Stiff Upper Lips

Stiff Upper Lips is a British comedy film that was first released in 1997. Directed by Gary Sinyor, and starring David Artus, Kevin Furlong, and Nicholas Selby, this movie is a satirical take on the period movies of the entire generation before it, poking fun at classic romances, heroic adventures, and other uptight classics from British cinema.

The film follows the adventures of young Emily (Georgina Cates), a naive yet endearing heroine. Emily is a stereotypical English rose, living in the Edwardian countryside with her Aunt Agnes (Prunella Scales), a woman obsessed with societal norms and maintaining an appropriate upper-class façade. Aunt Agnes is deeply concerned with the marriage prospects for Emily, hoping to pair her off with the nearest available ‘suitable’ bachelor.

To assist Emily cultivate an adequate air of sophistication, Aunt Agnes, hires Cedric (Sean Pertwee), a flamboyant and worldly adventurer. However, despite society's best intentions for Emily, she finds herself drawn to George (Samuel West), the lower-class family servant, who accompanies them on their travels. Emily’s romantic interest in George does not abide by the Victorian era societal norms, exploring themes of class and romantic love outside the era's accepted boundaries.

A particular charm of Stiff Upper Lips lies within the wide variety of settings the characters traverse. The story not only crosses city bounds but navigates across continents, from the lush English countryside to the royal grandeur of India, and the untamed wilderness of South America. The use of such varied and picturesque panoramas adds to the comedic courting process and the ridiculous culture clash, resulting in a satire that is visually delightful.

Kevin Furlong and David Artus play significant roles adding to the film's comedic texture and narratives. The supporting cast includes Brian Glover, Peter Ustinov, and Frank Finlay, who bolster the parodic theme. The contribution of Nicholas Selby adds a certain gravitas to the production, further elevating the status of the film in the realm of artful satire.

One of the most memorable aspects of Stiff Upper Lips is its parody of the typical 'Merchant Ivory' type films, known for their serious, ponderous, intensely romanticized features of British upper-class life. It is less a critique of the actual classics and more a jovial nod to the films' seriousness and their engrossing dramatization of the British upper classes.

With its witty dialogue and comic characterizations, Stiff Upper Lips pokes fun at pretentiousness and the absurdity of societal rules that are often found in many period dramas. The film satirizes the often-used clichés, such as repressed emotions, the importance of status and decorum, the crippling dread of losing face, and the inevitable forbidden love between class lines.

The cinematography and costume design and set adaptations are meticulously done, maintaining the charm of period movies while pointing out their ironies. The occasional slapstick humor ensures the film remains accessible to a broader audience beyond those familiar with the classic British period dramas.

In short, Stiff Upper Lips is an underappreciated gem in the realm of British satirical cinema. The film serves as both an accurate portrayal and mockery of iconic period dramas, providing viewers with an array of comedic characters and scenarios, with a prevailing sense of British witticism. The film not only entertains but also ignites a consideration of societal norms and rituals, using satire as a tool to critique. With a energetic cast of actors bringing the riveting screenplay to life, Stiff Upper Lips is undoubtedly a film that offers a humorous yet insightful view into the establishment that often characterizes traditional British storytelling.