Cliff Twemlow, a former Manchester nightclub doorman, was an obscure figure in the British B-movie scene. But he had big dreams of creating a Hollywood of the north in the ’80s and ’90s. Twemlow was a man of many talents – he acted in soaps, composed music, and even wrote a novel about a killer pike. After a failed adaptation of his autobiographical novel, he decided to become a filmmaker himself.
His first production, “G.B.H.” (1982), was shot on grainy, analog video and drew inspiration from the hit film “The Long Good Friday.” Twemlow played a no-nonsense nightclub doorman hired to protect a local club from a protection racket. Despite its clumsiness, the film was strangely entertaining and ahead of its time, with memorable lines like “NOBODY TELLS BIG NICK RAFFERTY WHEN HE’S HAD TOO MUCH TO DRINK!!!” Unfortunately, “G.B.H.” ended up on the infamous “video nasties” list due to censorship issues.
Twemlow’s story could have ended there, but Jake West’s documentary “Mancunian Man: The Legendary Life of Cliff Twemlow” sheds light on his creative spirit and ambitious ideas. The film paints an engaging portrait of a man with grand visions and a limited budget. While his other films were never finished or released, Twemlow’s story is one of resilience and imagination.
The documentary features interviews with those who worked with Twemlow, sharing hilarious anecdotes that highlight his failures. Despite the setbacks, the tone remains droll and affectionate, capturing the essence of an eccentric outsider artist. Twemlow’s journey is filled with car chases, wild parties, and unexpected mishaps, showcasing his determination to bring his ideas to life.
Although Twemlow’s career was not successful, the documentary reminds us of his impact and the love and admiration he received from his friends. He may not have created a masterpiece, but this film offers a glimpse into the creative mind of a man who never gave up on his dreams.
Title: Mancunian Man: The Legendary Life of Cliff Twemlow
Festival: Frightfest
Director: Jake West
Running time: 2hr 4 min
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