The films of Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger are given the ultimate honour with this a beloved tribute by Martin Scorsese. This exhaustive documentary is directed by David Hinton, who previously profiled Powell on The South Bank Show, with its format having Scorsese on camera as he takes audiences one-by-one through the idiosyncratic films made by the British director Powell and Hungarian-British producer Pressburger for their company, The Archers. 

Whilst obviously paying attention to the classic period that included The Red Shoes, A Matter Of Life And Death and The Life And Death Of Colonel Blimp, Scorsese gives equal measure to the pair’s lesser-known works, like The Small Back Room, as well as Powell’s critically reviled Peeping Tom. Moreover, he makes frequent reference to his own canon, in particular Raging Bull and The Age Of Innocence, and how those films were influenced by Powell and Pressburger. His enthusiasm throughout is infectious. There’s never a sense that you’re being lectured to. 

Most interestingly, Scorsese details how he befriended Powell in the 1970s, after his split from Pressburger coincided with a downturn in fortunes. Not only did the two become firm friends (there’s some fine footage of Powell on the set of Scorsese’s 1982 film The King Of Comedy) but it even led to Powell marrying Scorsese’s long-time editor Thelma Schoonmaker. Elements like this make Made In England feel like a highly personal Scorsese project, rather than Film History 101. Illustrated with well-chosen clips and interview footage, the result is a loving exploration of these unique filmmakers. 

Made In England: The Films Of Powell And Pressburger is in cinemas now.