Lawless Heart (2001)

Three intersecting stories about people whose lives are affected by the death of a gay restaurateur.

Directors:

Tom Hunsinger, Neil Hunter

Writers:

Neil Hunter, Tom Hunsinger

Stars:

Bill Nighy, Tom Hollander, Douglas Henshall

8 wins & 7 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Bill Nighy	...	Dan
Tom Hollander	...	Nick
Douglas Henshall	...	Tim
Clémentine Célarié	...	Corrine
Ellie Haddington	...	Judy
Sukie Smith	...	Charlie
Josephine Butler	...	Leah
Stuart Laing	...	David
Sally Hurst	...	Michelle
Dominic Hall	...	Darren
Jim McManus	...	Chef
Howard Gossington	...	Waiter
Richard Cant	...	Michael
Hari Dhillon	...	Will (as Hari Dillon)
Peter Symonds	...	Mr. Marsh - Tim's Father

Storyline

Devastated by Stuart's death, his brother-in-law, lover and best friend decide to take their lives in hand. Dan is a faithful and loving father and husband, until the day he meets Corinne. This buxom and sublime Frenchwoman seduces Dan with her honesty and hedonism, so much so that he wonders if he hasn't missed out on life. Nick, a homosexual restaurant owner, begins a relationship with a high-spirited young woman right after losing his lover, Stuart. When their apparently innocent relationship takes a more intimate turn, Nick is troubled by his feelings for his female comrade. Tim, carefree and charismatic, comes home after eight years abroad. Still looking for that "elusive something" that has been missing in his life, Tim finds it in a woman who works in a fashion boutique. But confronted with his future for the first time, the only thing that stands in the way is this unknown woman's past.

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Plot Keywords:

death | lover | restaurateur | restaurant | gay | 

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Taglines:

We think we live in a rational world...then we screw it up

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong sexuality/nudity and language

Details

Official Sites:

First Look Pictures [us] Official site [uk]

Country:

UK France

Language:

English

Release Date:

28 June 2002 (UK)

Also Known As:

A sors fintora

Filming Locations:

Douglas, Isle of Man

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$15,544 (USA) (21 February 2003)

Gross:

$330,067 (USA) (15 August 2003)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Overseas FilmGroup, Isle of Man Film Commission, Film Council

Technical Specs

Runtime:

99 min 110 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Crazy Credits

Special thanks to ... all at Casarotta ... the residents of Maldon, Essex and the Isle of Man.

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Soundtracks

"Broken Skin"
(1999)
Written by Nitin Sawhney, Sanchita Farruque
Published by Zomba Music Publishing Ltd
Performed by Nitin Sawhney
Licensed courtesy of Outcaste Records Limited

User Reviews

It's all in the detail

This was probably the finest film I saw last year. From its first scene, with the ever-so-English Bill Nighy, it was funny, sad and thought-provoking in equal measures. Nighy's turn as the confused, homophobic but well-meaning Dan was strong, and fully engaged our sympathies, but was trumped when we rewound and saw the same events as Nick (Tom Hollander). Hollander has a marvellous ability to show endless longing in a single eye movement - he's a remarkable actor and once again gave us a fully empathetic character. Sukie Smith, the opposite of his character, was clumsy but lovable as Charlie, and that segment felt almost self-contained.

When we rewound again to see Tim's viewpoint, I was a little disappointed. Tim had proved a horrible, selfish character, and I didn't fancy "being" him for any length of time. But Doug Henshall blew my mind in a performance that completely changed my view of his character and led to a moving and satisfying resolution.

In each of these men we are offered a different aspect of the Everyman. We learn that no-one is as they appear. Other laudable aspects are the uniformly strong supporting cast, the beautiful photography and music, but above all the little details. For example, Tim spooning sugar off the floor was genius. And in the restaurant when he makes a ring for Leah out of wire. And then the ashtray catches fire. Also, spot Corrine's dinner party in the background as Dan drives past. Look out for as many of these as possible! This is a film in which every detail is thought through, and it contributes for a cinematically enriching experience. SEE IT.