Mike Bassett: England Manager

Mike Bassett: England Manager
Directed bySteve Barron
Written byJohn R. Smith
Rob Sprackling
Produced bySteve Barron
Neil Peplow
StarringRicky Tomlinson
Amanda Redman
Bradley Walsh
Dean Lennox Kelly
Geoff Bell
Production
companies
Artists Independent Productions
Film Council
Hallmark Entertainment
Distributed byEntertainment Film Distributors
Release date
  • 28 September 2001 (2001-09-28)
Running time
89 minutes
CountryUnited Kingdom
LanguageEnglish
Box office£3.6 million[1]

Mike Bassett: England Manager is a 2001 British satirical mockumentary comedy film directed by Steve Barron and starring Ricky Tomlinson, Amanda Redman, Bradley Walsh, Dean Lennox Kelly and Geoff Bell. The film follows Mike Bassett, who is appointed England manager having only previous experience of managing in the English lower leagues, he is tasked with guiding the team to qualification for the upcoming World Cup in Brazil.[2][3] Journalist Martin Bashir provides voice-over, and the film features satirical cameo appearances from prominent figures in sport and entertainment such as Pelé, Ronaldo, Gabby Logan and Atomic Kitten.[2] Minimal use of on-field action is employed, with the focus centred on behind-the-scenes events in boardrooms and the locker room.[4]

The film initially received mixed reviews,[5] but since its release has gained popularity as a cult film among English football fans.[6] The film was followed by a television series, Mike Bassett: Manager in 2005.[7][8] In 2014, there were plans to bring Mike Bassett back to the big screen in a movie titled Mike Bassett: Interim Manager. However, the kickstarter project that was essential for raising funds for the film did not meet its target.[9]

  1. ^ Dawtrey, Adam (24 December 2001). "Homegrown pix gain in Europe". Variety. p. 7.
  2. ^ a b Smith, Neil (27 September 2001). "Mike Bassett: England Manager (2001)". BBC Film. Retrieved 18 May 2020.
  3. ^ Elley, Derek (27 September 2001). "Mike Bassett: England Manager". Variety. Retrieved 18 May 2020.
  4. ^ Aldridge, Dave (September 2001). "Mike Bassett: England Manager". Radio Times. Immediate Media Company. Retrieved 21 May 2020.
  5. ^ "Mike Bassett: England Manager". The Guardian. 21 July 2008. Retrieved 21 May 2020.
  6. ^ Fennessy, Paul (13 October 2014). "Good news! 'Mike Bassett: England Manager' is getting a sequel". The42.ie. Journal Media. Retrieved 18 May 2020.
  7. ^ "Mike Bassett spin-off is just 30 minutes of TV hell - News". Yorkshire Post. JPI Media. Archived from the original on 13 October 2012. Retrieved 23 September 2011.
  8. ^ Chapman, Iain (6 October 2004). "ITV to make Mike Bassett series - TV News". Digital Spy. Hearst UK. Retrieved 21 May 2020.
  9. ^ "Mike Bassett: Interim Manager – is this the least essential sequel ever?". TheGuardian.com. 18 March 2014.