OMG, that was delightful! And if you want to see art predicting life, find a copy of Local Hero, from 1983. Trump is played by Burt Lancaster, an eccentric oil exec who sends Jared Kushner (played by Peter Riegert) to buy the coastal village of Furness to site a new refinery complex. The entire village succumbs to the lure of big, quick cash – “We won’t have anywhere to call home, but we’ll be stinkin’ rich” – except for Michael Forbes (Ben Knox, played by Fulton McKay), who owns most of the beach and resists all inducements. Oh, and don’t forget the wild party and boat load of Russians!
Unlike real life, this story has a happy ending, as everyone finds a way to have what they want. The film is an under-noticed jewel, featuring Mark Knopfler’s first film score; a very young Peter Capaldi’s second film role; Dennis Lawson (Wedge from Star Wars, Ewen McGregor’s uncle); delightful mermaid/researcher Jenny Seagrove (Jo Mills from Judge John Mills); and many other fine characters and actors.
It’s not the same as a golden showers party, but the scenes where Trump’s paid abuser show up are a real tickle, esp. these days. Great photography. A wonderful, haunting, poetic score. Written and directed by Bill Forsythe, won the '84 BAFTA for directing. Also honored by having an asteroid named after the Trump-like character Mr. Happer. And source of a line that everyone should use when encountering a hotel that can’t squeeze in two more people: “We have an injured rabbit also.”
Come for the local scenery, stay for the ceilihd.
