Manchester Film Festival, Opening Night Premiere: Painted Woman

Will Stevenson | 2nd March 2018

The renowned Manchester Film Festival has finally returned to our snow-lined streets, bringing forth an abundance of cinematic treats from around the world to the Odeon Great Northern. Kicking off the festivities with a promising UK premiere, this Thursday (March 1st) saw James Cotton (The Line, Captain Fantastic) bring his epic Western Painted Woman to the silver screen.

Led by the incredible acting talent of Stef Dawson (The Hunger Games, Creedmoria), this story of misogyny, control and eventual empowerment promised to fit seamlessly against a stunning western backdrop: it tells the story of Julie, a young, 19th century woman passed from pillar to post after the untimely death of her mother.

Filled to the brim with sombre drama, gut-wrenching visuals and nail-biting suspense – as well as a pinch of romance – it seems that the Painted Woman succeeded in fulfilling each and every criterion of ‘whirlwind adventure’.

However, it must be said that the film’s ideological foundation did leave a little to be desired. During the subsequent audience Q&A, Cotten appeared to utilise his platform to discuss what he felt was a considerable contribution – through film – to the liberation of oppressed women, a subject touched upon (in a rather limited way) throughout the feature.

Whilst clearly well-meaning, this monologue appeared somewhat patronising. if not a little naïve: cheapening any positive message that could be picked up from the production itself and further alienating any female presence within the film industry.

Just three nights before the inevitably Me Too focused Oscar ceremony, this male-directed film of female terror was perhaps slightly out of place as an opening film.

It is clear that Cotten’s strengths lie in high-budget storytelling, producing and directing. But, within the hyper-sexist nature of the contemporary film industry, I would advise that he does everything in his power to prevent the dominance of the male ego, rather than simply fuelling it.

REVIEW BY EMILY INGRAM (@eeingramwrites)

Manchester film festival  continues throughout the weekend with Shia La Bouf and Jonathan Rhys Meyers set for special appearances Friday and Saturday respectively,  alongside films from stars including the late Sir John Hurt and Catherine Tate. Tickets are available either online or at the Odeon Great Northern.