The Extraordinary Miss Flower brings to life the remarkable story of Geraldine Flower and the discovery of a suitcase full of passionate, heartfelt letters of love sent to her in the 60s and 70s that inspired acclaimed Icelandic singer/songwriter Emilíana Torrini to return to the studio and record an entire album of new songs.
Part film, part theatre, part fever dream, The Extraordinary Miss Flower takes the form of a series of specially designed performances of these songs by Emilíana and her band, combined with dramatic scenes and readings from the letters by well known actors and musicians (including Caroline Catz, Nick Cave, Alice Lowe and Richard Ayoade). The film captures the romance of a bygone era and Miss Flower’s extraordinary life - a life full of secrets and enduring friendships, of travel, adventure and love.
The Garden Cinema View:
The Extraordinary Miss Flower is a small art film that serves as an highly inventive alt-biopic.
Based on Emilianna Torrini’s songs, themselves inspired by mysterious love letters belonging to Geraldine Flower (or are they hidden spy codes?), the film is a fascinating fusion of live musical performance, dance, and narration. Its biggest success is the seamlessly blend of all these elements, creating an almost immersive experience that transcends traditional filmmaking. The film constantly surprises with its alluring combination of visuals, psychedelic effects, and narrative abstractions that resonate on a unconscious, rather than on an intellectual level.
The Extraordinary Miss Flower stands as a testament to the power of creativity that belies its small budget. Unafraid to take risks, it proves to be a small triumph due to its unique rhythms and original vision.