A Practical Guide to a Spectacular Suicide

A Practical Guide to a Spectacular Suicide is a 2014 Scottish micro-budget dark comedy film by Graham Hughes. It centres on Tom (Graeme McGeagh), a young man who is determined to kill himself. The film was nominated for awards at the Edinburgh International Film Festival and by BAFTA Scotland in 2014.

A Practical Guide to a Spectacular Suicide
Directed byGraham Hughes
Written by
Produced by
  • Graeme McGeagh
  • Kirsty Hutton
  • Graham Hughes
  • Keith Grantham
Starring
  • Graeme McGeagh
  • Patrick O'Brien
  • Annabel Logan
  • Ray Crofter
  • Amanda Marment
  • Mandy Bhari
  • Alan Robertson Snr
CinematographySteven Donnelly
Edited byGraham Hughes
Release date
  • 2014 (2014)
Running time
83 minutes
CountryScotland
LanguageEnglish

Plot

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After a number of failed attempts at suicide, Tom comes to the conclusion that he must research and plan for a "spectacular" attempt at ending his life. Having been ordered into counselling by a judge following a previous attempt on his life, Tom meets fellow patient Eve (Annabel Logan) and acerbic therapist Dr Watson (Patrick O’Brien), as well as the grumpy Mr Neilsen (Ray Crofter), who Tom has been ordered to help as part of a community service order. As he plans for his spectacular suicide, Tom forms relationships with Eve, Dr Watson and Mr Neilsen, leading him to examine and question his motives for wanting to end his own life.

Production

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A Practical Guide to a Spectacular Suicide was shot over 12 days[1] and cost £3,000 to make, raised through crowdfunding.[2] It was filmed in and around Glasgow, Stirling and Ayrshire in Scotland.[2]

Release

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The film had its world premiere at Cinequest Film Festival in 2014,[3] followed by a UK premiere at the Edinburgh International Film Festival later that year.[4]

Year Film Festival Award Achievement
2014 BAFTA Scotland New Talent Fiction (Graham Hughes/Kirsty Hutton) Nominated
2014 BAFTA Scotland New Talent Actor (Graeme McGeagh) Nominated
2014 Cinequest Film Festival Best Director Nominated
2014 Deep Fried Film Festival Best Comedy Won
2014 Edinburgh International Film Festival Best British Feature Nominated

References

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  1. ^ "Interview: Director Graham Hughes on A Practical Guide to a Spectacular Suicide – ReelScotland". www.reelscotland.com. Retrieved 2018-06-17.
  2. ^ a b "Glasgow film director up for award". Evening Times. Retrieved 2018-06-17.
  3. ^ "A Practical Guide To A Spectacular Suicide | Cinequest". www.cinequest.org. Retrieved 2018-06-17.
  4. ^ "EIFF review: A Practical Guide to a Spectacular Suicide". WOW247. Retrieved 2018-06-17.