LFF 2020: Delia Derbyshire - The Myths And Legendary Tapes
LFFCaroline Catz' makes her feature film directorial debut in her documentary Delia Derbyshire: The Myths and Legendary Tapes, a feature-length film based on her 2018 short film of the same name, and a feature that is eloquently crafted with dear poignancy and heart and soul.
A reflective documentary on a hidden gem or an influential, albeit lost influence within a zeitgeist, is always an intriguing element to behold. A feature such as Delia Derbyshire: The Myths and Legendary Tapes is thankfully just that. It is an intriguing and immersive documentation of the titular character whose influences and, ultimately, acclaim have been lost in time.
The deconstruction of such a person is constructed two-fold. The deconstruction of Derbyshire is two-fold. Firstly, a narrative biopic starring Catz herself as the titular character offers an immersive and engaging realisation of the world Derbyshire both suffered and prospered in. Having a series of performers as characters not only deepens the enrichment of knowing Catz as a person but also understanding her plight. The performance itself from the director is nothing short of strong and full of charisma. There is a clear sense of affection and desire that Derbyshire would have embodied in her exploration and experimentation of music during such an era. Catz embodies such themes and affection lustrously, and the effects become quite intoxicating to see this passion slowly brought to life.
The second parallel narrative is a documentary of sorts that is intertwined between the linear narrative. On the surface, it could be stated that this documentary is excess of an already intriguing production. For certain audiences, it is hard to argue that this is not the case. That being said, Catz employs a searching brevity and thematic openness technique with a series of interviewees. The interviews come from people who are either influential in the story itself and are characters played by actors, or have hindsight academic knowledge of her influence. Both undoubtedly offer a unique and captivating insight that reinforces and elevates the narrative form presented from the mundane conventions usually executed.
All in all, Catz's directorial debut Delia Derbyshire: The Myths And Legendary Tapes is not necessarily something that hasn't been made or seen before. Nevertheless, it is a captivating and well-crafted documentary on both sides of the camera and affectionately shines light on an unforgotten gem.
