Michael Palin in Ely

​Michaela and I were invited by our media studies teacher and Film Cub co-ordinator Mr. Stenner, out of the blue, to see Michael Palin in Ely cathedral. We didn’t know much about Michael Palin, so we were given The Missionary and A Fish Called Wanda to watch so that we would know something about his film career. My dad knew of Michael Palin from his work in Monty Python in the 1970s, and his documentaries about trains and Europe, but after spending some time Googling his films, I knew a lot more.

We turned up at the Cathedral early and joined the queue to have our books signed by Michael who sat at a small desk in the entrance to the Cathedral. We were wearing our Film Club tee shirts which we were sent for free. The tickets were £15, but we were on a guest list, so we felt quite special! Michael Palin’s book was called half Way to Hollywood, and I have read it from cover to cover since the visit because he was so interesting to listen to. The stage was set up very professionally with big screens in three parts of the Cathedral. Mark Kermode, who is a film critic on Five Live, interviewed Michael with great skill, allowing him to reflect on some of the funnier aspects of his film career.

There were many funny stories, the best about how the ex Beatle, George Harrison, didn’t like the script for A Private Function, despite Michael thinking it was some of his best work! Michael did a good Liverpool accent. I did not know how much money George had put into the British film industry. The thing I liked best about the interview were the clips of Michael’s films, which were projected onto the screens - they really helped to explain why Michael was respected in the film world. I found the clip about Brazil very scary and have decided to watch this film for myself.

When Film Club starts up after half term (we meet during the Autumn and Winter every second week at Soham Village College) we will give a talk to the club about what we did, and we will watch The Missionary, which turned out to be Michael’s favourite film. The great thing about Film Club is that we watch movies that most people of our age know little about - films from over 10 years ago and ones from places like Japan. I would like to say a big thank you to Film Club for arranging this really interesting visit, and for the cool tee shirt!

Rebecca
Film Club member
Soham Village College
Ely

Watch the interview on Bafta's website