Distant Voices, Still Lives
M+ Cinema presents ‘Distant Voices, Still Lives’, a sensational, semi-autobiographical debut film by Terrence Davies about a working-class Catholic family in Liverpool during the 1940s and 1950s.
In this sensational semi-autobiographical debut, Terence Davies draws on his own family memories to depict the life of a working-class Catholic family in Liverpool during the 1940s and 1950s. The film is divided into two separate sections, filmed two years apart with the same cast. The first section, ‘Distance Voices’, chronicles family life under the shadow of a temperamental, violent, and abusive father. The second section, ‘Still Lives’, follows the children as they grow up and start their own families, although happiness remains elusive––only the mother appears unfazed by events of the past.
Despite their troubled upbringing, the protagonists still find ways to enjoy life, whether by going to the theatre, singing at the pub, or attending weddings—nostalgic scenes reminiscent of times past. The film follows a non-chronological structure, featuring faded colour photography that enhances the sense of a bygone era complemented by renditions of popular songs from the era. A 4K restoration was released to commemorate the film’s 30th anniversary and revive this masterpiece of contemporary British cinema.
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