BEING ALAN BENNETT (60 MINUTE DOC FOR BBC2, DECEMBER 2009)
In 2009, Alan Bennett turned 75, wrote a new play and gave his entire literary archive to Oxford’s Bodleian Library. It was a year of new work…and a look back on the past. Intercut with new pieces to camera, classic clips and his own inimitable reflections on his life and work, this film follows Alan from the hushed stacks of the Bodleian Library to the chatty church hall of his local WI – via the National Theatre.
‘…Don’t miss…’, Guardian
‘…a pleasure to watch…’, Independent
‘…whatever you do…make sure you watch this doc…’, Time Out
Clip: Northern Women
For the resonance of their voices, the irony of their conversation and the humour of their furtive glances, Northern women are inimitable – and the inspiration for much of Alan Bennett’s finest work.
Clip: Bennett at the Bodleian
Alan Bennett has decided to give his entire literary archive to the Bodleian Library. Curious and a little bewildered, he is lead into the library’s subterranean maze to find out where his papers reside…