Castaway (film)
Castaway is a 1986 British biographical-drama film starring Amanda Donohoe and Oliver Reed, and directed by Nicolas Roeg. It was adapted from the eponymous 1984 book by Lucy Irvine, telling of her experiences of staying for a year with writer Gerald Kingsland on the isolated island of Tuin, between New Guinea and Australia.
Castaway | |
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Theatrical release poster | |
Directed by | Nicolas Roeg |
Produced by | Rick McCallum |
Screenplay by | Allan Scott |
Based on | Castaway by Lucy Irvine |
Starring | |
Music by | Stanley Myers and Hans Zimmer |
Cinematography | Harvey Harrison |
Edited by | Tony Lawson |
Production company |
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Distributed by | Cannon Group |
Release date |
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Running time | 117 minutes |
Country | United Kingdom |
Language | English |
Box office | $483,460 |
Real life inspiration
In 1980, Lucy Irvine responded to an advertisement placed by writer Gerald Kingsland, and they became self-imposed castaways for a year on the isolated and uninhabited island of Tuin, in the Torres Strait between New Guinea and Australia. Chosen by Kingsland from over 50 applicants, Irvine agreed to marry him to satisfy immigration restrictions before they travelled to Tuin. She was 25 years old, and he was 49. After a year, they returned home, and in 1983, she published her account of the experience in Castaway, which was later used as the basis for the 1986 film.
In 2011, Donohoe recalled her experience working with Reed, stating: 'Well, naked on a desert island with Oliver Reed – it was a tabloid fantasy, wasn't it? He was an alcoholic and his behaviour was erratic, but he was always a courteous and good actor. His personal life wasn't working but he never crossed any lines professionally.'[1]
Soundtrack
The film opens with a song by English artist Kate Bush, "Be Kind to My Mistakes". A slightly edited version later appeared on the 1997 re-release of her album Hounds of Love. The soundtrack begins with a different version of the same song, which was also released as a 7-inch single, but never on CD. The rest of the soundtrack album is instrumental, and composed by Stanley Myers.
Cast
- Oliver Reed as Gerald Kingsland
- Amanda Donohoe as Lucy Irvine
- Georgina Hale as Sister Saint Margaret
- Frances Barber as Sister Saint Winifred
- Tony Rickards as Jason
- Todd Rippon as Rod
References
- GetSurrey (16 November 2011). "Donohoe discusses getting naked with Oliver Reed". getsurrey. Retrieved 7 April 2017.