Whover the casting agent for this film was they may want to consider a career change
If you lived in Glasgow or West of Scotland during the 1960 through to 1990's, you will know Rikki Fulton as part of a music hall double act Francie and Josie or as numerous comdey characters in the annual Scotch and Wry, comdedy sketch show. He is west of Scotlands national comedian treasure. His best known comedy character is the mournful and depressed Reverend I. M Jolly. If you have time check out Reverend I. M. Jolly on youtube
In this film however he is a top KGB officer. I am sorry if you had ever seen any of his Scottish characters you could not possibly take him seriously in this role.
Alexei Sayle is a. British alternative comedian , mainly well known in the mid 80's as an anarchist style comedian. As a Russian second hand car salesman he goes into almost full Alexei Sayle style speech at one point. Again you cannot take him seriously
Apart from those 2 the whole cast just feels wrong with their accents, apart from the wonderful Brian Denehey and Lee Marvin, who is surprisingly good as the bad guy
The pace of the film is a little plodding and the scenes of 1980's Moscow do look a little grim, although it was filmed in Helsinki
Hurt's acting is strong although the faux British accent make it seem very strange. His relationship with Irina, Joanna Pacula is a little strange. Sleeps with her once then declares his love for her in following scenes.
Overall not a bad film if you can get past the accents and if you have no idea who Rikki Fulton is.
If you lived in Glasgow or West of Scotland during the 1960 through to 1990's, you will know Rikki Fulton as part of a music hall double act Francie and Josie or as numerous comdey characters in the annual Scotch and Wry, comdedy sketch show. He is west of Scotlands national comedian treasure. His best known comedy character is the mournful and depressed Reverend I. M Jolly. If you have time check out Reverend I. M. Jolly on youtube
In this film however he is a top KGB officer. I am sorry if you had ever seen any of his Scottish characters you could not possibly take him seriously in this role.
Alexei Sayle is a. British alternative comedian , mainly well known in the mid 80's as an anarchist style comedian. As a Russian second hand car salesman he goes into almost full Alexei Sayle style speech at one point. Again you cannot take him seriously
Apart from those 2 the whole cast just feels wrong with their accents, apart from the wonderful Brian Denehey and Lee Marvin, who is surprisingly good as the bad guy
The pace of the film is a little plodding and the scenes of 1980's Moscow do look a little grim, although it was filmed in Helsinki
Hurt's acting is strong although the faux British accent make it seem very strange. His relationship with Irina, Joanna Pacula is a little strange. Sleeps with her once then declares his love for her in following scenes.
Overall not a bad film if you can get past the accents and if you have no idea who Rikki Fulton is.