Skip to content

FRIENDSHIP’S DEATH (1987)

Written By:

Martin Unsworth
friendships death

This obscure British production marked the final directorial outing for celebrated film theorist Peter Wollen. Bleak and cerebral, it boasts a tour de force of acting, some still-relevant politics, and even forward-thinking technologically.

Set in September 1970, Sullivan (Bill Paterson) is a journalist covering the troubles in Jordan at the hands of the PLO. Friendship (Tilda Swinton) joins him despite having no papers or accreditation. The topics of conversation between them get very deep, particularly as she claims to be a robot from an alien planet.

Set in only two rooms, this is a claustrophobic affair. Newsreel footage is shown depicting the war-torn territory Sullivan is there to report on, banging away on an old typewriter, much to Friendship’s concern: “It’s bad for the machine.” She has no concerns about knocking back a full tumbler of whiskey, however, since she’s not built to drink. The film has an air of a filmed stage play, all talk and no action, but is completely mesmerising, thanks to Wollen’s direction and the cinematography of Witold Stok, who gained plenty of experience working on Polish documentaries.

This was only Tilda Swinton’s second film, yet her enigmatic presence is already on show. The chemistry between Swinton and Bill Paterson is electric. The former being adept at playing burnt-out, cynical characters. It’s full of metaphors, of course, but even taken on face value, it’s an absorbing, prescient watch. Comparisons to The Day the Earth Stood Still are valid, although don’t go in expecting a regular sci-fi spectacle.

The BFI Blu-ray release has some interesting extra features, including a pair of Q&A sessions conducted over Zoom during the London Film Festival 2020, where the film was screened. The chat featuring Swinton and Paterson is the most interesting, although a discussion on Wollen’s writing and politics in his films gives the viewer more insight on Friendship’s Death. Also included is one of Wollen’s best-known shorts, Frida Kahlo and Tina Modotti (1983). If you’re wanting some thought-provoking cinema, Friendship’s Death is worth a shot.

 

You May Also Like...

chinese remake of anaconda drops trailer

ANACONDA Trailer Grants First Look At Remake Of 1997 Horror Flick

Three sequels and a spinoff-crossover film wasn’t enough for the 1997 creature feature Anaconda, which not only has a new movie in development, but is getting a Chinese remake! From
Read More
black widow star scarlett johansson in talks to lead new universal jurassic world film

Scarlett Johansson In Talks To Join JURASSIC WORLD Film

Another MCU star appears to be taking up the reins for Universal’s new Jurassic World movie: two-time Oscar nominee Scarlett Johansson is reportedly in talks to lead the franchise that
Read More

Exclusive Reveal! Titan Comics to Deliver Prehistoric Hysterics in First 2 DUMB DINOS Collection

Titan Comics have exclusively revealed to STARBURST that they’re gearing up to publish the first-ever collection of the hilarious cult digital comic strip 2 Dumb Dinos, and we’re not the
Read More

New Dates For Lovecraftian Key of Dreams

Key of Dreams has announced new spaces for its titular immersive luxury horror event. The critically acclaimed company is known for its overnight experiences that dunk you into a strange
Read More

FAB Café to Host Free Film Screening of New Indie Comedy SECRETS OF A WALLABY BOY

We’re well known for our championing of truly independent filmmakers here at STARBURST, so it’s doubly exciting to be writing about one of our own! After joining the crew in
Read More
colin farrell returns as oswald cobblepot in the penguin series trailer

Colin Farrell Returns In THE PENGUIN Trailer

Colin Farrell returns as Gotham City’s answer to Tony Soprano in the first trailer for Max series The Penguin, which spins out of the world of the 2022 DC film
Read More