Sex in the City

Lerwick - pretty, but not quite New York.

I finally got around to seeing Sex in the City 2 last night; a far more entertaining option that watching Brazil v Chile. The review for the film had not been brilliant so I was not sure what to expect. The reviewer seemed to think that the film was simply a flimsy vehicle for showing off shoes and clothes. The reviewer was a man! There were indeed many changes of wardrobe and footwear throughout the film, but in reality the clothes and designer accessories are nothing more than a colourful backdrop to the story, in exactly the same way as the two cities that also starred in the film – New York and Abu Dhabi.

The main themes throughout the film could have been part of a far more down to earth drama – something produced by Mike Leigh for example. Aging, infidelity, stressful jobs, bullying in the workplace, childcare, sleep deprivation and trying to keep the sparkle going in a marriage - in the world of fiction these are fairly standard storylines and something that many people can identify with. What set this film apart was the glamour and sex appeal; and the setting and clothes were merely a shorthand for all of that.

Imagine Carrie, Miranda, Samantha and Charlotte living in Basingstoke and shopping for their outfits from Primark and TK Maxx and buying knock-off designer handbags from Shepherd’s Bush Market. It kind of takes the gloss away; which makes you realise that the setting for a story is absolutely crucial.

Drama happens everywhere, but what makes it readable or watchable, is the backdrop. This is the reason why Las Vegas, New York, Paris and London are such common settings. As the opening credits started in the film last night, the camera panned across the iconic sky line of New York City. It looked shiny, bright, exciting and oozed sex-appeal before the first word had been spoken. The audience knew what to expect, and weren’t disappointed.

But as I drove home, it set me thinking, how do I use the setting of the stories I have written to date? Shetland is the star in almost everything I have written, and with good reason. It has a wild, dramatic beauty and a unique culture and history. Shetlanders have a distinct voice and sense of humour, and the local music is the perfect blend of haunting melody and distinctive style. But to the outside world, that may not have experienced its delights, it might seem very strange and unappealing. There is no shorthand available for bringing the audience up to date.



Midnight on Whalsay (Midsummer 2009)

In the opening scene of my first movie (fingers crossed!) will the camera pan across the rooftops of Lerwick and rest on the perfectly groomed Sarah Jessica Parker emerging from Mackays with a few carrier bags? I think that would be a comedic step too far. And yet the type of film I would like to make would have the same themes of romance and relationships; but it will inevitably be a whole lot less glamorous. My ambition is to create the perfect rom-com that captures all of the essence of the Northern Isles without sacrificing on glossiness and sex appeal. Any ideas for the leading man and woman for the movie of Dancing with the Ferryman will be gratefully received.



Shetland has no shortage of macho Vikings!