Directed by Christopher Deakin and written by Paul Ludden, men of a certain age will generally talk about anything other than their mental health. Ben and Pete are no different. Two middle-aged mates on their first fishing trip since their friend Marko took his own life, a complete and utter shock to them both. Starring: Kris Hitchen and Christopher Hatherall.
It is still fairly rare to find examples of men talking openly about mental health, and that’s why it matters to have representation like Gone Fishingto remind of its importance. The heart of the film is a vital message about opening up when you need help, and to have compassion for those who do. Paul Ludden makes a sincere effort to reflect a natural conversation between two friends, involving all the classic deflection, awkwardness and jokes. It creates a genuine atmosphere, one that’s very British and organic, creating a strong, purposeful perspective.
However, it can feel a touch too casual, the opening shots set the tone for something heavier and atmospheric, so it’s a shame to not see that poignancy feed into the larger picture of Gone Fishing. The intention is absolutely there, and the underlying depth but Christopher Deakin and Paul Ludden chose to go for something more accessible, and arguably a more accurate depiction of an everyday conversation between two British men of a certain age. That choice works but it can miss out on driving home a bigger power, or a more affecting balance between emotion and that quintessential avoidance of vulnerability with humour.
However, Kris Hitchen’s performance in particular does try to broach that balance, he delivers a huge note of sincerity. His portrayal holds the biggest depth that Gone Fishing has to offer, keeping that jovial side but truly reflecting the deep rooted nature of mental health problems and the constant work they require. Whereas Christopher Hatherall feels as though he’s intended as your typical man in his thirties in the UK, they want to do the right thing, but they’re not inherently built to be sensitive and aware. Again, it’s another way Deakin and Ludden put emphasis on reflecting reality, rather than trying to smooth it over or dramatize it too much. There was potentially some room to deepen that conversation, but it still holds plenty of value either way.
Visually, the directorial choices hold a simple focus, with a pensive tone. The aesthetic leans into the natural location, and feeds into the serene yet slightly isolated setting, allowing the atmosphere to build an intimacy. It works well but at the same time, it can be too simple, there isn’t a lot of variety to the angles and shots, and the editing doesn’t add much movement or energy. It doesn’t entirely match that evolution in tone to the story, instead sticking to a consistent one all throughout.
Gone Fishing is a helpful and highly relevant reminder of the importance of ridding society of taboos around men’s mental health and being able to talk openly. As well as the vital nature of having a support network to step in when needed. Kris Hitchen and Christopher Hatherall both give great performances which feel very natural and relatable. There are a few ways in which it feels like it’s not reaching its full potential, but you can clearly see the strong, poignant intentions from Christopher Deakin and Paul Ludden. You can feel the sincere effort went into creating something real, funny and touching.
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