I was kindly sent a clipping from one of my clients in London a couple of weeks ago. It was a story about a Swedish filmmaker, Birger Larsen, who directed Dutch hit series – The Killing, uses a searing red filter to bring the colour of blood to his tale of murder. And he has chosen Nottingham for the backdrop for his latest film.
On the face of it – good news?
Well not exactly. To be shown on BBC2 it is (un)helpfully titled Murder.
Nottingham is becoming a hotbed of creativity. The growth plan I blogged about yesterday will enhance our reputation and hopefully see the creative sector grow. Filmmakers are part of that cultural heartbeat. All great news.
But then I discovered why Larsen had chosen us. He shoots through a deep red filter and helpfully announced, “We used the colour of blood. I don’t know Nottingham, so it was a huge surprise to me when I went there for the exterior filming we did. I sensed this hostile vibe. It might just have been me, but there was this mean vibe in the streets. I don’t know why.“
I guess I would have preferred if we had a smiley, happy story of life in Nottingham – rather than a murderous tale.
As for the Streets being hostile – where on earth did he go? It’s not a word I would use? Not have I heard it used before. I don’t wander around Nottingham in awe of a hostile vibe?
Larson is Swedish, perhaps it got lost in translation? It must be a luvvee thing?
Perhaps we always find what we are looking for. (A lot more of what we think is “out there” turns out to be “in here” after all.)
“There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so” -Shakespeare
In other words, yes Mr Larsen, it is just you.
This debate has become very cerebral! Remember I’m just a simple surveyor!
Would not describe Nottingham streets as hostile but I couldnt honestly say I felt totally safe walking from Market Square down to the station several nights last year after researching background for a novel in the library. I am from Nottingham but left many moons ago and it wasnt always thus. Never saw any sign of a police officer either on any visit – and my trains left early – 7.30pm! Wont stop me coming back though!
I can understand that – but I think all major cities have places which can make you feel uncomfortable at night?