My Generation

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Uplifting and absorbing, My Generation is a documentary which tells the story of the sixties from a kaleidoscope of angles. It is the culmination of a five year project started by Michael Caine and Simon Fuller. The film, narrated by Michael and told from his unique viewpoint is a journey through an era which will be a nostalgic delight for those who lived it and an inspiring, colourful tale for those who weren't even yet born.

We are presented with a collage of archive material, cleverly cut between clips of Michael's early films to him speaking now. Whilst being a history of popular culture that encompasses art, music, fashion, film and photography it is clear that one of the things Michael wants us to understand, are the challenges he and some of his contemporaries faced in breaking through the class barrier.

It is the cultural narrative of our working class hero who says in the film: " We were taught at school about respecting our betters. But I never understood who they were supposed to be. I've never seen any of my 'betters'. I've seen a lot of my equals but I've never seen any of my betters". He also states that he only got the part in Zulu because the director was American. An English Director would never have cast him as an Officer.

The five years spent working on this project, which is clearly a labour of love, has resulted in 1,600 hours of material and so, following on from the film will be a six part series containing a goldmine of anecdotes, interviews and a soundtrack of iconic songs.

Michael Caine is now 85 and still as funny, quick and well dressed as he ever was. He clearly dotes upon his family, in particular his grandchildren of whom he speaks most fondly. What a fabulous gift he has given to us and to them.

© Theresa Collins