Film & TV

British Film Festival Review: Filmed In Supermarionation

‘Filmed in Supermarionation’ is so much more than just a fan-fest of ‘Thunderbirds’, ‘Captain Scarlet’ and ‘Joe 90’.

Stephen La Riviere’s documentary about AP Films (Gerry and Sylvia Anderson’s production company), has finally had its Australian premiere. Released in 2014, it has come to our shores as part of the British Film Festival.

This feature-length (120 minutes) doco, never lags.

Consisting of archival footage, interviews with cast and crew and shots of some of the surviving crew visiting the old studios, the film is tied together by commentary from Parker and Lady Penelope, voiced by their original actors, David Graham and Sylvia Anderson. There are also some fascinating reproductions of special effects, most of which were designed by the brilliant Derek Meddings.

This feature is so much more than just a fan-fest of Thunderbirds, Captain Scarlet and Joe 90. It is a portrait of the development of television and of puppetry as a sophisticated, filmic, art form. One of the lessons to come out of this, is that it was Gerry Anderson’s dislike of puppets that lead to his development of better and better techniques, culminating in the eponymous supermarionation. Also running through the film is the constant tension between art and commerce: the need to make money in order to stay afloat, whilst still trying to do satisfying, creative work. Some things never change!

The screenplay by Andrew T. Smith and Riviere, is tight and witty, and allows for smooth segues between interviews and archival footage.

This one is not just for the fans. If you have any interest in the history of television, or special effects, or puppetry, then make a bee-line.

Supermarionation is GO!!

Reviewed by Tracey Korsten
Twitter: @TraceyKorsten

Rating out of 10: 9

Filmed in Supermarionation screens again on 9 November 2015 at Palace Nova Eastend, as part of the British Film Festival. 

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