Liverpool is once again capturing the spotlight, but this time it’s through the lens of director Daniel Draper’s latest documentary, Liverpool Story (2024): The Pool of Life. Premiering at the stunning Grade II listed Liverpool Philharmonic Hall on November 21, this film takes viewers on a captivating year-long exploration of the city, moving beyond the usual nostalgia-laden topics of the Beatles and football. Draper, known for his deep dives and heartfelt narratives, presents Liverpool as not just a city but as a living, breathing character, reflecting the lives and experiences of its residents throughout 2023.
From the outset, Liverpool Story makes its intentions clear. It opens with a quote from Henry David Thoreau: "Liverpool is the pool of life, it makes to live. Time is but the stream I go fishing in..." Immediately, viewers are taken on a visual and emotional ride through the depths of the River Mersey, setting the stage for the documentary's exploration of time and life within the city. Draper's work conveys not only the flowing beauty of Liverpool but also its richness of character—an exploration echoing the sentiments of Carl Jung.
Unlike many documentaries focusing on Liverpool, which often lean heavily on its historical significance or cultural imports, this film opts to showcase the city from within. Draper engages with the voices of the Liverpool community, whose stories paint the city’s vibrancy and its challenges. Commentators liken Liverpool to "a woman of a certain age, propping up the bar and reminiscing about the good old days," urging viewers to look past the superficial layers of history and mass tourism and embrace the city as it stands today.
The film captures everything from the echoes of laughter and music found within the local pubs like Ye Cracke and Peter Kavanagh’s to the vibrant small businesses transitioning through time. It shines light on the heartbeat of Liverpool, featuring local cultural traditions such as bingo halls, barbershops, and community gatherings over hearty meals. Draper’s camera deliberately seeks out pockets of authenticity amid the changing cityscape, showcasing the enduring spirit of independence and determination to thrive even as urban development looms.
The documentary deftly navigates through various neighborhoods, framing snapshots of the people who form the diverse community of Liverpool. One of the film's major highlights is its showcase of multiculturalism, reflecting the city's history of immigration—which is vividly illustrated by activist Chantelle Lunt's declaration about the Scouse accent being woven from Irish, Welsh, and Norwegian roots. Draper effectively interlaces these personal narratives with significant city events, including anti-fascist protests and multicultural parades, underscoring the solidarity and divides, but also the common bond of calling Liverpool home.
Another captivating aspect of Liverpool Story is Draper’s choice to steer clear of mainstream tourist traps. He shifts the focus from the bars of Matthew Street—where tourists flock— to neighborhoods alive with true Liverpudlian spirit. The film becomes not just about Liverpool's stories but about asking who the city is at its core. Scenes of community gatherings at St George’s Hall highlight the passion of the residents seeking societal progress and community support, contrasting starkly with the more commercial representations of the city.
Drawing comparisons to the works of Terence Davies and Patrick Keiller, Liverpool Story presents us with a visual feast of city life filled with warmth, joy, and candid vulnerability. Draper’s authenticity shines through, giving voice to communities often overlooked by broader media narratives. The cinematography embodies the flux of Liverpool, where global culture converges with local identity, and viewers may find themselves reminiscing about familiar places or discovering new ones.
Further marking its cultural significance, Liverpool Story has already received positive buzz from community reviews and is steadily gathering interest for subsequent screenings at venues like the Fact Picturehouse and the Glasgow Film Theatre. The film’s community-centered approach is lauded, urging more viewers to engage with the narratives of not just Liverpool, but of all cities, encouraging people to look inward and toward their roots.
Beyond the screen, Draper is part of the vibrant community of independent filmmakers on Merseyside, collaborating closely with his partner and producer Christie Allanson through their self-funded Shut Out The Light Films. Their commitment to narrate real-life stories using local profits to support future projects highlights their dedication to maintaining the integrity of authentic storytelling, offering fresh perspectives on contemporary issues faced by the city.
To sum up, Liverpool Story is not merely another documentary but rather Draper’s love letter to the people and pulse of Liverpool. The film empowers local voices and probes more deeply than any superficial narrative ever could. It urges viewers to question and appreciate the lives behind the vibrant facades of familiar movie settings and encourages communities to find power and pride in their unique stories. This coming-of-age portrayal, framed within the gritty realism of city life, resonates—a poignant reminder of time flowing tirelessly like the Mersey itself.
So, as Liverpool unravels through the storytelling lens of Draper, one can't help but feel both nostalgia and hope, encapsulated perfectly as the city steps boldly forward, embracing its mosaic of identities and experiences. Be sure to check out the screenings—your view of Liverpool may never be the same.
