Gallivant **** (1997, Andrew Kotting, Eden Kotting, Gladys Morris, Benji Ming) – Classic Movie Review 2980

Director Andrew Kotting’s splendidly eccentric feature documentary debut is an amusing, inventive and often moving film about journeys, communication and self-expression in what looks like a riposte to director Patrick Keiller’s documentary London (1994).

Kotting, his 85-year-old grandmother Gladys and young daughter Eden set out together to travel the coastline of mainland Britain, travelling east to Cornwall, north through Wales to Scotland and home again, journeying into each other’s worlds as they meet the absurdities of the coast-dwelling British nation at play – sword dancers, harmonica players, café folk – and tourists.

Despite Kotting’s laddish inclination to piss-take and sneer, he provokes without malice and the subjects of his curiosity largely remain with their good humour and dignity intact.

The old lady’s charm shines through like a beacon, and so does everyone’s care and concern – love – for the handicapped child, who speaks through (subtitled) sign language. The man who keeps the public super-loo at the Isle of Skye is a particular delight, and the film even gives his address so you can write to him with memorabilia. Some startling cinematography by Nick Gordon Smith helps give it a further lift.

In a labour of love, it was edited down from 30 hours of interviews and 20 hours of travelogue footage.  Honourably, it was supported by the Arts Council of England, British Film Institute (BFI) and Channel Four Films.

Kotting made This Filthy Earth in 2001 and By Our Selves in 2015.

© Derek Winnert 2015 Classic Movie Review 2980

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