The upcoming film, The Fall of Sir Douglas Weatherford, directed by Seán Dunn, makes its world premiere at the International Film Festival Rotterdam on January 30, 2024. This fictional feature marks Dunn’s debut in this format, following his successful short films, including British by the Grace of God and Kingdom Come. The film stars Peter Mullan, known for his roles in Trainspotting and Braveheart, alongside Gayle Rankin, Jakob Oftebro, Sid Sagar, and Lewis MacDougall.
Set in the fictional Scottish village of Arberloch, the narrative centers around local mythology surrounding Sir Douglas Weatherford, an 18th-century inventor and philosopher. The tranquility of history is disrupted when a fantasy television series descends upon the village, attracting cosplaying fans. This influx challenges the protagonist Kenneth, played by Mullan, who is a tour guide at the village’s visitors’ center dedicated to Sir Douglas. Dressed in costume as his distant relative, Kenneth grapples with the overshadowing presence of the fantasy world and the decline of the historical narrative he cherishes.
Dunn’s film has been described by the festival as “a darkly comic study of ageing, identity, and the fictions we cling to when everything around us shifts.” The film’s exploration of how histories and narratives shape personal and cultural identity resonates in today’s rapidly changing world.
A Blend of History and Fiction
The inspiration for The Fall of Sir Douglas Weatherford stemmed from a personal experience that Dunn recounted during an interview. While visiting a historic graveyard in Edinburgh with his wife, a fan of Harry Potter, they encountered tourists engaging in an incantation at the grave of Thomas Riddle, later revealed to be the historical inspiration for Voldemort. This moment highlighted for Dunn how real histories can be overshadowed by fictional narratives.
“The juxtaposition of those two things—fantasy and reality—fascinated me,” Dunn explained. He emphasized the significance of recognizing how history can become a form of fantasy over time. This insight is reflected in the film’s themes, which interrogate the identities shaped by such narratives.
Dunn also shared his observations about Scotland’s complex relationship with its own history, particularly regarding its cultural identity in relation to England. “We tell ourselves that we are working-class and care about the common man,” he noted. “But history shows that we participated in conquests as well, which complicates our national identity.”
The Role of Mullan and Future Projects
Working with Mullan, Dunn expressed enthusiasm for the actor’s improvisational skills and deep understanding of fantasy genres, particularly given Mullan’s past role as King Durin III in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. “He brings ideas that elevate the script, and his personal experiences add depth to the project,” Dunn remarked.
Dunn’s relationship with fantasy epics like Game of Thrones is more observational than participatory. He appreciates the sociological implications of fantasy on local cultures, especially as they transform into tourist attractions. The fictional series that Dunn created for The Fall of Sir Douglas Weatherford, titled The White Stag of Emberfell, serves as a playful nod to the genre while also delivering a thoughtful critique.
Looking ahead, Dunn has multiple projects in the pipeline. He shared that he is currently writing a narrative set in the late 19th century, exploring themes of identity and guilt. Another story set around the turn of the millennium involves a character entangled in conspiracy theories. “I’m just trying to be creative and keep the juices flowing,” he concluded, indicating his commitment to developing engaging narratives that challenge perceptions of history and identity.
As The Fall of Sir Douglas Weatherford prepares for its debut, it promises to blend humor, irony, and a nuanced examination of how we construct our identities through the stories we tell.
