It Couldn't Happen Here

Set against the backdrop of 1980s Britain, It Couldn't Happen Here is a surreal cinematic journey that merges music, drama, comedy and adventure, starring Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe, better known as the iconic synth-pop duo, Pet Shop Boys. The movie, directed by Jack Bond, offers an offbeat and often humorous commentary on the cultural landscape of the time.

The film takes its title from the Pet Shop Boys' second studio album "Actually," using the track "It Couldn't Happen Here" as its prominent theme. It commences with an overture to the peculiar and eccentric tone that characterizes the entire film. Viewers are immediately introduced to Tennant and Lowe, but not in their familiar roles as pop musicians rather, they traverse through Britain, encountering a diverse set of characters and absurd situations, set to the rhythm of their classic hits.

In the movie, the duo undertakes a road trip across Britain, starting from the desolate and bleak seaside resort of Clacton-on-Sea, moving through the towns and cities, encapsulating perfectly the grittiness contrasted with the glitz of the era, serving as a unique and artsy time capsule of 1980s UK. They experience a series of surreal escapades and meet a colorful range of peculiar characters, played by a stellar and diverse cast, including renowned actor Joss Ackland and comedian Barbara Windsor, effectively tapping into the quirky British humor.

The film's narrative defies linear storytelling by embracing a wildly episodic and almost dreamlike structure, with a succession of scenarios that seem drawn from the subconscious. Bond expertly uses Pet Shop Boys' music score combined with the unique cinematography to maintain a certain rhythm and continuity throughout the film. The soundtrack is peppered with Pet Shop Boys’ hits, and the film retains an immersive music video-esque vibe. Every surreal encounter and strange event unfolds to the duo's iconic music, making this an auditory as well as a visual treat.

Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe deliver performances that demonstrate their profound understanding of their roles. As they encounter a myriad of challenges and peculiar individuals such as a blind priest, dancing ploughmen, militant groups, and even intrusive journalists, they maintain strikingly deadpan expressions, almost breaking the fourth wall. This meta-commentary adds another layer to the film's unique charm, as the musicians wryly acknowledge the often absurd nature of celebrity life.

At its core, It Couldn't Happen Here is an avant-garde commentary on fame, pop culture, social and political scenes of the 1980s. It amalgamates fantastical elements with recognizably real, hard-hitting attributes of the era, encompassing maritime disasters, socio-political tensions, and celebrity culture, seamlessly blending it with the duo's dry wit and iconic music.

Director Jack Bond, popular for his experimental filmmaking style, paints a vivid, surreal picture of Britain through this movie. His knack for visual storytelling transcends norms and presents viewers with a film that is as much an art piece as it is an unconventional narrative of two traveling musicians. Inspired by the theatrical elements of British comedy, the film brilliantly weaves in satirical elements to expose the often bewildering aspects of society.

While the movie functions as a musical tribute to Pet Shop Boys' unique synth-pop sound, it also serves as an exploration of Britain in the 1980s. The locations captured through unique camera angles and cinematography capture the essence of the country's varying landscapes and cityscapes.

The editing and aesthetic choices of the movie perfectly encapsulate the experimental film and music video techniques of the time, with an abundance of creative cuts, vivid colors, and dramatic contrasts that continuously surprise and intrigue. The film’s design, costuming, and staging also reflect the group’s distinctive, theatrically-inclined style, contributing further to the film’s stunning visual appeal.

In its entirety, the film exists as a sublime collision of visual and auditory spectacle. It Couldn't Happen Here is a courageous and stylistically bold endeavor which does not shy away from entering the realm of the surreal and the absurd. It is an immensely creative piece that pushes boundaries while maintaining its link to the socio-cultural context from which it emerged. For fans of the Pet Shop Boys or lovers of unconventional storytelling, this film offers a meandering journey through a surreal British landscape. Its timelessness lies in its innovative narrative, the iconic synth-pop soundtrack, and the portrayal of social issues which resonate even today.