Broken Lines

London Film Festival Screening Monday 27th October 2008 at 8.45pm

1hr 52, UK 2008. Directed by Sallie Aprahamian. With Paul Bettany and Olivia Williams.

Jake (Dan Fredenburgh) is a young Jewish man, an affluent, successful property developer, living with his fiancée Zoe (Olivia Williams) in suburbia. The death of his father provokes him to question the relationships he has with others in his life, and draws him back to the inner-city neighbourhood of his youth, where his father owned a tailoring business. He meets B (Doraly Rosa), who is waitressing at a café he frequents, and is drawn to her. B is also in a relationship, with Chester (Paul Bettany), an ex-boxer crippled after suffering a stroke in a fight, who is becoming increasingly dependant on her.

As Jake and B have to deal with the guilt and anxiety their mutual attraction causes, they recognise that it could have the potential for them both to find true happiness. Sallie Aprahamian’s debut feature is a mature, sophisticated and assured work that deftly avoids cliché, dealing with human emotions in a realistic and honest way. Filming on the streets of Finsbury Park, Rosa and Fredenburgh contribute an effecting script while also delivering committed, impressive performances, and they are ably supported by the credible ensemble cast.

Tickets are available for this screening from the Film Festival Box Office only on 020 7928 3232. BFI members can buy tickets by post from 18 September and by phone from 24 September. Public booking opens 27 September. Tickets are not available from the Phoenix.