The Full Monty - 17th September 2013

Tonight there will be no half measures with our film choice, as we are going for;

The Full Monty

Where to start with this 1997 classic? We all know the story, do we not? A mixed bunch of unemployed Sheffield steel workers take it upon themselves to dance and strip their way to some ready cash, emulating The Chippendale's, who had recently set the hearts of the Sheffield womenfolk a-flutter with their erotic, honed and toned display of their Terpsichorean muse.

So, we know the story, well we should do, unless you are very young or have managed to avoid classic British cinematography consistently for the last 16 years! So let us not dwell on the story too much, although in essence, the story is what makes this film so popular. The film was written by Simon Beaufoy, who provided the screenplay for 127 Hours and Slumdog Millionaire by the by. And it is a well rounded story, with many, many different aspects, view points and levels that it keeps you entertained, enthralled and gripped throughout.

Filmed with the gritty backdrop of a forlorn 1990's Sheffield, The Full Monty brings together a strange mixture of characters led by Gary (Robert Carlisle), who tries to be a good Dad to Nathan, struggling to maintain dignity whilst unemployed and estranged from Nathan's Mother.

Gary is mates with Dave (Mark Addy), who is dealing with his unemployment situation and the fact that he is; "a fat bastard!" Along with Lumpor (Steve Huison), this trio open the film with some very funny, but also poignant moments which sets the tone for this comedy. It is a comedy, with some melancholic and sad overtones. Each characters' back story lending gravitas to the comedic front that we see. And this is what appeals so much with this film, you can, and will be laughing one minute and shedding a tear for the same character the next.

Gerald (Tom Wilkinson) joins the throng. Gerald used to be the foreman at the steel works and is living a continual lie as he leaves his Wife every morning on the pretense of going to work, when in fact he is attending the local Job Club with the other unfortunates. Despite this Gerald lives a modest middle class life, with access to his Wife's sunbed, a nice house in a nice area and also goes dancing, so is ideal for a bunch of hapless wannabe strippers to provide guidance, grace and choreography.

On route to the full monty they pick up a couple more hopefuls, namely Horse (Paul Barber) and Guy (Hugo Speer), who bring certain talents to the troupe! And there we have our band  complete and we follow their ups and downs throughout the film. Each one providing some very funny moments, but also displaying some sadder moments.

I could pick out a few favourite funny moments now;

Gerald's interview where his gnomes make an appearance at the window.

Dave getting a child's toy stuck on his wrist.

Dave sitting in the shed wrapping himself in cling film whilst eating a Mars Bar. Also, if you notice in that scene, there is a faux Rocky theme going on, drawing comparisons between the two characters as they prepare for battle.

The opening scene where Gary Dave and Nathan are trying to steel a couple of girders.

Lomper trying to gas himself in his car, but it won't start.

The gentle build up of the dancing in the dole queue to Donna Summer.

Brilliant!

On the flipside to this, you have those moments that move you to tears;

Lomper's Mum dying and the funeral thereafter.

Dave being confronted by his Wife, as she thinks he is cheating on her.

Gerald coming home to the repo. men removing all his belongings.

Gary not being able to see Nathan.

Some brilliant scenes.

Mark Addy and Robert Carlisle are excellent as the lead characters, young Nathan played by William Snape is also particularly good. Tom Wilkinson as the straight-laced Gerald is also worth a mention. Plus all of the other contributing cast, who all bring something to the piece making The Full Monty a classic film that can and should be enjoyed time and time again. It has that quintessential quality that makes it viewable many times and not many films have the ability to say that.

Now, to the all important TNiFN factor, we give it, drum roll please, not quite The Full Monty, but a hearty and well deserved 9 out of 10. And you can keep your hat on!