Venus (2007)

Peter O Toole and Jodie Whittaker staring at each other in front of a painting of Venus

Peter O Toole and Jodie Whittaker in front of a painting of Venus © Buena Vista International Photo Credit Nicola Dove Eyebox

Writer: Hanif Kureishi

Director: Roger Michell

Starring: Peter O’Toole, Leslie Phillips, Beatrice Savoretti, Jodie Whittaker

Production Company: Miramax, FilmFour, UK Film Council, Free Range Films

Kent Filming Locations: Whitstable and The Old Neptune Pub

From the director of Notting Hill (Roger Mitchell), Venus marks the return of Peter O’Toole and Leslie Phillips (Maurice and Ian respectively) to the big screen and  is the tale of two aging thespians who never quite hit the big time. When not working, they spend their days bickering until their lives are disrupted by Ian’s grand-niece Jessie (Jodie Whittaker) coming to stay.

Whilst she annoys Ian, Maurice is completely captivated by Jessie and proceeds to show her London’s sights. Spending time together, both learn valuable lessons from the other. Maurice soon realises that despite his age and experience he knows very little of the world and worldly wise Jessie learns the value of respect for herself and others.

A Kentish seaside town provided the location for Maurice’s last trip. After an accident, Maurice realises how frail he is and decides to return to his childhood haunts. Accompanied by Jessie, he is able to dip his toes one last time into the sea at Whitstable.

Landlord of The Old Neptune Pub Dixie Flynn said: ‘We had a great time when they filmed here last year – one of the locals was asked to sit in on one of the scenes. I expect all of us at the pub will go and see it and have a few more drinks. I heard Peter OToole on the radio saying he doesn’t care about an Oscar nomination, but he wants an Oscar. We all hope he gets it.’

The film has won numerous accolades and Peter O’Toole gained a “Best performance by an actor in a leading role” Oscar nomination for his role in the film.  O’Toole and Leslie Philips were both nominated for Baftas, for Best Actor in a leading role and best actor in a supporting role respectively.

Whitstable is a seaside town near Canterbury, famous for its annual Oyster Festival as well as the delightful harbour, shingle beach, busy high street and strong arts and culture scene.  Terry and Mason’s Great Food Trip (2015) and Tipping the Velvet (2002) have previously chosen to film in Whitstable.

Venus was released in cinemas in 2007 and is now available to purchase on DVD.

For more information about Kent’s Filming History please visit our Movie Map. 

Wasp (2003)

Wasp - Zoe walking with her 4 children around an estate on a path

Wasp screenshot © Cowboy Films

Director/Writer: Andrea Arnold

Stars: Natalie Press, Danny Dyer

Production Company: FilmFour, UK Film Council, Cowboy Films

Kent Location Used: Dartford

Wasp is an inspiring short film, written and directed by Dartford born Andrea Arnold. Zoe, a single mother, is struggling to provide for her children in 21st century Britain. When her ex-boyfriend David asks her out, she pretends she is just babysitting her children and has to balance caring for them whilst trying to rekindle her relationship with David.

The 26 minute long film won an Oscar for best short film in 2005 and has won 22 other awards since 2003.

Andrea Arnold (Fish Tank, Red Road Red Road, Wuthering Heights) directed and wrote Wasp, which stars Natalie Press (My Summer of Love, Ill Manors, Fifty Dead Men Walking) and Danny Dyer (EastEnders, The Football Factory, The Business).

Zoe looking out of her window onto the estate- a block of flats and pylons can be seen

Wasp screenshot © Cowboy Films

The film is set on a housing estate in Dartford, overlooking the QEII Bridge and industrial areas along the Thames.

Dartford is a historic market town in North Kent with a rich industrial heritage and is near to one of the largest shopping centres in Europe and the high speed rail link at Ebbsfleet. The Dartford area has hosted filming from Who Do You Think You Are? (2014) and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part One (2010).

 

For more information about Kent’s Filming History please visit our Movie Map. 


To Kill a King (2003)

Dover Castle as The Tower of London

Dover Castle as The Tower of London © FilmFour Productions

 

Director: Mike Barker

Writers: Jenny Mayew

Starring: Tim Roth, Dougray Scott, Olivia Williams, Rupert Everett

Production Company: FilmFour, IAC Film, Natural Nylon Entertainment, Rockwood Edge, Scion Films, Screenland Movieworld GmbH

Kent Filming Locations: Dover Castle, Penshurst Place

This feature film is set in 1645 at the end of the English Civil War. The rebel New Model Army has defeated the Royalist forces of King Charles I and Lord Thomas Fairfax and Oliver Cromwell emerge as heroes. Now the pair seeks to reform the crown and execute the King which leads to civil unrest.

Starring in this gripping historical drama is Tim Roth (Lie to Me, United Passions, Skellig), Dougray Scott (There Be Dragons, Doctor Who, Sinbad), Rupert Everett (Shrek, St Trinian’s, Stardust), Olivia Williams (Anna Karenina, Justin and the Knights of Valour, Sabotage) and Corin Redgrave (Spooks, Foyle’s War, The Trial of King Killers).

King Charles’s I (Rupert Everett) sitting in his chamber on a chair

The Baron’s Hall at Penshurst Place as the King’s Chamber © FilmFour Productions

The production visited Kent to film at Penshurst Place where the interiors doubled as Cromwell’s living quarters. Dover Castle doubled as The Tower of London and the castle’s tunnels were also used in the scene where Fairfax and Cromwell search for the king’s missing gold.

Penshurst Place is a 14th century building known for its historical significance and architectural beauty. It is a popular location for a number of film and television shows including The Other Boleyn Girl (2008), Merlin (2008) and The Princess Bride (1987).

Dover Castle was first built in 1160 and remains in the same condition as it was when first constructed.  Another popular filming location, the castle has welcomed productions such as, Poirot – The Clocks (2009), The Other Boleyn Girl (2008), Hamlet (1990).

To Kill A King also features in the Kent Film Office Tudor(ish) Trail which celebrates Kent’s Tudor history and film connections.

To Kill a King was released in cinemas in 2003 and is now available to buy on DVD.

 

For more information about Kent’s Filming History please visit our Movie Map.