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Because everyone loves an accurate period piece! Director Michael Winterbottom is out to film the unfilmable novel: an adaptation of Laurence Sterne's sprawling 18th Century masterpiece of digression The Life And Opinions Of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman. What begins as a seemingly straightforward attempt to recreate the frenetic novel - starring Steve Coogan as the title figure and Rob Brydon as his Uncle Toby - quickly derails into a behind-the-scenes document of the film's actual production. Working triple time (for he also plays Tristram's father), Coogan is hilarious as the insecure "Steve Coogan", a shallow actor who is more interested in his cute assistant (Naomie Harris) than the mother of his newborn child (the always delightful Kelly Macdonald). Meanwhile, "Rob Brydon" is trying desperately to convince "Steve Coogan" that his role is a co-lead, not merely a supporting one. As the production threatens to spin out of control, the filmmakers hire Gillian Anderson (playing herself, of course) to fill a much-needed role.... Coming off like a madcap collision of Barry Lyndon and 24 Hour Party People, this is a hilarious and surprisingly tender ode to fatherhood and moviemaking in general. Director Michael Winterbottom is out to film the unfilmable novel: an adaptation of Laurence Sterne's sprawling 18th Century masterpiece of digression The Life And Opinions Of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman. What begins as a seemingly straightforward attempt to recreate the frenetic novel - starring Steve Coogan as the title figure and Rob Brydon as his Uncle Toby - quickly derails into a behind-the-scenes document of the film's actual production. Working triple time (for he also plays Tristram's father), Coogan is hilarious as the insecure "Steve Coogan", a shallow actor who is more interested in his cute assistant (Naomie Harris) than the mother of his newborn child (the always delightful Kelly Macdonald). Meanwhile, "Rob Brydon" is trying desperately to convince "Steve Coogan" that his role is a co-lead, not merely a supporting one. As the production threatens to spin out of control, the filmmakers hire Gillian Anderson (playing herself, of course) to fill a much-needed role.... Coming off like a madcap collision of Barry Lyndon and 24 Hour Party People, this is a hilarious and surprisingly tender ode to fatherhood and moviemaking in general.Read full review
A post-modern film, within a film, of a story that was a story within a story, I think... anyway Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon are in excellent form, and Rob often takes the mickey out of Steve- as does the film as a whole, but is is actually Steve Coogan they are having a go at, or the image we have of him?? The story of Tristam Shandy that they are filming in the film looks great, a shame we never see it. I loved it, but i also like Terry Gilliam, Alan Partridge, Marion and Geoff etc... also features David Walliams, Stephen Fry, Dylan Moran, Ronni Ancona, Tony Wilson (of Factory Records fame, who interviews Steve Coogan about him playing Wilson in the excellent 24 Hour Party People film), Gillian Anderson, and Kelly MacDonald (a firm favourite of mine!). It's intelligent, funny, interesting, clever, multi-layered, well acted, non pretentious, and overall well entertaining. A must see for all Brit comedy lovers.Read full review
i love this film - it is intelligent, witty and original. i laughed out loud many times whilst watching it, and do each time i watch it. this is not a film that repeats jokes already used in previous films, but instead focuses on comedy that you need to look for and locate yourself. for this reason, not everyone will appreciate this film. this is not a film where the jokes are obvious, or you can flit in and out, but if you can grasp what is going on then you are in for a treat. if you prefer more intellectual humour rather than toilet humour, then you should love this film. fans of steve coogan and rob brydon's previous work, as well as those like shows such as the office, i wholeheartedly recommend this film to you. it is a masterpiece. well, i think so
a classic brit flick, easy to watch and very funny. if you don't like steve coogan then, apart from being slightly odd, you won't enjoy this movie. all supporting roles are well cast and well acted. i particularly enjoyed gillian anderson who was surprisingly amusing despite her small part. my only gripe is that the additional features aren't up to much.
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