Hollow Reed (1996)

Following the break-up of his marriage after revealing his homosexuality, GP Martin Wyatt loses custody of his son Oliver to his now ex-wife Hannah and her new partner Frank. It is not long... See full summary »

Director:

Angela Pope

Writers:

Neville Bolt (story), Paula Milne

Stars:

Sam Bould, Martin Donovan, Ian Hart

1 win & 6 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Sam Bould	...	Oliver Wyatt
Martin Donovan	...	Martyn Wyatt
Ian Hart	...	Tom Dixon
Joely Richardson	...	Hannah Wyatt
Jason Flemyng	...	Frank Donally
Shaheen Khan	...	Dr. Razmu
Kelly Hunter	...	Jamie's Mother
Tim Crouch	...	Site Foreman
Jane Hill	...	Record Shop Girl
Glen Hammond	...	Unemployed Youth
Simon Chandler	...	Mr. Bugler
Dilys Hamlett	...	School Nurse
Andy Rashleigh	...	Dr. Ian Slater
David Calder	...	Martin's Lawyer
Maeve Murphy	...	Sgt. Curtis

Storyline

Following the break-up of his marriage after revealing his homosexuality, GP Martin Wyatt loses custody of his son Oliver to his now ex-wife Hannah and her new partner Frank. It is not long, however, until Oliver appears at the house of Martin and his new lover Tom claiming to have been beaten up by boys in the park. After another incident, Martin puts two and two together and comes to the conclusion that Frank has been beating Oliver without Hannah's knowledge. Martin then begins a long courtroom custody battle to win back his son.

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Plot Keywords:

custody | partner | boy | custody battle | beating | 

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Taglines:

Something has come between Hannah and Martin that will change their lives forever.

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Genres:

Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for violence including child abuse, a strong sex scene and language

Details

Country:

UK Germany Spain

Language:

English

Release Date:

18 April 1997 (USA)

Also Known As:

Believe Me

Filming Locations:

Bath, Somerset, England, UK

Box Office

Gross:

$62,818 (USA) (2 May 1997)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Channel Four Films, Eurimages, Euro Media Guaranties

Technical Specs

Runtime:

104 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Goofs

A crew member can be seen in a mirror in the hallway when Dr. Wyatt goes through the hall, and up the stairs in Ollie's school and the other school boys are coming down the stairs. When the crew member turns his head toward the camera position, you can see he's wearing headphones.

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Connections

References Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977)

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Soundtracks

"But Not For Me"
Written by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin
Performed by Elvis Costello

User Reviews

Excellently Crafted Drama

The script for "Hollow Red" is finely written, with fully dimensional characters, believable situations, and sharp plot twists.

The acting is faultless, with the entire cast bringing poignant character realizations to their work.

The direction, editing, and scoring all contribute to a moving drama. One is absorbed from beginning to end, and experiences a cathartic feeling at the finale.

The only aspect which may date this film a bit is the British courtroom attitude toward the homosexual lifestyle. In that respect, it roots itself in the late '90s. However, even that element is historically honest and truthful.

A fine film from English contemporary cinema.