12 year olds, Romeo and Gavin live next door to each other. They're the best of mates with a shared sense of humour that helps them survive in a landscape of comic losers and broken dreams. But their friendship is put to the test by a chance encounter. After a stranger saves them from being beaten up, the boys are only too happy to help their new hero and pal in his quest to date Romeo's sister. Little do they know they are being drawn into a world of dangerous obsession, desperation and violence; a world that threatens to tear the two friends apart.
From acclaimed director Shane Meadows 'A Room For Romeo Brass' is a contemporary coming-of-age story that is as funny as it is frightening.
Stills
Background
The story to A Room For Romeo Brass is semi-autobiographical.
The relationship between Romeo and Gavin in the film mirrors the
friendship of Shane and his best friend Paul Fraser (co-writer)
at that age. There was a period when Paul was confined
to bed after a serious injury, and Shane soon started to hang
around with lads a lot older than himself, getting up to allsorts
(including getting a couple of tatoos while under age). While
Paul was stuck in bed (and was off school for nearly two years),
he began writing and entered, and won a competition.
There was another long period when Shane didn't see his best friend.
Although this time it was because Shane had shot Paul in the stomach
with an air rifle!
Paul's Mum soon made sure that Shane wasn't to be hanging around
after that.
Although the story of the film is very different, it is clear
to see the inspiration.
Trivia
Co-writer, Paul Fraser was originally to play
Gavin's home Physio-therapist. Despite his scenes being filmed,
they were later removed in the edit. The final scene in the garden
originally included Paul Fraser's charcter, but because his character
no longer played a part in the film, he had to be digitally removed.
Shane Meadows appears in the film as 'Fish and Chip Shop Man' At the end of the film, there is a credit
which reads: 'Male Nurse - Shaun Fields'. You work it out!
The two pictures below show the filming of a scene which does
not appear in the final film. Gavin and Romeo are given a ride
by Gavin's Dad in his restored, model bus. His Dad's fascination
with buses doesn't really make the final film, although you can
see evidence of it in some scenes.
Links
Calverton.Homestead.com An article explaining where some scenes of A Room For Romeo Brass
were filmed in the village of Calverton. Features film stills.
Dean Rogers
Photography
Stunning collection of on-set photography from A Room For Romeo
Brass, Once Upon a Time in the Midlands, and Dead Man's Shoes.
IndieWire.com An interview from an American website circa the release of A Room
For Romeo Brass.
Britmovie.co.uk
Interview circa the release of A Room For Romeo Brass.
SplicedOnline.com Interview circa release of A Room For Romeo Brass.
CAST LIST
Paddy Considine: Morell
Ben Marshall: Gavin 'Knocks' Woolley
Andrew Shim: Romeo Brass
Julia Ford: Sandra Woolley
Ladene Hall: Carol Brass
Frank Harper: Joe Brass:
James Higgins: Bill Woolley
Vicky McClure: Ladine Brass
DVD INFO
Commentary with Shane Meadows and Paddy Considine
