Often
Taking place at the Vinyl Factory in Soho, the Lisa Barros D’Sa and Glenn Leyburn production was screened to a room full of exuberant fans, who watched on as we see the life of Hooley presented to us on the big screen. With actor Richard Dormer in the lead role, Good Vibrations takes place in Belfast, Northern Ireland in the 1970s amidst The Troubles. Hooley – who took neither side in the religious conflict, decided to open up a record store named Good Vibrations – which soon escalated into a record label, which led to him discovering talents such as The Outcasts and The Undertones.
The film – which is an uplifting and inspiring piece of one man’s inherent optimism during such a callous and turbulent time, is one of the finest films to have been made this year, and this joyous occasion did nothing but further such a sentiment. Hooley was in fine form too, introducing the film after a couple of drinks, and then answering questions from the audience afterwards, having had a few more.
Hooley – who in fairness was quite a difficult interview subject for Time Out film editor Dave Calhoun – was on fine form, and portrayed much of the intrinsic enthusiasm that makes his characters so loveable up on screen. He discussed his pride at the quality of the film, while also declaring that although having seen it over 15 times, it still brings back many painful memories, causing him to shed a tear or two.
We were also subject to a series of hilarious anecdotes, as he spoke of his drinking session with former frontman of The Libertines Pete Doherty, while also telling us of the time he received a personal letter from a certain Bob Marley. The fun then extended further into the night as BBC Radio 6 DJ Tom Ravenscroft played a collection of suitable hits, encapsulating the era of which the film is set. Oh, and just before we left the event – we were treated to a nice slobbery kiss on the cheek from Mr. Hooley himself. Good Vibrations indeed.
Good Vibrations is released on Blu-ray and DVD on 5 August 2013 from Universal Pictures (UK) Ltd.