Brass Eye
Ahead of the release of Oxide Ghosts and premiere at Leaf, Getintothis’ Paul Fitzgerald looks back on the impact on popular culture of Brass Eye.
Michael Cumming is set to bring his new film Oxide Ghosts to Liverpool for a screening and Q&A at Leaf on September 20.
Celebrating the 20 year anniversary of Brass Eye which he directed, Oxide Ghosts is a collection of unscreened and uncut outtakes from the series.
Like many of the greatest comedies, Brass Eye didn’t hang around. It arrived in 1997 after some protracted legal wrangles, with more than a little earnest concern from Channel 4 executives. It’s interesting to note that there were only six episodes broadcast (followed four years later with a one off episode, the brilliant Paedogeddon).
For all its brevity, this brash and sharp, fast-edit parody of sensationalist news coverage, narcissistic celebrity culture and moral outrage certainly left its mark. It’s fair to say that Chris Morris and his team re-wrote the rule book for satirical broadcasting simply by breaking many of the (usually unspoken) rules which existed at the time.
Complex legal issues dictate that Oxide Ghosts will never see a full commercial release, and the original production company spent some time after the series engaged in the paying of more than a handful of fines. Morris himself is notoriously publicity shy, but has seen the film and given it his blessing.
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As well as the screening of Oxide Ghosts, Michael Cumming, an engaging and affable character, will also be present for a Q&A hosted by actor and musician Mike Neary. The evening holds much promise for fans of this innovative and bold comedy series.
Oxide Ghosts will be screened at Leaf on September 20. Leaf also sell Cake. Shocking.
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