The new set of First Cuts started last Friday, with an investigation into what’s happened to Britney Spears and how society treat celebs, made by established producer and new director Bruce Fletcher.
I’m more excited about tonight’s installment though -Time Warp Wives.
I know people who adopt an era from the past closer to their heart than the present day, and style their lives and record collections accordingly. However, the line between their values and the perks of the modern world mesh somewhere between the comforts of digital technology and short haul holidays. Tonight’s film shows us fanatics of the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s who are entirely dedicated to the lifestyle, resources and attitudes of their chosen time.
More excitingly, the documentary is made by Sally Hewitt, who directed the 3 Minute Wonder series Little Worlds, one of the best to make use of the idea of 4 people’s stories with the same visual rock. Each episode is about a different dolls house owner, and as you hear them talk about what and who they see within, you’re transported towards into their imagined other world. Every character is confronting some issue through their play – an anorexics self image, an immigrants sense of upper class Britishness, a shoddily housed woman’s sense of communal life and a retired mans sense of worth. Collected within the miniature buildings are larger than life aspirations. Hopefully Time Warp Wives will similarly show how that what people do is an indicator of how they want the world to be.
Time Warp Wives, Channel 4 tonight, 7:30pm
Comments
People want to cocoon themselves in sub worlds for a reason. Little Worlds explored what this alternative reality was for different characters, and also their personal motivations for wanting to create it. After watching Time Warp Wives do you now feel you understand why people want to live within their all-consuming hobby?
I was totally engrosed in time warp wives and felt we needed more of it i.e. an hour long or several 30 min shows. It was great to see other people who feel the same way I do. Well done.
I missed this programme and really want to watch it. Does anyone know where I can watch it? Its not on 4od either.
Here’s a great write up of Time Warp Wives that touches on the escapism angle:
http://www.orange.co.uk/entertainment/television/16429.htm
Also, you can watch it this week on catch up tv if you’ve got a digi box.
Thanks Rebecca. I loved it! I hate the modern world and this was a wonderful programme.
I really enjoyed the programme.My parents were maried in the fifties and I could almost remember our 3 bed semi which looked quite similar.It’s great to see people expressing themselves and not conforming to the modern lifestyle as we know it.My house has a fifties element to it and I love that time.Thanks for a great programme.C
I’m a big fan of this documentary strand and this was no exception. Initially just a bit quirky, there were some lovely moments of tender introspection – I’m thinking of the girl who started retro living after her mother left… Also couldn’t help but think the visual style this director explored in her 3MWs was wonderfully amplified to these larger dolls living in their bigger houses. Great stuff.
Where can I watch it?
Wow ! What an amazing programme…truly inspiring !
I’d been extremely busy and just switched on the TV purely by chance….and discovered that this delightful documentary was on…at that precise moment….sadly I missed the first few minutes / introduction.
I guess that the past is very much my world, and I’ve definitely sought refuge there from a present which I never truly felt akin to….I’ve done this for the majority of my life in fact.
I’d love to hear from fellow enthusiasts (of all eras…I’m pretty ecclectic you see !) and am keen to learn about social gatherings / events etc where like-minded individuals can meet….Are there any in the North-West of England I wonder ?
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