THIS IS ENGLAND — Shane Meadows's 2-Toned look at skins and ska (w/ Jack O'Connell)
Summary
This MUBI Podcast episode explores Shane Meadows’ film *This Is England*, focusing on its authentic portrayal of 1980s skinhead culture and the rise of far-right extremism. Host Rico Galeano interviews producer Mark Herbert, actor Jack O’Connell, and The Specials’ Neville Staple about the movie’s improvisational style and its powerful two-tone soundtrack. The discussion highlights how the film’s music served as a moral compass, contrasting the unifying spirit of ska and reggae with the divisive racism of the National Front.
Topics discussed
Host's personal history with punk and skinheads
Introduction to This Is England and the podcast season
Shane Meadows' early career and British cinema context
Meadows' childhood trauma and the origins of skinhead culture
The pivotal party scene and the film's production process
The Specials, Two-Tone music, and anti-racism themes
Improv on set, the film's success, and music's unifying power
Season wrap-up and credits
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