This is a really old article I wrote for Red Shoes Magazine, an independent Sheffield based magazine ran by two students. It wasn't really Sheffield orientated enough for them, so I had to change it, but this is what I originally wrote, needs some tweaking and things, but I think it fitted the time it was written.

This One Is For The People

Whilst Hollywood plans an escape from the recession via a canine route, be it Dogs in Hotels, Rom-coms with the lead played by Labradors or even shooting dogs into space, a group of over 60 screen writers have emerged with a darker and all be it, a more ‘real’ approach. Their creation does not try and rid our tired minds of the credit crunch, it is in fact the focus. Michael’s resignation is an independent creation by an amalgamation of minds who want to show the darker side to our money troubles, they state it is a ‘powerful and savage critique of contemporary British life, as well as a damning social commentary on the emotional effects of recession.’ Even if you can’t bear to hear another word on the credit crunch and haven’t been affected by it (from a student point of view, we’re getting free money and food is cheaper in Tesco’s) the film is so unique, that attention should be paid.

It also explores a much darker side to Britain than the daily mail would ever like to let on, all be it, amplified. The films protagonist does not wear a flea collar, he instead is a Halifax worker who has just lost his job, is losing his wife and all and all having an awful time. His reaction is not to escape, he chooses to fight, and fight with guns. Coined a ‘dark Tarintino- esque thriller’, the film explores a some what exaggerated response to life, due to morbid experiences from fighting the Iraq War mixed with day to day suffering, this should all result in a hell of a lot of death, which in reality, combines the two nicely. The controversy with the different approach bleeds into the production itself, as one of the HSBC bands sent a message to all employees telling them not to be involved with the film in any way.

Not only is the premise controversial, the production, funding and exhibition are also. The film is a collaboration of 60 screen writers all over the world who came together via social networking sites, this modern day approach mirrors the themes in the film, something we are all in common with, then blown up to serve a function. The whole team are unknown in the industry, using unknown actors, unsigned bands and production staff as a new way into the mainstream. The magnitude of defiance of the media industry is epitomized in the funding of the film; the money has been and is being raised by the general public through shares. A piece of the film can be bought securely online through the movie’s website, MichaelsResignation.com. There are 50,000 shares to invest in, priced at £1.00 each, anyone can invest from £5.00. The film makers plan to give back 10-20 times what is invested by the public. In this attempt to quell elitism and the difficulties to break into the industry is a supposed ‘weighty middle finger judgment’, the team wish to ‘encourage, and to create hope.’ The film’s anarchic approach wants to involve everyone in a community formed out of social distaste and sickness of the mundane. As the film is still in its production stages we won’t get to see the result for a while, in spite of this, the film is already opening up the arts to the public. Even those who aren’t particularly inclined towards cinema can get involved. For example, the screening of the film is going to incorporate a battle of the bands.

The film is more of a project or work in progress than typical industry creations, their graft is visible on the website which is updated frequently as well as the face book groups. If it seems to late to get involved with this film, there are other films in the pipeline all revolving around the credit crunch, the next one, a woman is the central protagonist. The films expand and critique on problems of the general public for entertainment as well as informing. The message of the film is not a happy one but it explores issues which the mainstream ignore in their attempt to sedate with pets and computer generated images

Michael’s Resignation comments on timeless issues prominent in society like divorce, affairs, love and isolation, so there is a lot to draw from and to relate to real life; it appears very much as a film made by ‘the people’ about ‘the people’ and ultimately for ‘the people.’ It also tackles issues that are very much of today, as the protagonist is from the Iraq war, it puts a face to the statistics we hear or see, he is not a glamorised hero like often the army are in the media, he is flawed like the rest of us and trying to hide this, is ultimately his downfall. Not to get too bogged down with the message of the film, my analysis is heading towards the depressing so I will leave it at this; the film is the most unique creation to be seen for a long time, it is forging its own space within the independent circuit and making it more approachable as it ignites hope for the rest of us. Even if you don’t share the penchant for the violent it is worth getting involved if you’ve felt let down with this credit crunch, by Hollywood’s regurgitation of happier times or simply you don’t want to see any other bloody dog on screen, whether they’re a superhero or not. Michael is an anti-hero, someone more like us, a warning though, as everything in the film is a comment on the modern day, distorting but also reflecting real life, don’t go looking for a happy ending.