It is amazing how one simple idea can be turned into something so fulfilling. Take last year's Locke and All Is Lost for example, where there are lone characters in just one setting for the entirety of the film. Night Bus is similar and snapshots London over just one bus journey in one night.
Refreshingly short at just 90 minutes, Night Bus is entirely set on a double-decker bus during one Friday night in urban (rainy) London. Populated by unknown actors - but all very capable - the characters are stereotypes of those that you would expect to see; late workers, drunks, tired, active, old and young. Plus a driver who has to put up with it all.
Capturing the intimacy of public transport and the mixed diversity of London, there is a plethora of different narratives taking place between the passengers. Relationships end, some begin and others thrive. It is just like you are a passenger on the bus too and overhearing everything.
Made over just five nights and with a micro-budget of £20,000 – Writer, director and editor; Simon Baker's feature debut is a truly charming independent film. The dialogue between the passengers is all improvised which gives it the natural chemistry and realism to keep you engage as if you are 'people watching'.
Tied with the glistening lights and rain-effect cinematography and sublime music, Night Bus is nocturnal and ellipses the essence of late-night London. Overall a cracking feature for breakthrough director Simon Baker.
