#1177b: McQUEEN, Steve: Lovers Rock (2020)

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McQUEEN, Steve (United Kingdom)
Lovers Rock [2020]
Spine #1177b
Blu-ray


Suffused with the intoxicating sounds of reggae, dub, and lovers rock, the second installment in Steve McQueen’s Small Axe series unfolds over the course of one rapturous night into dawn in early-1980s West London, as a young woman (the luminous Amarah-Jae St. Aubyn) sneaks out to attend a house party. As the alternately languorous and ecstatic rhythms pulse from a homemade sound system, romance sparks on the dance floor, small human dramas play out, and, for a moment, this gathering is a safe haven from the outside world. Aided by the sensuous cinematography of Shabier Kirchner, McQueen captures an exhilarating expression of Black joy in a society often intent on stifling it.

73 Minutes
Color
5.1 Surround
1:78:1
Criterion Release 2023

Director/Writers

Screenplay by Courttia Newland and Steve McQueen.
McQueen was 51 when he directed Lovers Rock.

The Film

a

Film Rating (0-60):

60

The Extras

The Booklet

Thirty-two page booklet featuring an essay by film programmer and critic Ashley Clark.

Commentary

None.

Conversation

Between McQueen and writer and professor Paul Gilroy.

Behind-the-scenes featurettes

Including interviews with McQueen, executive producer Tracey Scoffield, writing consultant Alex Wheatle, and members of the Small Axe cast.

Uprising (2021)

A three-part documentary codirected by McQueen and James Rogan about the tragic 1981 New Cross house fire.

Audio conversation

Among McQueen, music producer Dennis Bovell, and Beastie Boys member Mike D.

Trailers

Extras Rating (0-40):

39

60 + 39 =

By Spine #

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