Rheged film watcher confused and angry
Sir,
Have you visited Rheged, the new underground visitor centre at
Slapestones, near Penrith? Have you seen the film which the complex is built around? Can
anybody please explain to me what it is all about.
I went after criticising the venture to a member of the KTA, which is planning to spend a
large sum of money advertising there, and when he replied that I should see it before
passing judgement I decided I would.
There is no doubt that it is an impressive structure and is very busy, the marketing men
having done a very good job.
I bought tickets to the film, which is in two parts and in two cinemas. The first
15-minute section was excellent, contrasting the beauty and lifestyle of the Cumbrian
countryside with the hustle and bustle of urban America, and illustrates some of the
problems associated with living in the region today É all very promising.
The second part is in the main cinema (which is fantastic) and builds on the
"story" from the first film. I can only describe that second part as rubbish,
with terrible acting, terrible narrative and awful special effects. I have never seen a
river steaming before! The scenery is spoilt by groups of men lying around with swords
sticking out of their backs; it is absolutely bizarre. I came out of the film not only
confused but also angry that an opportunity to educate as well as entertain visitors has
been wasted by a production more suitable for Disneyland or a similar theme park.
I am very proud of the area in which I was born and brought up, as well as my heritage. No
doubt Rheged will be successful for its operators, but at what cost to everybody else?
Yours etc,
V. B. JACKSON
Eskin Street,
Keswick.