Morrissey biopic to close EIFF 2017

The curtain will come down on this year’s Edinburgh International Film Festival with the story of Steven Morrissey, the introverted, uncompromising teenager who would go on to form one of the greatest bands of the 80s, The Smiths.

Titled England Is Mine, taken from The Smiths' song Still Ill, this unauthorised biopic (originally simply titled Steven) will take audiences to 1970s Manchester, where a young Morrissey is frustrated with his working-class existence. The future singer will be played by rising Scottish talent Jack Lowden, who was the star of EIFF’s opening film from last year, Tommy’s Honour, and is soon to be seen in Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk.

The film is described by EIFF as follows: “With dreams of a successful music career being dampened by his run-of-the-mill job at the local tax office, Steven finds solace in Manchester’s underground gig scene where he meets Linder Sterling [played by Jessica Brown Findlay], an intelligent, self-assured artist – who encourages him to make his ideas of superstardom a reality.” We’re told the film culminates with Morrissey's first meeting with the Smith's guitarist and co-songwriter Johnny Marr.

Jack Lowden as Morrissey in a still from England Is Mine

The film is the first feature from Mark Gill, and is co-produced by Orian Williams, whose credits include Control, the brilliant biopic of Morrissey’s fellow Manchester music legend Ian Curtis.

“Morrissey is one of Britain’s most iconic artists,” said EIFF artistic director Mark Adams, “and this delve into his formative years is a witty and enthralling look at a great music talent. The world premiere of Englnd Is Mine will be a perfect way to wrap this year’s Festival.”

Tickets will go on sale 10am on Fri 12 May via the EIFF website www.edfilmfest.org.uk

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The 71st Edinburgh International Film Festival runs 21 Jun-2 Jul