Belfast

Kenneth Branagh shot the film in September 2020, under pandemic conditions and in 7 weeks, starting around London before moving to Belfast. It was captured in colour on an Arri Alexa Mini LF, and most was turned to black and white in post. Cinematographer Haris Zambarloukos prefers colour because it leaves more room in the grade; the production made do with natural light. The music comes from Van Morrison, born in the city: he scored it, 8 of his older songs were used, and he wrote a new one called Down to Joy. It is the first Branagh film since Peter’s Friends not scored by Patrick Doyle. The awards run wider than the single Oscar. 7 nominations came at the 94th Academy Awards, winning Best Original Screenplay. 6 nominations at the 75th BAFTAs produced Outstanding British Film, the 79th Golden Globes gave Branagh Best Screenplay, and Toronto audiences voted it the People’s Choice Award. Interest split by geography: the average take per site in Northern Ireland was 8,801 pounds against 3,121 elsewhere in the market. A good fit if you accept politics delivered only as far as talk on the front step carries it. Not for viewers who want the political background of August 1969 laid out; the account stays inside what 9 year old Buddy can see.