Watch Long Distance Information

Long Distance Information is a 2011 independent drama film directed by Douglas Hart. The film deals with themes of family dynamics, depression, and the longing for connection. The story takes place in the early 1970s and centers around a dysfunctional family residing in Scotland. The father, Frank (Peter Mullan), is a deeply troubled man who struggles with the recent breakdown of his marriage and his inability to connect with his children. His son, Jim (Alan Tripney), is a rebellious young man who starts to find his own way in life after his grandfather's death. Meanwhile, his daughter, Rosy (Caroline Paterson), is a teenager who longs for stability and escape from her father's toxic behavior.

The film quickly establishes the chaotic and tense atmosphere within the family, with Frank's erratic behavior constantly destabilizing the household. One of the primary sources of Frank's problems is his inability to communicate his emotions, which leads to outbursts of anger and despair. His attempts to connect with his children are often misguided and end up pushing them further away.

As the story progresses, we see how the family members cope with their situation in different ways. Jim begins a relationship with a young woman and starts to experiment with drugs and alcohol as a way of rebelling against his father. Rosy tries to find solace in her friendships, but her father's behavior makes it difficult for her to form healthy relationships. Meanwhile, Frank becomes increasingly isolated and depressed, with his past traumas and regrets haunting him.

Throughout the film, we see glimpses of the family's history and how this has influenced their current situation. We learn that Frank had a difficult childhood and was never able to connect with his own father, leading him to repeat this cycle with his own children. We also see how the family has been affected by societal changes, with the rise of feminism and political unrest causing tension and conflict.

Despite the serious themes explored in the film, Long Distance Information has moments of warmth and humor. The relationship between Jim and his girlfriend, for example, is portrayed with a lightness that contrasts with the darker moments of the film. The soundtrack, featuring music from The Velvet Underground and David Bowie, also adds to the film's overall vibe of nostalgia and reflection.

Ultimately, Long Distance Information is a powerful and intimate portrayal of a family struggling to come to terms with their past and present. The film offers no easy answers or resolutions, but instead asks the viewer to consider the complexities of familial relationships and the enduring impact of our past experiences.

Long Distance Information is a 2013 drama with a runtime of 16 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.