Robinson in Space

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Synopsis

In Robinson in Space Robinson returns with his travelling companion and researcher to undertake a hugely enjoyable journey around England. He has been commissioned by an international advertising agency to investigate the 'problem of England'. Although this problem is never clearly stated - let alone solved - Keiller's beautifully framed images and Scofield's sly, deadpan narration take the viewer on an unpredictable exploration of the cultural and economic landscape.

Movie info:

Release:

1997

Running Time:

82 min

Certificate:

General viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children

Availability:

Watch online: Unavailable
Download: Unavailable

Genre:

Documentary

Director:

Patrick Keiller

Reviews & comments (3)

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Edward Hutchings
Eng-ger-land!
07 December 2011
The late actor Paul Scofield returned to lend his acerbic narration to the middle chapter of Patrick Keiller’s singular ‘Robinson’ trilogy, which began in 1994 with ‘London’ and was completed recently with ‘Robinson in Ruins’. Static, wittily composed images (vaguely reminiscent of the photography of Martin Parr) of buildings and places of natural interest are harmonised with quotations, music and discourse. Here, the dangerously inquisitive Robinson has been tasked with solving the ‘problem of England’ and takes that as his cue to circumnavigate these hallowed isles and pontificate to his heart’s content. As with ‘London’, Keiller’s Daniel Defoe-inspired script seeks to investigate the social, political and economic present by looking back at the historical and literary origins of numerous venues, which mostly include factories, dockyards and, of course, pubs. It’s ruthlessly intelligent stuff, and the conclusions are strangely prophetic.
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B. E. L
Thought provoking essay
10 December 2009
it is a wonderfully erudite and amusingly anecdotal study charting the increasingly unknown space of present-day England. Its narrator is Paul Schofield whose character emerges as a latter day Boswell to Robinson's Johnson.
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Robert Young
Witty and intelligent
01 December 2009
A very English study investigating ‘The Problem of England’ set in London and investigated by the art lecturer Robinson. This documentary draws inspiration from the likes of Oscar Wilde, The Stones and Engels in its witty, intelligent and politically focussed attempt at deciphering what it is that caused the apparent downfall of a nation.
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