‘To succeed meant to leave’: inside the jolting film about Brummie estate kids knocked flying by demolition
Director Clio Barnard and author Keiran Goddard discuss the film adaptation of 'I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning,' which explores the emotional impact of urban demolition on working-class communities. The story follows five childhood friends in Birmingham whose lives are upended by the destruction of their local housing estate.
Why it matters
It highlights the intersection of urban regeneration, class mobility, and the lasting psychological effects of displacement on marginalized communities.
‘You end up as ghosts’ … Anthony Boyle, Joe Cole, Daryl McCormack, Jay Lycurgo and Lola Petticrew in I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning. Photograph: Chris Harris ‘You end up as ghosts’ … Anthony Boyle, Joe Cole, Daryl McCormack, Jay Lycurgo and Lola Petticrew in I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning. Photograph: Chris Harris Film Interview ‘To succeed meant to leave’: inside the jolting film about Brummie estate kids knocked flying by demolition Xan Brooks The novel had no hero, no dialogue and little action. So how was I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning turned into such a funny, rousing and acclaimed film? Director Clio Barnard reveals all
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