The World Premiere of the intimate and moving biopic of painter L. S. Lowry, Mrs Lowry & Son will close this year’s 2019 Edinburgh International Film Festival at Festival Theatre on Sunday June 30th.
Mrs Lowry & Son depicts the relationship between L.S. Lowry, played by Timothy Spall, one of Britain’s most iconic artists, and his mother Elizabeth, played by Vanessa Redgrave, with whom he lived until her death.
The film follows Lowry in the beginnings of his career, as he yearns for his work to be appreciated in London. However, his disdainful mother, Elizabeth actively tries to dissuade her bachelor son from pursuing his artistic ambitions. Elizabeth never fails to voice her opinion at what a disappointment he is to her. This powerful, yet humorous story imagines the impact this obsessive mother and son relationship had on the great artist.
L.S. Lowry became internationally famous for his depictions of 20th century industrial life in the North West of England, and the legacy of his work remains a huge presence in the region, not least at The Lowry, a purpose-built art gallery in Salford Quays.
The film is directed by Adrian Noble, the former director of the Royal Shakespeare Company, and made by production company Genesius Pictures. Noble said: “The preparation and shoot of Mrs Lowry & Son was one of the highlights of my directing career. The opportunity to work with actors, cinematographer, designers of such calibre was a privilege and brought out the very best in all of us. It’s primarily a film about the relationship between a mother and her son. She suffocates him, slowly and systematically, but he finds release and life through his art and in the streets of Salford. Great actors, great performances. I’m particularly delighted that my film will be premiered at the Edinburgh International Film Festival. I have had theatre productions visit the city over the years. I’ve always been struck by the bracing intelligence of the audiences and the respect given to all matters artistic.”
Following its World Premiere at the Festival, Vertigo will be releasing the film this summer in UK and Ireland.