Filmed in 2017, Everyone Back to Ours is cast with artists and musicians playing ‘enhanced or alternative’ versions of themselves. Giving a platform for artists and musicians (who aren’t necessarily actors) grounds the film in an authenticity. It also give the narrative an almost documentary like quality, blending fact, fiction, story and truth.
Everyone Back to Ours is a ‘rhapsody – an epic collection of songs and stories’ told through the perspective of Ellis Todd (playing himself). Although Todd’s character weaves the stories together, the film is never about just one person or just one thing. The rich cast of creatives represented in the film are all equally as important as a leading man; Mal Williamson captures a diverse portrait of Hull’s art scene.
The engagement with local art extends beyond what is occurring on screen; behind the cameras is a plethora of local talent helping to bring the story to life. Will Chalk and James Corbin on sound do an excellent job, complementing the epic soundtrack to the film which is comprised of music form over thirty regional bands. A musical highlight in the film is Ellis’ Theme, composed by Dave Gawthorpe, which can be heard throughout the narrative and provides a thematic motif for the central character.
Watching this film at a time when funding at universities for arts and design courses has been cut by 50% makes certain moments extremely poignant. Putting a price on the arts is an extremely demoralising and cynical way of viewing the sector that brings so much joy and colour to our lives. Yet in order to survive in a capitalist society, it seems everyone must play the game. As Ellis finds, everyone is on the same treadmill.
Mal Williamson captures the difficult position the arts is currently in while still remaining optimistic and engaging. As a piece of artwork itself, the film makes use of some great cinematography from Viceversarobbi Fotograffia as well as showcasing engaging and creative editing. The great cast of characters makes Everyone Back to Ours a film about people as well as a film about art. While exploring some darker themes, the film maintains a balance of serious contemplation and humour. For a wider audience, the film could potentially benefit from slimming down in some areas to maintain a forward momentum. However, in this instance the space for contemplation within the film works well and contributes to its unique blend of documentary style realism and narrative storytelling.
Watch the trailer here
Or Stream Everyone Back to Ours on the Regional Arty Channel now!