Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Review: Filth (2014)

McAvoy delivers an explosive performance.

Directed by Jon S. Baird
Produced by Ken Marshall, Jon S. Baird, Trudie Styler, Jens Meurer, Celine Rattray, Will Clarke, James McAvoy, Christian Angermayer, Mark Amin and Stephen Mao
Written by Jon S. Baird (based on the novel)
Starring James McAvoy, Jamie Bell, Joanne Froggatt, Imogen Poots, Eddie Marsan and Jim Broadbent

***

This small British import stars James McAvoy as Detective Bruce Robertson, a reckless police officer gaming for a big promotion. After a murder case drops in his lap, he tries to find the murderer, whilst dealing with other co-workers who may be up for the job. Though, the murder case is an afterthought next to the drugs, alcohol, kinky sexual encounters, violence, and, of course, the promotion. As Bruce wiggles his way in and out of various obstacles on the job, his torn psyche threatens his sanity, and he might just be in over his head.

If either Bad Lieutenant film qualifies as a crazy movie experience, this ranks easily with them, if not above. James McAvoy gives so much energy in an explosion of wit, machismo, fun, aggression, guilt and brokenness. His performance rivals the unleashed greatness of Leonardo DiCaprio's fierce turn in The Wolf of Wall Street last year. The film, sadly, does not match the level of his performance. While the editing is fast-paced, the structure of the humorous scenes and intense dramatic ones is too messy and, at times, overly bizarre. (McAvoy's Trance last year thrived on a chaotic makeup, yet this just feels like a mixed bag.) In Bruges did black comedy just right, and it's hard not to measure every new attempt by that standard. This one falls short, but McAvoy's performance is a fine turn for the actor, probably the best he's ever done.

Oscar Potential: None (but McAvoy deserves a serious Best Actor push)

10 comments:

  1. OMG! I'm with you 100%! Watched this last night. I'll be reviewing it either this afternoon or tomorrow. McAvoy was tremendous, despite the film's flaws.

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  2. Great review! I love McAvoy, and I definitely want to see this for him.

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    1. Thanks! He's probably the only reason to see the film.

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  3. I'm with you 100%
    McAvoy is tremendous here, despite the tonal problems (especially the conclusion). He deserves a Best Actor push for sure, but he sadly won't get one.

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    1. I hope he gets a few critics' nods at least.

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  4. I agree - while the movie wasn't great, McAvoy really gave one hell of a performance. I also liked the look of the movie - very good cinematography.

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    1. McAvoy was phenomenal. I liked the look of the film as well.

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  5. Filth isn’t an easy watch. I couldn’t shake it off me for a few hours on initial viewing. Featuring the best male performance this year from James McAvoy! I think it's my favourite performance from him actually, I hope he gets recognised by at least some critics awards.

    Nice review!

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    1. Thanks! Yeah, McAvoy is fantastic. He'll probably be in my personal Best Actor lineup at the end of the year.

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