In our last screening before we hit the festive films, we take in a homegrown comedy drama starring James McAvoy, it's time for some;
Filth
Well, having said that we were not starting the Christmas films until next, it was delightful to discover that Filth started with a Christmas song and was set in and around December. However any other link to festive cheer can be dropped down the chimney as Filth is a very dark and bleak trip through Advent for it's main character; Bruce Robertson played superbly, it has to be said, by James McAvoy (who was also a producer on the film).
Bruce Robertson is a tough Edinburgh police officer, who is intent on bagging himself an impending promotion, to achieve this he is manipulative and devious, setting his colleagues against each other and generally being rather subversive and underhand. The premise being that if he gains the promotion he will also win back his wife and daughter who, it transpires, have left him. Which is no small wonder, judging by the shenanigans that Bruce gets up to. He is a heavy drinker, very much into recreational drugs and it seems, a sex obsessed individual, who tries to satisfy his carnal pleasures in the most extreme and perverted manner. Therefore, this comedy drama is aimed at the more broad minded individuals. It has been compared to Danny Boyle's Trainspotting. So, if you enjoyed Trainspotting (the film, not the nerdy platform pursuit), then you will like Filth.
That aside the actual story of the character destruction of Bruce Robertson is intriguing, although the first hour is potentially a tricky period to get through, your patience will be rewarded at the end, as things come to a conclusion and the route that takes you to the end becomes clear.
What also aids the film is the fantastic supporting cast, who really add a layer of gloss on what, at first viewing, is a very dour film. Jamie Bell of Billy Elliot fame is great as Robbo's colleague Lennox, throwing off any balletic moves that you may have thought was a legacy of his better known film. John Sessions puts in a sterling performance as Bruce's boss. Imogen Poots adds some glamour to the police force as another colleague. Outside of work Bruce's best mate is Clifford Blades played superbly by the inimitable Eddie Marsan. All these well known faces put in very admirable performances to add to the film, which it has to be said needed a bit of a boost.
And there's more!
Jim Broadbent is outstanding as Bruce's doctor and the totally gorgeous Joanne Froggatt (Downton Abbey) makes an appearance as Mary who adds another layer of complexity to Bruce's life and is a bit of a love interest giving hope to a happy ending.
Do we get a happy ending? Well, you will have to watch the film to find out, but don't expect a feelgood movie, 'cause Filth is not that at all, it is a hard hitting, gritty comedy drama, with the emphasis on drama. It portrays the sordid and seedy side of Scotland, as we travel down a road of destruction with Bruce and his tortured soul. It is grim, but powerful, seamy and prophetic. As a result it will divide the audience, you will either like it or loathe it. Some parts you might like, others you may not. It has received mixed reviews, some lauding it as a masterpiece, others suggesting it as a waste of time and popcorn.
It's a difficult one. As for us here at TNiFN, we have mixed feelings, we thought the start was poor and confusing, however things became clearer as the story progressed and there were parts that were rewarding and entertaining. The segment with David Soul was particularly good. (Watch out for that bit). Also we cannot underestimate the performance from McAvoy, although the film as a whole was not a hit for us, we cannot knock the acting one iota, praise where it is due.
One hates to use the phrase, but it is a Marmite movie. You will either love it or hate it. As for the scores, they are going to be a tad disappointing for those who ultimately love the film.
TNiFN Rating 60%
IMDB Link
No comments:
Post a Comment