VIDEO INTERVIEW: 'PRIDE,' One Of 2014 Best Films-Dominic West, Stephen Beresford, 'Real' Jonathan Blake

Photo Credit: CBS Films

– By Beau Behan, Film Critic & Entertainment Reporter

• PRIDE (2014), R, 120 min, Comedy, Drama, History
• Expanding (USA), Oct, 2014
• Stars: Imelda, Staunton, Bill Nigh, Paddy Considine, Dominic West, Ben Schnetzel
• Director: Matthew Warchus
• Writer: Stephen Beresford

Based on extraordinary events, the movie PRIDE is a depiction of the unlikely solidarity and support between the striking National Union of Mineworkers and the London-based group of gay and lesbian activists. The film’s plot spans a year-long portrayal of the two communities’ political and social persecution between 1984 and 1985.

Crucial to the storyline is Ben Schnetzer’s character, Mark Ashton -- the de facto leader of London’s LGSM, short for Lesbian and Gays Support the Miners whose mission is to raise funds for the striking miners. LGSM’s intentions are honorable, but some of the miners are uneasy about taking donations from the group. Undeterred, LGSM decides to travel to one of the stricken towns in Wales to meet the miners. What happens next is a display of mixed feelings and emotions.

Directed by West End and Broadway veteran Matthew Warchus, the film is a feel-good tale of courage and unity. The movie’s screen writer, Stephen Beresford, had known the real story for approximately 20 years. After pitching it to producer David Livingstone, it was finally commissioned. Beresford’s screenplay is beautifully layered. Its comedy makes the storyline not overly sentimental.

The cast features well-known British actors including Imelda Staunton, Bill Nigh, Paddy Considine and Dominic West who plays Jonathan Blake – one of the first to be diagnosed with HIV in the UK, and finds a purpose in raising money for the miners out of despair. The real Jonathan Blake is alive today and just celebrated recently his 65th birthday.

PRIDE is one of the best films of 2014! Go see the movie!

Past Beau Behan Features on Patch:

• VIDEO INTERVIEW: ‘The Boxtrolls’ Directors Anthony Stacchi and Graham Annable
• VIDEO: Kristen Wiig and Bill Hader Explain What ‘The Skeleton Twins’ is REALLY About
• VIDEO INTERVIEW: John Michael McDonagh for ‘Calvary’
• VIDEO INTERVIEW: ‘And So It Goes’ Director Rob Reiner
• VIDEO INTERVIEW: ‘Wish I Was Here’ Star Zach Braff
• VIDEO INTERVIEW: ‘Transformers’ Stars Nicola Peltz and Jack Reynor
• VIDEO INTERVIEW: ‘Jersey Boys’ John Lloyd Young, Erich Bergen, Michael Lomenda
• VIDEO INTERVIEW: Jay Baruchel, America Ferrera, Dean DeBlois, ‘How to Train Your Dragon 2’