SLIFF 2010 Review: THE BRITISH IN BED

If you’re going into THE BRITISH IN BED thinking you’ll be treated to a XXX-type exploitation type film (maybe Benny Hill romps too racy for TV), then you’ll be a bit disappointed. On the other hand, you may be delightfully surprised by this simply made documentary that explores relationships via eight diverse couples. They differ in age, ethnicity, and sexuality, but all speak candidly from the comfort of their cozy boudoirs.

We first meet Alf (84) and Miriam (74) who have been married for 49 years. As he explains their life, she tends to throw in little wisecracks , while he is lightly amused. At the other end of the spectrum  there’s a young black couple, Khadijah (17) and Tariro (18) who have been together for a few months and seem still a bit tentative with each other. One of the more colorful couples is Peter (67) and Rumy (48) whose great desire for each other is tested by her Eastern European family (particularly a teenage daughter from her previous marriage). Mo (52) and Pete (53) married 52 years seemed to have grown up together and share a tissue as they tear up talking about the loss of a newborn twin and contending with her medical issues. Harismrren (26) and Jujhar (28) talk openly of their attraction for each other (surprising since they seem to be part of a culture that usually suppresses such talk). Irene (52) and Danny (76) married 52 years openly talk of his need of medical help to sexually perform. A gay couple, Sam (23) and Dean (21) give their definition of infidelity. The most candid couple may be Chris (49) and Jessica (53). She believes that he has lost desire for her, while Chris ties to convince otherwise. Jessica admits to a lack of paternal instinct and now lavishes her attention on beading and her many pets. I’d be interested to know if they were able to work through these problems.

The film was shot simply with long establishing shots of the couples sitting up in bed and addressing the camera. Occasionally we will see a close up of them holding hands and shots of the rest of their homes (kitchen, framed pictures) and the exteriors of their bedroom windows.There’s no film making breakthroughs here, but you might enjoy spending an hour with these couples and their takes on relationships British style.

THE BRITISH IN BED will play during the 19th Annual Stella Artois St. Louis International Film Festival on Saturday, November 13th at 5:15 pm at the Plaza Frontenac Cinema.