Crystal Gazing

Laura Mulvey and Peter Wollen’s 1982 film presents an at-once grounded yet heavily staged portrait of London, which was then in recession.

Life in Thatcherite London is viewed partly from a sci-fi perspective when seen through the lives of illustrator Neil; aspiring rock star Kim; satellite photography analyst Vermillion, and student of fairy tales Julian. Lora Logic (who also plays Kim) and Mike Ratledge provide atmospheric sounds, while different storytelling conventions highlight everyday links between the personal and political.