Faintheart (2008)

A romantic comedy set in the world of battle re-enactments, about an irresponsible guy who has to shape up in order to win back his wife.

Director:

Vito Rocco

Writers:

David Lemon (story), David Lemon,

Stars:

Eddie Marsan, Ewen Bremner, Jessica Hynes

4 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Eddie Marsan	...	Richard
Ewen Bremner	...	Julian
Jessica Hynes	...	Cath
Bronagh Gallagher	...	Maggie
Tim Healy	...	Geoff
Paul Nicholls	...	Gary
Anne Reid	...	Barbara
Joseph Hamilton	...	Martin
Chloe Hesar	...	Emily
Richard Ridings	...	Collin
Gary Sefton	...	Vince
Kevin Eldon	...	Alan
Sandra Voe	...	Julian's Mum
Matthew Leighton	...	Kim
Tom Smith	...	Danny

Storyline

In the Midlands, two men and a boy are on losing streaks: Richard has a dead-end job, and his wife leaves him because he's inattentive and has a juvenile obsession for 11th-century battle reenactments. His best friend Julian still lives with mum and divides his obsessions between Vikings and Star Trek. Then there's Richard's son Martin, picked on at school in part because of his father's hobby. Richard vows to win back the heart of his ex, Julian may have met someone online who shares his interests, and Martin wants to stand up to bullies. All get bad advice, which they act on. Is there any hope for any of them?

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Plot Keywords:

battle | father | son | viking | midlands | 

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Taglines:

May The Norse Be With You

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Genres:

Comedy

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Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

27 January 2009 (UK)

Also Known As:

Richard Hasenfuß

Filming Locations:

England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Vertigo Films, MySpace, Screen West Midlands

Technical Specs

Runtime:

92 min 90 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Despite its high profile cast this was never given a theatrical release in the UK.

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Soundtracks

"Don't You Want Me Baby"
Written by Phil Oakey / Philip Adrian Wright (as Phil Wright) / Jo Callis (as Joe Callis)
Performed by Human League
Courtesy of EMI Records Ltd.

User Reviews

cute but predictable

I would agree that Faintheart mines a subject matter with rich pickings for parody, but I would stop short at saying that it does so particularly well. Some of the gags are sweet, and the whole ethos of the film is well intentioned, but it is at the end a very predictable romantic comedy with a plot that has been retrodden way too many times. The acting is good, although no real demands are made on any of the actors to show off what they are undoubtedly capable of, and the direction and camera work is also fine, but there is nothing really standout about this film. I wouldn't exactly avoid it, but I certainly haven't gained anything by seeing it either.