That Sinking Feeling (BFI Flipside) (DVD + Blu-ray) [1980]

This film is right up there with 'Nuts in May'. An absolute classic.

I loved this film when I first saw it late one night on BBC2. It was about the same time as Gregory's Girl appeared in the local cinema, and confirmed that Bill Forsyth was a major talent. This has a feel almost of a Children's Film Foundation, but with a more cynical, street-wise approach, and I was surprised that John Gordon Sinclair became a bigger star than Robert Buchanan, who leads the ensemble in this story of a group of unemployed teenagers who plan and execute a robbery from a Glaswegian factory producing stainless steel sinks. Plotting in their room or a car (which, as the camera zooms out is revealed to be up on bricks), enlisting the help of some girls to train the boys how to impersonate women (so they can distract the night watchman), drugging a baker (and then accidentally taking his van rather than a van containing some sinks), having a pile of sinks mistaken for a modern sculpture, this is fun and an indictment of Thatcherite Britain without the political hectoring prevelant at the time.Just after Gregory's Girl and Chariot's of Fire had received plaudits in the US, David Puttnam (producer of Chariots) announced that Bill Forsyth's next film after Gregory's Girl would be produced by him and star Burt Lancaster (who had just won an award for Atlantic City). Sounded so far-fetched, I checked the date on the report - only to find it was April 1st - but it was true, and Local Hero was the result. It's a great shame that that was Bill Forsyth's last big hit, but anyone who has seen any of his films should watch this to see where it really started to happen for him and hope for a comeback because we need films like this rather than the big, thoughtless action films and superhero rubbish we get today.

Saw this after Gregory's Girl because it had the same director and cast. I'm sure it's because I identified with all the guys and did some crazy stunts too. Not anything near the elaborate heist but just a bunch of young guys hanging out coming up with things to do.A brief history I found out listening to the commentary and the budget short. He,originally went to BFI with Gregory's Girl and they turned him down. Too commercial for them. Went back with this movie and they approved. He did have to secure additional funding but was able to release it. He says it's in the Guinness book for least expensive movie released commercially.To the video quality: Damn good. This was shot on 16mm and blown up to 35 mm. The grain is to be expected and the contrast and color are a good balance. Being remastered I think they may have used the original print. The soundtrack is very clear and no noticeable hiss. This is presented in the original full frame and looks correct. There was a widescreen version on Netflix but it looked wrong. Too tight on the top and bottom. I have the Laserdisc but its just one step above VHS.The bonus shorts are interesting as a history of his filmmaking. The commentary is very good and there are few gaps.Don't bother with the dubbed version. It sounds like people standing in a room talking into a Mic. Very bland.Great little movie and an affordable disc.

I checked out this DVD when a friend mentioned that he had acted in it. This was a feelgood movie, in my opinion , and a better tonic than any prescription. Witty dialogue and excellent acting from all the cast. It was interesting to see a young John Gordon Sinclair in one of his early roles. The scenes which feature the sleeping van driver were slightly overdone but all in all, an extremely enjoyable film.

Now as much a time capsule of life in Glasgow in the late 1970s, this lowest of low budget movies overcomes any production shortfalls with a great script, engaging characters and huge heart.Famous, among film buffs at any rate, as director Bill Forsythe's first film (it was made after initial funding for Gregory's Girl failed to come through) it benefits from watching though rose tinted glasses. The lack of budget, professional actors and relentless West of Scotland rain make it a less than shiny visual, but all of that is overcome the sheer joy of it. Everybody was having fun and it delivers fun to the viewer still.

Saw the newly restored BFI print at the Glasgow Film Theatre last night (15/4/14).What a difference. The video holds up pretty well, considering the age and source of the original material. The real joy was the soundtrack...the original voices are now back where they belong.The sold-out performance, presented by the BFI and introduced by Robert Buchanan (Ronnie), John Hughes (Vic), Douglas Sannachan (Simmy) and Gerry Clark (The Watchman) - Margaret McTear (Ward Nurse) who was not onstage but was in the audience - was a great success. Eagle eyed audience members also caught director Bill Forsyth, who appeared after the showing and could be found loitering on the stairs.A great, important Scottish movie, now restored to it's original glory...and belongs in every collection.

Thought I might be disappointed in comparison to Gregory's Girl, but although more low budget, cluncky and uneven, it has all the endearing characteristics that made Gregory's Girl special.

That Sinking Feeling is a lovely and hilarious film. The Blu ray picture quality is great and the special features are wonderful.