ALEX WHEATLE

UK, 2020, 66 minutes, Colour.

Sheyi Colel, Jonathan Jules, Khali Best, Elliot Endusah, Robbie Gee.

Directed by Steve McQueen.

This is a brief film, a contribution to Steve Mc Queen’s television series, Small Axe. The series focuses on the experience of West Indian migrants and the next generations in England, especially in London.

Alex Wheatle, of the title, is a writer, who has received Queens honours. This is his story, going back to his being orphaned, never hearing from his mother, going into institutions, bullied by white foster-figures. Eventually, although from African background and from Surrey, he settles in the late 1970s in Brixton in the West Indian community, making friends, interested in reggae music, becoming socially-minded, involved in the Brixton riots in 1981, serving some time in prison.

Steve Mc Queen’s films are a reminder of racism in past decades in the UK as well as a reminder of significant figures who have emerged and contributed to British life.

1. This contribution to the Small Axe series?
2. The London setting, the 60s and 70s and foster care, institutions? The 1980s, Brixton and its neighbourhood? The Brixton riots? Prison? Musical score?
3. Audience response to the West Indian accents, some difficulties in deciphering?
4. Alex Wheatle and his story, his background in upbringing, African- British background, absent parents, harsh treatment in foster care, anger at school, his love for reggae music? Older teenage, released, going to Brixton, friendship with the Denis, Denis teaching him the ropes, the swagger, drugs, music? Alex settling in, his flat, coming from Surrey, the contrast with the West Indians? Friendship with Dennis, the music, introduction to other friends, the drugs? Dennis and the family meals?
5. The framework of Alex going to prison, his anger, resentment, the Rasta cellmate, anger, guilt and reaching out, explanations, his way of life, the music? The gradual friendship?
6. The background of racism in the 70s and 80s in London, political, social?
7. The riots, particularly strong in Brixton, the explanations, the visualising, the angers, the destruction, the consequences? The extensive use of contemporary footage and its dramatic impact?
8. Alex, his involvement, passion, in prison?
9. Alex Wheatle and his reputation, writing, Queen’s honours?