Here's a question: is the “spirit of the Blitz” that’s become one of the pillars of British self-identity actually a myth? The idea of ordinary people coming together in a moment of collective resilience during WWII is invoked regularly in UK politics and beyond. There might be more to that story than meets the eye, though, according to Blitz – the astonishing new historical drama from revered British artist Steve McQueen. The film forefronts the experiences of people of colour and other marginalised communities during the notorious London bombings – people who were excluded from that togetherness, often with violent force. Instead of the “stiff upper lip” that Britain has since proudly woven into its self image, Blitz teases a more feral reality, full of community, yes, but also opportunistic criminals robbing the dead and sex on the tube tracks of Stepney Green underground station.
In this spoiler conversation, Steve breaks down what’s fact and what’s fiction when it comes to this mythologised part of British history – and how he turned it into a cinematic experience unlike any other in modern memory.
Script Apart is hosted by Al Horner and produced by Kamil Dymek. Follow us on Instagram, or email us on thescriptapartpodcast@gmail.com.
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