A monster calls on legendary landmark

Photo: Michael Fancy

The man made tree in the graveyard in the film A Monster Calls.

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HISTORY LOVERS and villagers will get a shock when they see riveting scenes from a new blockbuster film.

Because an iconic, centuries-old Saddleworth church, a legendary landmark of the skyline above Delph, 'vanishes' into an imaginary abyss in front of cinema audiences eyes.

Scenes for the multi-million pound film "A Monster Calls," which opened nationwide this week, were shot at St Thomas Church, Heights.

Film critics say from its elegant title to its unexpectedly edgy tone, the film offers heartbreak, hope and magic for a boy who seeks the help of a tree monster to cope with his single mother's terminal illness.

One reviewer declared: "The story has power which lingers in the mind."

The story came to British young-adult writer Siobhan Dowd, who was dying of cancer, and another author, Patrick Ness, inspired by the idea, agreed to take it on, which resulted in a modern classic published in 40 languages.

It won the prestigious Carnegie Medal for Ness and illustrator Jim Kay, whose images are a strong influence on the film, claimed the Kate Greenaway Medal for his artwork - the first time one book has won both prizes in the prestigious awards.

Directed by Spanish filmmaker J.A. Bayona, the film is a gently spooky hybrid, mixing fable and reality, animation and live action, special effects and sincerity aimed at children and adults.

Oscar-winning Liam Neeson plays the voice of the monster, and the film also stars Sigourney Weaver, Felicity Jones and Lewis MacDougall.

The story tracks the small boy who must learn adult lessons about life and letting go and leans for help on a terrifying creature embodied by Neeson.

The giant, man-made yew tree costing £100,000, was meticulously constructed on the skyline near a drystone wall surrounded by gravestones, tombs and crosses at St Thomas's graveyard more than a year ago.

Using modern ageing techniques, the filmmakers added gravestones and tombs made in Spain to the church cemetery.

And the fabled churchyard's normally pristine lawns were allowed to grow tangled to fit into the film's setting.

Saddleworth Team Vicar John Rosedale negotiated with the filmmakers, the Churches Conservation Trust and The Church Council.

Commenting on the film's plot he said: "I undertake a significant amount of children's work in church and school and it gave me an insight into how children's behaviour might be hiding some inner emotion that they cannot clearly articulate to the outside world.

Storms

"The company were keen the graveyard would be overgrown. Notices were placed in the graveyard informing visitors why it appeared to be uncared for and the promise it would be back in good order after filming."

Filming took place in October 2015 in fierce storms which knocked the power out and the film and set crews were for a time reliant on the nearby Royal Oak.

Rev Rosedale added: "It was a good experience working with this company and I look forward to seeing the film."

Pub landlord Michael Fancy and his wife Sheila acted as hosts to the filmmakers and cast members.

He said: "They where wonderful people.

"We even laid on an impromptu tapas night for them.

"I've got a copy of the book signed by the film director and I'm looking forward to seeing the film."