BILLY LIAR (1963) - ♦♦♦♦♦

Directed by - John Schlesinger

Written by - Keith Waterhouse, Willis Hall (based on the novel by Keith Waterhouse)

Starring - Tom Courtenay, Julie Christie

"A lazy and immature youngster alienates friends and family by living in a fantasy world and making irresponsible decisions. 

Keith Waterhouse who had written the original novel, which was itself clearly influenced by The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, adapted the screenplay himself. Billy Liar by John Schlesinger is a somewhat underrated classic of the New Wave British cinema and angry young men genre of the sixties. 

A great character study and portrayal of an ambition choked out by the realities of everyday working class life. Tom Courtenay's performance is close to perfect, as the young man who finds escapism through his narcissistic flights of fantasy, as he walks around picturing himself the prime minister of a country of his own creation. 

The film presents its themes of youth in a very genuine way. Yet, despite the gritty style it utilzes, a style which makes it seem like it was born out of the street, it also possesses great imaginative quality. This excellent contrast enhances Billy Liar's immediate type of power and an air of timelessness that even by today's standards makes it seem ground breaking and greatly representative."

Drama, UK