigate
02:13our way, how we trust people, who people are, what do they represent? Can they change? Are we capable
02:18of change? How can you change if you don't even know what you are to begin with?
02:22I see certain people and they said oh I don't know how this happened to me or how I was like duped into
02:32thinking this. And I said but you were believing in what you were saying. If I said hello my name's Sheila,
02:39why would I lie? So very much so with the different personas that McAvoy portrays in this. It's just,
02:51just priceless. And it gives an education as well. And people need to be educated.
02:58And do you find, through your work as a therapist, do you find that this film in that sense mirrors
03:05perhaps, you know, to agree that may not always be entirely welcome, some of these very issues
03:11that, you know, you're trusting somebody or they're trusting you, but then there's a lot
03:16more that you discover about them or they discover about themselves.
03:20Both. Both. You kind of eek it out. And also an understanding. A lot of people, when they're
03:27going through troubles, they don't have an understanding of why they're like it. They
03:32just think they're going nuts, basically. For want of a better word, that's what they say.
03:38And it's like, no, you're not. You're in a situation that you can't see a way out of.
03:45Because I always find with films like this as well, and the 90s were full of them, even
03:50sort of the basic instincts or, you know, the sort of films where you always had that question
03:54of, you know, is this person a good, you know, good or bad? Are they playing a game?
03:58But I always, I'm always drawn to these because they get to the heart of, does the person who's
04:02acting in a certain way know they're doing it? Is it voluntary? Is it, are they like chameleons
04:08adapting to the situation? Are they doing it strategically? Or do they genuinely not know that they have
04:13these, these multiples? Do you feel like it's quite a drama film?
04:17Yes. Yeah. I think a lot, especially in a severe case like this, I think they genuinely
04:23don't know. There's, with mental health and you have to adapt to situations like, you could work, but when you go home, you actually, you're broken, but you're delivering that persona at work.
04:42That you've got it all together. You see that in a way you, you're spot on because we all have it, whether we realise it or not.
04:49Yeah. We all wear different hats. Yeah. And like the way that one, you know, children can see their parents might be different
04:55the way a work colleague sees their line manager who, you know, but they are the same person.
05:00Yeah, exactly. Exactly. And most of mental health is down to childhood and how you perceive things with a child's mind. And that's, it is 99% of the time how a child perceives what has been said.
05:20And I, I'm just thinking about the film here because did you watch this film because these are themes that matter to you or was it the other way around?
05:30Oh, no, because, yeah. And it was educational for me as well. You know, and I was thinking, oh, what would I do in that situation if I was this therapist? And it is an education for me.
05:46And have you watched this like in multiple formats different? Have you sort of got different things out of it at different times? You know, can you go back to this and sort of see different nuances?
05:55Yes, for sure. Absolutely. So first time, I'm just like, oh, that was great. Yeah. Entertained. Right. Watch it again because I really enjoyed that and which bit and that was that going, which way could you tell that was going to go.
06:12And so, yeah, watched it six, seven times and you pick up something different every time. But you do with films. You know, I love Shrek. And I watch it over and over again. And then I was like, ah, I missed that the last night, you know?
06:29Well, it is time now to move on to your second chosen film, Julia. And you've gone for Sliding Doors.
06:37Yes. I always think the director, of course, was Joey and Bread, wasn't he, in the 80s? Was it Peter Hewitt?
06:44Yes. Howitt. Howitt. Howitt. Yes. So he was Joey and Bread. I mean, this film, I saw it when it came out. I think I saw it more than once. Similar, perhaps, to what we were just talking about, the different identities, the different ways we can go, but with just small, minor variations.
07:00Fate. You know, I'm a big believer in the universe and fate. And that's how he wrote Sliding Doors, didn't he? And he missed a train. And that's how he got the concept of the film.
07:17What would have happened if I'd have got on that train? And then it just went from there. And that happens in everyday life. You know, I could, like, walk out and fall up the stairs and somebody come to my rescue and then realise you've got a connection in some way, you know?
07:34But, you know, even when you do the same trip, like the same commute every day, it's never the same. And so, therefore, we, without realising it, you know, and Groundhog Day is a similar sort of conceit as well, the idea that you say minor variations can lead to very different outcomes. In this case, it's like because she misses a train by a second, if she caught the train, her life would have gone in a completely different direction.
07:59Absolutely. Totally relatable. Yes. And very relatable for me as well, because I met Kevin because he stopped by for a cup of coffee. You know, what would have happened to me? What would have happened to him if he hadn't stopped for that cup of coffee? And that's how life is like, like that, like almost on a knife edge. You never know. And I think it's exciting as well, because you never know what's around the corner.
08:28Because I remember watching this. It would have been something like May 1998. And I saw it with different people as well. There's a long story with two different women on different occasions. Oh, really?
08:38And I say, which one did I? Yeah, well, neither. We'll talk about that later. Yes. But in watching this, it really was that sense of which path do I want to go down? But also, I think you've hit the nail on the head. Maybe I don't have any agency in it. Or maybe things all work out somehow in the end.
08:55It always does. No matter what, yet again, that goes to clients and whatever. It's, it will be okay. Something will be sorted in the end. Everything will work out.
09:11Yeah.
09:11And I love that.
09:12So do you watch this, and each time you watch it, you, you kind of want to go down the path of, because I mean, it's actually quite easy for us, because she has two different hair colours. So, you know, because, but one of them, she opens her own business, and she becomes really successful.
09:26And the other one, her life falls apart, because she's caught her boyfriend cheating. But do you sort of watch this and sort of imagine you in the sort of situations here and sort of see, you know, which path is the one that I, I might have gone down or might yet go down?
09:43I think it's, yeah. I think it's almost like a possible warning sign. I mean, films are like, well, I want that to happen to me, etc.
09:52So I think you do compare yourself with Gwyneth, if you're a woman. And yeah, how easily things can change. And that's very relatable, very relatable.
10:12And so much of what I asked you with the first question, is this a film that you sought out? Or did you happen to watch it and then think, ah, you know, I want to engage with this? Or, you know, was it, was it like an accidental?
10:27Yes, it was an accidental, yes, it was an accidental. I never went to the movies to see it. It was like, oh, yeah, is it my thing? Maybe not. So let it go a few times. And then when I did actually watch it, I was like, oh, right, I get it now. Yeah. And so then, again, watched it and again, watched it. And like, pick away and like, oh, I like the way they did that as well.
10:54I'm always surprised that a film like this, because it obviously has Gwyneth Paltrow, probably around the time, it was before she won the Oscar, but she was starting to make, you know, inroads in Hollywood.
11:04And obviously, it's a lower key British film than some of the others like Notting Hill that were made a year later. But I'm surprised that this concept, maybe 50 First Dates draws on it, but this concept hasn't been used as much as it has done.
11:18Perhaps Groundhog Day is the obvious exception in Hollywood. I can imagine a bigger budget version of this.
11:24Well, maybe you've just sparked something off in somebody. I think, what a good idea.
11:29Wow. Well, that's about all the time we have for this first half of the show.
11:34However, before we go to the break, we have a Kent Film Trivia question for you at home.
11:39Which legendary Star Wars actor lived in the town of Whitstable for 35 years?
11:46Was it A, Peter Mayhew, B, David Prowse, or was it C, Peter Cushing?
11:50We'll reveal the answer right after this break. Don't go away.
12:05Hello, and welcome back to Kent Film Club.
12:08Just before the ad break, we asked you at home a Kent Film Trivia question.
12:12Which legendary Star Wars actor lived in the town of Whitstable for 35 years?
12:18I asked, was it A, Peter Mayhew, B, David Prowse, or C, Peter Cushing?
12:24And now I can reveal to you that the answer was, in fact, C, Peter Cushing.
12:29The film actor, television star, and artist lived in the town for 35 years,
12:34whilst making many of the 91 films in which he starred.
12:37And did you get the answer right?
12:39Well, it is time now, Juliette, to move on to your next chosen film.
12:43Ooh, you've gone for Planet of the Apes.
12:47I know.
12:50I think it was the first film that got to me.
12:58And I can't remember what age.
13:00I mean, it was brought out in 1968.
13:02So I don't remember watching it when I was four.
13:06Ooh, I'll let that slip.
13:06Um, so, it was the iconic ending that gripped me more than anything.
13:16So, as we were talking before, so when I watched it again,
13:20I could see how it was societal breakdown,
13:28um, and hierarchy and stuff like that going on,
13:32um, as well as being like a groundbreaking sci-fi movie in itself with the make-up and the costumes.
13:42Um, it, it was so much more.
13:45And I think, uh, how, uh, how he explained in the film, um, the segregation and then building up the tension
14:02and, uh, how Charlton Heston wanted to get off this planet and that ending, it, it just got to me.
14:11And, uh, and, uh, and a similar, obviously, trope, you know, to what we've been talking about before but those sort of, you know, alternate endings or the different ways, how is the planet going to play out?
14:21Yeah.
14:22And, uh, and, uh, and I know this was remade with Tim Burton.
14:25I was a bit underwhelmed in, I think, 2001 when I saw the remake.
14:29Yeah, I'm, I'm not good with remakes myself.
14:32Uh, I don't know, I get it, maybe they're trying to appeal to a, a younger audience, so to speak, but you, you just can't beat the classic.
14:42Um, but, but also it's one of the, again, we're talking about films which have premises that just make you think, wow, you know, this, this intersects with my life.
14:51Uh, but this one, you know, in terms of the way it asks questions about, uh, about our role as humans, how important we are, how important we think we are, and the fact that we may not have very much agency.
15:03I've used that word a few times so far in, in the matter.
15:06Well, I, I always say, and my husband can relate, uh, Mother Nature will always have her way, no matter what.
15:16Um, and I don't even have to say it anymore to Kevin, I just go like, you know why, and he goes, yes, nature will always find a way.
15:27Um, so, it, it was all very interesting how, a great concept, well before its time, um, when they were actually offset, they were encouraged to stay in the costumes.
15:42Um, and, and, there was a natural division, all the apes had their break together.
15:51So, it caused that division, anyway, and just human nature.
15:58And I like that idea because, of course, this wasn't a CGI world.
16:02No.
16:03I mean, you know, we, we've had in, in recent times, you know, with this, with the Disney Snow White live action version and CGI, uh, you know, uh, Seven Dwarfs, but, but in this case, you had humans playing the roles.
16:16Yes.
16:17And although, although, although that feels like the biggest plot spoiler ever, but, but, but, but actually, that kind of makes it, that gives it a certain authenticity, doesn't it?
16:24Yeah, and charm.
16:25I mean, Roddy McDowell, wasn't it?
16:27Yeah.
16:28Great.
16:29Absolutely great.
16:30He must have studied and studied, uh, and did a, an amazing job with his character.
16:36So, this sounds like this is one of the earliest films that you ever saw, or, or by the sound of it, you, you certainly saw this.
16:41That had an impact.
16:42It had an impact.
16:43Yeah.
16:44And can you return to it, because I suppose this applies to the other films we've talked about as well, but do you feel comfortable going back?
16:51Do you kind of feel that it's almost like prophetic?
16:54Do you feel that in, in a way that some of, you know, the, the, the, the alternative future, that's a good way of putting it, that it configures.
17:01Do you sort of watch it and think, oh, ouch, you know, that those, especially in the world of AI and so on, that, you know, we never quite know what, what will happen to our species.
17:10No.
17:11And I think everybody's got to be mindful.
17:13We're all bogged down with things nowadays, what you're supposed to think, what you're supposed to do.
17:20You've just got to be mindful and be true to yourself and, and hope for the future.
17:29And do you find as well, when you're watching this, do you sometimes imagine, this sounds a bit like the sliding doors question, but do you imagine alternative scenarios, alternative endings?
17:38Do you, do you hope, even though you know what happens, I know there were, as well as the, the 2001 sequel, but there were, you know, escape from the planet of the apes or whatever.
17:45But, but do you watch this and think, oh, could this, could this have played out differently?
17:50Do you want a different outcome?
17:52Um, no, I'm not quite sure really.
17:56It was, I'm just a simple person.
17:58I just like to be entertained.
18:00And if it moves me, it moves me.
18:02But I also like things when they're plausible as well.
18:06They're not too far out.
18:09I robot.
18:10Um, I robot.
18:11That's plausible.
18:12Yeah.
18:13Yeah.
18:14That's a good example.
18:15Um, so, yeah, and that makes you think, or it definitely makes me think.
18:21Yeah.
18:22Well, it is time now to move on to your final chosen film.
18:26And you've gone for the minus.
18:28I wonder why.
18:29I want to hear your perspective on this now, because obviously it's a film that you made
18:35with Kevin.
18:36Yes.
18:37Yeah.
18:38Both, both written, uh, by us.
18:41Um, uh, it came along with COVID and like, what should we do?
18:47I don't know.
18:48We made a few short films.
18:50We did like it, uh, liked everything about it and that.
18:55And I thought, well, no harm in it.
18:58What should we do?
18:59What should we talk about?
19:011984.
19:02For both of us, it was a great year, even though we weren't together at that time.
19:06It was a great year for us.
19:08Um, and we're well into our rock music.
19:12So that's the genre.
19:14Um, and we just like messed about and back and forth with ideas.
19:20Uh, and, and also the, the struggles of rock bands with Kev had.
19:27Um, I was like into my music and involved with music back in the day, songwriting and
19:36stuff like that.
19:37Never got anywhere.
19:38None of us got anywhere.
19:39And like, uh, and we just, it was, oh, what am I looking for?
19:46It was, it's relatable even now, this story.
19:50It's like, you know, the people wanting to be famous and like, and you've got your parents
19:56thinking, what do you want to do?
19:57Get yourself a proper job.
19:59And then alongside you, you've got the minor strikes, which creates more division in the
20:08family.
20:09Where like, yes, the son ought to get a proper job to help the family because they haven't
20:14got any money, but he wants to chase his dream.
20:17I find that there are often years on, you know, often in life we can all, you know, it
20:22might have been when we were a certain age and you think that was like the turning point.
20:27It sounds like we could, you know, talking about some of the other films, the sort of
20:30the sense of that's where things, the ducks were in a certain row and it's, you know,
20:33which, which, which ducks do you push forward?
20:35But 1984 in that sense, because I was 11 at the time of the minor strike.
20:41And I, I was obviously very young, but remember that the country felt very bitterly divided
20:47and there have been films since.
20:48I can't wait to see this one because it's also then showing what was going on musically.
20:52What, what, what were the other, you know, I mean, for me, I was into my music at the
20:56time in 1984, lots of bands from South Wales as well.
20:59Yeah.
21:00And I'm just thinking that that coalescence kind of means that you're working through
21:05all these different struggles.
21:06Yeah, exactly.
21:07But there was still like life going on and people still had their hopes and dreams.
21:15And I was a bit, bit older than you at the time.
21:19And remember watching the news and I'm like, I don't like what's going on here.
21:24And some things don't add up.
21:27Um, I, I was plainly obvious I'm from the Midlands.
21:32So it was like a steel works then.
21:36Um, but life seems still good in a way.
21:43Uh, and you, you knew everything was going to be all right.
21:48You had the music to like, uh, music was my therapy.
21:55And did you, without, without giving too much away, but did you manage to get many people
22:02who were either from the bands of that time or who had a particular identity or maybe that,
22:07you know, you were fans of to, to, to, to be involved in the film in any way?
22:10Well, I mean, I had delusions of grandeur and I was thinking, Oh, it can be the van driving
22:16down the road.
22:17You've got Bon Jovi playing on the radio and stuff like that.
22:20And then realizing the cost of copyrights, we were involved with a film with a friend
22:25of ours and they, uh, they had a karaoke in the background singing Elvis song.
22:31And they had to pay a lot of money for that.
22:34And I went, well, well, Kev used to be in a band, a lot of the bands.
22:39I'll write music.
22:41And I went, let's do our own.
22:44Then when they recorded it and I went to Kev and I said, is that ours?
22:49And he went, yeah.
22:51And I went, Oh my God, that's really good.
22:54So we did another one.
22:56And then that was it.
22:57I said, that's it.
22:58We got to do a movie soundtrack.
23:00And that was another spin off from the film.
23:05And it was like, what have we done?
23:07But it's been, uh, mixed emotions.
23:11And I always say like, it was a little poppy project and it turned into a fire breathing
23:18dragon that we couldn't tame.
23:20And I had to set it free.
23:23Well, I'm afraid that's all the time we have for today.
23:27But before we go, if you live in Kent and want the chance to share four films of your
23:31choice, reach out to us at KMTV and you might be invited in to be my next guest.
23:36But for now, many thanks to Juliet Short for joining us and being such a brilliant guest.
23:41And many thanks to you all for tuning in.
23:43Until then, that's all from us.
23:45Goodbye.