British filmmakers have an enviable reputation. Production companies like EMI can finance artistic and financial successes such as The Deer Hunter and The Muppet Movie and Hollywood entrusted an eight-figure budget to British talent for Superman and Star Wars, yet there is no indigenous British cinema to compare with that in France, Germany or Australia. Apart from rare artistic successes, there is a dearth of homegrown films at local cinemas.
Michael Billington investigates the financial pressures which determine what is seen on the screens and wonders whether the dwindling audiences warrant the government investment in cinema some pundits are demanding.
