The Beanfield
2015 saw 30 years since the “Battle of the Beanfield” – a brutal crackdown on the annual Stonehenge Free Festival. Called away from policing the miners’ strike, officers enforced an injunction around the ancient stones with bloody violence and mass arrests. Determined to mark the anniversary, Breach set out to create a historical re-enactment - interviewing a traveller, a police officer and a journalist before driving to Wiltshire armed with homemade riot gear, a map and a video camera. In this multimedia show, the footage is intercut with a live performance attempting to capture the 2015 summer solstice at Stonehenge: there are hot dog stands, Hare Krishnas and MDMA, as a group of young people try to connect—but it all feels a bit fake.
Insights
Plot Summary
John Akomfrah's 'The Beanfield' is a visually stunning and conceptually dense documentary that explores the legacy of the 1980s, particularly the miners' strike and its reverberations. The film uses a poetic and often abstract approach, weaving together archival footage, contemporary imagery, and philosophical narration to contemplate themes of social unrest, memory, and the environmental impact of industrial decline. It questions how historical events shape our present and future, creating a powerful meditation on collective experience and individual reflection.
Critical Reception
The film received acclaim for its artistic vision and thought-provoking content, though its experimental nature meant it was primarily appreciated within art house and documentary film circles. Critics lauded Akomfrah's signature visual style and his ability to connect disparate historical moments into a cohesive narrative about societal change and ecological concerns.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its visually arresting cinematography and intellectual depth.
- Appreciated for its unique approach to historical and social commentary.
- Some found its abstract nature challenging but ultimately rewarding.
Google audience: Viewers found 'The Beanfield' to be a profoundly moving and visually compelling experience. Many highlighted its unique ability to evoke emotion and encourage deep reflection on historical events and their lasting impact. While some noted its dense and philosophical style, the overall sentiment was one of admiration for its artistic merit and the important themes it addresses.
Awards & Accolades
Nominated for the Golden Leopard at the Locarno Film Festival.
Fun Fact
John Akomfrah is known for his distinctive use of multi-screen installations in galleries, and 'The Beanfield' shares a similar visual language and thematic depth with his wider body of work.
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