| Chariots of Fire n.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chariots_of_Fire Chariots of Fire is a British film released in 1981. Written by Colin Welland and directed by Hugh Hudson, it is based on the true story of British athletes preparing for and competing in the 1924 Summer Olympics. The film was nominated for seven Academy Awards and won four, including Best Picture. The title is a quotation from the hymn Jerusalem which is a setting of a poem by William Blake. The film's working title was "Running" until Welland saw the scene with the singing of the hymn and decided to change the title. - Music Although the film is a period piece, set in the 1920's, the Academy Award-winning original soundtrack composed by Vangelis uses a modern, 1980's electronic sound with a strong use of synthesizer and piano among other instruments. This was a bold and significant departure from earlier period films which employed sweeping orchestral instrumentals. The title theme of the film has become iconic and has been used in subsequent films and television shows during slow-motion. The film also incorporates a traditional work: a British choir singing "Jerusalem" at the 1978 funeral of Harold Abrahams, the event which bookends and presumably inspired the making of the film. Gilbert and Sullivan also features heavily. - Academy Awards (1981) Chariots of Fire was very successful at the Academy Awards. When he accepted his Oscar for Best Original Screenplay Colin Welland famously announced "The British are coming" Best Picture - David Puttnam, producer - won Original Music Score - Vangelis - won Writing Original Screenplay - Colin Welland - won Costume Design - Milena Canonero - won Best Supporting Actor - Ian Holm - nominated Directing - Hugh Hudson - nominated Film Editing - Terry Rawlings - nominated - Chariots of Fire (1981) rector: Hugh Hudson Writer: Colin Welland (original screenplay) Cast: Nicholas Farrell - Aubrey Montague Nigel Havers - Lord Andrew Lindsay Ian Charleson - Eric Liddell Ben Cross - Harold Abrahams Daniel Gerroll - Henry Stallard Ian Holm - Sam Mussabini John Gielgud - Master of Trinity ( as Sir John Gielgud ) Lindsay Anderson - Master of Caius Nigel Davenport - Lord Birkenhead Cheryl Campbell - Jennie Liddell Alice Krige - Sybil Gordon Dennis Christopher - Charles Paddock Brad Davis - Jackson Scholz Patrick Magee - Lord Cadogan Peter Egan - Duke of Sutherland more cast: redits#cast - |
