I thought this was a poor film. I'm sure most people went to see it because it included explicit sex scenes which are still rare in mainstream movies. Well, these supposedly controversial scenes were anything but erotic and have been put on film more effectively in the past (Ai No Corrida, Romance). By the third time the two lead characters got down to it I thought, why am I here?
The first half of the film is essentially plotless and lacking in meaningful dialogue although I suppose we're expected to experience the main character's life as he lives it and, well, this is his life, lacking in substance and meaning, much like this film for the first hour. Some of the acting was ATROCIOUS, although mainly by the supporting cast (Marianne Faithful for goodness sake!). The casting director really should get his head examined.
Although the direction was weak and despite the fact that I felt like walking out at one stage (and some people did), as with any not-great film there were positives. Timothy Spall is a very good actor and, although his character seems fairly one-dimensional initially, he injects a touch of class into some of the more powerful later scenes.
Otherwise, a fairly poor 2* out of 5*
The first half of the film is essentially plotless and lacking in meaningful dialogue although I suppose we're expected to experience the main character's life as he lives it and, well, this is his life, lacking in substance and meaning, much like this film for the first hour. Some of the acting was ATROCIOUS, although mainly by the supporting cast (Marianne Faithful for goodness sake!). The casting director really should get his head examined.
Although the direction was weak and despite the fact that I felt like walking out at one stage (and some people did), as with any not-great film there were positives. Timothy Spall is a very good actor and, although his character seems fairly one-dimensional initially, he injects a touch of class into some of the more powerful later scenes.
Otherwise, a fairly poor 2* out of 5*