Albatross

Plot synopsis:
Emelia Conan Doyle (Jessica Brown Findlay), a rebellious teenage dropout who believes she is a descendant of Arthur Conan Doyle, takes a job as a cleaner in a seaside hotel owned by Jonathan Fischer (Sebastian Koch). Jonathan is a writer from Germany who has struggled with writer's block since his successful first novel, The Cliff House, was published 21 years before. He lives in the hotel with his wife Joa (Julia Ormond) and two daughters, Beth, 17, (Felicity Jones) and Posy, 6. Jonathan is constantly sequestered in the attic working on his writing, leaving the hotel to be run by Joa. Their marriage is stormy as Joa is unhappy about Jonathan's lack of success in his profession and his disconnected parenting. Meanwhile, Emelia has lived with her grandparents since her mother committed suicide.
On her first day of work, Emelia catches Jonathan masturbating in the attic. She meets Beth, who is applying to study medicine at Oxford. Beth invites Emilia to dinner with the family, during which Emelia reveals she is writing a novel but is struggling to live up to the Conan Doyle name. Later, Jonathan offers Emilia creative writing lessons. They conduct their lessons secretly in the attic. One day, Jonathan drives Emelia to the grave of Arthur Conan Doyle. The two eventually begin a romantic relationship. Meanwhile, Emelia teaches Beth to explore her rebellious side and the two become best friends.
Emelia accompanies Beth to Oxford for her interview. On the first night they go out for a drink and end up partying with other students. Beth has casual sex with one of the men. They return to her accommodation the next morning to find out that the interview has been moved to that day itself. Beth exits the interview feeling nervous but receives encouragement from Emelia.
After returning from Oxford, Emelia begins feeling guilty about her affair with Jonathan and starts distancing herself from him. She also deals with the death of her grandmother. Days after the funeral, Beth falls ill, which Emelia suspects to be morning sickness. Emelia gets her a pregnancy test from the pharmacy. As she drops off the test in Beth's room, Jonathan calls her to the attic. Emelia tells Jonathan she has given up trying to write a novel and admonishes him for not living a single day since writing The Cliff House. Meanwhile, Joa catches Beth with the pregnancy test, which indicates she is not pregnant. Emelia returns to Beth's room while Joa angrily informs Jonathan about Beth and chastises his parenting again. A disheartened Jonathan admits his affair with Emelia. Enraged, Joa yells "... you have been fucking our daughter's best friend?", which is overheard by Beth. Joa kicks Jonathan out of the house.
The following day at school, Emelia tries to reconcile with Beth, but Beth rejects her advances and tells her she is not a Conan Doyle. That night, Emelia questions her grandfather (Peter Vaughan) about this, and he reveals that her mother lied to her about being a descendant of Arthur Conan Doyle. However, he encourages her to pursue her dream of writing, explaining that the Conan Doyle name was an albatross around her neck which has now been lifted.
Jonathan gives Emelia his laptop and encourages her to continue writing. She begins writing her novel using the laptop. One day, while having her work printed at a photocopy shop, she sees Beth (who is being driven to Oxford by Jonathan) across the street wearing Emelia's "I Put Out" top. Emelia smiles and waves, but Beth only looks back coldly and quickly gets back into the car. In the car, Beth looks at her shirt and smiles. Emelia rides off on her bicycle with a draft of her novel titled "Albatross".

Tags: atmospheric

Review:
Introducing a new mega-star: Jessica Brown Findlay.
Albatross is one of those films.The story follows Emelia, a rebellious, seductive and intelligent teenager played by Brown Findlay.
Taking a job as a cleaner at a guest house, Emelia befriends the teen daughter of the house, begins an affair with the husband and gets scowled at by the wife and mother of the family who live there.Alternating between comedy and drama, the film has an awkward tone.
The writer Tamzin Rafn claims it was written as a comedy but there are only occasional really funny moments.
Instead, it is the drama that is more gripping with a range of characters who are trapped in miserable lives in a beautiful but dead-end location.
Filmed with a great eye for scenery on the breathtaking coast of the Isle of Man by director of photography Jan Jonaeus, the narrative takes in the kids on the beaches, the family in the guest house and most notably Emelia and new friend Beth.
But these disparate people all appear confined and resigned to unfulfilling and disappointing existences.Emelia's snarky way with words brightens and amuses what could be a depressing film.
There are laughs to be had and there is hope for a better life for many of the characters, but the film is dealing with some serious issues like Alzheimer's, suicide and unfulfilled potential.
Perhaps director Niall MacCormick saw an opportunity to inject more drama into what could have been a fluffier lightweight British comedy and went for it.The cast are all excellent, Sebastan Koch all guilty nervous ticks, Julia Ormond neglected, spiteful and probably the saddest character in the story.
But Felicity Jones and Jessica Brown Findlay carry the weight of the film and are believable opposites, angel and devil, bookworm and loose cannon.
It is the moments spent with Emelia's grand parents that help to explain the actions of this troubled young woman and will keep audiences sympathising with what could have been a one-dimensional typical teen tearaway.See it for the scenery, the performances and for the drama.
Writer Tamzin Rafn and star Jessica Brown Findlay attended a screening and answered questions from the assembled audience on Monday (03/10/11) night.
I wonder why Comedy isn't added in this film's genre 'cause I found most of the dialogues comical.As everyone saying, there is no exaggeration about Jessica Brown Findlay's acting, she was adorable and the other characters including 12 year old and old guys acted very fine.Humans make mistakes but realizing those and not repeating them is the important part.
This is what I understood from the film.So, I give this movie 10 out of 10 'cause I totally loved it..
And all the moguls with the money should line up to honor Jessica Brown-Findlay who took a cleverly written part and turned it into an award winning performance.
Keep your eye out for Jessica Findlay-Brown, a star in the making..
Jessica Findlay Brown, who is starting to make a name for herself by shining in Downton Abbey is a truly sensational young actress who people should certainly keep an eye on, give it a few years and she'll be everywhere I suspect.
Albatross is a film which kind of reminded me of another British film of late, Tamara Drewe, the plot line of both ate very similar, but this film has a great drama and family aspect to it also, that's not to say it's not funny either because it is.
The film starts off somewhat confusing, you don't know where it's headed but it's not long til you get the hang of the direction and you just enjoy the ride, the story is about a social misfit who imposes herself on a family in desperate need of a kick start, she befriends the teenage daughter, wonderfully played by the luminous Felicity Jones, starts a brief affair with the father and comes head to head with the high strung mother.
The affair plot line is what reminds me of Tamara Drewe, this is the plot line I found the least interesting but hey the movie has so many great scenes it's hard not to enjoy.The performances are pretty good all round, Brown and Jones are the standouts though, I did find the Julia Ormond character to be an absolute annoyance, and somehow I think the character would have been different if played by a nicer actress, I'm not saying she's not good but I'd rather see someone else in this role.This really is Jessica Findlay-Brown's film all the way, she owns every scene she is in, she steals the show all the way through, the film is just give or take, it's not gonna change your life but you aren't going to hate it either, it will sure brighten up your day though.
This film depicts a dysfunctional family owning a Bed and Breakfast house in a coastal British town.
The father wrote a wildly successful novel many years ago, and the family lives off his early success.
I need a clear explanation.We do see a glimpse of it late in the film, when he verbalizes the fact that he doesn't really respect his daughter's blandness, so maybe I am overlooking that.Yes, like other reviewers have stated, that Jessica Brown has talent, and will undoubtedly have some future acting success, or popularity.
She pulled off a character with at least two dimensions, and did it well.Even if his wife wasn't such a "shrew," as they called her during the film, it is hard for a man to resist the attention of a young, adoring woman, as they aptly depict here.
Good scenery, poignant interaction between grandparents and granddaughter, and just the right amount of comedy and sex..
There are some characters in this film, there really are, and they are all so very different, and, at the same time, very alike.
Emilia, at times quite brilliantly played by Jessica Brown Findlay, is the superficially confident teen who commands the scene and will not be put down easily.
Beth, well played by Felicity Jones, is the girl who likes the rebel instinct of Emilia, but is waiting on a place at Oxford.
Beth's parents own a hotel/guest house proceeds from the only book her father has successfully authored.
There is much friction between Beth's parents.The plot develops around the friendship between Emilia and Beth, and then between Emilia and Beth's father, and takes us down a number of diversionary routes until we get to the revelations that make the story tie up its loose ends.Not entirely satisfactory or convincing as a film but it has some promising acting from its younger stars.
Emelia Conan Doyle (Jessica Brown Findlay) claims to be a descendant of the great writer Arthur Conan Doyle.
He has combative wife Joa (Julia Ormond), bookish daughter Beth (Felicity Jones), and six year old Posy.
Emelia claims to be a writer but she can't live up to her family name.
As Jonathan mentors her, they begin an affair.Jessica Brown Findlay and Felicity Jones are both lovely although this movie may be better if there is a darker, sexier edge.
The story suggests an eroticism that this movie does not have despite Findlay flashing her boobs comically.
Amazing Breakout Performance by Jessica Brown-Findlay!.
..I just wanted to jump on the Jessica Brown-Findlay bandwagon here as her performance was beyond amazing...it's not often you are able to witness that special moment when you just know that the young actress you are watching is most certainly destined to become a major star...such is the case with Jessica Brown-Findlay in Albatross...not only does she steal the film and every scene in which she appears, she complete enchants and beguiles you with her charm,wit,charisma and screen presence.
Her power is such that without her, this would have been a typical coming of age story of young girl/woman....she single-handedly captures your undivided attention, inspires your romantic fascination with youth, beauty, and a vitality & passion for living life to the fullest...I challenge any male from 18 to 80 not to fall at least a little in love with her...must see!.
It is up to the viewer to determine in what other ways the title refers to burdens the characters must bear.Albatross is a delightful film.
This British film is a drama filled with comedy.
'Albatross' tells the story of a dysfunctional family (living in the Isle of Man) and all the cliches are on display: louche, middle-aged writer as a father; sympathetic, intelligent daughter; troubled, troublesome and sexy daughter's best friend; younger child with the knack of saying inappropriate things; mother-turned-harridan by the stresses of keepinng them all together.
The ending is also bizarre, the "best friend" has supposedly wanted to be a writer, but having done nothing to encourage us to take that ambition seriously, the film suddenly asks it to serve as the crux of the its dramatic climax.
Now and again a quiet little British movie pops up to remind us just how well the Brits know how to mix comedy and compassion.
The film is blessed with a very fine cast (especially the blossoming of young actress Jessica Brown Findlay - remembered for her ongoing impressive role as Lady Sybil in 'Downton Abbey') and for the breathtaking scenery of the Isle of Man. There is comedy here to be sure but here are other lessons about family and friendship and relationships that are importantly placed in perspective.Cliff House is the Bed and Breakfast run by a dysfunctional family: the bitter mother Joa (Julia Ormond), her writer's block housebound husband Jonathan (Sebastian Koch) who wrote a book Cliff House 10 years ago and nothing since, bookish teenager Beth (Felicity Jones) and young Posy (Katie Overd).
Into their lives pops Emelia, a rebellious, seductive and intelligent teenager whose sole claim to fame is her apparent ancestor Arthur Conan Doyle (she dreams of becoming a writer to carry on her legacy).
Emelia takes a job as a cleaner at the B&B, befriends Beth - drawing her out of her mousy self perception in to the throes of early adulthood, begins an affair with Jonathan and gets scowled at by Joa. Emelia's only living family (her mother committed suicide recently) are her grandparents - Granny (Hazel Douglas) suffers from Alzheimer's Disease and Grandpa (the always superb actor Peter Vaughan - for whom she holds deep affection and caring.Beth is due to travel to Oxford for interview and despite the misgivings of Joa and the now lovesick Jonathan, Emelia accompanies Beth to the interview, there discovering the wilds of being raw and naughty.
The albatross of the title refers to the baggage each character carries, not just Emelia's name legacy The depth of friendships are tested - and survive.Without exception the cast is first rate - Ormond and Koch are already established stars and Jessica Brown Findlay and Felicity Jones prove they are on their way to become very important actresses.
This is a beautiful little film to watch and to think about.
Another film having a reasonable story spoilt by pandering to a specific audience..
Visually it was lovely and the performances were fine but something still grated with me.For example can someone please tell me why does Emelia start an affair with Jonathan?
Yet this vivacious beautiful young woman greets his first advances seemingly with an almost casual: 'yeah alright then.'Let's go through the possibilities:Starved of male company – no she has a boyfriend her own age and almost as feckless as she is.It's a 'The hand that rocks the cradle' plot line – obviously not as the story pans out differently.She's looking for a father figure after losing hers at a young age – possibly but aren't these relationships born out of love, admiration, respect?
Because she didn't really - she just progressed into having an affair.)So if it not clear why she does this, then the rest of the film will go about telling you – right?
As far as I can see the story proceeds traditionally, both young girls absorbing each other's worlds and developing because of it.The only conclusion I can come to is that it was prerequisite to have negative male characters throughout the film and boy have we got a few.
Colluding in the great deception that eventually shatters her bond with her best friend?I'm interested to find out whether the original script contained the elements above that I'm whining about or had to be inserted, at the producer's request (in order to find an audience), during the 'development' stage.This is one of the problems facing the British film industry – they don't have the luxury of simply telling a good engrossing story – they have to try and guarantee an audience to backers by aiming it fairly and squarely at a specific audience.
Very true but as many fine film makers have demonstrated you can find an audience without spoiling the story and pandering to needs of a select group..
Summary- Seventeen year old girl, wears a conservative, repressed wardrobe which is indicative of her personality and demeanor.Said teen, meets a 'rebel without a clue type,' provocatively dressing, teen girl-friend, who is related to Arthur Conan Doyle and wants to be a writer.
Said teen girl, much to the chagrin of her mother, and pleasure of her father, adopts a similar slutty wardrobe.
Father proceeds to have an affair with slutty friend.
Said teen proceeds to have terrible falling out with slutty friend over heretofore mentioned affair.
The story centers round the lives of the two girls Emelia played by Jessica Brown Finlay and Beth played by Felicity Jones both extremely beautiful girls, Jessica bears striking similarity to both Megan Fox and Rachel McAdams.
Emelia is a girl whose live is filled with bittersweet moments she works in The Cliff House the B&B owned by Beth's parents as a cleaner while living with her grandparents and her grandmother suffers from Alzheimer's.
Emelia has a daring and fun approach to life while being sarcastically funny on the way.
She goes on to have an affair with Beth's father the struggling writer which makes you feel is due to her lack of a father figure in her life.
This part is very well played by Jessica Brown Findlay who is not only beautiful but a talented actress.
What really struck me was the scene in which Emelia questions her Grandfather played by the wonderful Peter Vaughan about if her surname is really Conan-Doyle the emotion is very moving to say the least and its a pivotal scene in the film where Emelia starts anew and becomes happy in her life, that everythings going to be OK.Beth is a studious girl, quiet and composed.
Beth wishes she could be daring and bold like Emelia.
She is sandwiched between her bickering parents played by Julia Ormond as the pushy mother and Sebastian Koch her struggling writer father.
A part also well played by Felicity Jones and contrasts well to Jessica's Emelia performance the both compliment each others performance.The scenery is breathtaking the sunsets lights the film and fits the mood that trying to be put across and the theme of the film e.g. The girls are ending one chapter of the their lives and entering another.
The ending was OK but I felt the could of shown a lot more, but overall I liked this film a lot my congratulations to Cast,Crew,Producers an Director.
Jessica Brown Findlay: New star?
It is hardly surprising that I repeat sentiments expressed in previous comments about the arrival of a great new British talent, I refer, of course, to Jessica Brown Findlay.
In what would have otherwise been an unremarkable coming-of-age movie Findlay( 'Emelia') manages to transform the mundane.
This lady's love affair with the camera and her audience was so complete that I felt sorry for that other rising British starlet, her co-star, Felicity Jones ('Beth').
It reminded me of the way that an emerging Angelina Jolie took over 'Girl Interrupted'much to the chagrin of the film's major star Winona Ryder.
The film has some solid character acting from such stalwarts as Peter Vaughan as Emelia's wise old granddad, Julia Ormand as Beth's embittered mother and Sebastian Koch, as Beth's one-book-wonder father with a midlife crisis.
Good writing also, that broadens the characters and gradually enables the viewer to realise that it is not only Emelia who carries an 'albatros' that is stunting her ambition but all those around her are also burdened in some manner that is preventing them from moving on.
One wonders if the studio, realising that the hitherto unknown JBF was becoming a star (Downton Abbey), had decided to rework the film and publicity to reflect her new status.
A person with a great burden is said to have "an albatross around their neck"..
Jessica Brown Findlay is Emelia, and her last name is Conan Doyle.
She fancies herself as the great granddaughter of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, creator of the Sherlock Holmes character.
This is her albatross, she expects great things of herself as a writer, but at 17 (actually in her 20s) she seems to be out of sorts, not happy with her writing or where her life is taking her.She needs to earn a living.
So she takes a menial job cleaning rooms at a local inn owned by a writer who once had a famous book some 20 years earlier.But there she meets the daughter of that family, Felicity Jones (actually in her 20s also) as 17-yr-old Beth, who is a rules- follower, unlike Emelia who knows no rule.
They form a bond of sorts which eventually is strained when Emelia flirts with then begins an affair with Beth's author dad.
Also the Isle of Man, where this was filmed.So the arc of the story involves Emelia getting the albatross off her neck, and the start was finding out her real last name was Doyle, and not actually related to the famous author.