EP 9: "Local Hero" with Jonathan Melville Artwork

63 Percent Scottish: A Scotland Appreciation Podcast

A podcast about Scotland for people of Scottish heritage in Canada, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and everywhere else we've ended up.

We speak with top-notch journalists, best-selling authors, podcasters and distinguished academics about everything from Wallace and whisky to Irn-Bru and independence.

Join us as we discover Scotland's past, present and future.

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63 Percent Scottish: A Scotland Appreciation Podcast

EP 9: "Local Hero" with Jonathan Melville

November 28, 2023 • Eamon O'Flynn

We've talked about everything from baking to whiskey to history, but 63 Percent Scottish explores a new frontier in our newest episode: film. We've chosen the film "Local Hero" which has been called the "definitive" Scottish film to discuss. Why is it a definitive representation of Scottish culture?

To answer, we have journalist and author Jonathan Melville on the show. He's the author of "Local Hero: Making a Scottish Classic" - the definitive account of how this film was made, which is available in the USA and Canada. We cover:

What makes "Local Hero" the definitive Scottish film?
The non-stereotypical depiction of rural Scottish life
The message Bill Forsyth was trying to communicate with the film
The soundtrack contributions of Glaswegian Mark Knopfler

Have thoughts? Connect with 63 Percent Scottish on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram or contact us at 63percentscottish.com.

Music by RomanSenykMusic from Pixabay.