Justin Edgar finds magic formula in Special People

Nov 23 2008 by Graham Young, Sunday Mercury

WHEN Sutton Coldfield film director Justin Edgar made a short film about people with disability in 2005, it was like finding a magic formula.

Special People’s universal appeal took it to more than three dozen festivals around the world and now the expanded film of the same name is opening at Birmingham’s Electric Cinema from tomorrow until Thursday.

Jasper (Dominic Coleman) wants to further his own ambitions by filming a small group of youngsters in wheelchairs.

Since they’re streetwise enough to seemingly know more than he does, will Jasper bring the best out in them by being on their side or by prodding them – and will he learn anything about himself along the way?

Witty, politically incorrect and thought-provoking, Special People admirably concentrates on its characters throughout, though sometimes at the expense of remembering that cinema is first and foremost about engaging the eye with pictures.

If you like this, don’t miss the overlooked James McAvoy film, Inside I’m Dancing (2004).

Wheelchair users are welcome at the Electric (0121 643 7879) but do give advance notice so the ramp can be ready for you.

Sharing a theme this week is BLINDNESS (18). Directed by  Fernando Meirelles (City Of God, The Constant Gardener), this adaptation imagines society if almost the entire population is robbed of its sight. 

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