Synopsis
When the kind but dull Rhys Ifans proposes to girlfriend Shirley Henderson on a Sally Jesse-style TV show, she turns him down. He is hurt, but still hopeful. Unfortunately, this show wasseen by Henderson’s first boyfriend: small-time crook Robert Carlyle. A flame reignites inCarlyle’s heart, and he comes to town with all the outlaw swagger and mystique that Ifans can’thope to beat. But he will certainly try…
A very likeable, if slight, film. The cast appear to be …aving a raucously good time, and theircharacter creations are hilariously authentic (like a Mike Leigh film gone funny). The wholeSpaghetti Western conceit is fun (right down to Morricone-style music), but the plot is ultimatelya bit too flimsy, and at 104 minutes, the film feels a bit protracted. Chop it down to 85, and thenwe’d be talking.
Audio
For all the we’re limited to 2.0, the sound is still pretty good. The surround effects are wellchosen. Traffic noises and music are the most effective, but there are plenty of other nicemoments, such as when we are watching Ifan’s unfortunate proposal, and move inside the TVthat Carlyle is watching. The audience’s applause at this moment suddenly shifts into fullsurround — neat. The sound is clear and crisp, and undistorted. There is one slight caveat,however, for which see the comments on Special Features.
Video
The 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen aspect is preserved, which is an important part of thewhole Spaghetti Western riff the film is playing. The colours are generally good, but do pusha bit too hard toward the orange. The image could be a bit sharper (though it isn’t bad), and theoutlines are sometimes a bit dark.
Special Features
Basic menu, and a handful of trailers. There is a real disappointment, though. I recall, onseeing the film during its theatrical run, struggling with the thick accents and full-on dialect, andcatching maybe one word in five. (Normally, I don’t think of myself as having too much troublewith accents, but…) I recall wishing I was watching the film on disc with the subtitles on.Imagine my disappointment, then, to discover there are no English subtitles here (unless youhave closed captioning).
Closing Thoughts
Subtitling aside, this is good fun, and though it runs a bit long, you won’t regret the timespent.
Special Features List
- Trailers
