Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Tom Allen | ... | Charles | |
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Scott Baker | ... | Waiter |
Nick Barber | ... | Denzil | |
Angus Barnett | ... | Ace | |
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Lynda Baron | ... | Mrs. Vitali |
Linda Bassett | ... | Trolley Lady | |
Marisa Berenson | ... | Alex Witchell | |
Honor Blackman | ... | Madam | |
Peter Bowles | ... | Cyril | |
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Paul Burnham | ... | Hex Mortimer |
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Paul Chowdhry | ... | Pub Announcer |
Teresa Churcher | ... | TV Journalist 2 | |
Enzo Cilenti | ... | Waldegrave | |
Phil Cornwell | ... | Police Duty Sgt | |
Kammy Darweish | ... | TV Journalist 1 |
In London in the 1990s, a balding alcoholic with an unsteady American accent introduces himself in pubs and other social settings as Stanley Kubrick. Drinks and meals are suddenly on the house or paid for by an admiring person, usually a man, whose costumes, band, acting abilities or what have you, Stanley finds fascinating. He's actually Alan Conway (1934-1998): we watch him parlay a self-confident manner and a small amount of movie knowledge into a persona whom others immediately hang their dreams on. In exchange, Stanley asks only that they pay the bill. Will he be exposed? Do prosecution and prison await? Or has the National Health something else in mind? Written by <jhailey@hotmail.com>
Congrats to Tony Frewin who scripted this movie. Am I right in thinking the characterisation of Conway is based partially on a guy called Gary Ness who Malkovitch resembles? Presumably Tony didn't get the opportunity to interview Conway and wasn't able to write a precise portrayal of his character. It doesn't matter. Malkovitch is totally convincing in the role. The fact that Malkovitch and Kubrick look nothing like each other just adds to the deliciousness of the surreal situation. The manner in which the audience sees how Conway conned his victims was effective and convincing and often very funny. The special London vibe from that period came through strongly. The story is perfect for film adaptation and adds to the discussion of the power of celebrity in modern life. Its a great story for a scriptwriter to take on.
It's definitely a Kubrick-ish movie and that's hardly surprising as many of the Kubrick film family were involved. There's a particularly good scene where Conways Kubrick trick fails which is very satisfying and will please many a fan.
It's rare that I laugh out loud in the cinema but I was giggling away like a hyena. I also loved seeing well known and loved British character actors in cameo roles. Lets hope the team do more.Kubrick fans will be pleased.