Comfort and Joy (1984 Bill Forsyth & scr)

A year after Local Hero Forsyth delivers another offbeat, gently funny little gem about a DJ (Bill Paterson) who's getting over the sudden departure of his girlfriend (he actually helps her move her things out of the apartment in a typically understated scene) and gets involved in ice cream wars between rival Italian families in Glasgow.

Eleanor David, Clare Grogan, Patrick Malahide support. Many funny and sweet moments e.g. psychiatrist discovery, friend's kids.

With more lovely low light photography from Chris Menges, night scenes look fabulous and perhaps not diffused but resulting from fast film? (research.)

Interesting Mark Knoplfer score, though use of Love Over Gold passages isn't quite right for the material.

Michael Ellis edits.