News - London Town
The film, which had its UK premiere at the BFI London Film Festival in October, is the tale of a 14-year old boy whose life changes forever after he is introduced to legendary punk band The Clash in 1970s London. Jonathan Rhys Meyers stars as Joe Strummer performing Clash hits that feature his own vocals and guitar playing.
England, 1979, unemployment has hit the working class suburbs of London. 14-year old Shay Barker (Daniel Huttlestone) is forced to grow up quickly as his family struggles to stay afloat in Watford, taking care of his 6-year old sister whilst his father Nigel (Dougray Scott) works two jobs. One day, Shay receives a package from his estranged mother Sandrine (Natascha McElhone) with a cassette tape enclosed featuring the newest music from London, leading him on a journey of self-discovery. When he meets 15-year old Vivian (Nell Williams) on a train who introduces him to The Clash, it doesn’t take long for him to dye his hair black and immerse himself in the punk scene.
Drawn into the heart of London’s burgeoning punk scene, Shay forges two relationships that will change his life. He falls in love with rebellious cool girl Vivian and finds an unexpected connection with The Clash’s electrifying frontman Joe Strummer. Set against the social turmoil and strikes of England’s ‘Winter of Discontent’, propelled by the blistering soundtrack that also includes music from Buzzcocks, The Ramones, The Stranglers and Stiff Little Fingers; “London Town”captures the sound and spirit of a scene that shook the country, and the world.
England, 1979, unemployment has hit the working class suburbs of London. 14-year old Shay Barker (Daniel Huttlestone) is forced to grow up quickly as his family struggles to stay afloat in Watford, taking care of his 6-year old sister whilst his father Nigel (Dougray Scott) works two jobs. One day, Shay receives a package from his estranged mother Sandrine (Natascha McElhone) with a cassette tape enclosed featuring the newest music from London, leading him on a journey of self-discovery. When he meets 15-year old Vivian (Nell Williams) on a train who introduces him to The Clash, it doesn’t take long for him to dye his hair black and immerse himself in the punk scene.
Drawn into the heart of London’s burgeoning punk scene, Shay forges two relationships that will change his life. He falls in love with rebellious cool girl Vivian and finds an unexpected connection with The Clash’s electrifying frontman Joe Strummer. Set against the social turmoil and strikes of England’s ‘Winter of Discontent’, propelled by the blistering soundtrack that also includes music from Buzzcocks, The Ramones, The Stranglers and Stiff Little Fingers; “London Town”captures the sound and spirit of a scene that shook the country, and the world.
Director Derrick Borte says: “The tragic supernova of personalities and manufactured style over substance that was The Sex Pistols necessitated the biopic Sid and Nancy but I’ve always felt like the same treatment would not be the best way to illustrate the story of The Clash. It was the music, and the effect it had (and continues to have) on others that is the true lasting power of The Clash. This is what drew me to this project. It was about a young boy discovering not only The Clash, but also befriending his new idol, Joe Strummer while experiencing first love and being thrown into a world he isn’t prepared for.”
Shot on location in East London, London Town stars Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Daniel Huttlestone, Dougray Scott, Natascha McElhone and Tom Hughes and is directed by Derrick Borte (“The Joneses”) and written by Matt Brown (“Ian Fleming”). It was produced by Sofia Sondervan, Christine Vachon and Tom Butterfield, with music produced by Steve Jordan.
Shot on location in East London, London Town stars Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Daniel Huttlestone, Dougray Scott, Natascha McElhone and Tom Hughes and is directed by Derrick Borte (“The Joneses”) and written by Matt Brown (“Ian Fleming”). It was produced by Sofia Sondervan, Christine Vachon and Tom Butterfield, with music produced by Steve Jordan.
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