A Fantastic Fear of Everything (2012)

Jack is a children's author turned crime novelist whose detailed research into the lives of Victorian serial killers has turned him into a paranoid wreck, persecuted by the irrational fear ... See full summary »

Directors:

Crispian Mills, Chris Hopewell

Writer:

Crispian Mills (screenplay)

Stars:

Simon Pegg, Alan Drake, Kiran Shah

2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Simon Pegg	...	Jack
Alan Drake	...	Perkins
Kiran Shah	...	Small Man in Duvet
Jack Jaikol Situn	...	Vietnamese Newspaper Man
Michael Feast	...	Maitre D' / Eye of Death
Henry Bowers-Broadbent	...	Moustached Waiter
Clare Higgins	...	Clair De Grunwald
Paul Freeman	...	Dr. Friedkin
Mo Idriss	...	Disgruntled Diner
Doug Tulloch	...	Lead Head
Elliot Greene	...	Biggie (as Elliot Green)
Josh Warner-Campbell	...	Taggz
Harley Kierans	...	Tiny
Kamal Onyiukah	...	Noodles
Millie Hagland	...	Duck

Storyline

Jack is a children's author turned crime novelist whose detailed research into the lives of Victorian serial killers has turned him into a paranoid wreck, persecuted by the irrational fear of being murdered. When Jack is thrown a life-line by his long-suffering agent and a mysterious Hollywood executive takes a sudden and inexplicable interest in his script, what should be his big break rapidly turns into his big breakdown, as Jack is forced to confront his worst demons; among them his love life, his laundry and the origin of all fear.

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Plot Keywords:

fear | serial killer | dirty clothes | fate | victim of circumstance | 

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Genres:

Comedy

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official site

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

8 June 2012 (UK)

Also Known As:

Die fürchterliche Furcht vor dem Fürchterlichen

Filming Locations:

London, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Indomina Productions, Keel Films, Pinewood Studios

Technical Specs

Runtime:

100 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Quotes

Sangeet: He's police.
Jack: He's not even armed. Look at him. They haven't even given him a fucking whistle.

User Reviews

Not for mass audiences, HOWEVER a very clever, funny original

This film will find its audience among fans of dark comedy. Don't expect the broad appeal of "Shaun of the Dead" or "Hot Fuzz", and comparisons to other Simon Pegg films miss the point. This is a film deserving attention, especially for writers and the "cult" audience who enjoy quirky, unique dark comedies/mysteries.

Reviewers forget that some films are not for everyone, and their opinion is worth nothing in the evaluation of such films. This one may be very much enjoyed by a smaller audience, even after several viewings. "Fantastic Fear" ranks among the "love it or leave it" types; you may find it annoying or too odd, like "Dark Shadows", or it's tremendous fun.

"Burke & Hare" also divided audiences, yet this film has more in common with murder-mysteries, like a cross between "Clue" and a spoofy take on say, the recent "The Raven (2012)". Better than both films, IMO, this will live on with DVD and Blu-ray releases, thankfully.

Box office numbers and critical "consensus" are ultimately short-lived, and very deceptive. Give this a chance if you like dark comedies. And it must be said that Simon Pegg's acting resume becomes increasingly impressive. Regardless of the final product, you have to give him props. And here, the final product is better than you might expect.