Anchoress

Chris Newby’s poetic debut feature addresses the gulf between patriarchal power and female ritual and rebellion against the backdrop of a remote Medieval village.

With a cast that includes Christopher Eccleston, Pete Postlethwaite and Toyah Wilcox, Chris Newby’s (Madagascar Skin) poetic debut feature, Anchoress, is the visually arresting story of religious conflict set in the 14th century, in which a young girl’s transcendental vision threatens to upset the foundations of her community.

Inspired by the records of the real Anchoress of Shere, Christine Carpenter (who was voluntarily walled up in a tiny cell adjoining a church), Anchoress vividly evokes life in a remote Medieval village whilst also addressing the gulf between patriarchal power and female ritual and rebellion.

Featuring stunning cinematography by Michael Baudour this DVD was mastered from original negatives, and includes three short films by Chris Newby.

Special features

  • The Old Man of the Sea (1989, 21 min).
  • Flicker (2001, 4 min).
  • Stromboli (1998, 11 min).
  • Fully illustrated booklet with film essays, biography and historical documents.

Product information

    • Certificate

      12

    • Colour

      Black/white

    • Sound

      Sound

    • Running time

      104mins

    • Languages

      English

    • Subtitles

      English language, with optional hard-of-hearing subtitles

    • Original aspect ratio

      16:9

    • DVD region

      • 2 Europe (except Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus), Middle East, Egypt, Japan, South Africa, Swaziland, Lesotho, Greenland, French Overseas departments and territories

    • Catalogue number

      BFIVD788

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