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tomorchard99
Reviews
The Pass (2016)
Footie Moderne
I enjoyed this film immensely. It struck me as a modern version of the rugby classic This Sporting Life. But instead of Richard Harris raging at Rachel Roberts and all his demons and inexplicable anguish we have Russell Tovey doing likewise albeit with a gay twist. But actually this film is far more about power and the ability to use it, rather than sex or sexuality. Tovey can buy what he wants since he's a rich footballer whether it be a car, luxury flat or prostitute. But being able to buy what you want only leads, for him, to an empty life devoid of meaning. His footballing mate becomes an ordinary working man with meaning and structure to his life even though he has a bag of tools in his hand rather than a footballer's kitbag. The film is rather wordy and theatrical but I can forgive that. It is a three parter that starts in Romania (very plush hotels there!)and then moves forward in time twice. I found the ending satisfying as well as exhilarating. And the actor from Rillington Place, who plays Harry in this film, was just brilliant.
Radio On (1979)
Extra-Ordinary
I saw this film at the now defunct Birmingham Arts Lab in late 1979. It is a film that, like David Lynch's Eraserhead, defies description. It seems aimless, pointless and futile. But actually a lot goes on; it's just you don't realise it at the time. It features a man driving from London to Birmingham in a battered old Rover. En route he discovers himself in bizarre and surreal situations. The most bizarre is meeting Sting doing his Eddie Cochran impression. I must admit I like this film even though I don't fully understand its point or plot. What I like about it is that you find yourself transported into an English road movie with an Anglo-German soundtrack that at times is poetic, violent, tragic and awkward. It is the absolute antithesis of the plot-driven Hollywood movie. I suspect that much was improvised and it is all the better for that fact. It's a film to watch late night with the lights turned down. A film to just let flow over you; best not to analyse too much. A real gem of a movie. They really don't make them like this any more.