UK Premiere

Short Synopsis:

Documentarian Douglas Arrowsmith journeys to uncover the mysteries of Stephen Duffy as he returns from traveling the world with Britain's most popular solo artist.

Review:

This is the story of Stephen Duffy - or ‘Tin Tin’ Duffy, as you might remember him back in the 80’s, with his infuriatingly catchy hit ‘Kiss Me’. Also, further back than that, Duffy was the original lead singer of Duran Duran. But there is much more to him.

Duffy, living now in Herefordshire, has painstakingly distanced himself from those frothy times to mine a more folky and serious seam. This is someone authentically driven by the need to produce music of worth and quality.  So does he? Peter Paphides and Caitlin Moran certainly think so and they produce some good arguments for his group The Lilac Time to be embraced by all and sundry.

We encounter Duffy’s life, and memories – courtesy of notebooks and lyrics, and follow him around as he contemplates his uncommercial existence, and prepares to play the Green Man Festival. While he turns his thoughts inwards, we are treated to a selection of his well-crafted, smooth and pastoral songs.

Occasionally narcissistic and a tad pretentious at times, Duffy is nevertheless likeable in this well-filmed portrait. And hats off to the director Douglas Arrowsmith who has crafted a very affectionate, loyal view of someone who rightfully merits more attention in himself and his abundant back catalogue.

 

GB