Radio On

An existential road movie (and thriller with one flat tyre) that ranks among the most influential debuts in British cinema.

  • Director

    Christopher Petit

  • With

    David Beames, Lisa Kreuzer, Sandy Ratcliff, Andrew Byatt

  • UK-Germany 1979. 104min

  • 35mm

  • Certificate

    18

Stunningly photographed in monochrome by Wim Wenders’ assistant cameraman Martin Schäfer, Radio On is driven by a startling new-wave soundtrack and Petit’s fascination with drift and alienation. The film presents a unique, compelling and mythic vision of a late 1970s England, stalled between failed hopes of cultural and social change and the imminent upheavals of Thatcherism.

The screening of Radio On on Wednesday 29 July will include a pre-recorded intro by director Christopher Petit.

Also available on BFI Player

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