Night Waves - Danny Boyle, British Philanthropy, Idea of the Year

Matthew Sweet talks to Oscar winning British film maker, Danny Boyle, and examines British philanthropy in a time of government cuts. Matthew also hears the first of Night Waves' ideas of the year as thinkers join us in studio to pick out the one thing they think has bubbled under the surface of 2010. From Shallow Grave to Slumdog Millionaire, Danny Boyle has the gift of making popular films that garner critical acclaim. He's also the man charged with creating the 2012 Olympic Games opening ceremony. Matthew Sweet talks to Danny about his career and life after winning the best director Oscar. They also discuss his new film, 127 hours, which tells the real life story of the American hiker, Aron Ralston. In 2003 Ralston became trapped under a fallen rock and five days later cut off his own arm to save his life. If 2010 is remembered as the year of cuts, then 2011 will be the year of philanthropy. At least, the government hopes so and the idea of the big society is, in part a call for greater philanthropic giving in our culture. This week Night Waves examines the phenomenon of British philanthropy. We examine the motivations, ambitions and stipulations of the people who have given significant money this year. And we step back to see where the money is going and why. This year the Cavendish Physics laboratory in Cambridge, the National Theatre and the National Gallery have all received substantial private donations just as their government funding falls. We debate whether private wealth can truly replace state largesse and to what end. Matthew also launches Night Waves' quest to find the idea of the year. The one key concept that has bubbled under the surface of 2010. Producer: Zahid Warley.