The book and the film tell the true story of Helen Macdonald's grief upon the death of her much loved father and of her relationship with a goshawk that she trained. She was a Cambridge academic - quite highly strung and disorganised but happy - until the day her father died.
In a way, the goshawk became her remedy for the pain of losing her father but the relationship she forged with this wild creature became a kind of torment that threatened to drive her to the edge of madness.
Helen's central role in the film was given to the English actress Claire Foy who I believe starred in "The Crown" - though I never saw one moment of that yukky nonsense. Claire Foy was brilliant in "H is for Hawk", acting with sensitivity, reserve and full commitment to what was a very challenging role. So very different from back in 2014 when she played Janet Shearon, wife of American astronaut Neil Armstrong, in the biopic "First Man".
I understand that Claire Foy put in many hours familiarising herself with goshawks so that when it's just her and the bird on screen, the relationship appears very believable.
I just heard of this film and now I'd like to see it!
ReplyDeleteI have this book on my library list. It's doubtful I'll ever watch the film, but perhaps I need to read the book sooner rather than later. I'm glad the film lived up to your expectations.
ReplyDeleteI really liked the book and I'd like to see the film. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteStarvation? Okay, I'll be here.
ReplyDeleteI have given up going to the cinema here, the nearest is a bus ride away and the film always manages to finish just in time for me to miss the home bus so I have to wait another half hour.
The role must have really been challenging, and it is good to know Claire Foy mastered it. As you say, she starred in "The Crown", but I would not call that series "yukky nonsense" - I quite enjoyed it, seeing it as a piece of (almost) contemporary history and well worth watching, regardless of one's personal view of monarchy in general and the British royals in particular.
ReplyDeleteA 45 minute walk, then sitting down to enjoy a film, followed by another 45 minutes walk back sounds like a very good way to spend an afternoon! (Assuming it was an afternoon.)
Funnily enough this morning I saw that a prosecution against a gamekeeper for killing a Hen Harrier had been successful in York. So many wild birds are killed because of the profitable sport of shooting grouse. So films like 'H' for Hawk should carry the message that these birds are precious. Mark Kermode is a good critic always enjoy his broadcasts.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy listening to Mark Kermode and his recommendations. I like watching Claire Foy.
ReplyDeleteWe really should see more movies.
ReplyDeleteI TRIED to read that book several times and could not do it. I'm not sure why. Perhaps I should try again.
ReplyDeleteYou certainly are thinking about birds a lot lately. Maybe your connection with your neighbor and kestrels has increased your interest.
ReplyDeleteTo bond with any wild creature, and then write about it ...
ReplyDeleteThe Goshawk by TH White. Ring of Bright Water by Gavin Maxwell.
Amigo by Byrd Baylor - how the writer tried to tame a prairie dog.
The Last Bear by Hannah Gold. Polar Bears.
Wesley the Owl by Stacey O'Brien.
The Company of Owls (2024) by Polly Atkin set in the Lake District.
My Uncle George said it took at least two years for his stallions to really trust
him. Much depended on the horse's life under the previous owner and carer.
George was at the battle of Monte Cassino (Sergeant Major) looking after the
pack mules. He saw many of them die. George lived to the age of 104.
I saw Claire Foy being interviewed about this on the One Show. Looks an interesting film.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, your post prompted me to watch the trailer for the film and now I have tears in my eyes. Just from the short trailer, the film sounds really good.
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