Question 1

What was the most expensive scene in 'Distant Voices, Still Lives' and why was it so costly?

Accepted Answer

The most expensive scene was the workmen falling through a glass ceiling, costing £10,000. The crew had no experience with such sequences, so they hired Arthur Wooster from the James Bond 2nd unit to shoot it in one take.

Question 2

How did Pete Postlethwaite come to believe the violent portrayal of the father character was based on reality?

Accepted Answer

Postlethwaite doubted the father's cruelty until director Terence Davies had his sister describe being beaten with a broomstick in the cellar—an event depicted in the film. Davies later said the real abuse was worse than shown.

Question 3

Which major film festivals screened 'Distant Voices, Still Lives' in 1988?

Accepted Answer

The film was screened at the Cannes Film Festival, New York Film Festival, Telluride Film Festival, Locarno International Film Festival, and Toronto International Film Festival in 1988.

Question 4

What personal family artifact appears in the film's set design?

Accepted Answer

A genuine photograph of Terence Davies' father—standing with a pony—hangs on the living room wall. Pete Postlethwaite's character is based on Davies' father.

Question 5

Why was 'Distant Voices, Still Lives' shot intermittently over two years?

Accepted Answer

Due to a very low budget, filming occurred sporadically over two years, often on weekends when equipment was cheaper or free to hire, making it a 'labour of love' for the cast and crew.

Question 6

What is the central conflict in Distant Voices, Still Lives?

Accepted Answer

The film centers on a family gathering for a wedding, but flashbacks reveal the father's physical abuse of his wife and emotional trauma inflicted on the children, leading them to become unhappy adults seeking love.

Question 7

Which major film festivals featured Distant Voices, Still Lives?

Accepted Answer

It was shown at the Cannes Film Festival, New York Film Festival, Telluride Film Festival, Locarno International Film Festival, and Toronto International Film Festival in 1988.

Question 8

Why did the production of Distant Voices, Still Lives take two years to complete?

Accepted Answer

Due to a very low budget, the film was shot intermittently over two years, often on weekends when equipment was cheaper or free to hire.

Question 9

What convinced Pete Postlethwaite to star in the film after initial doubts?

Accepted Answer

Postlethwaite agreed to star after being shown Terence Davies' earlier trilogy of short films, despite initially being unimpressed with the director and production setup.

Question 10

What is the significance of the photograph on the living room wall in the film?

Accepted Answer

The photograph of a man with a pony is a genuine picture of Terence Davies' father, on whom Pete Postlethwaite's character is based.

Distant Voices, Still Lives

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