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 | |
|---|---|
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| Directed by | Graham Hughes |
| Written by |
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| Produced by |
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| Starring |
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| Cinematography | Steven Donnelly |
| Edited by | Graham Hughes |
Release date |
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Running time | 83 minutes |
| Country | Scotland |
| Language | English |
Plot
editAfter 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
editA 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
editThe 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
edit- ^ "Interview: Director Graham Hughes on A Practical Guide to a Spectacular Suicide – ReelScotland". www.reelscotland.com. Retrieved 2018-06-17.
- ^ a b "Glasgow film director up for award". Evening Times. Retrieved 2018-06-17.
- ^ "A Practical Guide To A Spectacular Suicide | Cinequest". www.cinequest.org. Retrieved 2018-06-17.
- ^ "EIFF review: A Practical Guide to a Spectacular Suicide". WOW247. Retrieved 2018-06-17.