Deaf Conversations about Cinema: Honey Boy
Please note: This event took place in Dec 2019
Shia LaBeouf gives an astonishing performance as a version of his own father in his original autobiographical screenplay, directed by award-winning filmmaker Alma Har’el.
The 18:00 screening of Honey Boy on Mon 9 Dec will feature Descriptive Subtitles and an introduction from Thea Berry, Watershed’s Cinema Producer followed by a post-show discussion with audience members, both of which will have simultaneous BSL (British Sign Language) interpretation. Written in part as a therapeutic exercise during a stint in rehab, Honey Boy depicts LaBeouf’s intense, chaotic relationship with his dad from childhood to young adulthood.
Otis Lori (Lucas Hedges), a young actor making a living in action films, is struggling with alcoholism and a habit for self-destructive behaviour. When an accident lands him in rehab, diagnosed with PTSD, he begins to examine the psychology that led him there, arising from the difficulties of his childhood: in particular his younger self (Noah Jupe), a budding child actor living out of motels and trying desperately to please his emotionally unstable, by turns abusive and loving father (LaBeouf), an ex-rodeo clown and Vietnam War veteran.
Potent and darkly beautiful, Honey Boy is searchingly honest and non-judgemental writing from LaBeouf. The film itself is a healing process without being self pitying and he daringly portrays their relationship in all its tense and envious complexity. This is truly a one of a kind collaboration between filmmaker and subject, exploring art as medicine and imagination as hope.
Join us in the Café/Bar from 19:45 for an informal discussion, which will include BSL interpretation. You’ll receive 10% off drinks with your cinema ticket – so grab a glass and let us know your thoughts about Honey Boy.