High-Rise (2015)

About High-Rise

High-Rise is a British dystopian drama directed by Ben Wheatley and based on the 1975 novel of the same name by J.G. Ballard. Set in a luxury tower block during the 1970s, the film explores class warfare, social isolation, and decadent living in a self-contained high-rise. As its eccentric occupants go to increasingly drastic lengths to make the building their own, the situation spirals out of control leading to chaos and destruction.

Making / Production

Making of High-Rise started with Jeremy Thomas, who wanted to make a film adaptation of the novel for nearly 30 years. Director Ben Wheatley was brought onboard, and Amy Jump adapted the screenplay. Initially difficult to finance, the film secured funding from Film4 Productions, the British Film Institute, and StudioCanal.

Actors

• Tom Hiddleston as Dr. Robert Laing: The newest resident of the high-rise plays the lead role. Hiddleston perfectly embodies the character’s transition from aloof observer to a participant in the chaos.
• Sienna Miller as Charlotte Melville: Miller plays a bohemian single mother who becomes Laing's love interest with a gripping authenticity.
• Luke Evans as Richard Wilder: Evans brilliantly plays a fiery documentary filmmaker who becomes one of the main catalysts for the ensuing chaos.
• Jeremy Irons as Anthony Royal: Playing the architect of the building, Irons delivers an excellent performance depicting a character isolated by his own creation.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• This movie is based on the 1975 novel by British author J.G. Ballard.
• Producer Jeremy Thomas had been trying to adapt the novel into a film for almost 30 years.
• High-Rise was filmed on location in Northern Ireland.

Awards

The film was nominated for the British Independent Film Awards in 2015, with Ben Wheatley being nominated as Best Director and Tom Hiddleston as Best Actor.

Quotes

• "It takes us back to a more primitive state, where we can act on base desires."
• "You can't make an omelette without breaking a few eggs."

Music, Soundtrack

• The score of the movie was composed by Clint Mansell.
• The film's soundtrack features covers of songs from ABBA and The Fall.