James McAvoy shines in his latest outing in Jon S. Bairds Filth, based on the novel by Irvine Welsh which tells the twisted story of a Scottish Detective Sergeant in Edinburgh as he investigates the murder of a Japanese student.
Detective Sergeant Bruce Robertson (James McAvoy) is up for a big promotion at work, but as he tells us, he has competition. Youngster Ray Lennox (Jamie Bell) whom Robertson keeps a close watchful eye on. The old and slightly dim Gus Bain (Gary Lewis), hot shot female Amanda Drummond (Imogen Poots) and Robertson’s titled metro-sexual Peter Inglis (Emun Elliot). Unbeknownst to them, Robertson attempts to pit the team against each other, playing mind games to his own personal satisfaction as well as attempting to further his career in order to impress his wife (Shauna Macdonald) and daughter. We only ever see his wife, Carole, in strange scenes by herself and it becomes apparent all isn’t quite right with his relationship with her, which may be the key to why he’s become so bitter and twisted. We see as Bruce systematically moves through everyone he knows and pretends to care for in order to try and screw up their lives. But as his drug and alcohol abuse worsens, so does his grip on reality and his once precise nature becomes sloppy and erratic. Robertson is cunning, vindictive, cruel, misogynistic, racist, homophobic, so basically an all around misanthropist. We’re meant to hate Robertson, we know that. We know he’s a disgusting character, and we can see exactly what he’s doing, but we can’t help but like him, find him charming and watch in anticipation as he concocts more devious plans.
Director Bairds brings Irvine Welsh’s novel to life perfectly for the big screen which remains mostly true to the book. Welsh, who’s famed for writing other classics which went on to see big screen success – most notably Trainspotting – gave us a gripping and shocking novel which was said to be unfilmable. But, after a 15 year struggle, Filth is finally with us and perfectly timed for a lead that takes the character and makes it an iconic role in an already sterling career, as McAvoy plays his most layered, dark and unlikably charming character to date.
McAvoy should be nominated for an Oscar for this role which can easily be likened to (but not the same style) the deeply interesting cinematic characters such as Travis Bickle (Taxi Driver), but in reality with so many more ‘Oscar friendly’ performances to come and as well as ones already been, alongside the small nature of Filth, he’ll sadly miss out. McAvoy’s portrayal of Robertson as the master manipulator and sociopath is stunning and he deserves all the praise that comes his way. Robertson is a truly sick character as he tries to pit everyone against each other like it’s his own personal sick game. He doesn’t like, nor trust anyone, including himself. You’ll love and hate McAvoy at the same time. You’ll hate what he’s doing, but want to see what he does next.
Filth boasts a tremendous cast of British actors which include supporting roles by Jim Broadbent, Eddie Marsan and Shirley Henderson. It’s a hilariously dark comedy which also blends in elements of crime and drama. The film takes on a story of its own after the murder sets up the plot, which only comes back round towards the end as we see Robertson go down a dark path full of violence and substance abuse which he seeks constant satisfaction from. As his mental state deteriorates the only person who may be able to help Robertson and bring him back from the abyss is Mary (Joanne Froggatt), a recent widower whom Robertson has made a real connection with. The film only gets better and better, keeping us guessing all the way along. While the pay-off from the reveal is fantastic, the film then loses itself ever so slightly by continuing for a little longer and sadly back tracking on itself – but keeping true to the novel. Luckily this isn’t enough to ruin the film, or even come close, as the lasting memory still keeps you enthralled in the story and the hilarious and shocking actions of Robertson keep you chuckling all the way home.
Rating: McAvoy commands the screen with every scene in a fantastic British outing at the cinemas (7.5/10).
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