12 year olds, Romeo and Gavin live next door to each other.
They're the best of mates with a shared sense of humour that helps them survive in a landscape of comic losers and broken dreams. But their friendship is put to the test by a chance encounter.
After a stranger saves them from being beaten up, the boys are only too happy to help their new hero and pal in his quest to date Romeo's sister Ladine. Little do they know they are being drawn into a world of dangerous obsession, desperation and violence, a world that threatens to tear the two friends apart.
From acclaimed director Shane Meadows 'A Room For Romeo Brass' is a contemporary coming-of-age story that is as funny as it is frightening.
CAST
Gavin 'Knocks' Woolley - Ben Marshall
Romeo Brass - Andrew Shim
Morrell
- Paddy Considine
Sandra Woolley - Julia Ford
Carol Brass - Ladine Hall
Joe Brass - Frank Harper
Bill Woolley
- James Higgins
Ladine Brass
- Vicky McClure
BACKGROUND
The story to A Room For Romeo Brass is semi-autobiographical. The relationship between Romeo and Gavin in the film mirrors the friendship of Shane and his best friend Paul Fraser (co-writer) at that age.
There was a period when Paul was confined to bed after a serious injury and Shane started to hang around with lads a lot older than himself, getting up to allsorts (including getting a couple of tatoos while under age). While Paul was stuck in bed (and was out of school for nearly two years), he began creative writing and won a competition with some of his work.
There was another long period when Shane didn't see his best friend. Although this time it was because Shane had shot Paul in the stomach with an air rifle! Paul's Mum soon made sure that Shane wasn't to be hanging around after that!
TRIVIA
Co-writer, Paul Fraser was originally to play Gavin's home Physio-therapist. Despite his scenes being filmed, they were later removed in the edit. The final scene in the garden originally included Paul Fraser's charcter, but because his character no longer played a part in the film, he had to be digitally removed.
Shane Meadows appears in the film as 'Fish and Chip Shop Man'
At the end of the film, there is a credit which reads: 'Male Nurse - Shaun Fields'. You work it out!
The Guardian
Interview with Shane about his childhood friendship with co-writer Paul Fraser and how it inspired the film.
Venice Film Festival
Interview with Shane.
The Herald Tribune
Interview with Shane.
Nitrate Online
Interview with Shane.
