Wish You Were Here (1987)

David Leland’s film Wish You Were Here, starring the sparky 16-year-old Emily Lloyd in her debut role, was a second time around experience for many of our discussion group.  We considered how our responses had changed since we saw it back in 1987.

It was a far darker experience and more poignant than we remembered.  We are now more aware of the way vulnerable young people are groomed. The film also conveyed the experience of living in post-war small-town Britain, with its cold attitudes, lack of respect for all and few opportunities.  The 1950s period detail was authentic and the lighting commended.

Emily Lloyd’s Lynda has an irrepressible spirit, sticking two fingers up to the world. We found her decision to keep her baby to be a glorious act of rebellion and a way of healing her loss of her mother’s early death. She feels alone.

We initially see her as a child when the family greets her father, a sailor back from the War. She wears a gas mask. This hiding from the world is contrasted with her return to the coast at the end of the film, proudly pushing a pram and wearing the most vibrant yellow.

This time around, we were more aware of Lynda’s touching need for love and attention, which connects with her desire to shock.  A favourite scene was when she visits the chain-smoking psychiatrist (played by Heathcote Williams). He very unsuccessfully tries to address her constant swearing and she cheekily gets the upper hand. 

The tearoom scene, where her father confronts her behaviour in front of genteel diners, is also a delight. She becomes increasingly rude and outrageous, but some applaud her on her exit. We see little acts of strength throughout the film, such as her always asking men to say, “Please.”

Emily Lloyd has written about her own difficulties with her mental health and additional conditions, such ADHD, Tourette’s and OCD.  Although Wish You Were Here is set in a certain time, it is still relevant for women today who live in repressive cultures and who face shame, fear, horror and upset if they display free behaviour.

Anne.