Director: Baillie Walsh
Starring: Daniel Craig, Harry Eden, Eve
Joe Scott (Craig) is a washed out actor no longer getting work because of his nonchalant and hedonistic attitude. Things really fall apart when he receives a call from his mother, informing him about the death of his closest childhood friend, Boots. The fading Hollywood star then looks back upon his youth as he returns home for his best friend's funeral.
Problematically, this flashback (as it’s only one flashback) doesn’t really relate to why he ended up being an actor in the first place and is not incorporated properly, by director and writer Walsh, into the overarching story of the older Joe and his love life. Teenage Joe (Eden) comes across just as flat as the older version, although there’s ordinary performances all round, from Eve to a brief appearance by Alfie Allen.
Jodhi May, who plays Evelyn the bored housewife, is the only character that is able to bring out any real sentiment in the audience, playing a key role in Joe’s young life. The movie is also rescued by its 70s soundtrack and authentic set and wardrobe, but it’s really just scraping the barrel to choose these as high points.
So, in the end, we are just told about a certain time in the life of some Joe; an interesting but average childhood story with young love, forbidden sexual romance and an albeit very tragic death that would inject interest into anyone’s life. With many beach scenes, Daniel’s bum is on show, which might be reason for some to go see it, but like the storyline and the film as a whole, it’s really not that great.
Out Friday 18th
6/10
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