My Generation film review: relive the swinging 60s with Michael Caine

BE immersed in the music, fashion and rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle of the swinging 60s in London with this documentary presented by Michael Caine.

The film divided into three sections opens with the rise of this new generation of working class Brits breaking away from the traditional class structure they grew up in.

It details the height of each industry including fashion, music and art and then the eventual decline of the era as the culture of drugs began to take its toll.

A cinema icon in his own right, Caine interviews stars from the time such as Beatle Paul McCartney, photographer David Bailey, fashion designer Mary Quant and model Twiggy.

Their conversations play over footage of themselves from the 60s, ensuring the audience remains fully absorbed in the era.

Caine also tells anecdotes from his life and career, from growing up in London to getting his first cinema role and to how he got the name of Michael Caine.

To complete the 60s experience, there is a soundtrack of toe-tapping hits from the likes of The Rolling Stones, The Kinks, The Who and The Beatles.

For those familiar with the era, My Generation does not offer any new insights, but 60s enthusiasts will enjoy spending 85 minutes reliving the mini skirts, pixie cuts and jangly guitars of the time.

It is showing as part of the 2018 Mini British Film Festival from October 26 to November 14.

THE ESSENTIALS

My Generation (CTC)

Directed by: David Batty

Starring: Michael Caine, Paul McCartney, David Bailey

Four stars

Review by Lucy Rutherford