The muddy magnificence of T in the Park provides a perfect backdrop to You Instead, a flirty, freewheeling romantic comedy from prolific Scots director David Mackenzie. There’s a hint of Richard Linklater’s Before Sunrise, a dash of Shakespeare and a flavour of Richard Lester’s Beatles movies in this tale of star-crossed lovers and rock star excess. Luke Treadaway proves that he was born to strut his stuff as indie singer Adam. Arriving at T in the Park for his gig, Adam is handcuffed to American rock band leader Morello (Natalia Tena). Frustration eventually gives way to acceptance and the stirring of genuine feelings during a long night’s journey into day in a clever, endearing romp steeped in the authentic experience of T in the Park and the acts who played there in 2010. –Glasgow Film Festival
Born and raised in Scotland, David Mackenzie started his film career making short films. He first won an award for California Sunshine (1997), a 20-minute film about a pair of small-time drug dealers that starred his younger brother, actor Alastair Mackenzie. In 1999 he won an Audience Award at the Brest European Short Film Festival for Marcie’s Dowry (1999), then in 2000, he placed second for Best Short Film at the Dresden Film Festival for Somersault (1999).
Having completed nine shorts and a documentary, Mackenzie’s first feature length film was the small budget The Last Great Wilderness (2002), which he co-wrote with his brother and Michael Tait (Alastair also starred). But David didn’t gain international attention until he wrote and directed Young Adam (2004), based on the 1954 novel by Alexander Trocchi. Starring Ewan McGregor and Tilda Swinton, the film won the Best New British Feature award at the 2003 Edinburgh International… read more
this film was a lot of fun! i wasn't expecting much but for something that was shot guerilla style during the actual t in the park festival, the cinematography, editing and improv approach to acting was admirable. and luke treadaway has a very nice face.
I enjoyed it too. It's not a great movie, but it's very charming. And I love the vibe of it.
